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Familiar Heartbreak.
Last Updated:
2024-12-27 18:26:34
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ELDER'S BLOOD Wolfsbane Poison.
Elena's point of view.I wake in the guest room to the worst kind of alarm—an internal sensation I now recognize too well. It's subtle at first, like a low drumbeat, but soon intensifies, making it clear this is more than a mere stomachache; it’s heat.I grip the blankets tightly, frustration building. After yesterday’s disastrous meeting with Serena and my mom, and yet another lonely night, this is the last thing I need. Vanda and I haven’t spoken since I told him about my mother’s proposal involving Alpha Walter, and if I don’t find a way to mask my scent soon, he’ll know exactly what's happening.The last time this happened, Vanda made it crystal clear that he understood the situation and wouldn’t tolerate me trying to handle it on my own. My face flushes red as I pull the covers over my head. There’s one thing I know for sure—I do not want him to find out about this.I only have one option: to get far enough away that he can’t pick up on my scent. But with Vanda’s territory extend
Last Updated : 2024-12-28ELDER'S BLOOD A Tincture of Promise.
Elena's point of view.Elizabeth helps me to the wise woman's door, knocking frantically until it swings open. A silver-haired woman in a loose, patterned dress stands there, looking annoyed."What is going on—" she begins, but Elizabeth cuts her off."It's the Luna," Elizabeth blurts. "She drank wolfsbane."The wise woman's expression sharpens. "Wolfsbane? Why would she do that?""It's in the tea meant to suppress heat," Elizabeth explains.The older woman shakes her head, motioning us inside. "This is what happens when you meddle with nature. Lay her down on the couch."Elizabeth supports me as I sink onto a worn leather couch under two curtained windows. She draws the curtains, dimming the room."How much did she drink?" the wise woman calls out from another room."Just a pinch of root," Elizabeth replies anxiously. I press my hand to my stomach, a sharp cramp radiating through me."And it's her first time?" the woman asks, returning with a small cup."Yes," Elizabeth says. "But I
Last Updated : 2024-12-29ELDER'S BLOOD Bonds of War
Elena's point of view.At sunset, Ben arrives at the pack house and joins Elizabeth and me. He tells us about the men gathering in the field—Vanda’s warriors preparing for the attack.“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many in one place before,” he says, his voice tinged with awe. “It really makes you realize how large the pack is. The path was nearly impossible to walk until I passed them.”“Do you think the attack will reach Alpha Kane’s, the Red moon territory?” I ask, uneasiness creeping into my voice.Elizabeth shakes her head slightly. “We’re not the best people to answer that, but from what I know, the first attack rarely leads to a complete border breach. Kane has his men stationed to defend his territory. Usually, it takes multiple attacks to weaken their forces enough for infiltration. Odds are, Kane’s scouts or messengers will spot our wolves long before they reach the border, giving him time to intercept.”“But Vanda’s goal is to infiltrate Kane’s border, isn’t it? He wan
Last Updated : 2024-12-31ELDER'S BLOOD Night Fire bonding.
Elena's point of view.The night sky stretches above us, clear and vast, as we walk toward the heart of the pack’s land. The moon, though waning, still shines brightly, its surface a radiant white. Mom often says that a white moon urges us forward, a yellow moon calls us to reflect on the past, and a blue moon brings fortune. But a blood moon—well, she always said death follows a red moon. Her own mother passed away beneath one.When the moon is small, Mom claims the Goddess is distant, testing our faith. When it is full, her blessings pour down on us. Those nights are my favorite. Tonight, the moon neither looms large nor hides away; it simply hangs in the sky, as though the Goddess herself is merely watching."There it is!" Elizabeth points ahead. "The fire."Through the trees, the warm, flickering glow of the bonfire beckons us. We follow the path around the towering trunks until we reach the smooth, well-laid stones of the pack’s central square. At its heart lies a grand mosaic, d
Last Updated : 2025-01-01ELDER'S BLOOD Make Up Bonding.
Elena's point of view.I follow Vanda to the study, my heart racing harder with each step. When I reach him, he’s standing behind his desk, pouring himself a drink. He takes a long sip before speaking.“Your father and family are safe—so is the Beta, Serena's mate." he says, his voice steady.“Thank you,” I reply softly, stepping closer to the desk. My eyes immediately catch a cut along his jaw, though it’s no longer bleeding. I can’t help but scan for other injuries, likely hidden beneath his clothes. “And you? Are you okay?”He finishes his drink and sets the glass down. “Will you come to bed with me?”I cross my arms, gripping my left elbow with my right hand. “You’ve been gone every night this week with almost no explanation. I should say no. I should sleep in the guest room.”“You’re not sleeping in the guest room,” he mutters firmly.“I’ve already been sleeping there. At first, I thought it was because I was angry, but every night, I just hoped you’d show up and bring me back to
Last Updated : 2025-01-02ELDER'S BLOOD Elena's Resolve
Elena's point of view.I wake up on my side, completely embraced from behind. Vanda's arm is draped over my waist, holding me close. I try to twist to see his face."Vanda?" I lift his arm slightly. "The sun's up.""I know," he mumbles in a deep, sleep-roughened voice. "Go back to sleep.""What are you still doing here? Don’t you have to leave?""No."I turn again, but Vanda adjusts, pulling me snugly against his chest. His familiar scent washes over me, grounding me in the moment. "Why not?""Do you want me to leave?""No, of course not. I’m just confused," I admit. "You’re never here when I wake up.""I decided to wait until you did today."Smiling secretly, I press my forehead against his chest. "If there’s something you need to do, maybe I could come along. See what keeps you so busy all day.""You want to?""Can I? Is that allowed?" I ask with a lighthearted tone.He looks down at me, his eyes soft. "Why wouldn’t it be? You’re my Luna.""I just assumed…""This pack belongs to bot
Last Updated : 2025-01-02ELDER'S BLOOD Pack Meeting.
Elena's point of view.Vanda leads me into a modest, one-story building that, while simpler than the pack members' homes, is comparable in size. Inside, the main room features a long table surrounded by chairs. The occupants are already seated, their gazes fixed on us as we enter.“For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, this is my mate, Elena,” Vanda announces confidently. “She’ll be joining us today.”I receive a series of polite nods, which eases my nerves slightly.Vanda pulls out a chair beside the head of the table and gestures for me to sit. Once I’m settled, he takes the seat to my right.The door opens, and Charle steps in. He freezes briefly upon spotting me but quickly recovers. “Luna, welcome,” he says with a respectful tone, moving to sit on Vanda’s left. “This is a pleasant surprise.”“This morning, she decided to accompany me as I go about my schedule, including today’s meetings,” Vanda explains. “I thought it was an excellent idea.”“I agree whole
Last Updated : 2025-01-04ELDER'S BLOOD Alpha's Duty
Elena's point of view.I found myself rambling again as Vanda and I walked through the woods. “I think I got a little distracted toward the end,” I admitted.“With what?” Vanda asked, his curiosity piqued.I hesitated before speaking. “Well, we know Alpha Walter can find another Luna to produce an heir, but what about Alpha Kane? He has his Luna, Serena, but they can’t seem to have a son. What is he supposed to do?”Vanda’s jaw tightened, his response delayed. “It’s a complex situation,” he finally said.“What would you do if you were him?” I pressed.“I don’t know,” Vanda replied. “I thank the Goddess I’m not.”I glanced at the trees, my thoughts drifting. “But what if we couldn’t—”“You’re thinking too far ahead,” he interrupted. “Don’t worry yourself.”I stopped walking, my heart heavy with unease. “Would you find someone else who could give you a son?”Vanda halted abruptly, turning to face me. “Where is this coming from?”I shrugged, instantly regretting my question. “The words j
Last Updated : 2025-01-04
Latest chapter
ELDER'S BLOOD Moonwater and Fantasy
Elena's point of view.Elizabeth scribbled something on the notepad in front of her before looking up at me. “So, what’s the deal with the previous Luna?” she asked, pen stilling. “She’s showing up because she found out you’re pregnant, right?”I gave her a half-smile. “Pretty much, yeah.”She raised a brow. “Sounds like a mother-by-bond festival is coming.”I snorted. “I doubt it’ll be that dramatic, but I have my weekly checkup with Rose today. She can come to that. I think she’d like it.” I added with a little more hope than I meant to show, “Hopefully, Rose has good news.”Elizabeth nodded knowingly. “And she’ll definitely dunk you in a moonwater bath.”“Moonwater baths…” I echoed, sighing. “I’ve already started forgetting half the pregnancy rituals I was so excited about.”“I can jot it all down for you,” she offered with a teasing smile. “As your Luna Advisor, tending to your Alpha-blooded pregnancy falls under my job description. Any ritual or bath or charm you want—we’ll do it
ELDER'S BLOOD The Message and the Mark
Elena's point of view Just as Ben was wrapping up dinner, a knock echoed from the front door. I went to answer it and found a familiar face—the female courier who often brought messages to the pack house. She offered me a sealed letter addressed to Vanda and then turned away, heading off with the rest of her delivery pouch slung across her chest.I closed the door behind me and turned the letter over in my hands. The wax seal was pressed with a stylized ‘S’—most likely for Silva. That could only mean one thing: a response to the letters we sent.I broke the seal, unfolded the paper, and immediately recognized the tidy, graceful handwriting. It was from Corinne. She wrote to say she’d be traveling tomorrow and would arrive by evening.Returning to the kitchen, I found Ben pulling out three plates—one for each of us, including Serena, who was due any minute after her training session."Who was at the door?" he asked casually."It was a message from Corinne. She’s coming tomorrow," I re
ELDER'S BLOOD Moon Bond Regret
Elena's point of view.Elizabeth sits across from me in the kitchen, chatting away about her list of potential housekeepers. It’s still pretty early—she arrived only about ten minutes ago. Outside, the sun is just beginning to rise, casting soft light over the pack grounds, where members are slowly emerging from their homes to start their duties, whatever those may be.I was already awake when Elizabeth let herself in. I had come downstairs because it felt like the right thing to do, a nod to routine and common sense.Last night was anything but restful.“You weren’t supposed to worry about finding someone to replace you,” I tell her, cutting into her updates. “You should’ve been spending time with Kevin.”That sounded like something I’d say if I weren’t feeling so disoriented. My thoughts are scattered. I can’t keep my mind from drifting back to Vanda—who never came home—and the fresh bite marks on the side of my neck. An old tradition. A mark.So many questions haunt me. Where did y
ELDER'S BLOOD Marked under the Full Moon.
Elena's point of view We kiss for a long while until Vanda pulls away. I sense his inner struggle. His hands grip my hips tightly as he takes control, moving my body to his liking. I brace myself against the tub’s edge for balance. The shift in pace is sudden and intense, yet my body quickly adjusts. The only discomfort I feel is the pressure on my chest, so I use my arm to hold my sore breasts and keep them from bouncing.My jaw tightens, my eyes squeeze shut, and my moans turn into desperate whimpers. I try to focus, to grasp onto the kind of pleasure that could push me over the edge, but everything is happening too fast. The only thing I can process is Vanda’s urgent desire. He moves me faster, pushing deeper, until he suddenly stops, holding me firmly in place. He reaches his peak, and I realize how exhausted I feel despite him taking the lead. My heart pounds, my thighs ache. Finally, he releases my hips, and I slide off him.I collapse against Vanda, still facing him, resting m
ELDER'S BLOOD Keeping up with the bond.
Elena's point of view.I insist to Serena and Elizabeth that I’m perfectly capable of helping with the cleanup. After reassuring them that I won’t be sick all over the place, they finally relent and allow me to do as I please. I store the leftovers in the fridge while Ben takes charge at the sink, meticulously ensuring the dishes are cleaned to his satisfaction. Eventually, Elizabeth gives up trying to help him and instead assists Serena with moving furniture.Once the house is back in order, I announce, "Go home, all of you. No cooking dinner tonight, no working on Nursery plans or bereavement gifts. Just take the evening off. Thank you for everything, now enjoy yourselves."Ben smirks knowingly. "I think I know why. Quick, girls, before the Alpha gets back."Serena scowls. "Stop it. Gross. She’s my sister.""Not mine.""Yes, she is—by bond."Ben stills. "Right. Then ew, gross, Elena. I don’t even want to think about—"Serena promptly leads him toward the back door before he can fini
ELDER'S BLOOD Between Fear and Faith.
Elena's point of view.With my back pressed against the cool bathroom wall, I wait for the nausea to pass. The bitter, metallic stench still lingers in my mind, so raw and fleshy — like rust and death. I shudder at the memory.Whose blood was on Vanda’s face? He’s been on edge during training, but it must’ve been a rogue’s. It has to be.I push myself off the floor and flush the toilet. There wasn’t much to throw up — my nerves over the luncheon had killed my appetite, leaving me with nothing but a few bites of fruit and cheese this morning. Still, the way my body convulsed felt like I’d emptied myself entirely.I rinse my mouth until the sour taste fades, then scrub my hands clean.“How are you feeling?” Elizabeth’s voice comes softly from the other side of the door. She must have stayed close. I open it to find her stepping back.“I think it’s passed.”Ben appears from the kitchen, offering me a small chocolate truffle. “For your breath,” he says with a smirk.I take it gratefully,
ELDER'S BLOOD A Gathering of Strength
"Hello again," I begin with a warm smile. "I'm sure many of you have heard me say this already — some even more than once, like Taylor and Tamra, probably three times by now." A soft chuckle ripples through the room. "But truly, thank you all for coming. Meeting you and your families — by bond and blood — has been an honor. I'm not originally from Draven, but being here with you all, I’ve never felt more at home."The women's faces soften, nodding in quiet agreement."I love getting to know you, hearing about your lives and families, and making myself more familiar to you. It’s become a bit of a joke now that I promise everyone I’m fully recovered from my little trespassing arrest." The room laughs more freely this time. "But there are a few things I’d like to talk about."I glance at Elizabeth, who moves through the crowd with quiet grace, handing out glasses of champagne like a shadow."I’ve mentioned before how I’ve grown especially interested in the families of Draven — particular
ELDER'S BLOOD Meeting with the leaders.
I stand in the middle of the large living room, hands on my hips, surveying the space. The luncheon needs to be perfect."There are two upholstered chairs in the other living room — I want them brought in here. Move the couches back to give people more room to walk around. And bring the side table too — we need enough space for plates and drinks," I instruct a guard who’s been pulled from his usual duties outside."Yes, Luna, I’ll move everything now," he replies without hesitation.Turning back to the room, I notice the grand, arched window’s curtains aren’t fully drawn back. I fix that, letting as much daylight as possible flood the space. Though it’s a cold, gray afternoon, the room needs to feel warm and welcoming."Elena!" Elizabeth’s voice calls from the kitchen.I make my way down the hall to find her, Ben, and Serena arranging platters of trimmed sandwiches, cubed fruits, sliced vegetables, cheeses, crackers, and other finger foods."We’re just about done," Ben says, sounding
ELDER'S BLOOD A Battle Between Hearts and Duty
I’m the first to reach the bedroom after Charles, Emma, and the kids leave. I came to change and take down my hair, but I end up frozen at the dresser, gripping the knobs of my pajama drawer. Emma’s words replay in my mind like a simple melody: Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it, Vanda likes it.It’s not a surprise — it’s a reminder.“Well, Emma seemed excited about the luncheon and the nursery,” Vanda says as he steps into the room.I jolt, snapping out of my daze.“Yeah. It should go well tomorrow. Elizabeth, Ben, and I spent the whole day planning it,” I reply, finally tugging the drawer open and pulling out a white nightgown.“Elizabeth’s also sorting through candidates for the housekeeper position,” Vanda continues. “She said she’s fine staying on until we hire someone, but hopefully, it won’t take more than a week.”He moves behind me, and I startle again when I turn to find him so close.“Should you bother with that?” he murmurs, running his fingers over the soft fabric of the nigh
