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Muddy Training.
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-18 00:16:26
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ELDER'S BLOOD A Visit from his Sister.
Elena's point of view.I stand in the closet, staring at my collection of new clothes, trying to decide what to wear for dinner with Alexa. Vanda said she’d be here by late afternoon, and now it’s past five. It’s probably time to get ready.Elizabeth and Ben are in the kitchen working on dinner together. Elizabeth had already finished preparing a guest room for Alexa and offered to help cook so I wouldn’t have to. Since Alexa isn’t here yet, I’d offered to assist, but Ben insisted they had it all under control.I pull out a knee-length dress, but just as quickly, I hang it back up. A dress feels too formal—Alexa is technically family. Instead, I choose a black long-sleeve top I really like and pair it with wide-leg pants. After I change and fix my hair, I head downstairs to check on Ben and Elizabeth in the kitchen.“I thought you were getting ready,” Ben says as soon as I walk in.“I did. I’ve run out of things to do now,” I reply, leaning against the counter while Elizabeth cleans v
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-19ELDER'S BLOOD Whispers of Love
Elena's point of view.Vanda’s sister, Alexa, appears at the bottom of the staircase, her footsteps light as she steps into the dining room. She smiles brightly. “There you both are. What’s for dinner?”“Steak, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables,” I reply, recalling the meal Elizabeth had been preparing earlier. “It all looked amazing.”Alexa approaches the table and pulls out the chair directly across from mine. “Let’s sit.”“Oh, sure.” I follow her lead, but Vanda is slower to join us. He takes his time settling into his usual spot at the head of the table.Elizabeth returns with a wine bottle, pouring into our empty glasses before Vanda asks, “Bring me the scotch when you get a chance.”Alexa glances at me over the rim of her wineglass. “I hope you manage to soften him up,” she says with a teasing tone. “Our mother always said a strong Luna brings balance to her mate, and Vanda’s always been a little too distant.”I glance at him, but his focus remains fixed on some invisible
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-19ELDER'S BLOOD War is coming.
Elena's point of view.As expected, Vanda is gone before I even wake up. I linger in bed a little longer than usual since today will be a busy one spent entertaining Alexa. Knowing I won’t have much personal time later, I savor these quiet moments. Once I’m ready for the day, I head downstairs to look for Alexa and find her seated at the dining table, sipping coffee and reading from a small, worn book with a white cover. Her conversation with Ben plays on repeat in my head, but I enter the room as if I never heard it. She looks up and closes the book as I approach.“I thought I heard you coming,” she says with a small, tight smile, drawing her coffee mug closer. “Ignore my pajamas.”“What are you reading?” I ask.“Oh, just some book about conception that my mate’s mother gave me,” she replies, taking a sip of coffee. “It’s a bit outdated and very spiritual, but I like the little illustrations.”I joke, “I’m sure my mother has the same one.”She eyes me with amusement. “Look at you, al
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-21ELDER'S BLOOD The Luna Ceremony
Elena's point of view.The news of an impending war between the packs seemed to be known by everyone but me."Is everything alright?" Alexa's voice rang out, pulling me from my thoughts.I forced a bright tone as I glanced back at her. "Yeah, everything's fine."“Elena—” Vanda started, but I cut him off quickly. “We’ll talk later, I guess. Alexa and I are heading around the pack for a while.”He remained where he was, watching as I walked away to rejoin Alexa.“So, how long are you staying?” Charles asked her.“Just until tomorrow,” Alexa replied with a small smile. “It’s a short trip, but Vanda tells me he and Elena are planning to visit Gold soon.”I joined in their conversation. “I’m ready when you are.”“Oh, that was fast,” Alexa commented with a mix of sadness and contentment. Turning back to Charles, she added, “It was so good to see you. Please give Emma my best wishes with the new baby.”“Good luck with Alpha Gold,” Charles said with a chuckle.Alexa sighed dramatically. “Yeah
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22ELDER'S BLOOD The Crown
Elena's point of view.As Elizabeth disappears with the man, stepping outside where the glowing moon starts to dominate the blackened sky, I remain inside, looking at the array of jewelry before me."This is all for me to wear?" I ask, my voice tentative as I glance at the gleaming adornments.Vanda approaches, carrying the jewelry carefully. With one hand, he begins separating the pieces and hands me a heavy moonstone necklace, its multiple pendants dangling in a delicate row. I secure it around my neck, feeling its cool weight against my skin.Next, he gives me two bracelets, one for each wrist. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice low but sincere.A blush rises to my cheeks, and I try to suppress it. "I thought you might have changed your mind or gotten too busy for the ceremony. You still want to do this, don’t you?"“I do,” he replies with quiet conviction, holding up the final piece—a headpiece adorned with fine, shimmering chains and moonstone droplets. Its intricate met
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24ELDER'S BLOOD What went wrong.
Elena's point of view.With my feet damp from the grass and my heart racing, I rush into the kitchen. "Elizabeth?"She and Ben are sitting at the table with a mug in front of each of them. Ben has a small plate of cookies, but he sets the one in his hand down when he notices me, breathless and dripping moon water."Unbutton me," I demand, turning my back to them. "Hurry."Elizabeth rises immediately, her chair screeching against the floor. "Is everything alright?" she asks, starting with the shawl."I... I think so," I stammer.I feel her tugging at my dress, unfastening each of the tiny buttons as quickly as she can."You finished the ceremony, didn't you?" Ben asks, his tone curious."We did. He told me to go upstairs."Ben's eyes widen slightly. "Oh?"I twist my hands nervously, each second stretching into an eternity. Elizabeth is working quickly, but she starts to struggle."Where is he?" I ask anxiously."I think he went to the study. Maybe for a drink—I’m not sure," she replies
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24ELDER'S BLOOD Wrong Call
Elena's point of view.I stare out the kitchen window, lost in thought, watching the wolves patrolling the property as they’ve done every night for the past week. Their rhythmic pacing does little to settle the unease in my chest.“Well,” Ben says from his spot at the counter, “maybe something came up. Could’ve been an emergency. If there was blood on his wolf, he must’ve been handling something serious.”“Has there been an emergency every other night too?” I snap, turning to face Ben and Elizabeth. “He has Charle and Alex for a reason. Why couldn’t one of them step in? I get that he’s the Alpha, but last night wasn’t the time to just leave me behind. He hasn’t even stayed for dinner in days—all he does is come here, lock himself in the study, and then leave after changing clothes.”Ben exchanges a look with Elizabeth before she exhales heavily. “I don’t know, Elena. How was he during the ceremony?”“He seemed fine, besides being late. I thought it went well—so well that I even believ
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-25ELDER'S BLOOD The Meeting.
Elena's point of view.I sit in the living room just off the study while Vanda and Charle finalize the details of my meeting with my mom and Serena. It hasn’t been long since I last saw them, but it feels like an eternity. My family has never been perfect—far from it. I’ve often wished my parents could be more forgiving or open-minded. But despite our flaws, we’ve never been divided like this. We’ve never been enemies. Even if I could have foreseen this rift, I never would have guessed I’d be standing on the opposing side alone.Last night, I stayed in the guest room again. I’m not even sure why. It’s always easier to sleep in Vanda’s bed, but by now, his scent on the sheets must be fading.This distance between us, the coolness in our interactions, has only added to my unease about confronting my family. Still, there was no way I could say no to this meeting. Serena is terrified of the looming war, and even though I know Vanda’s attack is inevitable, I’ll do my best to comfort her.W
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-26
Bab terbaru
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
