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.

very rare, but as I’m sure you

don’t

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

relief flooded me. I hadn’t really been afraid my friend would somehow reject

Lenora and I had experienced

feel like I could

She’s a Celestial.

fought to come out, and I held them back by gritting my

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

that’s all. One minute she was a little girl, and now she’s a lovely young woman. Time flies the older we get,” I said with a rueful

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 her head to give me

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Chapter 417

I’m here for you.

gossip. Lenora relieved my mind that the news about Stella had spread, but nobody was saying anything unkind. In an enclave open to anyone, a child who grew into an adult within

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

other things

could count them, or if she’d really be able to ever name her accurate age again. Would she continue to age, or would she stay

appearance of a young woman,

all.”

to myself as I looked over the bakery case at the