Chapter 37 Rejected 1/5 AURORA I staggered .


    Evelyns face was lifted to the sky , her eyes wide in wonder .


    Silver shimmered along her body , pooling and absorbing into her skin .


    She seemed to glow .


    I turned away , my hand going to my chest .


    Be an adult about this , Aurora , my inner voice said , immediately trying to calm me .


    Its all right that it isnt you .


    Its good just to have the chosen .


    But the neglected child in me , the unloved woman , the person who never was chosen , who never was enough , cried out at the deep pain of it , as familiar to me as my own heartbeat .


    My own breath .


    In that same instant , I took hold of myself .


    If the pain was familiar , so was dealing with it .


    I shoved it down .


    I told myself to get over it , I was one of the luckiest women in the world .


    I was wealthy .


    I was part of the High Alpine Pack .


    But without this ceremony restoring my wolf like my grandmother insisted it would … was I still the first choice for Luna heir ? Or would I lose my ce to Lilliana ? Even if that did happen , I had my children .


    There was nothing to stop me from getting a normal job and living a normal , human passing life .


    Plenty of single women did it every day .


    It would be a struggle , but as long as I had the kids , I would be fine … Unless Dane found out they were his , and took them from me , too .


    All these dark thoughts passed in a few seconds as I turned away from the sight of Evelyn being blessed with power and caught my breath .


    I was still needed to read the journal to find the exact location .


    of the relic , to trante how to peel back theyers of magic .


    surrounding it .


    As long as there was work , I could throw myself into it .


    I would have purpose .


    As thest magic was absorbed into Evelyns skin , the circle of Blue Ridge wolves broke into a celebration .


    They gathered around her , yipping and whooping and celebrating .


    Luna heir ? Trajan appeared at my elbow .


    Evander stood .


    beside him , looking grim .


    I offered him a weak smile .


    The goddess has her chosen , Chapter 37 3/5 Trajan , and the chosen has her magic .


    The book was unclear on exactly what we should expect .


    Please arrange with Dane to have .


    her test and record her powers over theing days .


    Trajan hesitated , then nodded and headed toward Dane .


    Evander folded his arms across his chest and studied the Blue .


    Ridge wolves .


    I had filled him in over thest few days on what I was doing here and what our grandmother wanted .


    Not to pour petrol on this garbage fire , he said , but Granny Augusta is not going to like this .


    I know .


    I think I need a minute , I said .


    Evander nodded .


    I turned away from the celebrating wolves and headed into the forest .


    I just needed to process .


    If the goddess had chosen Evelyn , it had to be for a reason .


    Honestly , I should have known better .


    I should have expected this .


    I didnt even have a wolf .


    But if not me , why couldnt it have been Piper ? Or Celia ? Or one of the few other Blue Ridge wolves who were kind , good people .


    Im sure you see something in her I dont , I whispered to the goddess .


    I only hope youll allow me to see it , too .


    Aurora .


    My whole body tensed at the sound of Danes voice .


    I rxed my Chapter 37 face into a neutral polite expression and turned toward him .


    Alpha Montague .


    Can I help you ? 4/5 His face and voice were cold .


    I believe the chosen should have the amulet that you keep with the book .


    My hand went to my neck .


    It had been silly and arrogant , but I was wearing it .


    It was so simple , so pretty .


    Just a fat silvery pearl that looked like the moon .


    Even now , I felt connected to it .


    That was probably just my wishful thinking .


    Id like to know what her powers are … to study them before we give her the amulet , as well , I said .


    Danes brows drew together , and he took a step forward .


    Give it to me , Aurora .


    Evelyn is the chosen .


    You can throw a tantrum about not being chosen all you like , but Im not going to give you a chance to disappear with something so important .


    Not again .


    My blood chilled at his words .


    Not again .


    I hadnt taken .


    anything of value from himst time .


    Nothing … except the children .


    But he didnt know about them .


    He couldnt .


    Hed barelyid eyes on them twice .


    When I didnt respond , Dane stepped closer to me .


    This isnt about your revenge or your pride .


    That amulet belongs to Evelyn .


    Give it to me , or Ill take it off your unconscious body .


    For the first time in a long , long time , I thought Dane might Chapter 37 actually , physically hurt me .


    5/5 But something in me , something deep , couldnt let the ne go .


    Was there something I missed in the journal ? Was there more to unlocking this power than I thought ? I stepped back .


    Dane stepped forward .


    A low growl rumbled from his throat .


    His canines and ws extended .


    Dane , stop ! Dane and I both looked up in shock .


    Connell Montague was jogging through the forest .


    He wasnt a young man anymore .


    He wheezed , then stumbled as he got close to us .


    Dane moved like lightning , taking his grandfather by the arm and supporting him .


    Dane , you cant harm her , Connell said .


    Shes the only one who can save you .


    She- A chill rose suddenly in the forest around us .


    Thick , twisting vines of shadow shot from the ground .


    Then they wrapped themselves around Connell Montagues neck and started to choke him .