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Heat and Reflection
Last Updated:
2024-12-06 00:06:45
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ELDER'S BLOOD Runaway Sister.
Elena's point of view."Mom? Can I come in?" I ask softly.She gives me a scrutinizing look, her eyes traveling from head to toe, before stepping aside to let me pass. As soon as I’m inside, the door slams shut behind me with a thud that sends a chill down my spine."Where have you been?" she demands, her voice sharp. "I was this close," she holds her thumb and pointer finger almost together, "to sending the guards to search the entire pack and beyond for you.""I left," I admit, steadying my voice. "I went onto unclaimed land and—""And what? Went rogue?" Mom interrupts, her frustration boiling over. "Goddess, Elena, I cannot believe your behavior right now! Is this all because your sister was mated to the Beta and not you? How could you leave Serena right when she needed you most? You know how nervous she was!""No, that's not it," I reply firmly. "And I didn’t go rogue. I ended up crossing onto VuK territory... and I found my mate there.""You found your mate?""Yes," I confirm.Mo
Last Updated : 2024-12-06ELDER'S BLOOD Beginning of Chaos
Elena's point of view.In the Beta’s house, I sit on a spare bed in complete darkness, staring at the wall. I’ve been frozen like this for over an hour when Serena enters, switching on the lamp by the door. She pulls the curtains closed over the windows flanking the bed before stepping closer to me.“Don’t you want to change into something more comfortable to sleep in?” she asks gently.I remain still, my eyes fixed on the wall.“I’m sorry this is happening. You don’t deserve any of it,” she says softly, placing a tentative hand on my knee.“Then talk to your mate and stop it,” I say, my voice cold and unwavering.“Please try to understand where we’re coming from,” she replies, her tone pleading.I close my eyes. “He isn’t going to hurt me.”“After everything I’ve heard, I don’t believe that,” she retorts, dismissing my words.“You haven’t even met him,” I snap.Serena steps back toward the door, resting her hand on the handle. “I’m here when you’re ready,” she says quietly before lea
Last Updated : 2024-12-09ELDER'S BLOOD A Letter of Loyalty.
Elena's point of view.I follow Vanda into the kitchen after he nods and walks away, determined to address his frustration. "If you're angry with me for telling my sister, fine—I get it. But you can’t hold me accountable for Kane’s Beta.”“You told me you left to search for your mate, not because you lost the man you hoped to be mated to,” he says, flipping on a dim light in the kitchen.“I was looking for my mate when I left,” I insist. “I knew Mark wasn’t the one, so I left. I wasn’t lying when I said there was no possibility of matehood for me in Kane’s pack.”At the counter, Vanda pauses. “You didn’t leave because you were hurt?”I linger in the doorway, wrapping my arms around myself. “I was upset because I disappointed my parents. Not over Mark. How could I be?”Vanda leans on the counter, his body stiff with an emotion I didn’t think he was capable of—overwhelm. The pull of our mate bond urges me to move closer, to comfort him, but I resist.“It’s alright, Elena,” he says after
Last Updated : 2024-12-13ELDER'S BLOOD A Test of Love.
Elena's point of view.I come downstairs to a quiet house—no leadership meetings to overhear like yesterday. Vanda was gone most of the day, and we didn’t speak before I went to bed.As usual, Elizabeth is the first person I see. She’s sitting at the small table in the kitchen, reading. When she notices me, she shuts her book.“Hungry?” she asks.“Something small would be nice,” I reply.“Toast?”“Yes, thank you.” I take the seat across from hers, which is slightly pulled out.“Any requests for dinner?” Elizabeth asks as she gets up and rounds the counter. “Ben's wondering. The pantry’s looking a little sparse, so he’s planning to visit the Gardens.”“Ask the Alpha—whatever he wants is fine.”Elizabeth smirks. “Funny. I asked him earlier, and he said the same thing about you.”“He did?”“Oh, before he left, he gave me a note to pass on to you. It’s on the counter.” She points to the nearby countertop where the bread box sits. I stand, grab the paper, and sit back down. Vanda’s note is
Last Updated : 2024-12-13ELDER'S BLOOD Navigating their Mate Bond.
Elena's point of view.Around three o’clock, Emma leaves when Charles arrives to walk her home. He mentions that Vanda will finish his Alpha duties a little earlier than usual today. While waiting, I sit in the kitchen as Ben processes the produce she gathered from the gardens.At first, she makes small talk, but eventually, she grows quiet, leaving me with my thoughts. Ever since my conversations with her, Elizabeth, and Emma, I’ve had so much to reflect on regarding my matehood.I stare out the window, mulling over my options. At the start of this week, I told myself I needed to decide whether to stay with Vanda or return home. But now, I know I can’t leave him. If I go back, Alpha VuK and my parents will confine me and try to erase Vanda from my mind. Even without that threat, the thought of leaving Vanda makes my stomach churn and my chest ache.I cross my arms on the table and rest my head against them.“Something on your mind?” Ben asks.I wave her off weakly. “Too much.”“Good
Last Updated : 2024-12-14ELDER'S BLOOD Family Tension.
Elena's point of view.The tension between Vanda and me is palpable as he prods, “What’s wrong?”I narrow my eyes, accusing, “You know exactly what you’re doing. You’re trying to embarrass me.”He steps in front of me, blocking my escape. “Embarrass you? Elena, the thought of you with your hands…” He trails off, his voice teasing and deliberate.“I don’t want to talk about this,” I interrupt, my voice firm. “Please.”Vanda’s lips twitch, amusement barely contained. “Yet you still want to sleep in my bed?”“Not if my innocence makes it a problem,” I counter, standing my ground.He returns to his plate, scraping up the last remnants of his meal. “Don’t misunderstand me. I want you exactly as you are. And I don’t want anyone else near you.” His words are casual, but the bite he takes afterward is anything but.The bond we share flares to life, spreading warmth through me, and I clutch my glass of water tightly. “Then stop teasing me. I’ve been told… that intimate things are only for mate
Last Updated : 2024-12-16ELDER'S BLOOD Lovely Bonding
Elena's point of view.The master bedroom feels cozy and serene once I turn on the lamps and close the shutters. I get through my nightly routine before Vanda comes upstairs, ensuring I don’t disrupt him.Back home, I shared a bathroom with Serena. We were so in sync that we rarely clashed—she had her side of the sink, and I had mine. Here, the master bathroom offers far more space. With two sinks, a mirror wide enough for both of us, and a bathtub large enough to swim in, it feels like the room itself is encouraging Vanda and me to share the space, as if it knows it belongs to an Alpha and Luna.I glance at my reflection, squinting as I try to imagine myself as Luna.The bedroom door closes softly. I step toward the bathroom doorway and spot Vanda.“Hi,” I greet him.He glances at me. “Did you bring your things in here?”“You wanted me to do that tonight?”“Why not?”I hesitate, moving toward the bed. “I just wanted to be sure it’s what you really want.”“My mind isn’t going to chang
Last Updated : 2024-12-16ELDER'S BLOOD Muddy Training.
Elena's point of view."Elena?" Charles's voice calls out.I weave through the trees, stepping into the clearing in my wolf form. Unassuming as ever, I watch the training field, where Vanda and Charles have made plenty of space for us. The other pack members linger at a distance, though I hope it’s not just because of me.Vanda’s wolf paces while Charles returns to him, both of them noticing me instantly. Vanda’s gaze sweeps over my wolf, and I suddenly feel small—insignificant even.“Perfect timing.” Charles motions for me to come closer with a sweeping gesture. “Just head over here.”I take a few cautious steps, only to splash into a puddle, leaving my light-colored paw coated in thick brown mud. My head dips in embarrassment, and I drag my paw along as if I’ve stepped on something sharp.“All right,” Charles begins as I reach Vanda. “We’re skipping the basics today. Instead, we’re diving into scenarios—real ones you might face if someone from Kane’s pack tried to abduct you. You pr
Last Updated : 2024-12-18
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
