Ooo, Gunnar is showing Zoe his secret hideout.
Viatrix stopped when Castor did. Thankfully, she had the sense to grab our clothes before we left. Viatrix sat and looked up into the tree at the ivy and moss-covered structure. It was a decent size for a treehouse but looked old and possibly unsafe. Viatrix cocked her head as Caster shifted back to Gunnar, watching him stride confidently while naked to pull a rope. The ladder that descended at least looked in better condition than the structure. It didn’t make me feel any safer about going inside. This place was somewhere important to Gunnar. I’ll give it and him the benefit of the doubt. Viatrix took a back seat as I shifted. Somewhere no female has gone before? Well, he’s not making a sexual innuendo. Gunnar was no virgin when we met. Knowing that he hadn’t brought any other females out here did make me feel special, even if I was concerned by the structural integrity of the treehouse. “We should probably put our clothes back on,” I said, tossing his clothes at him. “Why?” He as
The last four days had been a bit of a blur as we waited for Ashley and Livia to get through their heats and for the jet the Sicilian packs were going to send for prisoners… persons of interest fuck if I know what to call it… transport. Zoe, Gunnar, and I have fallen into something of a routine. Luna Katrina emailed Gunnar and me an EIGHT-HUNDRED-page document covering our Beta responsibilities and the Nebrodi traditions for our Beta ceremony. So, our routine has been to spend our days studying. Zoe is a fast reader and has memorized her beta binder, which is great for her. She’s also been doing Nebrodi Beta for years. Gunnar and me, not so much. We are both slow readers. All our teachers from school will testify we were easily distracted and struggled to sit still. We were also C+ students at best. So, reading, let alone retaining all of this, is slow going. We’ve focused mostly on the traditions and the ceremony since we don’t want to fuck that up. When we aren’t studying, we alte
Papa and I weren’t surprised that Ivan didn’t say much. Ivan Furlan is the epitome of a man of few words. Regina swears he’s more talkative with her, and I believe her. She’s his mate. Of course, he’s going to communicate with her. It’s the rest of the world he doesn’t communicate with beyond what he deems necessary. I know his silence left my mates confused and a bit miffed. I hoped he’d be slightly more talkative when introduced to the Ironfur ranked wolves. He will be Crista’s and Gwen’s or Christina’s mate’s Beta until his child is old enough. A Beta cannot be the quietest person in the room. A Beta needs to engage with people and be vocal in supporting the Alpha couple. Perhaps Tie was more devious and thorough in his recommendation of sending Ivan than I gave credit. I’d assumed he suggested Ivan knowing his presence would scare the shit, literally, out of Primo as a Madonie packmember. Now, I’m starting to see deeper reasoning. Ivan isn’t officially a beta, but this assignment
Getting Ivan to talk was like trying to crush coal into a diamond. Coal will become a diamond with enough pressure, but you can’t get that kind of pressure with your hand. And while I was glad the guy had accepted help from Henrik and me, he’s not making this easy. We’ve been talking at him. Yes, I said at him. I couldn’t say with him because that would imply that we had been having a conversation for like an hour. “Okay, big guy. Let’s see what you’ve picked up.” I sighed, rubbing my forehead. “How many older sisters do we have?” I started with an easy one. “Five.” It was the right answer but the fact he didn’t elaborate and just said the one fucking word was grinding my gears. “Right. So, tell us our sisters’ names, mates, packs, and ranks. It’s not a guarantee they’ll all be brought up during dinner conversation, but you never know when one of them might pop up in conversation.” Henrik encouraged. “Is this necessary?” Ivan asked. “Look, dude, we get it. You’re not a big talker.
The idea that Alfred missed Gunnar and Henrik’s birth wasn’t all that shocking. I had a low opinion of the guy anyway. Not that I can be mad about his reason. He had gone to comfort his eldest after she suffered one of the most tragic things next to losing a mate a female could experience. So, I couldn’t fault him for being there instead of here. Also, in Anna’s words, my mates were born earlier than expected. Given their adult sizes, I can only imagine how big they were as infants. A womb expands, but there are still limits to what the female anatomy can handle. What I found difficult to picture, given what my mates have told me about Alfred, is Alfred putting in so much time with Gunnar and Henrik. It’s difficult to accept that image alongside the image of the man who used corporal punishment on a young Henrik simply for being terrified after their plane malfunctioned during a transatlantic flight. The subject was unsettling for Gunnar and Henrik. I was about to change the subject
Waiting at the docks for my cousins and their mates to return from the heat island was uncomfortable. Thankfully, it wasn’t a big affair. I mean, there were several of us waiting, but Finn and Lorna were the only ones of rank from Ironfur present. The bulk of us waiting were all heading to Nebrodi today. I didn’t know how their arrival would go down, leaving me almost as anxious as I was about getting on a jet soon. Finn and Lorna were sticking to one side while Damon stood on the other next to the ever-silent but imposing Ivan, leaving me, Gunnar, and Zoe in the middle. Well, Zoe, not so much. She talked to her dad, reviewing the flight itinerary and precautions for transporting Primo and Livia to Sicily. I wanted to clear the air, at least a bit, especially when I saw a boat headed our way. “So, let’s just all get on the same page. By order of their Alphas, Primo and Livia must return to Sicily. If Ashley or Dean don’t like this, they are shit out of luck because their mates are pa
Two jets stood ready to go. Ivan was already on the first watching Primo. Damon hung back, watching Dean and Livia say goodbye to Dean’s parents. I stared anxiously at the second jet, knowing I’d be expected to board it with Gunnar and Zoe soon. Why did I agree to this? I felt like I was going to have a panic attack. It’s not a good start to this endeavor. “It’s going to be okay. I promise. I’ll be at your side the whole time.” Zoe assured me, wrapping her arms around me for a hug. “Yeah… I know.” I nodded as I returned the hug, hoping the bond would help ease the anxiety. ‘You’re going to be fine.’ Pollux sighed. ‘Not only will you have Zoe, you have me. You’ve not tried to get on a plane since I was awakened. And I’m a little offended you didn’t think having your wolf would in some way help ease your worries.’ “It’s time to take off.” Damon declared, waving for Dean and Livia to get on board. “See you when we land.” He waved to us. We watched them load up since they’d taxi out
I had been worried about how the flight would go. Even with Henrik expressing interest in trying my distraction plan, I knew there was a chance it would fail. We had alternate plans at the ready. If my plan hadn’t worked, he would’ve let Pollux have control since the fear is his, not his wolf’s. And as much as I’d have liked to spend time with Pollux, I’m glad it didn’t come to that. I won’t say I cured Henrik’s fear of flying. I’m not that stupid. You can’t just fix something like that with a snap of your fingers. I managed to distract and tire him out, so the panic didn’t take root. And no, it wasn’t a fourteen-hour fuck fest. I might have a high sex drive, and as werewolves, we all have great stamina, but even when the spirit is willing, the flesh does get weak. So there was cuddling and napping as little breaks and intermissions. Our flight taxied second onto the small airstrip built where the three packs connected. Papa’s jet landed first with Ivan and the prisoners… people of i
“Once upon a time long, long ago, at the dawn of werewolves, there was a werewolf called Petridis whom loyalty served and fought alongside Darkness and Light to protect their territory. It was thought Petridis was slain during the battle, but during a blue moon, he rose from the ashes of the fallen, his fur a glow in blue flames.” I began the story for the hundredth time since last year. I know what you’re thinking: what Disney kiddie version of the origins of Incubi did you walk into? You’re still in the right place. The birthday boy and girl have asked me to tell the blue moon story for their cousin Isaiah and Maverick. Why is Maverick here six years after his surprise visit for my and Henrik’s Beta ceremony? Because he’s basically in witness protection. His jackoff dad and psycho half-brother think he’s dead. Finn and Lorna took Maverick in, and when Desmond comes sniffing around, they send him to the various packs we Kilbourns live in to ensure Desmond and his bastard Cormac con
They say time flies when you’re having fun. I’ve had PLENTY of fun between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, and let me tell you, those eight years did not fly by. So maybe that phrase should be more specific on the kind of fun it’s referring to because these last two years since I met my mates and gave birth to our twins feel like a blink. ‘Or maybe you were having the wrong kind of fun. Fucking around with those other males wasn’t fun. Fucking around with our mates…now THAT’S fun. Spending time without pups is also fun.’ Viatrix snorted. When I’d left home for that trip with Papa and Alexander, I’d hoped to find my mate. Gunnar and Henrik were nothing I expected or thought I’d ever want in a mate. They are arrogant, mouthy, and, at times, downright rude. But they also won’t take my shit. They call me out on my faults and love me not despite my faults but because of them. I didn’t realize what I always needed wasn’t my total opposite. “Iron sharpens iron, sweet pea.” Gunnar taun
It’s been seven months since our beta ceremony. We’d been doing all the tasks Kat assigned us leading up to our ceremony. It was her way of easing us into our roles. However, all bets were off after the ceremony. Kat piled more and more work on us. Thankfully, there were two of us, so we could handle it. I couldn’t be mad that she was giving us more work. It meant she trusted us, plus it took work off her plate as she closed in on her due date. By the time Kat had her surprise twins, we had taken a lot of duties off Kat’s plate. With Zoe and the other ranked members, we ensured the memorial festivities went off without a hitch. Of course, people asked where their Alpha and Luna were, and the pack was thrilled when Zoe addressed their absence in a speech announcing the birth of the twins. A month after Sal and Carletta were born, we moved into the five-bedroom, seven thousand-three hundred ninety-five square foot villa. We agreed to honor the Fayte family, so we didn’t want to make ma
Mama and Papa, of course, had already had their turn. Regina eagerly hugged us, happy that our children would be close in age. Ivan smiled and nodded with a firm handshake to Gunnar and Henrik. Next was my brother and Delilah. This was our first time in the same place with everything going on. Alexander hugged me and offered Gunnar his hand. “I haven’t formally introduced myself. Welcome to the family. I’m Alexander, and if you ever hurt or piss my sister off, I won’t provide medical assistance.” Alexander delivered his greeting with his serious face, confusing my mates as they shook his hand. “Are you fucking with us?” Gunnar asked. “Cause either way, if we piss Zoe off, we know the consequences, a stone timeout.” Henrik laughed. Delilah rolled her eyes and hugged me tightly, or as tight as someone with a belly as big as hers could. “I’m so happy for you, Zoe. You’ve found your mates, and now we all get to be truly family.” “Oh please, even if you were never my brother’s mate, we
There are a million ways tonight could have gone. Many things could have gone wrong, from meeting the extended Kilbourn family to telling Gunnar and Henrik about the pregnancy and their ceremony. At the airport, it went bad because Alfred was an asshole who needed to learn to keep his mouth shut. If Finn hadn’t gotten involved back at the packhouse, Alfred would have learned the hard way that there are worse things that can happen than being turned to stone. I’ll admit I was looking forward to seeing André, Zio Alec, or Mama put Alfred in his place. Sure, it was probably for the best that Finn did so. It still would’ve been far more entertaining if it was one of my family members. Alfred thought there was danger here when they landed, misguided fool. Any threat in Sicily would never be directed at the boy but at him for his stupidity. So, it would’ve been nice for him to learn that lesson. I thought that would be the end of it. Finn had commanded him not to speak unless in praise. Pr
Leave it to our dad to open his mouth and insert his foot so deep his toes are coming out of his ass. Are our suits our style? No. Are they something we’d pick for ourselves? No. Are they possibly just a bit too much? Maybe. Have we made a complaint about them beyond the fit? Hell fucking no. It doesn’t matter that André designed these suits to pair with Zoe’s gown. Knowing the designer is someone I don’t want to cross helps, but that’s not the point. We are in Nebrodi, and this is how things are done. Our suits are aligned with the styles of all the other ranked males. Dad should know better than to mock the customs of a foreign pack. He’s the one who told us always to be respectful while visiting another pack, as you never know who you could offend. And he’s just offended the wrong people. I wanted to see how he’d escape this if he could. The D’Amore family has yet to show they are the easily placated type. Even if he could somehow get out of trouble with some apologies and com
I knew Dad would say or do something to make Zoe angry. It was inevitable. Plus, I think she’s been itching to stone him since she first heard about his lack of involvement in our upbringing. So, it was never an if but a when that she’d stone him. While Lorna’s nephew's arrival with them was unexpected, there was no reason for his behavior. I don’t know what circumstances brought Maverick to Finn and Lorna’s doorstep, but there wasn’t a need to act like he was in danger here. It was disrespectful as fuck. It’s like he thought Nebrodi, Madonie, or Incubi would want to hurt the little kid. That was unacceptable, and he’s damn lucky Zoe was the only ranked member of the packs here. Dad and I may not see eye-to-eye on many things, but I don’t want to see him dead. And I’m about ninety percent sure that dead or at least hospitalized is what he’d be if he had pulled this shit and it was any of the D’Amores present. He should know better. Thankfully, we weren’t riding in the same car as Da
Watching Gunnar and Henrik interact with their nephews and nieces, despite the long separation, was a heartwarming sight. I had always known they were good with children, having witnessed their interactions with the heirs at Ironfur and here. But seeing them in this familial setting, I was certain they would be exceptional fathers. We had discussed the possibility of having children, but it was a different feeling to think about it as a near-future reality. I tried to hide my relief when they confessed they both hoped to be dads sooner rather than later. I managed to stop myself from touching my belly. I’d already been doing my best not to think about the positive pregnancy test I took this morning. Kat had been nagging me for a few days to take one and showed up in my office this morning when I was doing some last-minute work and had me take it. I haven’t been able to tell Gunnar and Henrik yet. I figured I’d wait till we got through to their family’s arrival. I wanted them to know
I knew the Petridis family learning about our talents would come out eventually. Just as I knew Henrik’s would instantly be accepted as Zoe and her parents are singers. There hadn’t been many occasions for me to show off my skills unless you count strip teases for Zoe or that happy dance the day after the family dinner when that hag Ersilia lost her head. Now that the bitch is dead, I was looking forward to things getting to a new normal. No more long days trying to track her down. The hunters, fuck it’s weird that hunters were on our side, were able to explain how Ersilia stayed hidden from being scented or magically tracked. Angels! Mother fucking ANGELS! I’d never seen one till I got a look at Bert. He was the only angel the hunters left alive for questioning. I don’t know if all angels smell the same, but Castor and I committed the scent to memory. I don’t understand why the angels were working with Ersilia and won’t till the hunters get Bert to crack, but if they were involved i