Ava's povI can’t believe it.It had been two years since he shifted. Two beautiful, chaotic, laughter-filled, exhausting, healing, magnificent years.I stood by the balcony of our bedchamber, the cool morning breeze flow through my hair as I looked down at the courtyard. Below, the twins—Aurora and Celeste—ran after Xavier and Nolan, their giggles ringing through the air like the most beautiful melody. Aria trailed behind, trying to keep up, while Kaida sat under the shade of the willow tree, braiding Lyra’s hair. The sight was enough to make my chest ache in the best way.Xavier and Nolan had shifted recently and we were certain that when Rowan takes over they would be his gamma and beta.Rowan stood tall in the center of it all, sparring with his uncle—our Rowan. He was no longer the lanky, wide-eyed boy he once was. At sixteen, he carried himself with grace, power, and a natural leadership that made Xander and I look at each other in awe almost every day.A golden wolf.The Moon G
Ava's povThe sun was at it's peak and was proud over Blackthorn, casting a soft glow across the castle grounds as I watched from the balcony. Today was the day, Rowan Caelen’s 14th birthday. My heart had been pounding since dawn, my nerves bubbling with anticipation. This wasn’t just any birthday. Today, my son would shift for the first time.It felt like only yesterday I held him for the first time, barely able to believe he was mine. And now… now he stood tall beside me, wearing the ceremonial cloak passed down through generations of Blackthorn heirs. Navy blue, trimmed with silver threads, it billowed slightly in the breeze.I reached out and adjusted the collar with trembling hands. “Are you ready, baby?”Rowan grinned at me. “I’m not a baby, Mom.”Beside me, Xander chuckled. “Today, you become a wolf. But you’ll always be her baby.”My mate's hand rested on Rowan’s shoulder with pride so strong, I could feel it in the air.The courtyard behind the castle had been transformed int
Ava's povFive years later…I stood at the edge of the balcony, cradling one of my daughters against my chest. She stirred, her tiny hands balling into fists beneath the swaddle, and I soothed her with a gentle hum. Beside me, Xander held her twin sister, his deep voice murmuring softly as he rocked her, completely smitten. It didn’t matter that he was the Alpha King. Right now, he was just a father of three and my mate."I still can't believe they're here," he said quietly, eyes never leaving our daughters. "Two of them.""Our two little moonbeam terrors," I whispered, grinning."They already have me wrapped around their fingers," he admitted. "We're doomed."I laughed softly, leaning my head on his shoulder.Our daughters had been born under a supermoon, just like Rowan had. They came early, with a fury, and stole our hearts in an instant. We named them Aurora and Celeste which means light and stars, because that’s what they were. My world had expanded all over again, in ways I neve
Ava's povIt has been seven days since my son was born.The sun was beginning to set, the pack was beginning to wake.Golden light spilled through the towering windows of the Grand Hall as the castle buzzed with a quiet reverence. Wolves from every corner of our pack and some visiting from Ashville and others who had fought beside us, filled the grounds. Word had spread fast. The future Alpha Prince was to be introduced today.Our son.Rowan Caelen Blackthorn.The name still felt surreal on my tongue. A name that held strength, legacy, and love. A name chosen not for show but for the heart of the man it honored, Rowan, Lyra’s twin, Xander's brother, my friend, my brother-in-law, and the soul who had carried so much weight on his shoulders with unwavering loyalty.As I stood in front of the mirror in our chamber, adjusting the soft white gown draped across my body, my hands instinctively went to the baby wrapped securely against my chest. He stirred a little, his small hand peeking fro
Ava's povThe wind outside howled like it knew what was about to happen. The moon was full and watching, high above Blackthorn’s towering trees. Everything felt quiet and still, eerily so, as if the world was holding its breath for the events of that night.I jolted awake.A deep cramp tore through my lower belly, stealing my breath and tightening my entire body in its grip.I gasped.Then hissed.Then groaned as the pain came again, fiercer and longer than any of the aches I'd been getting for the past week.Xander was at my side in a heartbeat, rising from the other side of our shared bed. “Ava?”His voice was low and sharp, a leader’s instinct kicking in, but his eyes—his eyes were pure panic. I saw the fear and excitement written in every line of his face.I nodded, wincing. “It’s time.”Those two words threw the entire castle into motion.Within minutes, Vanessa and Kaida were by my side, helping me breathe, helping me move. The pack healer arrived with a bag of herbs, towels, an
Ava's povThe skies over the castle were crystal clear, it was like a perfect painting of blue sand white which was warm over our land. For once, the forest was quiet in a peaceful way, the hush that came when joy was on the brink of coming closer than ever, like even nature knew something beautiful was about to be celebrated.Today wasn’t just any day.It was our day.A celebration of the life growing inside me. A day to bask in love, laughter, and the sheer miracle that somehow, after everything we’d survived, there was a baby on the way. Our baby.The grand courtyard of the castle had been transformed. Silk materials in soft blues, silvers, and creams fluttered in the breeze. Tables were arranged in a wide semi circle beneath the tall trees and white lanterns were placed high above, the entire place felt magical. The scent of honey cakes, fresh fruit, roasted meats and grape wine filled the air. Music drifted around the open space, a soft harmony of flutes, drums, and stringed inst
Ava's pov The wind howled softly against the window, it was odd but it was like a lullaby whispered in an ancient tongue. Xander had fallen asleep hours ago, his breathing deep and even beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist, warm and grounding, as if even in slumber he was guarding the world he’d sworn to protect. But I couldn’t sleep. Not tonight. The baby, Rowan, was stirring more than usual. Little flutters and firm nudges beneath my skin, like he was restless too or sensing something beyond the veil of reality. I closed my eyes, fingers spread across the curve of my belly, and whispered a silent promise into the dark. “I’ll always protect you, little one.” The world tilted. It started slowly, like I was falling into still water. The bed, the room, the warmth of Xander’s body all faded away like early morning mist. I wasn’t afraid. Instead, an overwhelming calm settled over me, thick and heavy, the kind of calm that whispers of someone celestial. A
Ava's pov The celebration had ended hours ago, but the warmth still lingered in my body. The lanterns had gone out. The laughter and footsteps had faded. Kaida and Lyra had walked us back to the castle gates, cheeks glowing from too much dancing and cider. The moon was high now, very bright silver light watching from its throne in the sky as if it too had awaited this final part of the night. Our chambers were quiet, save for the occasional crackle from the fireplace. I was dressed in one of Xander’s tunics, hair damp from a quick rinse, and settled against the high pile of furs and pillows in our bed. My fingers rested gently on my belly. Xander came out from the mini kitchen attached to his chamber, barefoot, shirtless, hair tousled, with two steaming mugs in hand. He handed one to me and dropped onto the bed with a soft grunt. “Ginger and honey,” he said. “Kaida’s secret cure for growing royal pups.” I smiled at him. “If it works, I’ll personally carve her name into a th
Ava's pov The air buzzed with excitement. Golden rays of the sun spilled through the leaves above as the clearing beside the Moonstone Falls which glowed with enchantment. I had never seen the sun so bright, it was as if all the gods were watching closely to see what would be revealed today. Long, linen banners fluttered from tree branches, dyed in the traditional white and silver hues of blessing rituals. It was a sacred spot—where our ancestors once received visions from the Moon Goddess herself—and it felt like the perfect place for today. My gender reveal. Or as the werewolves called it: The Spirit Beckoning. Kaida had explained it days ago while wrapping my waist in white silk, her eyes shining with pride as she narrated the ancient tradition. I wasn't surprised that she knew so much because the nightshade warriors were known for holding on to our history very tightly, they even knew far more than even blackthorn but only shared why they deemed necessary. “When a