i've been really enjoying writing for this story. so much that i kind of stopped writing for my other one. So I need to finish that one quickly. Then i need to think about the next Iron River's story. But I won't rush into that, just yet. know that it's on my mind though.
Zev’s povI dropped to the floor and quickly got back up.He’s not the same man he was when he left. It’s not just the way he looks, and he looks like a dirty rogue. His skin was covered in dirt and blood, and goddess knows what.He didn’t smell dirty; he smelled like blood and death.There were scars, bullet wounds, scratches, bite marks... Did he encounter hunters? Rogues? How many did he have to kill to stay alive, or did he start to enjoy it?Before this, Raiden hadn’t killed anyone. Archer was his first.The risk of bloodthirst was always strong in alphas. They’re the strongest of us, the most lethal. But as long as this is used to protect their pack, it’s fine. It becomes a problem when Alphas start killing for no reason. When they go in search of that feeling you get when you kill someone.To kill out of self-preservation or when you’re attacked is different. The Crescent Moon pack had never been the pack to attack first.We pride ourselves on our ways of resolving conflicts wit
Atalanta’s pov Uncle Sweets asked me to write a journal. He decided that instead of me continuing on the serum, he was upping the dose just a bit to see what the effects were. I knew I was being used to experiment on, but like many of my feelings lately, I pushed the reality of what that meant down. It was getting harder and harder to ignore everything that felt wrong about this place. But it wasn't just this place; it was me. I had changed, and I had grown used to being able to speak freely and plan my schedule with my friends. But now, my days were set in stone. My daily routine consisted of training, eating, taking a pill, going to sleep, taking a shower, and then training again. The days were becoming monotone, and I wasn't sure how long I had been here or which day it was. The journal might be helpful. It’s not the reason the general wanted me to keep it, though. He wanted me to write down how I felt and if there were other side effects than before. “You’re the only one tak
Atalanta’s povI couldn’t fall asleep after that, so instead I tried to find a way out. At the same time, I tried to piece together what I had heard. Even if I didn’t want to know the truth before, it was needed for me to survive this.My mother had unknowingly slept with a werewolf. Did she fall in love like I did? Or was it just a fling? A way to escape this community and her pending marriage to my dad.When did she realize what I was? Had she always known? Is that why she hates me?I was born as the prey she was meant to hunt.And General Sweets was going to make more people like me. How? Was he going to use the women here?Or have some huntermen force themselves on the shewolves they caught?Both options were extremely wrong for so many reasons.They didn’t need me for that part though, so why keep me? So my great uncle could do unthinkable things to me in his bedroom instead of a laboratory, or was I still necessary for their tests?Proof of why the general’s plan could work. No w
Raiden’s pov“There’s more you found out, isn’t there?” Dad asked once we sat down in his office.I had been so damn hungry, but hearing them all speak about my mate like that made me lose my appetite. Okay, not really; I was still starving, but it was either walk away or beat them all up, and I had just showered.I was here for one day, and I did not want to beat up anyone just yet, especially not in front of my parents and grandparents.“Atalanta and Archer smelled like werewolves; they had strength humans don’t possess. She wasn’t as strong as the rest of us, but she was still stronger than a human.” I explained. “One of the hunters mentioned a serum they used. Archer said the same thing, but what he either didn’t know or didn’t tell me was that the serum is dangerous.”“How so?” Dad asked.“It killed a lot of test subjects,” I said, worrying about my mate. Was she okay? Why was I wasting time here when I could be out there looking for her?“So they were both sent to Ardale with a h
Atalanta’s pov I was almost out of the hunter’s compound when someone spotted me. I was stronger than him thanks to my mixed blood, but I wasn’t healed yet from my fight earlier today, so it took longer than I wanted to take him down. He got a few good hits in before I kicked him in the groin. In the end, I had to use the knife I brought, stabbing him in the neck. I had never killed anyone before, and I threw up when it was over. I’m not brave or strong. How I wish I had memorized the route to the Crescent Moon pack, but I didn't. It probably took me longer than it needed to, but I tried to follow the tire tracks from all the cars that had left. They couldn’t drive the main roads but had to use dirt roads not to stand out so their tire tracks were easy to follow. It was still light out, but it was starting to get darker. It would have been beautiful to see the sunset and the blue moon shine, but I didn't have time to watch it. My eyesight is better than that of a human, and it
Zev’s pov“You probably don’t want to hear from me. I’m the guy who threw his mate away like she was nothing.”Suzie sighed on the other end of the phone, “stop feeling sorry for yourself, Zev. I do want to talk to you. I might not have done the same thing, but we’re still friends.”“Are you still friends with Lana too?” I asked, still angry about everything that has happened. I was trying so hard not to be, but it’s difficult when she’s here and I can’t leave.“I don’t know. Is it true what they said?”“What did they say?” I replied, not sure what news had gotten to Suzie’s pack. She didn’t attend the party, even though we did send out an invitation. Some things we had tried to keep under wraps; Raiden didn’t want everyone to know about Lana, I guess.Suzie sighed, “there are different rumors going around. One of them is that one of the hunters came inside on fire, like a suicide bomber almost, trying to set the pack on fire.”I scoffed, “they think Lana was trying to kill everyone by
Atalanta’s pov“You love me?” I asked. Was I still dreaming, or was this some sick joke?“I was trying to find you all this time.” Raiden said, moving towards me. I was still scared he would do something to me. He hurt Archer for being a hunter, and I’m one too.“To kill me?” I whispered.He shook his head, his hand reaching out for mine. His fingers brushed past mine, and it felt very strange when our skin touched, like goosebumps or static electricity. But instead of hurting, it felt nice. Comforting even.“I don’t want to kill you. If I wanted to kill you little mouse, I wouldn’t do anything I could to save you, would I?”“Maybe you just don’t like the taste of burned skin,” I said without thinking.He chuckled, “I’m sure you still taste fine. I would love to find out once you feel better, but, -“ A sense of realization appeared on his face. “You saw what I did to your brother?”I nodded; everything still hurts, and my skin felt so tight. Every moment felt restricted, like I was wea
Raiden’s povAll this time I was looking for Atalanta. I had been angry, but there had been another emotion buried underneath, which was fear.I was petrified she would be hurt or worse.And now I feel this need to protect my mate above anything else. To the point where I can’t think straight.I’m trying my best to sound calm, to keep my voice gentle instead of growling. I had screamed at people for these past two weeks, grunted and growled instead of using my normal voice.But not that I am back; I am forced to go back to normal. To pretend like I am not different. That I didn’t kill hunters and rogues on an almost daily basis.However, I will be calm for her. I will try to not let my anger get the best of me.“What’s this about, little mouse?” I wondered why she was asking these questions. Was it because I marked her without her permission?Or did something happen with those bastard hunters?“I don’t want them to do any tests.” She said.“Then I will tell them not to.” I replied. I d
Zev’s pov“So, how did it go this time?” I asked Lana.She smiled at me, a real smile with her eyes squinting and her cheeks so adorably round. “Good. Really good.”She has gone to see her father a few times now, and he has introduced her to the rest as well. Every time, either Raiden and I both went with her or one of us did. This time it was Raiden’s turn, while I kept an eye on the pack with Suzie and Stephen.Things were good. Not just between Lana and her father, but inside the pack as well. Even outside of the pack.We had formed a plan with our allies. We were done hiding from the hunters. We weren’t actively going to hunt them, but we were done playing defense.So the moment a hunter was spotted in one of our areas, we made it our mission to find the hunters and take them out. Soon the hunters started realizing their chances of actually beating us in a fair fight weren’t that high.Taking us out one by one was easy, but taking out an entire pack? None so easy at all.With Lana
Atalanta’s povMy head was still spinning from everything that had happened. It had been hard to focus on the meeting when I was replaying everything Alpha Tharon, my biological father, had said.He is either my dad or my stepdad. No, he doesn’t even deserve the title of dad in any way or form. That man who raised me, even though he’s dead now, still has an effect on me.My mother hated me, so did my brother, but there was something different about the way that man treated me. Maybe deep down he knew I wasn’t his.But now I have a chance. And part of me wonders how badly this will go when another thinks it can’t be worse than what that man that held the title dad all these years did.It can only go up, right?With Raiden and Zev by my side to keep me safe, there is only a chance things will be better, not worse.I am not used to feeling hopeful about my family.But for the first time in my life, I see my value and see that I deserve more than what I had.It felt nice to know that even
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