a long one, but i didn't feel like breaking it up into two shorter chapters. I'm doing okay. Still sore and bruised. But a bit better.
Zev’s pov“Where are you going?” Stephen asked, his gaze shifting more towards Suzie than towards me.“Just for a drive.” I replied casually.“Today? With everything that just happened? I thought you were mad at Zev." Stephen continued to ask Suzie.“I’m not anymore. He explained things, and now he is taking me shopping.” Suzie said with a big smile. “Want to come?”“No.” Stephen immediately said. “Stop lying. Everyone is hiding shit from me, and it’s getting old, but I thought you were different. You never lie to me. Even when the truth hurts, you tell me it. It's one of the things I like about you most.”I really should not be here for this talk, but since we’re standing near my car, there isn’t really anywhere I can go.Suzie sighed, “sorry, Ven. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but...”“But, what? Is it about my dad?” Stephen asked. He looked so defeated. I've grown to like the guy, and this situation is unfair. He’s never shown he thinks the same way his dad does, and even Steve s
Raiden’s povWhen dad was injured, we all helped out. I took on a lot of Alpha responsibilities, so I kind of knew already what the job entailed.Or so I thought.This week, I took on the role of the Alpha after burying Steve in a private funeral and determining the punishment for everyone who joined him.Dad agreed to temporarily replace Steve with Suzie's help and be my beta so I could get used to being the alpha when I take over. We’re just waiting for Suzie’s birthday.It turns out being an alpha is fucking boring most of the time.It’s so much paperwork; it’s listening to people’s complaints. It’s… It’s bullshit, that’s what it is.Why does the strongest man in the pack just sit around on his ass all day behind a computer and do things others are capable of as well?>I get having final say in things, but damn, this is like running a business.Zev should do this!Atlas chuckled at my displeasure, ‘maybe he should.’Speak of the devil, and he appears, because a moment after this th
Zev’s pov“This is weird, right?” I laughed awkwardly.Lana joined me in giggling anxiously, “it is a bit.”“Well, you look beautiful. I love the dress; it’s a nice shade of blue. It matches your eyes." I said, attempting to alleviate some of the tension.I have been mindlinking her compliments the last few days and have loved seeing how it made her blush. It’s been harder not to touch her when I see her or tell her I love her. But I’m trying to go slow.Not as slow as Raiden would like, though. But that’s not my problem tonight.“Raiden picked it, -“ her eyes widened. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make things tense.”I shook my head and patted her hand that was laying on the table, trying to reassure her that things were fine. “He’s your mate. It’s okay. We can talk about him.”“Okay,” Lana smiled at me cautiously.“I mean, knowing Raiden, he’s probably mindlinked you fifty times already since you’ve been here.” I joked. Lana smelled like Raiden. Like sex, soap, and her own amazing scent.
Raiden’s pov“You’re not going to mindlink her, are you?" Dad warned me. He was one of the few people I had told about Atalanta’s date.Damn, that was exactly what I wanted to do from the moment I sat down for dinner.Suzie and Stephen sat next to each other, dampening everyone’s mood. I mean, my cranky ass didn’t do anything to make the mood better either.But Goddess Stephen seems depressed. Like he hasn’t slept or showered in days.Hopefully his new job will work.“So, Stephen.” I started, ignoring my dad, who was trying to say more with his eyes.Stephen growled at me before quickly lowering his neck. It can’t be easy sitting at the table with the man who killed your father.“Sorry, Raiden. Yes, what did you want to ask?” Stephen said, holding hands with my future beta.I had made their relationship harder; I knew that. But that wasn’t really my concern. I wanted what was best for my pack. And for me as an alpha.And Stephen working with me wasn’t it. It’s just not.“Zev and I had
Atalanta’s povI’ve never told either of my mates this, and I might never do so, because there’s already so much tension and comparison.But I think I might have fallen in love with Zev before I did with Raiden.However, Zev wasn’t ready for love. And I would never have been brave enough to try and hit on him. I was too busy with the mission, too busy leading a double life, to even think about such a thing.Besides, back then I had no confidence, so the idea that someone liked me back, well, that was just ridiculous.When I had overheard them talking about me, it just proved me right.I fell for them for different reasons. With Raiden, I felt protected; I still do. And he has a way of making me feel sexy and wanted that nobody else has.He can look at me like I’m his favorite snack, his favorite person to adore and to ravish. He gives me confidence in myself. Not just about the way I look; he sees past that.Raiden has always been able to tell when I am lying or hiding something. But h
Raiden’s povI locked eyes with Zev, reminding him of his promise. He couldn’t cum. Even if he wanted to empty his load into our mate’s mouth more than anything.He had not tasted or felt Atalanta, and he sure as fuck hadn’t gotten used to the sparks that we felt when we touched our mate.He must be going crazy.“You’re sucking Zev’s cock so well, little mouse.” I told my mate as I began thrusting harder and harder.Zev’s eyes followed Atalanta’s every move, alternating from watching me take our mate to watching our mate take his cock into her mouth. I could see he was close, so I didn’t give him a chance to disobey me.Instead I pulled Atalanta up, grabbing her boobs in both my hands as I pinched her nipples between my fingers.“I wasn’t going to cum,” Zev argued, but I was too busy fucking our mate to respond.I didn’t stop pounding inside my mate until she had another orgasm and then ejaculated all over her ass and back. When I left her pussy for the time being, Atalanta let out a l
Atalanta’s povHaving them both inside of me felt right, no, not right, amazing. I loved how Raiden gave me and Zev a moment alone, and I loved it even more when Zev suggested we all do this together.The way Zev looked at me, the way he kissed me, while Raiden was holding me and taking me at the same time… It was beyond pleasurable.And then when Zev’s teeth sunk into my neck, I began feeling pain until it turned into this mind-blowing orgasm.I screamed out in pleasure and felt my eyes roll to the back of my head; it was like an out-of-body experience almost, and then everything went black.I began to panic, as it brought back memories of the aftermath of the fire. After I nearly burned to a crisp and Raiden marked me, I found myself in this dark place.It’s where I had heard Artemis’ voice for the first time, without realizing it. But she was silent right now.Back then I had found my way back by focusing on Raiden’s voice.This time it was Zev’s voice I heard first. He sounded like
Zev’s pov“You heard her speak?” I asked, anxiously standing by my car to get our mate to the pack hospital.“Yeah, I mean, I think I did.”“You think or you know, because we’re wasting time here.”Raiden stared down at Lana in his arms, “I know.”“What did she say?”“Moon?” He replied unsure.I rolled my eyes and sighed, “seriously? Are you sure you didn’t just make shit up, because I heard nothing?"He smirked, “well, I have been mated to her longer than you have.”“I don’t think it works like that.”“Or I was closerby? I don’t fucking know. But she said moon.”You know how in comic books when people have this idea, there’s a lightbulb that goes off above their head? If this were a comic book, there would be a giant lightbulb hovering around me.It was like something clicked, and I suddenly could think clearly.“We both marked her.” I told Raiden while closing the door and walking toward them.“I know.”“No. I mean. She’s marked by both her mates now.”“I know!” He shouted at me impa
Raiden’s pov“Can I give you a hug?” Alpha Tharon asked Atalanta as soon as we stepped into my office.I growled, “no,” while Zev said, “how do you know you’re her father?” at the same time.We both felt very protective of our mate. None of her family had ever treated her right, so who was to say what Alpha Tharon would be like?From what I knew, he was an okay guy, but that didn’t mean shit right now.Atalanta softly spoke, ignoring us both, “maybe another time? Hugging is kind of new to me.”“What do you mean?” Alpha Tharon asked. “New to you how?”Atalanta smiled, “well, Beta Suzie was the first one to hug me this year. Since then I’ve gotten more hugs than I can count from these two and from some other people, but it’s not something that comes really naturally to me.”“Nobody ever hugged you before?” he whispered it almost, as he stood there staring ahead with his eyes wide.I took my seat, and Zev quickly grabbed a chair for Alpha Tharon to sit in; our little mouse didn’t need he
hi, I know I left you with a cliffhanger. yesterday, I had an appointment at the hospital to talk to the doctor because the surgery didn't work, and the hernia is back.it's painful at times, like mild cramps, but I am getting a ct scan next month, and following that, we'll discuss a possible new operation. Anyway, my mind had been a bit busy with all that. I'm kind of claustrofobic, so I'm not looking forward to the ct scan machine. it's also just the world right now and especially the US that's on my mind. we have our own right-wing politicians, but nothing like what's going on now. from my writing, you should know I don't support hate, discrimination, and just plain evil behavior like what's been happening. I just hope it's not going to be as bad as it looks for the next 4 years. it's scary. I mean, I'm from the city where Anne Frank lived. and her book is now banned. All of it is just making me worried and when I can’t concentrate I can't write. but I'll keep trying.
Atalanta’s povI did not want to go to this meeting, mostly because I didn’t want to sit across from different alphas, betas and lunas who might hate me because of who my mother and great uncle were.They might think the same way our pack did, before they got used to me.‘Used to you makes it sounds like they just accepted you, because they didn’t have a choice. You’ve proven yourself to them and shown the pack who you really are.’ Artemis reassured me.Raiden had forced me to attend and when I pleaded with Zev, he had told me he agreed with Raiden’s choice. I wasn’t just there to represent the Crescent Moon pack, I was there because I have valuable knowledge of the hunter community. Because I have trained to be a hunter and I have witnessed what the general and the doctor were doing first hand.I had been the one to free the prisoners and while there testimonies would be read today, it was important for someone to be here that had seen how they were held and in what conditions.It did
Zev’s pov“You two can leave. Little Mouse and Zev, can you two stay behind? I’d like to talk some more.” Raiden said after we finished our meeting.It was like nothing had ever happened, well, to most people. But Raiden still had his moments where he felt angry or sad or guilty. We had a good talk just a few days ago about what it does to a person to feel so helpless and trapped.He would brag that he had got rid of his shit in just two weeks, as if it were a contest. But everything is a contest to an alpha, and I wasn’t bothered by it. I was just glad I got my friend back.Stephen, Suzie, and the three of us had a meeting to discuss the future of the pack. Stephen, Lana, and I had spoken to the council we had put together several times to see what the pack members thought could be improved.Raiden and Suzie had been out in the pack themselves as well to talk to the people, and he had several discussions with nearby packs to see how we could defend ourselves better. Not just against h
Raiden’s povBeing inside Atalanta felt like coming home. I might have said it as a joke, but it truly felt that way.And not just because her pussy felt like a warm wet hug for my dick. It was more than that.We hadn’t discussed me not being able to get hard. It was like this big elephant in the room. Because we all knew it. It was obvious. I’m usually the one in charge, dominating my mate, while Zev is the one who is more soft and doesn’t mind being told what to do.But lately all I’ve been doing is eating my mate out or working her pussy or ass with my hand. And trust me, it’s not a bad job. Not at fucking all. I love being the reason my little wolf has an orgasm.I love seeing her squirm, hearing her moan because of me.And I didn’t even mind being the only one who didn’t get to finish.It just didn’t feel complete. Like I was failing at another thing.Because that’s what it comes down to, right? I failed as an alpha, as a mate, and now even as a lover, because I can’t even fuck my
Atalanta’s pov“You know how long it took you to open up, so why do you expect Raiden to do it so quickly? It’s been less than two weeks.” Grace told Zev, while I sat on his lap.She had come into the office to discuss something else, but the conversation inevitably led to Raiden.Things hadn’t felt right between the three of us.And it wasn’t just the lack of intimacy; it was like there was a wall between us. It scared me to think what he was hiding.“He tells me everything, Grace. Even stuff I don’t want to know.” Zev replied.She chuckled, “yes, my son does have a tendency to overshare.”“We’re just worried,” I explained.“I understand that. But he’s not acting out. He’s working and behaving normally, albeit a bit down,” Grace answered.Zev sighed while running his fingers past my arm. “You don’t see it, but he’s different. I can feel it through the bond, and I know that holding it in will only make things worse.”“You’re projecting a bit, assuming that Raiden deals with things in a
Raiden’s pov“So, how are you?” Suzie asked, once I entered my office.“Not you too?” I sighed. “I’m fine. Please, just get to work.”She shook her head and tutted, “look, you had your rest for the last two days. Me and Ven held down the fort while you got to sleep in, -“I stopped Suzie, “I never asked you to do that. You offered. No, you more than offered it. You pushed.”Suzie scoffed, “really? Goddess, Raiden. You’re a horrible liar.”“Liar?!” I growled.“Yes!” She shouted at me. “You think nobody can see through this act?! Everyone can see you’re miserable. Goddess, we can feel it! Your mood is like a dark cloud hanging over everyone and making people walk on their toes around you. It’s annoying, and it needs to end!”“What the fuck, Suzie. You’re exaggerating.” I rolled my eyes at my beta. “Let’s just get to work, please.”“No, no, Raiden. Not, what the fuck. Talk to me, or someone... Do something. But this is going too far.”“What do you mean ‘this” is going too far?” I asked, t
Zev’s pov“So, what’s up, man?” I asked, once Raiden shifted back after a while of running around.“Nothing,” he replied. “Just blowing off some steam, you know.”“Yeah, I do know.” I pointed to the mark he had left on my neck. I knew he was full of bullshit. He was not blowing off some steam, he was freaking out.“Motherfucking wolves,” he growled under his breath.I nodded, “yup, so no use in lying.”He shrugged, “I’m fine. Just tired and not looking forward to telling some people their family member died.”“I could come with…?” I offered.He shook his head, “nah, Odin already volunteered, and three big dudes coming to your house might be a bit much.”“And Lana?” I asked. “She’s coming?”“No, I don’t think that would be wise.” Raiden said as he looked around the forest, avoiding eye contact with me.“For her or?” I asked, wanting him to clarify. She’s our Luna. She should be there.Raiden sighed, “there are still some that blame her or tie her to that community. I don’t want to give
Raiden’s povI left Atalanta to go find the prisoners while I chased after the doctor. He was pretty high on my list, and since it would be just the two of us, I might finally get some time to kill him.I had to rush her dad’s death, and her mom was already dead… Her uncle—well, my little wolf got rid of him herself.So the doctor was the last one I really wanted to kill.With arrogance and eagerness to do some damage I chased his scent, hearing his footsteps running away from me.Hunting a hunter, it’s ironic, and it feels so good to finally return the favor.These were the hunters that hurt my grandpa back in the day, that took my people, that killed my people. But most importantly, these were the hunters that hurt my mate. Especially this doctor.I should have paid more attention, because if I had, I would have heard his footsteps stop. I would have heard his heartbeat slow down and his fear replaced with another scent. I would have realized that something was wrong before I felt th