Sophie“It’s almost time.” Hugo is standing in the doorway, watching me with a sort of detached curiosity that makes my skin flush red. It’s as if I’m some sort of strange new oddity, a creature he thought he understood but now realizes he misjudged. A lot of people in the Pack House have been eyeing me this way lately - and it makes my skin crawl every time.I drag my gaze from the Beta, returning it to the full length mirror on the far wall. Of course, my reflection mocks me like all the rest. Here I am, standing in the most stunning dress I’ve ever seen, looking like a completely different person than I did mere months ago - but still it’s not enough.It feels very strange to envy someone who has had such a difficult life, but Goddess help me, I can’t help but wish I was Selene. She is beautiful in a way I will never be. She has this air of mystery, this unknowable quality that enchants every man who me

Bastien(I actually think this chapter should be 111, so that it happens before the Drake and Sophie scenes-if not, it can be presented as a memory)“Much more of this, and I’m going to regret coming back at all!”I can’t stop hearing Selene say those awful words over and over in my head. They circle round and round, tormenting me every time my mind drifts from my work.We haven’t spoken since that phone call. When I got back to the apartment la

Odette “Woah! Slow down little one,” I call as Lila races down a steep hill. We’re in the park for our daily tea-time, which we agreed should always be a picnic on sunny days. While I’m laying out the blanket and unpacking the basket, my granddaughter is racing around the grassy meadow, burning off all her youthful energy. I don’t mind her tiring herself out, but I’d also prefer to return Selene’s pup to her in one piece.My daughter-in-law has gone to look into buying the Full Moon Cafe, the city’s most popular bistro. Everyone knew the owners were getting on in years, but it was still a shock whe

Selene Bastien is watching me when I wake up. Propped on his elbow and tracing patterns across my bare belly with a goofy grin on his face. Shivering in the cool morning air, and less than amused to have my covers stolen from me, I roll towards my mate, “Bastien I’m cold.” I whine.“I’m sorry little wolf,” He chuckles, snuggling me close, “I couldn’t help myself.”“You know it’s very creepy to watch someone sleep.” I grumble sleepily.

Bastien“I’m not sure we should do this today.” Selene frets, watching Lila nibble on a slice of apple. It’s just before lunchtime on Saturday, and we’ve agreed to tell our pup about the new addition to our family before night falls.“Everyone is going to know before too long.” I remind her, “she should hear it from us, not from whispers on the street.”“She wouldn’t know what they meant even if she did hear them.” Selene argues, “she’s too young. We should wait.”Only we can’t wait, because I need to know everything is alright before I leave for the Calypso pack. I need to make sure my family is on solid footing, that Selene and Lila can thrive without me. “The more time she has to get used to the idea, the better.” I remind my mate.“Yes but…” Selene trails off, cradling her belly, “Bastien nothing is certain until we’ve made it past the first trimester. If something goes wrong… I don’t want to have to explain that to her on top of everything else.”“Is that what you’re worried abou