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.

as I’m sure you also know,Stella

don’t know

admitted with a gentle smile. “But here

me. I hadn’t really been afraid my

it. Lenora and I

to feel like I could trust

She’s a Celestial.

and I held

upset.” Lenora reached to pat my hand. “Is this double

a little girl, and now she’s a lovely young woman. Time flies the older we get,”

done can’t be undone. She has her family around her to support her. I’m sure she’ll be able to weather this change without too much trouble. As will you.” Lenora tilted

1/2

Chapter 417

I hope you know, I’m

Brightsky gossip. Lenora relieved my mind that the news about Stella had spread, but nobody was saying anything unkind. In an enclave open

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 things

birthday cake, for one. How many had she missed? I wasn’t even sure she could count them, or if she’d really be able to

of a young woman,

all.”

I looked over the bakery case at