09 Luna June arrived in Moonlight Ridge, a small town she'd never been to before, but somehow it felt safe and welcoming After looking around for two weeks, she opened a cozy little herb shop called Moonbeam Apothecary on a quiet street near the forest. The space was tiny, but it had amazing natural light streaming in. She spent three months fixing it up, turning the run-down old building into a warm sanctuary that smelled like lavender and chamomile. Moonlight Ridge got a lot of rain, and June stood at the glass door of her shop, watching the steady drizzle and thinking about her new life. The little bell above the door suddenly rang with a clear, sweet sound. "Welcome," she said automatically, turning around-and stopping in surprise when she saw who it was. A tall man stood in the doorway, shaking rain off his jacket, with water droplets falling onto the wooden floor. He was carrying a little girl who looked about five or six. She had her dark hair in two small braids and was shyly hiding her face against his neck. "Do you have any children's books about herbs?" he asked, his voice gentle and calm. That's when June got a good look at his face-strong jawline, kind eyes, wire-rimmed glasses, and a soft smil that made her stomach flutter a little. She paused for a moment. "Dr. Gabriel Moonheart? From the medical college?" He looked surprised too, studying her face for a second before. recognition hit. "June Blackstone?" All the memories came flooding back. Dr. Gabriel Moonheart had been the star student at the supernatural medical college, two years ahead of her. Back then, he was everyone's crush-brilliant grades, could play guitar like a rock star, and every she-wolf on campus had fantasized about him. "What a crazy coincidence," she said with a smile, looking at the little girl in his arms. "And who's this cutie?" "My niece, Little Star," Dr. Gabriel said, gently rubbing the girl's back. "Star, say hi to the nice lady." The little girl peeked up, showing a face like a perfect little doll, and whispered, "Hi, miss." Her voice was like honey, so sweet it made June's heart melt. She crouched down to Star's level. "Hey there, Star. What kind of books do you like? I bet I can find something perfect for you." Star blinked her big dark eyes, then reached out one tiny hand to touch June's cheek. "You smell like moonflowers, just like my mama did," she whispered. The air went completely still. Dr. Gabriel's face got a little sad as he hugged Star closer. "I'm sorry, her parents were killed by hunters a few years ago." June felt her chest tighten. Looking at this orphaned pup, she couldn't help thinking about Kai and Cora-they still had Megan in their lives, but this little one had lost everything. "It's okay," she said softly, reaching out to stroke Star's silky hair. "Do you like stories about magic, Star? I've got tons of beautiful books right here." Star nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up. For the next half hour, June patiently showed her different books. The little girl slowly relaxed, even taking June's hand and asking her to read out loud. Dr. Gabriel stood nearby, watching them with this tender look that made June's wolf purr inside her chest. By the time June was reading from a book about moon magic, Star was curled up in her lap, totally absorbed "You're amazing with her," Dr. Gabriel said quietly as he paid for the books. "Star's usually so shy around new people, but she connected with you instantly." June smiled and handed the wrapped books to Star. "Being around Star makes me happy too. I almost wish she was my pup." The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she immediately felt embarrassed. But Dr. Gabriel jus nodded thoughtfully, not making it weird. "Can we come back again?" Star asked suddenly as they were about to leave, grabbing onto June's hand and looking up with hopeful eyes. June knelt down and gently booped her nose. "Of course, sweetie. I'll always be here for you." Dr. Gabriel picked up his jacket and lifted Star into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder, waving at June until they disappeared around the corner. June stood in the doorway, watching them fade into the rain, feeling something warm and hopeful stirring in her chest for the first time in years.