Eirika let out a breath she wasn't even aware she was holding as Arric went out of sight. She wanted to jump down and go after him but the men thrashing on the bloodied ground, drawing their last breath held her paralyzed to the spot. It was difficult to imagine that the Arric who just left now was the same one who had been loving and attentive to her for the past few days. He was quite an enigma and Eirika was mighty glad she was not on the opposing side. Arric was brutal. Her heart had run a mile per second when the captured werewolf taunted him just like Mauro earlier did. Eirika recalled his cold, unyielding stance and silently prayed to the moon goddess for her intervention. She doubted her heart would be able to stand it if he returned to being withdrawn and unhinged with her. "Luna?" Bishop called from the ground, looking up at her. "You can come down now. Do you need assistance?" "N-no I can come down by myself, thank you," she said and carefully found her way down the tr
Eirika found her way inside the Nightstalkers Pack and to Brook's bar, glad to see the place was still open. There were a few customers still drinking in the bar, and some of them were in bandages. They gave her an acknowledging nod when they saw her. Brook was serving drinks to a group of gammas when she saw her and the other she-wolf's lips stretched in a smile. "Ah, see who has returned, and as the Maveric's mate no less," Brook jest. Eirika chuckled despite her mood. "Nice to see you too, Brook," she said. "I knew you were the type to not go down without a fight. I am happy to know I am right about you," she said. "Thank you, Brook. How are you and… business?" Erika asked, gesturing. "As you can see… still thriving, can't complain. I heard you are one of the reasons we still have a home…" "I wouldn't take credit for that." "We've faced plenty of foes over the years, my dear friend and the Maverick hadn't seen it fit to come to our aid," she said. Eirika laughed. "Fine,
"Arric…" "I don't think you understand that you are mine…" "I know we are mated, Arric, I know what it means. Do you?" "What are you saying?" "We are going to spend a long time together, Arric, I don't want to spend it with you hating me!" she cried. A frown furrowed his eyebrows. "I don't hate you," he rasped in the gentlest tone she had ever heard him use. Cupping the side of her face, he stroked her skin with his thumb. "Arric…." "Stop imagining nonsense and perish the thought that we would ever be separated," he whispered, cutting her off. Tears welled and spilled down the sides of her face. "The only thing that's going to separate me from you, is death." Raising her head from the mattress, Eirika pressed her lips to his. Arric groaned and gave her room to deepen the kiss, she probed his lips with her tongue and he parted them for her, shutting his eyes as she nibbled his lips, moaning his name. His entire frame shook at the wonderful surge of pleasure that raked throug
Arric woke up before the break of dawn, gathering Eirika into his arms, he carried her to the bathroom, waking her up with a kiss. They shared an intimate bath, making love again. Eirika offered to quickly make breakfast for him and he agreed. She told him to sit down and watch her. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Arric grinned and obliged, pulling out a chair, he sat down at the table, watching her expertly measure out coffee grounds and brewed a fresh pot. The aroma filled the air. "Can I at least get my own coffee?" he asked after a while. "You don't like being waited on, do you?" Eirika said in a laughing voice. "I'm restless…" he countered. She giggled. Arric got up to make a cup of coffee for himself and a decaffeinated one for Eirika. Placing a hand on the small of her back, he placed hers within her reach and then went back to his seat. Eirika beamed with pride as she flipped pancakes on the griddle, sizzled sausages in a pan, and cracked eggs into another before b
"Yes, Marnet Darnald is dating a human, can you believe that?" “He hasn’t found a mate?” “Not yet,” Aricel replied with a hint of irritation. "Marnet Darnald?" Eirika repeated and threw Nigel a side glance. "Do you know my son?" Aricel asked with a curious frown. Arric too directed his gaze at Eirika. "If he has taught in Fountain High in the East before, yes," Eirika said. "Then we would both know him, we attended the same school," Nigel added. Aricel nodded. "Yes, he did teach at Fountain High… Then you must know the human…" "Wendy?" "No, her name is Gwenna - an intriguing little thing," Aricel said with a lowered gaze. Arric studied him keenly. "I don't think I know …" Eirika said. "I do. And I don't think Wendy would have loved to see that happen," Nigel said in amusement. "Who are you?" Aricel asked. "Nigel Hartwell..." "He is Shadowclaw's son," Arric replied. Aricel's eyes widened in delight. "You know my dad? Of course, you know my dad," Nigel said, "ho
Arric lay on the bed, fully clothed, holding Eirika to his chest. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, absentmindedly, replaying Aricel's reaction when he mentioned Gwenna. He couldn't tell if the other Lycan was involved in the Ironpaw Pack's activities, but he perceived he was hiding something. Deciding to find out what it was before dabbling into the Ironpaw problem, he drew back from Eirika and got out of bed. He had agreed with his team to stay the night in Aricel's pack before heading to the Ironpaw Prowlers' Pack as agreed for one reason: to gain access to the grounds. Getting out of the room as quietly as he could manage, he sniffed the air and followed Aricel's scent. The hallways to Aricel's quarters were not packed full of guards for a pack living close to a ruthless Alpha such as Alpha Jarvald Rukheim. Arric suspected another likely reason for that when he caught a whiff of the human girl's scent - Gwenna. 'Come on, now, Aricel,' he thought to himself as he got clo
Getting back inside the guest room, Arric locked the door, took off his clothes, and slipped under the covers. Laying on his side, he faced Eirika and watched her sleep for a few minutes, allowing his eyes to feed on her attractive features, and then trailed down to her chest. She wore nothing under the covers and the silky fabric outlined her full bust with the pecky pinky tips. Raising his left hand, he slowly pulled the fabric down her frame, revealing her beautiful body. His pulse raced and blood rushed to his groins at the delicious sight. Drawing a labored breath, he edged down till his face was at the same level as her chest and then placed his palm on the gentle swell of her lower tummy. Smoothening her soft, supple skin, he leaned closer until there was barely half an inch of space left between his lips and her right nipple. He knew he ought to let her sleep, the following day promised to be volatile. He replayed the scene of her adamantly telling him she couldn't leav
Arric expressed his gratitude for the renewed alliance between their packs, and Alpha Aricel nodded in agreement, expressing his appreciation. "I've known you long enough to know you don't just make rash decisions, whatever part you want my pack to play just let us know, you and I know what would happen if we allowed anarchy. I would like to sleep at night without fear of waking up with a knife to my throat, or my home on fire," Aricel said. "The unchanging doesn't deserve what it's been dished to them. Not all of us can be warriors. I wish some people can just stop living in the barbaric past," Marnet Darnald grumbled. "What we need is a strong legion of enforcers that can enforce peace and order. If everyone knows they can't just go about doing as they like without consequences, I dare say this nonsense would stop!" "That's a good point…" Jarom said in agreement. "The problem is getting all the pack alphas to agree. A lot are gaining from the chaos." "I remember Alpha Darther
Arric watched as the doctor continued to examine Eirika and then she breathed a sigh of relief. "See here … this hole indicates the bullet went through and did not dislodge in her stomach," she said, showing Arric a hole in Eirika's back. "This is good. You are very lucky, Luna, the bullet missed your baby, we just need to be sure it missed vital organs too." Dr. Michelle Riverclaw worked quickly to patch up Eirika's wound and stop the bleeding. Eirika was in agony, but she stayed still, knowing that the doctor was doing all she could to save her. As soon as Eirika was stabilized, Dr. Michelle Riverclaw said, "We need to get them to the clinic." Her voice was urgent. "And make sure they get the proper care." Arric nodded, his eyes never leaving Eirika and their newborn child. "I'll take care of them," he said with determination in his voice. Arric called out to Danny who was waiting by the door with the others. "How are they? Luna and the pup?" Bishop asked eagerly. "They are
"So… another defenseless victim, huh? That's a surprise," she said and continued to laugh almost hysterically now. Mauro came to stand beside her and pulled her painfully by the hair to force her to lift and tilt her face upward and stopped laughing and also to get her close enough to stab her stomach. But Eirika could not be deterred. "Seriously, Mauro, tell me… I'm going to die anyway right? There must be human blood in you somehow," Eirika taunted still. "You fucking bitch!" He snarled. "Soo that's a yes… I thought so too," she said and before he could react, she plunged the knife she had pulled from the rack earlier under his armpit, pushing it deep enough to puncture his heart. His eyes widened in shock. When he tried to stab her still, she gripped his wrist and with a loud growl continued to push the knife through his body with every strength she could muster, shaking from the effort. "You must be dense to think I would be that easy to kill," Eirika snarled, "I killed your
The night was cold and crisp at Narrow Creek Manor - the perfect weather for the Lycanthropes to come out to play. At the back of the imposing building, a bonfire was roaring, casting flickering shadows across the clearing where the makeshift dining table was set up. The table was long and sturdy, crafted from a thick slab of oak. It was surrounded by rough-hewn log benches and cushioned chairs, where the guests sat. The aroma of grilled meat and roasted vegetables wafted through the air, making everyone's mouths water. Arric sat at the head of the table with Eirika. Beside them were their guests: Aricel and his human girlfriend, Gwenna, Shadowclaw and his son Nigel, Zenesha and Arric's regular crowd: Bishop, Craineghis, Jimothy, Danny, Jeff, Jarom, and York, who was still recovering from his injuries with his mate; Dr. Michelle Riverclaw. There were also other alphas from smaller packs and black guards who were now the founding members of the enforcers. Arric raised his glass of w
The summit venue was decorated with colorful banners and flags representing each region and all packs. In the center was a circular stage, elevated to provide a better view to all attendees. The seating arrangement was divided by region, with each pack occupying a designated area. The Northern Packs were situated to the left, with Arric and his entourage taking up the front row. The Black Wolves, who controlled the transition zone between the North and East, were seated to the right. Alpha Aricel, who had taken over the Grimtooth Growlers Pack, and The Swiftfang Walkers Pack, occupied the second row, representing the West. Alpha Shadowclaw, who represented the Silvertooth Nightstalkers Pack and the South, was seated in the third row. The other smaller packs who wished to serve as witnesses were seated behind them. The expansive space was equipped with all the necessary amenities. There were comfortable chairs for the attendees, refreshment stands that served a variety of drinks
Bishop filled Arric in about the extent of York's injury. The stab wounds had caused severe damage to his kidney and thus had to undergo major surgery. Arric listened as Danny transported them to the East, his face lowered and his elbows resting on his knees. "Did they say how long it would take for him to get back on his feet?" Arric asked. "The doctors said a few weeks but then he is a werewolf," Eirika replied. Arric nodded. "He is going to be fine, Alpha," Bishop added. "He must, Bishop," Arric replied almost to himself. Everyone on the craft studied him with a compassionate gaze. "How did you two meet?" Eirika asked. "I met him not too long now… like four months? And it feels like I have known him my whole life…" Arric chuckled despite himself. "I met him when he was three years old," Arric replied. Eirika gasped. He nodded, giving her a side glance. "Now you know I'm an old man in a young man's body," he added. Aricel laughed. "That is something…" Eirika said with
"Tell me please…" he added in a fervent plea. "He is not out of the woods yet, but he's fighting, everyone is keeping vigil, praying…" she whispered against his chest. Arric let out a low growl. "I can't lose one more brother…" "I love you so much, Arric," she whispered. "I can't lose him too. The doctor said he could hear us, so I forbade him to leave us. I could almost hear him laughing, and teasing me," she said and then burst out crying. Arric tightened his hold around her, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Shh… it's okay, baby," he cooed, crying quietly too. Arric hadn't expected Bishop to be so daring to let her come to the blackguards' pack. He couldn’t believe that he would so blatantly disregard his orders but then having her there with him, holding her – his sweet, beautiful mate, and knowing she felt as strongly about his men as he did, made him feel happy. The storm that had been raging in him for the past hours calmed. He was almost in shock at her effect on him. "Why
"Get him out of here and take him to Councilwoman Charlotte Chapman!" Arric growled, not bothering to look at York. He had seen the blood and it kept streaming. He need not be told it was bad. He could feel it. "Boss," Bishop started to protest, torn between leaving him behind and trying at least to save York even if it was possible. "That's an order!" He yelled. His men exchanged glances and Bishop gestured to Dan to lower the craft. The five of them carried York's lifeless body into the aircraft. Arric caught Dan, looking at him through the side window. He turned away and faced the black guards. "Six… six fucking fighters was all it took to take down twenty fucking blackguards! None of you are leaving this ground until morning!" He yelled, compelling them to face off with him. As the aircraft lifted in the air, he blocked out the sound, allowing the sight of York's blood to fuel him as about ten black guards circled and rushed at him. *** Arric strode towards his old den,
"Zenesha…" Eirika tried to intervene, seeing the she-wolf was scaring Gwenna. "She needs to know, Luna. She needs to know the kind of life she would have. The kind of life she would be subjecting her pups to. If you ask me, I think it is irresponsible to get involved and have a family that would outlive you," Zenesha said, the pain and anguish in her voice were palpable. "Zenasha stop it!" Eirika snapped. The she-wolf startled backward as if just realizing she had said too much. "I - I'm sorry, Luna, Gwenna… I… " she said and started to stride away. "Stop!" Gwenna cried. Zenesha halted her strides with her fists clenched by her sides. Gwenna hurried to stand in front of the she-wolf, searching her gaze, and added, "Your mother was human?" "Yes, she was human," Zenesha replied with gritted teeth. "What happened? What happened to you?" the human asked in a soft, empathetic tone. The grounds grew quiet and Eirika thought the she-wolf wouldn't answer but then she said in almos
"Hey," Gwenna called, hurrying to join Zenesha and Eirika on their walk. The two had decided to go outdoors after a rather tense dinner with Alpha Aricel, and Marnet Darnald. Gwenna had chosen to eat in her room, sending one of the pack omegas to let Aricel know. Eirika wasn't completely sure of what was happening but she knew the redhead must be in the middle of it. Eirika exchanged glances with Zenesha, before reverting her gaze. Zenesha. who hadn't gotten over the human's betrayal, openly glared at her. Gwenna wore a long hooded cloak and her hair was packed up in a bun atop her head. A bandage covered her forehead and temple, wrapping around her head. There were ugly scratches around her neck and her throat was covered with a thin band-aid that was about four inches long. The thin strap matched her skin color, blending with her olive skin tone. One side of her face had turned blue-black, her left eye had a purple ring around it and she had a swollen and cracked lip. Eirik