and one more. my oldest has a week off from school. The youngest goes to another school and he isn't free, so I'm trying to figure out how to entertain my oldest while the youngest is stuck in school. It's not fair for both of them, because I can't do really fun things with one, because I have to be back in time to pick up the other. You have to get special permission from school to take time off. Only for weddings, funerals , etc are you allowed to take your child out of school. Otherwise we would have traveled somewhere warm, since the weather here is crap. Rain and cold. long story short.. It's going to be a bit more difficult to write.
ZevWith every outfit, Atalanta seemed to gain some confidence. She started off with her eyes peeled to the floor, but the more compliments we gave her, the more she began to lift her head. She started looking at herself in the mirror and trying to decide if she liked the clothes.I don’t think she ever had a choice in what she was able to wear. Which is crazy, right?Or maybe it just didn’t interest her before?“That’s really cute, Lana. Let’s buy that.” Suzie spoke, while Raiden and I nodded in agreement.Raiden and Lana took turns showing off their outfits, although Suzie had picked out a lot more clothes than Raiden had.While I did my best to show enthiasm, my mind was elsewhere.Every day for a week, I had been able to write about my feelings, and every day I had gotten a reply. Writing letters to my new penpal had made me stop writing my mom, which had filled me with a guilt I didn’t expect.Would she look down from the moon and feel disappointed? Or was she happy I was finally
Atalanta’s povAlthough I don’t consider myself smart and I don’t know much about the world, there are things I’ve heard and seen growing up.Seeing my brother getting ready to go swimming. Him talking to our parents about learning to swim and seeing pictures of people swimming in the few text books I got when mom homeschooled me.And I also know that I have never swum.But it didn’t click until we were actually there, and I saw all the people wearing their bikinis and swimming trunks, jumping into the large pool.Swimming is a lot different than I thought it was.Mostly, the diving and jumping were different. They made themselves into a ball, splashing water everywhere.One thing I did realize soon enough was that it was better that I didn’t get into the pool. I was already ruining Zev and Raiden’s night by having them babysit me.Since I’m not good at most things, I’m pretty sure swimming won’t be any different.Thankfully, Raiden's stomach pulled him towards the barbeque, and he pul
Raiden’s povThis girl… This little mouse that suddenly grew balls and wanted to jump in the pool, say whatever she thought and straddled my lap, giving me the biggest tent in my swimming trunks I ever had.As she’s sitting underneath my arm, trying to hide her embarrassment, I’m replaying the hour or so she spent high as a kite.When Zev and the little mouse accidentally drank belladonna, I tried to act calm. Secretly, I was already plotting the death of the guy who served us the drink without a fair warning.Or maybe I wouldn’t kill him, I’d just drug him and then throw him in the pool with weights tied to his body so he could experience what Atalanta had.It was Zevm I was worried about most. If he started to hallucinate, what would he see? His mom?Or would he be reliving the worst possible night of his life, unable to stop it?While Zev didn’t voice his worries out loud, I knew what he was thinking.My loyalties had always been with Zev, but tonight I had to choose. And for some r
Zev’s povDid I kiss her? I knew I wanted to at the time.I had claimed it was like a truth serum, but this was one truth I didn’t want to admit to anyone. Especially myself.Of course, I could just have Atalanta for a brief moment. And then once I met my mate, I’d reject my mate, and what? Live happily ever after with Lana?No, she had her own mate out there.And what if she was mine? Would I be able to reject her?I would have to. For her and my sake.And then there was Raiden.My best friend. The person I cared for the most, beside my mother. The one person who had seen me at my lowest and never held it against me. Who helped me….And who clearly wanted Atalanta.Maybe it was a crush. But what if it was more?What if he was in love with his little mouse and I ruined things for him? What if she had to choose?No.All these questions didn’t matter anyway, because it was clear that Lana needed friends. Not boyfriends, and I almost ruined that.“Wake up!” Raiden knocked on my door.I ha
AtalantaThe memories of that weekend replayed in my mind long after we went home.I had never felt stronger than I did when I finished the obstacle course. Not just, because I finished a really difficult task, but because Zev only helped me when I really needed it.They both said I was fragile and needed help, but Raiden and Zev hadn’t treated me as fragile then.They had let me try, even if they might have thought I wouldn’t make it.It didn’t seem like they did, because they were both rooting for me, as was Suzie.To them, I had just finished an obstacle course, but to me, it was so much more. It was the first time I felt proud of myself and the first time others showed they were proud of me, besides the few praises from General Sweets.But I had done something that’s hard for werewolves, even. Me, a weak human. A nobody.My feelings of pride lessened when people started to comment on my relationship with Raiden and Zev, reminding me that while everyone might think they want me, the
Raiden’s povHow do I keep messing up? How do I keep hurting her?I chased behind Atalanta, wanting to explain myself, but she had already bumped into Zev.“What happened, are you okay?” He asked our little mouse.Could he smell me on her? Could he smell how our kiss had made her feel? I sure could.That kiss… My goddess, it was something else.It was supposed to be one-time. Just once to get her out of my system. It usually works. I kiss or fuck someone and then lose interest. But I wanted more. So much more that it wasn’t healthy.It was a mistake to kiss her, because now that I had a taste, I would never be able to forget her.I wanted to taste every part of her body to see if it had the same taste as that beautiful mouth of hers. Those lips. The way she shyly tried to follow my lead. She did so very well. Goddess, she was so responsive.“I’m okay,” Atalanta said.Zev growled, seeing me running towards them. “What did you do?”“I, -“ How could I explain what I had done wrong? Even i
Zev’s povPerhaps my concern for Lana stemmed from the recent letters I received from my penpal. Or, as she called herself, shy girl. SG. She started calling me KS, kind stranger.There wasn’t really a point to knowing her name. I would never meet her. There wasn’t a need to know her name or see her face. Yet when I did try to picture what she looked like, Atalanta’s face kept popping up.Maybe because they were similar in a way.Like Atalanta, SG had gone through so much. But she was actually brave enough to tell me.After I shared about my dad, SG wrote about her home life.The part that hurt the most was when she spoke about the neglect.“When I was young, I did anything I could to gain their attention. Being ignored was so painful, especially when I saw how they loved my brother. I didn’t exist to them unless I misbehaved.So whatever task they gave me, I would do it wrong on purpose. I knew they'd yell at me or punish me. Isn’t that pathetic?I wish I could say I’ve gotten used to
Atalanta’s povIt felt like there was a large rock in my stomach and a smaller one in my throat. All I wanted to do was cry. I felt so guilty about what I had done.Not just because of the way Zev reacted, but because it was wrong to kiss a werewolf in the first place.It went against everything my parents taught me.“Little Mouse, you did nothing wrong.” Raiden told me during breakfast. “We did nothing wrong.”But it didn’t feel like it. I had enjoyed kissing Raiden, so that must make me evil, right? Doing something so wrong, so dirty? Like kissing an animal, my parents would say.There was almost nobody here at school. There were maybe ten students total, and it felt very strange—almost forbidden to stay here.Suzie had suggested I come with her, and I wish I could have said yes. General Sweets had asked if I could look around and see what I could find. But Raiden was practically glued to me. It was sweet that he cared, but it made me feel even more guilty.He cared, but he didn’t re
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