"Let's go inside," Arric rasped. Bishop quickly came to stand by his side. Arric held on to Eirika, leaning on her a little as the three returned to the house. Toby and Nina were rushing out of the house as Eirika, Arric, and Bishop got to the porch. Relief gleamed in Toby's eyes and then guilt. Nina rushed forward to wrap her arms around Eirika's neck, sobbing quietly. "Are you okay?" Eirika asked. She nodded as she drew back. Her face was splashed with blood and there was a deep gash on her left arm. "Danny and Jett have gone to get doctors," Eirika assured. She nodded, giving Eirika a searching gaze. She nodded in reassurance which made more tears fall down the human girl's eyes. Toby too was wounded; the male human wrapped one of his arms around his middle and his face was a mask of bruises and cuts. He hung his head, not making any move to come close to Eirika. "Are you okay, Toby?" Eirika asked. He nodded without raising his head. Arric thought that was odd. "You can
When she was done she lowered her gaze to the fresh towel remaining in the bowl and picked it up and before she could stop herself, wrapped her fingers around his need. Arric took in a sharp breath. Eirika slowly used the towel to gently clean him up. Arric felt like she was tutoring him with pleasure. He loved the feel of her hands on him and the tender way she tended to him as if he was precious made his heart constrict. He felt her use the towel to dap his broad tip and then when she moved downward, working her way to his hilt her fingers were stroking the rest of him. His breathing grew gruff and loud. He was certain if she kept that up, he was going to spill all over her hands. Eirika watched as his cum pooled at the tip of his shaft. She knew she had already crossed the boundary of just cleaning him up. She was wet and aching for him too now. She licked her lips at the sight, took a deep breath, and lowered her face to take him in her mouth. "Eiry…" Arric groaned and bucked i
"Don't you dare lie to me. I can feel your emotions…. Did you try to leave again?" Arric asked, feeling his heart constrict at the possibility. Eirika jerked up, pulling away from him. She sat up in her beautiful naked glory, looking like a sculpture sculpted to perfection. The shock and confused gleam in her eyes made his heart constrict with emotions. "What, no! Why would I do that?" She said with feeling. "Tell me what happened then," Arric said as he sat up too, using his two hands to frame her face. He watched as her eyes darkened with concern and the lovely gems danced in their sockets as she struggled to form words. "Arric I-I know I haven't particularly acted like I had thought most things through since we met. And there were times I was outrightly childish and .. and an asshole to you right from when I first left but…" "Who is it? Who are you protecting?" Arric asked. Eirika grew agitated. "Eirika?" "Let me tell you. Okay? Please, remain calm. I'm begging you," she
Arric woke up to a gentle knock on the door. His eyes fluttered open and he fixed his gaze on the high ceiling and then lowered it to Eirika’s face that was tucked just at the nook of his neck. Craning his neck, he studied her features for about a minute, adoring her sunkissed skin, small nose, full lips, and long thick eyelashes, before pressing a kiss to her forehead. Gently withdrawing from her. He stood up and gathered her into his arms to carry her to the bed. Pulling the covers over her and up to her shoulders. 'I'll join you downstairs,' Arric said via mind-link and went into the bathroom. 'Yes, boss,' Bishop replied in his head. Arric quickly took a hot shower, threw something on, and left the room. Silently noting how the house now smelt of cleaning products and antiseptic. He followed the smell of the latter to the foyer. "Alpha," the medical personnel greeted him when they saw him. "Hey, thank you, guys," Arric replied, "how is everyone… and York? Jarom?" "I
Eirika followed Toby out of the kitchen and up to the room he was sharing with Nina. When they entered, Nina jerked up from the bed looking anxious. When she saw it was them, she let out a sigh of relief and threw Toby a glare then met Eirika's gaze. "You must hate us," she said. "I seriously doubt that," Eirika said with a smile. Nina took a shaky breath and her eyes moistened with tears. "Heavens, we could all have died," she said. "But we didn't," Eirika said and joined her friend on the bed to draw her into a hug. "We are safe. And as long as I draw breath, I will make sure you both stay safe too," Eirika said. "How can you be so calm? And bare to look at him after what he'd done?!" "Because I know about fear. I understand his fears. And if Arric can stand to look at me after what I did to his family…" "Don't forget what his father did to you!" "Yeah… yet, the two of us are still here… together," she replied. Nina directed her eyes from her to Toby who was still standi
A few hours later Arric shook Eirika awake and whispered into her ear, "Let's go home, babe." "Okay," she mumbled and turned in his arms to face him. Searching his gaze with a loving glint in her eyes. "You know you can tell me anything you want to, right?" he rasped. Eirika lowered her gaze. "Hey," he said, putting a finger under her chin to make her look at him. "I mean it," he added when she met his gaze. Eirika nodded with the memory of him choking her replaying in her head. She swallowed. Her eyes moistened. Arric sighed and pulled back, getting off the bed, he offered her his hand, and she took it. A few minutes later they both exited the room and headed downstairs and as if on cue everyone started to mill out. Eirika looked around for Toby and Nina. Arric noticed and said, "they are gone. I wanted them out of here before we head out." Eirika nodded, not pleased that she didn't get to say goodbye to her friends but understanding it was all for security. "Ready?" Arric a
"I'm… sorry about that Alpha… Luna," she said. Her voice was low and sultry. Eirika could see she was trying very hard not to look in Nigel’s direction. Her fists were tightly clenched by her sides. "It's okay, Zenesha. I want you to meet Nigel Hartwell – a friend," Arric said. Nigel stood still and waited for her to meet his gaze. But she didn't. She merely nodded in his direction with her head bowed. "Poor bastard," Craineghis chuckled. Eirika looked from Nigel to Zenesha with a subtle smile. "I'm sorry I … you know, you attacked him. He is my friend." Eirika said with a helpless shrug. The girl nodded and raised her eyes to look into hers. Eirika returned her keen scrutiny and could sense a subtle hint of concern from the girl at her claim and even jealousy. "He touched me…" Zenesha said with gritted teeth. "I was trying to get your attention…" Nigel tried to explain. "You touched me," she repeated and glared at him. Eirika's heart clenched at that statement. It was evident
Arric cupped her face and said, "As I said, Bishop will watch him. Okay?" he said. She hesitated, searching his gaze, and then nodded. He kissed her forehead and then ushered her inside the room. Eirika drew in a deep breath and released it slowly as she took in the familiar room. Scenes of the last time she was there, replayed in her head. It made her heart constrict, remembering her pain and fears, and wanting to hold on to Arric at the same time. She was amazed she made it back here. She hadn't thought you would ever return. Arric watched the play of emotions on her face, taking off his clothes. He went to stand behind her to wrap his arms around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. "I'm sorry I didn't trust you to help me… I was scared… terrified, " she whispered. "I could say I was sorry for keeping my identity secret. But I am not sorry," he said. Eirika turned in the circle of his arms to hold his gaze. "I wanted you to get to know me. To trust me…" "
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