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Family Reunion
Last Updated:
2025-01-15 21:03:49
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ELDER'S BLOOD Second Changes
Elena's point of view.At exactly ten o'clock, I leave Elizabeth at the packhouse and retrace the path we took yesterday to my mom and Serena's guest house. The weather, still on its downward spiral, is cooler and darker now that summer is officially behind us. Heavy clouds drift lazily overhead, and even in their breaks, no sunlight shines through. The horizon holds no promise of brighter skies; if anything, it looks like rain will come before the hour is out.The sky isn’t the only gray thing about this morning. I woke up frustrated in my empty bed, the same recurring dream pulling me out of sleep. Unsurprisingly, Vanda never came home, and his scent is fading from our room again.But my frustration with that dream pales in comparison to the growing distance between me and my mate. It’s a rift I’ve feared for some time now, ever since our last quiet spell. I know my reaction to Vanda's decisions about the war is fueling this divide, but I can't just shift my perspective on violence
Last Updated : 2025-01-16ELDER'S BLOOD Mourning and Mating.
Elena's point of view."You're his mate?"Ben nods, void of his usual cheerful aura.I unconsciously step back and place my hands on my hips. "I'm supposed to say things to you, but I—I didn't think it'd be you. I'm supposed to be talking to some random person.""Is she inside? What is she doing?" Ben asks, understandably unconcerned with my dilemma. He looks past me and through the open front door."I'm trying to calm Serena down. I told her I would wait out here for her mate so I could tell them..." I gather myself, forcing my enclosing thoughts away. "Ben, she just lost her mate Mark two days ago. Being mated again so suddenly is really freaking her out—she doesn't know what to do.""Her mate died?" Ben pulls back, this time having heard me. "I—I forgot you said she's mated—was mated—and I didn't... These circumstances...""It's a delicate situation.""He... two days ago?"I nod. "She needs time."Ben laughs somewhat nervously. "What is the Goddess thinking anymore? She can't be. W
Last Updated : 2025-01-17ELDER'S BLOOD Mate Bond Conflict.
Elena's point of view.I knew we needed to have this conversation, but the tension between us made it hard to start. Thankfully, Vanda broke the silence."I wanted to talk last night, but something came up at Kane's," he began. "You saw my note?"I nodded."I didn't have much of a choice. I'm sorry.""It's fine. Now works. Can we go upstairs?" I asked, glancing around the foyer and hallway. "There are things I need to talk about too.""The situation with Alpha Walter and the attack?" he guessed."That, and more."Vanda hesitated but agreed, and we headed upstairs. My steps were faster than usual—I was eager to hear him out but anxious about what I had to say. The uneasy thought of rejection, which had been lurking since my talk with Elizabeth yesterday, weighed heavily on me.When we reached the bedroom, Vanda spoke first. "I know you're upset with me.""I'm conflicted," I admitted, determined to sound steady despite what was coming. "But I’m your mate.""You are," he said."And becau
Last Updated : 2025-01-18ELDER'S BLOOD Fingers and Tongue.
Elena's point of view.I stop dead. "Huh?"I look in the mirror as though 'entering heat' is written on my forehead, but other than the warmth about me, it isn’t obvious. After going into heat not even a week ago, the last thing I expected was for heat to rear its head so soon."My scent is changing?" I ask."Yes," Vanda says, remaining calm.I hold the counter and stare into the sink. A faint tingling sensation rolls around my lower abdomen, destined to grow. "I've been delaying it too much," I say. "I think that's why it's coming sooner and sooner.""You know what I'm going to say.""Mmhm," I hum, still paying great attention to my body. The tingling morphs into a heavier feeling."Is it bothering you already?" he asks.I draw my hips backward, still holding onto the counter. "It doesn’t hurt, but if the last time I went into heat is any indication..." My thought withers as the heaviness pinpoints into a cramp. I grit my teeth, irked.I want to play it off like heat doesn’t affect m
Last Updated : 2025-01-19ELDER'S BLOOD Breaking Ties
Elena's point of view.I sit on the living room couch in Charles and Emma's house, surrounded by toys and baby gear scattered across every surface. The couch feels uneven behind me, and after shifting repeatedly, I reach back to find the source—a baby doll with its head twisted awkwardly. Its eyes, designed to close when lying flat, have one stubbornly stuck open. Gently, I fix the eyelid and straighten its head before placing it beside me."I wish the girls were here to meet you," Emma says, stepping into the room from a hallway. She’s cradling a bundle of blue fabric, and when she sits beside me, I see a tiny boy’s face nestled within it. "My mom took them to some luncheon so I could focus on him, but she loves showing the girls off and spoiling them. She's always been a big help."Leaning closer, I gaze at baby Silas. "He’s so little,” I murmur. “You must be over the moon—he’s perfect.”"Here, hold him," Emma says, handing Silas to me without hesitation. I quickly adjust my posture
Last Updated : 2025-01-20ELDER'S BLOOD Letting Go.
Elena's point of view.Mom heads south towards the closest border. A man looks out of one of the houses along the path, and I gesture to him."Are you a guard?" I ask.The man steps onto his own porch attached to a substantial house. "I'm fourth rank under the Alpha, Luna.""Good. Follow her and let her past the border." I point after my mom. "You have my permission."The young man nods once and proceeds off of his property towards my mother, who's struggling to carry her bag. I whip around and see Serena standing on the guest house porch, watching. My heavy breaths start to slow. I swallow and go to her.The Moon Goddess pendant around her neck hits the sunlight. I wave for her to come down the steps. "Come on. There's something we have to do.""Elena... Are you okay?" she asks as she joins me."I should have never let her stay here. I'm sorry.""It's not your fault.""It is," I disagree. "I'm the Luna. I should have never allowed her to stay with you. She should have never made you
Last Updated : 2025-01-22ELDER'S BLOOD A Tangle of Heart and Heat.
Elena's point of view.As Vanda heads toward the staircase, he notices me and changes course, coming around the railing instead. Like every other day he returns from Kane, he looks utterly exhausted—it can’t be easy making that trip so frequently—but somehow, he still manages to flash a grin that instantly lightens my mood."I just thought I’d welcome you home," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper.Vanda tilts my chin upward, his lips brushing mine in a kiss that sends a pleasant jolt through me. I wish it would last longer, but he pulls back, leaving me to slowly open my eyes.Taking a sharp breath, I grab his hand, suddenly unwilling to let him walk away just yet."Is everything alright?" he asks, his hand warm in mine as he lets me hold onto him.I glance down at his much larger hand, my fingers absentmindedly tracing along his. "Can I come with you to Kane tomorrow? You’re going back, right?""I am," he confirms, tilting his head slightly. "Why do you want to come?""I w
Last Updated : 2025-01-23ELDER'S BLOOD The path to Kane's territory
Elena's point of view.Vanda jerk his head back, stunned. "What?""You've touched me twice now," I accuse, my voice trembling. "Yet, you keep your distance—you won’t even undress. You said it’s difficult to control certain things without mating, but I can’t believe there isn’t something I can—""This is about you wanting to touch me?" Vanda interrupts, his tone sharp.Crossing my arms, I feign confidence while embarrassment heats my skin."Come here, then," he challenges, motioning for me. "Go ahead."Vanda slides his chair back, and my fingertips go cold. My eyes widen, my mouth opens to protest, but no words come out—just a rush of air that nearly chokes me.I realize, despite how Vanda is in bed, I have no idea how to please him.He lifts his shirt, revealing his toned, tattooed body, crisscrossed with scars, each telling its own story. My breath catches. I thought we’d talk about this, ease into it like he always insists. But this—this isn’t what I expected.Standing, his height i
Last Updated : 2025-01-24
Latest chapter
ELDER'S BLOOD A Family within a Family
Elena's point of view.The next morning, I receive a message from Alexa about our plans for the day. Vanda informs me that he’ll be spending time with Alpha Gold until it’s time to go to the beach, so Serena and I head to the pack house for an early lunch with Alexa, Corinne, and the former Luna, Olivia Gold, on a stone patio in the garden.The patio is shaded by tall trees and decorated with beautifully arranged flower beds. When we arrive, the pack house workers are already setting out platters of finger sandwiches, cookies, and neatly cut fruit for us.Alpha Gold’s mother carries the same elegance as Corinne but is more reserved and introverted. She greets us politely, introducing herself as Olivia Gold. When Alexa joins us after overseeing the food preparations, Olivia quickly asks how she’s feeling in the early stages of her pregnancy.Corinne then turns to Serena. “Are you mated, dear?”I watch my sister, wondering how she will respond.“I was twice.”“Twice?” Corinne echoes, cl
ELDER'S BLOOD Mating with my Mate.
Elena's point of view.I press a hand to my chest, nervous that I might do something wrong.Vanda unbuttons his pants, pushing them down, making his arousal even more evident. My heartbeat quickens as anticipation fills me. Lying back against the bed, I raise my hips to remove my underwear, but Vanda takes over, sliding the delicate fabric over my knees, down my legs, and off my feet."You're quite eager," he murmurs, pulling me toward the edge of the mattress. He parts my legs and presses against me, the last barrier between us being his underwear.As the realization of the moment washes over me, a strange calmness settles within me."I keep having this dream—a recurring one—where we're like this, but you're about to..." I hesitate, searching for the right words. Elizabeth had used a more clinical term, but it felt too formal. "You're about to be inside me," I decide.Vanda hovers above me, bracing himself on either side. "And then what happens?""Then I wake up," I admit softly, my
ELDER'S BLOOD Whispers to Devotion
Elena's point of view.Alpha Gold grins, likely already aware of his mate’s condition, but Corinne gasps in surprise. "You’re pregnant?" she asks, the shock still evident on her face. "For how long?""The wise woman believes I’m about three weeks along, so I must have already been pregnant when I visited Vanda and Elena without realizing it. She mentioned that my scent hasn’t changed as much as expected, but there’s nothing to worry about."I glance at Alexa’s empty spot where a wine glass should be, recalling how much she drank while visiting us. Then, I focus on my own drink. Maybe when Vanda and I start trying for a child, I should avoid alcohol altogether."Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. I thought you refused to taste my special bottle out of spite, but no, my dear little Alexandra is expecting a child," Corinne exclaims, her voice rising with excitement."Bryan and I are thrilled, and his mother is, too," Alexa says, squeezing her mate’s hand affectionately."The previous Luna
ELDER'S BLOOD Tangled Dinner Table.
Elena's point of view."I know what I'm talking about. You won't get anywhere if you're not respectful towards your mate." Vanda's mother says."I'm... respectful," Vanda replies."Are you? And does your mate feel respected? I know how you can be, Vanda. You can't just go silent on her—she's going to need constant communication and reassurance. All this war business must be taking a toll on her, you know. You may be the one fighting out there, but it's not easy being home, worrying—believe me. She needs to feel safe."I press myself against the hallway wall, trying to be as still as possible. I can feel every small movement—the twitch of a finger, the ache in my back, my heels hovering just slightly off the floor."She is safe," Vanda says."No, I know she may be safe, but does she feel safe?"I swallow hard. The rational part of me says I should leave, give Vanda and his mother their privacy. But I can’t tear myself away."I have everything under control. Nothing is going to happen t
ELDER'S BLOOD Meeting Vanda's Family.
Elena's point of view.As we walk inside, I turn to Vanda. “Do you get along with him?”Vanda lifts our bags effortlessly. “As much as you can expect me to.” He leads me toward the back of the house where the bedrooms are. “My mother, Corinne, will be at the pack house tonight for dinner.”“Well, I should clean up. We only have a few hours before dinner, and it’s going to take me longer with one hand.”“I’m more than willing to help,” Vanda says, setting our bags on the floor of the master bedroom.“You know how to style women’s hair?” I tease.“I think I’d be more useful with the showering and dressing part.”I stifle a laugh and dig through my bag. “I think you’d be more of an obstacle.”Vanda steps closer, sliding a hand around my waist, his fingers lightly grazing the top of my backside. “I think you’re right. I’ll lie down then.”I raise a brow. “Lie down? I never thought I’d see you nap.”“It only happens on rare occasions.” His hand drifts away as he sits on the large bed. “I d
ELDER'S BLOOD Journey to Gold's Territory.
Elena's point of view.As I have only seconds to suppress the surge of anger that rises at the thought of replacing Vanda, I force a pleasant expression onto my face—something surprised yet joyful."Kevin? Really?" I ask, feigning breathlessness.Kevin—a brown-skinned man with buzzed hair and a few visible tattoos—flashes a broad smile. "Finally, I can put a face to the name. Elizabeth talks about you all the time, Luna.""Oh, please, it’s Elena. I can’t imagine Elizabeth’s mate calling me anything else—she’s incredible, I don’t know what I’d do without her; she’s brilliant.""Is she? Even after the wolfsbane incident?" Kevin chuckles nervously. "I was pretty horrified when she told me what happened, and I think she scared herself straight—no more experimenting with strange potions from old books.""Well, we’ll see," I tease. "I’m always willing to entertain her ideas.""I’m just glad you two get along so well. She says you’re like a younger sister to her.""Speaking of sisters," I sa
ELDER'S BLOOD Shadows of the past.
As Vanda's lips curve into a smile, he shakes his head, unfolds his arms, and heads into the closet."It's not funny, Vanda. My heat. What about my heat?""I'll take care of it," he calls from within the closet.I push off the covers that somehow ended up over me. "I don’t want to go into heat in front of your family. Goddess above," I mutter."If it happens, it happens. It’s only natural—every mated woman goes into heat—and they know you can’t control it."I cover my face with my hands and collapse onto my side.His footsteps approach as he exits the closet. "Elena.""It’s embarrassing," I murmur into my palms, not even caring about the pain at this point. "You don’t understand."The bed shifts as he sits beside me. "I’m sorry, but I’m not going to wake you from a dead sleep to mate with you for the first time.""I shouldn’t have fallen asleep," I say, uncovering my face. "It’s my fault.""It’s no one’s fault, and if you go into heat while we’re there, I’ll do whatever I can to make
ELDER'S BLOOD Moon bond Desires
Elena's point of view.I can’t help but wonder if Serena’s struggle is at least partially due to the distance between her and Ben, not just because of Mark’s death. I know how the bond can be when mates avoid one another; it would make sense if Serena is having a harder time healing when she’s suffering from two wounds and only attempting to treat one.When Ben finishes for the night, I walk him to the front door, give him a hurried yet tight hug, and shut the door behind him. Charles arrived sometime during our clean-up—I can hear his and Vanda’s voices like a soft hum through the walls.I yawn against the back of my hand and trek upstairs to change clothes.I think Vanda’s plan to visit the Kane pack is a great idea—especially since a war with Alpha Walter means sticking to Alpha VuK’s land—but I wonder if she’s forgotten about my heat issue. If my tracking is accurate, it’s due to happen as soon as tomorrow, and the thought of going into heat in front of her family is extremely mor
ELDER'S BLOOD Unspoken Understanding.
Elena's point of view.Dinner is served an hour later than usual, but Vanda doesn’t seem to notice. He’s occupied in the study with Charles and Alex, and after they leave, he heads upstairs.He joins me at the table just as Ben brings out our meals. A round steak is placed in front of me, and I instinctively grab my knife—only to pause and stare at my fork. My stomach rumbles, but I can’t use my left hand.Ben immediately realizes the issue. “Goddess, I’m sorry, Elena. That was careless of me. Let me cut that for you.”Before he can, Vanda reaches for my plate. “I got it.”Ben bashfully leaves the dining room as Vanda sets my plate in front of him, momentarily pushing his own dinner aside to cut my steak into bite-sized pieces.“We’re going somewhere tomorrow,” he tells me, though I had already overheard part of the discussion while he was with Charles and Alex.“Where?” I ask, feeling slightly better.“We’re visiting Alpha Gold for two nights. If we don’t go now, we won’t have anothe
