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Heat and Reflection
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2024-12-06 00:06:45Related chapters
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 Simple Make Out.
Elena's point of view.Vanda gently unclenches my fist, his expression caught between amusement and surprise."What is it?" he asks, a playful curve to his lips."I... want more," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.His brows lift in surprise. Placing his hands on the desk on either side of me, he leans closer, his presence making me instinctively press my knees together. "Is that so?" His hazel eyes scan mine, searching for any trace of hesitation."What would you do if I was in heat?" I mumble, unable to meet his gaze.His smirk fades, replaced by a more serious look as he straightens. "Elena...""I'm serious," I insist, stepping down from the desk. "You mentioned there are...""There are what?" he prompts, his tone both curious and challenging.Heat rises to my cheeks as I glance away. "You said there are things besides traditional mating. I know about them, but I don’t know what you meant. I want to understand.""Alpha!" a voice calls from the front of the house, cutting thr
ELDER'S BLOOD The Weight of Tomorrow.
Elena's point of view.The clatter of pots and pans greeted me as I entered the kitchen that morning. Ben stood at the stove, wearing borrowed pajamas and cooking breakfast.He glanced over his shoulder at me. "Morning. The Alpha's already eaten. He's in the study with Charles and Alex. I figured I'd make something since I wasn’t sure when you’d wake up. There’s plenty if you’re hungry." He paused, flipping something in the pan. "After this, I’ll stop by home to change before heading to the gardens. I’ll be back by lunchtime.""Is Elizabeth here?" I asked, rubbing my chilled arms."She came in for a bit but left to get soap for the laundry. Hungry?""Yeah," I admitted. "I’ll be back in a minute. I want to check on Vanda. I think the attacks are weighing on him.""No rush," Ben replied with a kind smile.Leaving the kitchen, I headed down the hall, past the stairs, and into the left living room toward the study. Vanda’s, Charles’s, and Alex’s voices carried through the open door."The
ELDER'S BLOOD The Weight of a Leader
Elena's point of view.At one in the morning, I hear Vanda return to the house. Unable to sleep for hours, I leave the bed and rush downstairs in my nightgown. Ben is staying in one of the guest rooms—we thought it too dangerous for him to head home alone with a potential attack looming—so I lent him some of Vanda's clothes and a bed. The dim light under the guest room door tells me he’s asleep.As I hurry down the stairs, Vanda’s footsteps echo from the hallway before stopping abruptly. Leaning over the railing, I spot him glancing back at me.“Was it an attack?” I ask quickly.He gestures for me to come down, so I take the steps two at a time. Once I reach him, he confirms, “Kane attacked. He didn’t get too close to the border, but we didn’t have much time to intercept him. The first wolves to face his forces were slaughtered, but they bought us the time we needed.”“How bad?” I whisper.“Sixteen dead so far, though we may find more.”I press a hand to my mouth. “Goddess. How did it
ELDER'S BLOOD Stay Safe.
Elena's point of view.I shower before dinner, dressing quickly with the bedroom doors shut—Vanda is in the study. As I pull on my pants and tug a clean shirt over my head, I reflect on the day. Vanda takes his leadership seriously, as expected, but seeing him in action gave me a clearer understanding of what he deals with. I hope there will be opportunities for me to join again, especially in discussions like the one about the war earlier.Once I’m done, I head downstairs. Ben is likely in the kitchen, so I plan to help with dinner.From the top of the stairs, I hear the front door burst open. I descend a few steps and see Alex in the foyer, half-dressed in only shorts.“Vanda!” Alex yells, rushing into the living room near the study.I hurry down the rest of the stairs, and as quickly as Alex vanishes to fetch Vanda, he returns with my mate, both moving with urgency.“What’s going on?” I ask, stepping closer to touch Vanda’s arm.He turns to me as Alex bolts back outside, leaving th
ELDER'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
ELDER'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
ELDER'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
ELDER'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
ELDER'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
