#Chapter 138: Thorns & Roses

Ava Amelia came jogging up to us, her red hair bouncing with each step, just as Chris was about to hand me the rose. He quickly dropped it back to his side and whirled around to face her. “Alpha Chris!” she called out breathlessly. “It’s so good to see you.” Before either of us could react, she suddenly clutched her chest, her eyes widening upon seeing the flower. “Oh, Chris…” she sighed dreamily, snatching the flower from his fingers. “Oh, you shouldn’t have.” Chris’s eyes widened in alarm. I stifled a laugh, quickly pressing my fingers over my lips and looking away. “Uh… Yes,” Chris said slowly, shooting me a sidelong glance. “I hope you like… roses.” “Of course I do.” She brought the flower to her nose and inhaled deeply—but then gasped sharply as one of the thorns pricked her index finger, a single crimson bead of blood welling up against her pale skin. The rose slipped from her grasp, fluttering to the ground between us. For a long momen