Mated to the Alpha and His Beta

Chapter 417

Gabriela

I’d been happy enough when Lenora rang me to see if I’d have lunch with her, but I’d been waiting during the entire meal for her to question me about what had happened with Stella. So far, she hadn’t said a word. Finally, I decided I couldn’t stand it any longer.

“Sometimes, wolf pups have a double doubling.” The words shot out of me without me fully knowing why I said them. It wasn’t true, and I couldn’t be sure Lenora knew that.

I’d just lied to her face. It felt terrible, but also like the only choice I could make.

Lenora’s eyebrows rose, and her teacup stopped halfway to her lips. She put the cup down without drinking. “Oh, my. That sounds like quite the surprise.”

“You heard about it, didn’t you? What happened at the school. I’m sure the rumors are flying.” My laugh. rasped in my throat without much humor. Heat blazed in my cheeks.

My friend leaned forward with a look of concern. “I wasn’t going to ask you about it. But if you want to talk

about it…”

Oh, I did, didn’t I? I needed to unburden myself to someone about my worries, but I didn’t dare.

I couldn’t reveal that my granddaughter was a Celestial, not without also having to explain what that

meant. It would have to be enough just to start a rumor of my own.

sure you also know,Stella is

don’t know

gentle smile. “But here in Brightsky, we welcome everyone as

burst of relief flooded me. I hadn’t really been afraid my friend

was still good to be assured of it. Lenora and I had experienced a lot together

feel like I

She’s a Celestial.

words fought to come out, and I held them back

pat my

now she’s a lovely young woman. Time flies the older we get,” I said with a rueful laugh. “But this is too

to support her. I’m sure she’ll be able to weather

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Chapter 417

you know, I’m here for you. Whatever

that the news about Stella had spread, but nobody was saying anything unkind. In an enclave open to anyone, a child who grew into

and for me, a much lighter heart. On the way back to our quarters,I thought I’d stop off and pick up a few things for Stella. Her mother had bought her an entire

about other

missed? I wasn’t even sure she could count them, or if she’d really be

appearance of a young woman, never going gray

all.”

as I looked over the bakery case