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Chapter 22
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2023-10-25 04:14:02Related chapters
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 23
I'm back at the piano once more, while my parents are away as usual. My father had the foresight to install an alarm system before they left, which eased some of my worries, but not all. I've expended a good deal of nervous energy by thoroughly searching the house. Azura's room has been my frequent haunt, and each time, I've come up empty-handed. I keep hoping to stumble upon hiding places I haven't considered, but so far, no luck. The piano, however, remains largely unexplored. I stumbled upon her journal here once, so I'm hopeful for another discovery. After removing the back panels, I uncover dried herbs and stones, much like in her room. As I reassemble the panels, a revelation strikes me. "The bench," I move toward it, tugging at the cushion until it finally pops off. And there it is! I can't contain my excitement—another notebook! I eagerly flip through it, realizing that this is what I've been searching for all along: a journal detailing her thoughts, not merely a catalog o
Last Updated : 2023-11-01Echoes of the Pack Chapter 24
His neck feels incredibly smooth as my fingers graze it, triggering a sudden tremor that courses through his body, causing his muscles to tense. With closed eyes, it's as if I'm offering him a soothing massage, bringing him a sense of tranquility. "Stop," he murmurs softly, his eyes fluttering open. We recline in the open fields, bathed in the warmth of the sun. These days are a rarity in our elevated abode, so I relish the opportunity. Leaning down, I plant a gentle kiss on the sensitive spot on his neck, eliciting more shivers. He playfully responds by rolling us over, my fingers tracing a path along his neck. He displays defiance as our lips meet, his fingers trailing down my collarbone and tracing my body's contours. A gasp escapes my lips as his hand ventures beneath my skirt, and his name escapes my lips, met with a growl. The wind picks up, causing goosebumps to form on his skin. As he unzips his pants, I hear my name once more. I glance at Lucien, and he locks his lips with
Last Updated : 2023-11-01Echoes of the Pack Chapter 25
Finding Lupinus Oreganus is a real challenge. It typically grows in prairies and forest outskirts, but I've yet to find it nearby. The only one I found was in the Siuslaw. I'm holding a travel map, comparing it to Azura's journal sketch, marking where she found the plant. Lupines are usually animal feed, but Azura used this poisonous herb for scrying, and its name, Lupinus, Lupine, intrigued me. I'm not sure what I'll do with it if I find it. Maybe use it for scrying, but I'm skeptical, especially since my boyfriend is a werewolf. If not for that, I might have given up on this quest. Then there's the man who broke into my house and bit me. I carry Azura's belongings with me and hide them around my property to keep him away. The troubling part is that I haven't seen him for weeks, except in my dreams. I can't understand why he's taking so long to return, given his desperation for Azura's possessions. For now, I'll focus on finding this elusive plant, which proves more challenging th
Last Updated : 2023-11-01Echoes of the Pack Chapter 26
"These are some peculiar plants you want, Alora," Dorothy remarks as she rings me up at the cash register. "Do you need help getting them in your car?" "No, I think I got them," I say, handing her the money I owe her and pushing the cart to my car. At the end of my shift at the nursery, I decided to purchase some of the herbs Ariella had gathered. Her counsel resonated with me, and I resolved to keep some plants with me rather than continuously foraging for them or purchasing them from stores. As far as I can see, I do not need anything but the plants. Ariella has some tools in her bedroom that I can use. I drop off the plants at home before driving to Skyler's place to pick him up. On our drive to dance practice, he fills me in on the latest school gossip. Apparently, I am no longer a part of it, which is a relief in many respects. Still, I am upset that people have moved on so swiftly from Ariella's death while I continue to feel the effect of her absence. "You never told me that
Last Updated : 2024-01-14Echoes of the Pack Chapter 27
When we arrived at the studio, I instantly joined the other dancers who were stretching. Skyler called me over and grabbed my one foot as I stretched, rubbing it with his thumbs. "This is the first time you have been late for dance in a while," he said, wagging his brow at me. I handed him the other foot and extended that leg. "I know—Hendrick is quite a catch." "Do you do any warm-ups yet?" I asked, rolling my eyes. "I don't mind doing a couple more." ... I have met seven prospective Wolves. I know two folks who are clearly wolves. I threw the keys inside my backpack and placed it somewhere on the floor near the entryway. Every limb of my body protests as I move, so I decide to make myself a cup of tea. After dance practice, I went to the docks and looked over them for a few hours to give the lone manager a rest. I don't mind because being near the sea is usually calming (as long as I'm not in or on a boat), but I am fatigued right now. I will have to leave Ariella's belongings
Last Updated : 2024-01-14Echoes of the Pack Chapter 28
The GPS instructs me to turn off at Exit Twenty-Six. As I activate my indicator, it adds, "Take a left at the traffic light." My latest investigation into Ariella's background has led me to Bothell, Washington. In her notebook, she describes attending an open mic to listen to a woman named Sashi, a priestess of an alternative religion to whom Ariella seems to be devoted. I am eager at the prospect of finally learning the specifics of Ariella's belief system, as she was notably unclear in her writing about it—the one topic she had not fully addressed. However, Ariella spoke extensively about Sashi Naidoo, who apparently resides in France with her religious order. I realized she is no longer in the United States. Her open mic companion, however, lives nearby, and I had requested a meeting with them. I try not to smile as I drive along the main arterial road leading to the older part of town. I started driving after school last night and drove all night to get to our early meeting. I a
Last Updated : 2024-01-14Echoes of the Pack Chapter 29
The coffee cup warms my palms as I sit in the neighborhood Starbucks. Cars pass by, and I observe the Bothell nightlife. Several pubs are present, and people spill out of the doors onto the pavements. Thomas's voice comes through my headphones as I listen to the voice memo capturing our entire chat. My mind is still bursting with the knowledge I have discovered, but I am starting to grasp things a bit better. Ariella was correct, though: I needed to join the Pack. I am already acquainted with a few of the Wolves, but I am stuck until they let me in. Ariella does not seem to have come so far, and the only Wolf she knows is Hendrick. But it does not imply someone from the Palawan Pack did not kill her. If there is one thing I have learned from Thomas's account of Sashi and the Wolf cult, it is that they are fiercely private. The recording concludes, and I finally pocket my mobile. My coffee is almost drained and ice cold. It is time to go home. I chuck away the cup, nearly missing so
Last Updated : 2024-01-14Echoes of the Pack Chapter 30
I rub my palm over my face, attempting to soothe the worry that threatens to erupt from my chest. There is so much to take in. I want to meet this pack, but after my meeting with the Wolves last night, I am much more cautious. If their actions are any indication, they do not welcome outsiders. How have they survived in my forest for so long without being discovered? When I glance around, I am surprised by how familiar the surroundings seem. Tall conifers with an absence of streetlights or urbanization. The concrete road is changing into gravel and dirt. I can practically smell the fresh air of the outdoors or feel the dirt beneath my boots as I stride forward. Looking out the window, I realize that the cramping in my gut is not due to fear. It is a want to go outside in the fresh air, to be here in the vast expanse that stretched for kilometers. Freedom. Freedom. "Do not go jumping out of the car just yet, little wolf," Kennedy interrupts my contemplation. I look down at my hand,
Last Updated : 2024-01-14
Latest chapter
Echoes of the Pack Epilogue
She has his gaze. Orion's gaze. That same, sickening yellow pierces me as I meet her eyes. But she simply watches me. This woman who stands above me seems so familiar...yet I don't know her at all.All I know is her name. Kaltain.She and I look nothing alike, so I know that she isn't a reincarnation of Iphigenia's soul. She is one of Cecily's daughters. She is also one of Orion's.She extends her hand and they're webbed with black veins, like her skin is rotting or crumbling away like ashes of a burnt log. Flames dance off her fingertips like her nails are candlewicks. I flinch away and she tilts her head."You're newer than I thought," Her voice is deep and wispy. Those sharp eyes scrape over me in mild interest. And finally, a twisted, crooked grin takes over her face, "You and I will have much to talk about, Alora. Much to work on in the coming years.""Alora," I whisper, "You know who I am-""Of course. I have known about you long before you knew of me. We share more than just bl
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 141
"Congrats," I wave as the couple walks out of the clinic."Thanks, Alora," The pregnant female smiles back at me before taking her mate's hand."Hey Alora!" Addison comes running up beside me. Kiana and Eamonn are next to her.Eamonn sprints into me and wraps his arms around my legs, "Alora! Hey, nene."Addison looks at me with hopeful eyes, "Can you play with us?""What are you playing?""I was going to show Addison how to throw a rugby ball!" Eamonn bounces up and down, "Please come! I want to show you too!""He's really good," Kiana squeezes him tightly in her arms, "Taught by the best, obviously.""Yeah, Mac," Eamonn teases her."You little shite! Who do you think taught Mac, huh?" She grows quiet and glances up at me. I don't smile back at her and she cringes."I have a couple more things I need to do. But when I'm done, I'll come out for a little," I smile at the two pups. They cheer and run off together, but Kiana lingers, "Kiana...'m not angry with you so please stop looking”
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 140
Maybe I'm a lot more like Zemira than I have ever been willing to admit. It's a thought that crosses my mind as I watch Hendrick sleeping quietly in front of me. He's here...but I feel nothing. I'm callous, just like she was. The difference is that she craved Orion's love... only crave Hendrick in the most basic and primal ways. The Heat has completely lifted any fog or doubts I had over my feelings for him. I care for him deeply but not in the ways I had before.My trust and faith in what we had has been completely shattered.Which is why this can't go on.I crawl over him, rousing him from his sleep, and brush my fingers through his hair. He grins lazily and encircles my waist with his hands. Our kiss is slow and easy. But it doesn't feel right...out of place like a piano key that was tuned incorrectly."I need to go," I whisper against his lips and tug lightly on the ends of his spiky hair.He blinks, "Where?""I need to check on Kiana-she texted me just now and asked for me to go
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 139
I jolt upright at the sound of a loud bang. Immediately, I scramble for my athame and sprint towards the bedroom door. A large, black silhouette in the hallway has me snarling lowly."Alora, it's me!" Hendrick whispers before I can lob it at him."Wha-Hendrick, what the hell are you doing?" I lower the knife and tiptoe past Jayden's room. I can hear neither her nor Olivia breathing softly. They must be sleeping at Olivia's tonight. "I could have hurt you.”"Sorry-I just needed to go for a run," He slips out of his boots and sets them out on the porch. He gives my thigh a pat as he walks by me, "Sometimes, I feel like this apartment is going to suffocate me."I understand how he feels....ever since my Heat had come into full swing, being near him was almost unbearable. We could barely be in the same room alone for more than a few minutes without one of us having to stop the other from doing something stupid."We're nearly done," I lean against the sliding door and watch the Moon hang a
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 138
I keel over for a moment, hands on my knees and breathing deep. Nancy lays a hand on my back but she lets go when I smile at her. Throughout the day, my body periodically has cramped up like most of the females.The time for the pack's seasonal Heat has begun, and so have the fights between females too. Avianna has gone back to help Abrego with its Heat, which means that Nancy and I are left to deal with the waves of injuries and fights.After a long day, I sprawl out on the couch in the apartment and kick off my shoes. Jayden is out for the evening to meet Olivia's family- something I know she's really nervous about. I send her a quick text of encouragement.As I set my phone down, the door opens. Hendrick walks inside but doesn't make it a foot inside before he freezes. Our eyes lock onto one another. "Mi reina," His voice is deeper nowadays, and I can't believe how much he has changed in just a short amount of time. It makes me hope that he actually has changed....but I can't belie
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 137
"You can't go in there-”I push the meeting room doors with both hands. It's only Mac and Kiana inside, leaning over the center table and setting up a computer. Gracie is behind me with her eyes popping out of here skull."Lass? What is it?""Where's Kennedy?" I look around the room but he's not here. He was though-his scent is fresh here!""Right behind you."I turn around. He's not smiling but he's not unfriendly either. But Hendrick's words haunt me almost as much as the spirits that stalk my every move. Packs like Solari and Ameku take advantage of their connections to The Order to gain advantage over everyone else.Are you using me?I want to believe that he isn't. I've never felt that Kennedy has ulterior motives for helping me. But he also hid Orion's attacks on this pack from me. And he neglected to tell me the tension that existed between the Lycans and the Werewolves. He never lied...he just never told me the truth.His head tilts so innocently when I look away from him. Both
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 136
"I don't think this is a good idea, Alora."Jayden sets up a pillow for me as I set up my scrying bowl. We're in the backroom of Nancy's clinic, who was kind enough to not ask any questions. I, however, have plenty of questions to ask-all of which are in desperate need of answering."I have to find him, Jayden," I crush the last of the lupine I brought with me from Palawan. "Remind me to ask Avianna to bring some Kinkaid's Lupine next time she's-""Okay, but Alora-""You're not going to talk me out of it," I understand her concerns. Truth be told, I'm trembling in fear. Nothing good ever came out of seeking him...but I don't have much of a choice. Every other lead or clue I've had isn't panning out right now. "Stand outside the door. Make sure no one comes in...""Fine, but I don't think we should be doing this-I don't care if Kennedy knows-""What does Kennedy know about?" Hendrick walks into the backroom but stops the moment he takes in the scene in the room. Jayden holding a chest
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 135
What am I doing?I mix the two potions together in the scrying bowl. To my pleasure, they light up in a green mixture the moment they mix together. I yip in delight and clap my hands. At least I'm not messing up entirely on thisThe same cannot be said in regard to how I'm dealing with the personal feelings towards two certain men in my life. Again, I ask, what am I doing?Quickly, I pop a couple of the crystals I have been using lately into the green potion. It's supposed to help cleanse crystals and other tools quicker than just placing them in the sunlight, moonlight, and running water.Lying back on the wooden floor, I stare at the white, wooden paneling on the ceiling above. Today has been quiet and left me a lot of time to focus on practicing all that I had learnt from Avianna and Nancy.It's also given me a lot of time to reflect on my own feelings. I still can't forget the way Jayden glared at me when she saw Kennedy and I together in the hospital...and I can't get either Hend
Echoes of the Pack Chapter 134
"I can do it," I say as Hendrick tries pick me up from the car. Despite the mending ribs, I'm not tired. I feel strong and have to keep reminding myself to take it slowly."Just be careful," He steps back to give me some room, but not much. His eyes keep darting around at the Solari Wolves that have come over to see how I'm doing.He doesn't expect me to put my hand on his arm, "Hendrick, it's alright..."Just as I took him by surprise, he returns the favor by pushing me up against the car. I'm wide-eyed and stiff as a board when he cups my face. He searches my face but I'm not sure for what. Maybe he's still paranoid about any injuries I have, or maybe it's the fact I'm alive and breathing. Whatever his reasons, I can't fill my lungs up with a sufficient amount of air to keep from becoming lightheaded.His face is so close to my own. His lips brush against the corner of my mouth...and just when I think he's going to kiss me, he pulls away. My mind is buzzing while he pushes my hair f
