Chapter 12 - River

I can’t believe what I just did. I didn’t know I could do that. After two years of training with my power and I didn’t know this was possible. I feel… weird. Like I have too much energy, I need to eliminate it. I feel as if I could run home without stopping.

‘Lunar, did you know we could do that?’ I questioned as I looked at Fucker Prescunt, stunned by the effect of what we’d just done. He looked ten years older than when I charged his weasel-looking ass.

‘I had no idea. I mean, I had an inkling we could. Light is just a form of energy. We absorb and convert light. And if we can take energy from light bulbs and the sun, why not waste flesh like this bastard who would dare claim our mate.’ Lunar shrugged, turning his head to look at Leo.

“Well, shit. It looks like you learned a new way to use your power, River. I’ll take care of him from here. How about you step away? I don’t want to get old any faster than natural.” David half taunted as he cautiously approached with the cuffs again.

I nodded, moving away from Tucker and rubbing against Leo’s legs instead. I’d considered changing back because it would be hilarious to watch Leo’s expression at suddenly me naked, but Lunar wanted to touch her, and this was his chance.

I’m not too fond of sharing Leo, except with Lunar. He’s my wolf, and somewhere in Leo, still not fully awakened, was their wolf. Once Leo’s wolf is out, Lunar will have his mate too.

“How did you do that?” Leo asked, stroking my fury cautiously. I sat next to them, cocking my head since I couldn’t speak and we didn’t have a link to talk that way. “Oh, right, sorry. You’re in your wolf form and can’t communicate with me. Your wolf is fantastic. And I don’t just mean how they look; your power is wow. What’s their name? Oh, right, you can’t tell me yet.” They sighed.

“Lunar. Their wolf’s name is Lunar.” Dad explained on my behalf. “When what they just did is new to me. But I always assumed the kids were special if the Goddess gave me back Jason to protect them and guide them as werewolves.”

“Lunar…” Leo smiled, scratching the fur around my neck. “I like that name. It’s very nice to meet you, Lunar.”

As David hauled him to his feet in the silver cuffs, Tucker’s meager growls got our attention. “As I was saying before. You are under arrest for the attempted kidnapping and human trafficking of… Marybeth Hanley.” David wrinkled his nose as he had to say Leo’s ew name.

“Now let’s go. I’m making sure you get locked up. And if you give me that shit about how it’s the way of your pack, I’ll make sure the human government comes for your Alpha. I’ll make sure Irwin is painted as the kingpin in this human trafficking scheme.” David threatened. It seems the threat was taken seriously and by more than just Prescunt. All but one of the Silvermane guys present cringed at the idea that their Alpha could be taken away.

“Leave Irwin out of this.” Prescunt whimpered in a pathetic plea. “Do not take our Alpha from our pack.”

“That won’t be my call. But I’ll talk to Alpha Logan. If he feels Irwin could turn things around in Silvermane, he might let it go with you and Theodore getting a life sentence. But if Irwin refuses and wants to keep the old ways….” David shrugged.

“What? What happens if Irwin can’t or won’t change the traditions of our pack?” Prescunt questioned with fearful worried eyes.

Beta John and others of rank called Alpha Logan by name, and Prescunt is probably tight with his Alpha. But I still found it weird that Prescunt kept calling his Alpha by his first name. It seems like an odd time to be informal. What got me the most was how he said his Alpha’s name. There was something more profound in how he said ‘Irwin’, like he cares a lot about this douchebag Alpha.

“My Alpha will do everything in his power to ensure yours gets a life sentence as the head of the human trafficking organization. And if that doesn’t work, straight up challenge him. I’m sure you’re all very aware that Alpha Logan has not ever lost a challenge. And sure, Silvermane is on the other side of the country, but he’d find a way to run it or get someone he trusts to do it.” David shrugged.

‘I say Alpha Logan gets all the ranked wolves and higher-ups in the pack in jail and puts someone new as the Alpha. Silvermane can and will change only with all new leadership.’ I scoffed through our pack link. If this type of shit has been going on for generations, it goes all the way to the top. Silvermane is rotted to the roots. Hell, it may need a total burndown. Dismantle that shit.

‘I know exactly how you feel, kiddo. We’ll see what we can make stick.’ David assured me as he walked Prescunt to one of the Everclaw’s vehicles.

A number of the Silvermane pack members were being loaded up too. But as they went to take one away, Leo stepped away from my side. “Wait, not him,” Leo called out. “That’s Ryan. He worked with David to ensure I was safe and Tucker was brought down.”

“Is this true?” The Everclaw wolf questioned, looking at David.

“Yeah, Ryan was my inside guy. No need to bring him to your Alpha in chains.” David confirmed with a nod as he not so gently shoved Prescunt into the back of a car.

“You did good, Ryan. We appreciate what you did for Leo.” David patted the guy on the shoulder. “You can ride with us to Everclaw. I guess River is going to want just to run there. They look to be still buzzing from that last attack.”

“Thank you, David.” Ryan nodded. “And you too, Leo. For telling them, I wasn’t part of the people here to force you to go back or to be with Beta Tucker. You deserve the freedom to be with your true mate. A Goddess given right denied to members of our pack for too long.” Ryan sighed before heading to David’s jeep.

I stood up, eager for that idea. A run is an excellent way to get rid of all this energy. Though as I looked at Leo, I could think of other ways. They aren’t new thoughts. I’ve had sexual thoughts about Leo since I was fifteen. And now that we are mates, they are just more intense.

“River, I don’t know exactly what you’re thinking, but I do know you. So stop being dirty. We are not having sex. Mate or not, I don’t even have my wolf until the full moon.” Leo scolded, wagging a finger at me, making David laugh.

‘Stop upsetting our mate. Your vulgar attitude isn’t what they need right now. They have been chased from their home by someone trying to force them to be someone they aren’t and do things they don’t want.’ Lunar scolded me.

‘I know that. I wouldn’t ever force myself on them. I love Leo. Even before I knew they were my mate.’ I huffed. ‘I’m just looking forward to the full moon when we meet their wolf and can complete our bond. You can’t imagine how I feel. I’ve wanted to have sex with Leo for years.’

‘ Of course, I can imagine how you feel. I know exactly how you feel, in fact. I’m in your head. But even after Leo’s wolf has awakened by the full moon, we cannot and will not move faster than they are comfortable with.’ Lunar shook his head.

“Someone, get the kid a rolled-up newspaper. They gotta break their mate of bad habits early.” David taunted.

“If you run back, keep us in sight or stick with any Everclaw wolves that are shifted. You don’t know this territory. I’ll call your mom while we head to meet with Alpha Jackson. I’m sure she and the rest of the family want an update.” Dad patted my head. I should be annoyed, but I know the pat wasn’t dismissive but just a gesture of love from a dad to their kid.

“Alright, it’s your choice, Leo. Getting back in the car with us or risking giving your mate bad ideas riding their wolf?” David smirked, leaning against the car, waiting for them to make a choice.

Leo started to step in the car’s direction, and I wasn’t having that. Even if I saw that sly smirk and knew it was them teasing me, I lowered my head and forced my way under them, making them have to cling to Lunar’s fur not to fall.

“AHH! I guess my choice was made for me. We’ll see you there!” Leo yelped, clinging tightly to my fur.

Yeah, I could get used to them clinging to my back, especially as their legs tightened to my body as I broke off into a run, following the Everclaw wolves. I was on cloud nine right now. Leo is my mate and now won’t ever be taken away from me. Leo’s dad was in jail, and soon Prescunt would join him.

I couldn’t ask for a better ending. Well, I could. This could be after the full moon, so Leo would have their wolf and be running next to me. Preferably to a secluded place to mark and mate as the Goddess intended. But as Lunar said earlier, I’ll wait as long as Leo wants or needs me to. It’s not like they are going anywhere.