As the bus continued its journey, Eirika watched the landscape change again. The hills became more rugged and the forests grew denser. She listened to music and dozed off for a while, only to wake up as the bus stopped at another small town. This time, Eirika decided to explore a bit more. She walked around the town, admiring the historic buildings and charming storefronts. She stumbled upon a local coffee shop and ordered a latte. "Where are you headed?" the barista asked. "I'm heading to visit a friend at a university on the East Coast," Eirika replied. "Wow, that sounds like a fun trip! I hope you enjoy your visit." Eirika took out her phone and called her friend to let her know where to pick her up. "Hey, it's me!" Eirika said when Toby picked up. "I'm at a bus stop about two hours away from your university. Can you pick me up?" "Of course! I'll be there as soon as I can," he replied. Eirika smiled and thanked the barista before heading back to the bus. As the bus approac
"Well, we can try the school museum. They have quite a commendable historical weaponry gotten from the first wall between the unchanging and lycanthropes," Toby replied. "But someone is bound to notice if anything goes missing... since you know, it's on display!" Nina interjected. Eirika chuckled when Toby arched an eyebrow at her sassing him. "Maybe you should just give me a tour then… and leave it to me, " Eirika said. "Sure, that shouldn't be a problem. We will do that on Monday. The campus is pretty much on lockdown for the weekend," Nina said. "Do you perhaps want to tell us why people are after you now?" Toby asked. "Let's leave that till when we get back to the apartment, please," Nina said. Toby nodded. "We have a few minutes to get off of the streets." Nina sounded agitated. Eirika frowned, thinking the security around there must be really bad. As they drove towards the apartment, Nina, insistently, navigated their conversation into something less gloomy and they c
Eirika flinched and opened her eyes. Her breathing was loud and she was soaked with sweat. But she was on her bed. And inhaling deeply, she couldn’t catch any smell of blood. She let out a sigh, realizing she had been dreaming. Running her fingers through her loose hair, she got off the bed, feeling unusually hot despite the cold room. She went into the adjoining bathroom to shower and came out of her room later, wearing grey joggers, deciding to survey the apartment nonetheless. She went to check the main lock and saw it was intact, she then went to the sliding door that led to the balcony, sliding it open, she went to stand by the concreted balustrade, drawing in a deep breath as she shut her eyes to revel at the peace and quiet. Then she thought she heard a low growl and lowered her eyes down to the courtyards. Her eyes darted in their sockets as she quietly surveyed the grounds. Another growl came from a narrow corner of a building a few kilometers away from Toby and Nina’
"Wow! He is um…" Nina said, looking awestruck. "I know…" Eirika replied with a subtle smile. "And I saw Nigel Hartwell with the other men. What's that about?" Nina asked. "It turned out he was living in my uncle's pack in the south with his dad. His dad is my uncle's beta." "That is crazy!" Toby said in awe. "Yup. You could just imagine what a shock that was when I saw him. I can't tell who was more shocked – him or me," Eirika said. Nina giggled. "He and his dad have been so wonderful to me. He helped me when I needed it the most. I think they both saved my life more than I could count." "Aww… that is impressive," Nina said in admiration. Silence ensued as Toby started to pace. When they heard a loud howl Eirika rushed to the sliding door and peered out for a second before opening it to rush close to the balustrade. Nina and Toby followed closely behind. They all stood and watched as Bishop, Nigel, York, Jarom, Caineghis, and Jimothy formed a human shield to the entrances of
Arric reacted, using one hand to grab her by the nape of her neck and the other to frame one side of her neck. He leaned into her, leaving a hairbreadth between their faces, and snarled. "If I were a moment later than I was, you would have died! Along with our child, Eirika, do you understand that?! One minute! One goddamn minute! And I would have lost you both!" Arric was literally vibrating with restraints. Eirika could feel his fear, hurt, and anger. The intensity of his concern and fear got to her the most. "I didn't know…" she whispered, "I didn't know I was pregnant. There's no way I would have put myself at risk if I had known. I will never hurt our pup, Arric." Arric let out a shaky breath. His eyes grew stormy with arrays of emotions. He was going to be a father! Eirika was carrying his pup! He wanted to pull away when she gingerly cupped his jaw but he couldn't. The last few hours had been horrific for him. He had imagined all kinds of terror befalling her and sighting
Arric and Eirika made their way down the grand staircase. The sound of clanging pots and sizzling bacon emanated from the kitchen, signaling that breakfast was in full swing. As they entered the kitchen, they were greeted by the sight of Arric's men busy at work. Bishop was at the stove, expertly flipping pancakes while keeping a watchful eye on the bacon and sausages. York, Jarom, Caineghis, Danny; Arric’s combat pilot, Jett; the copilot, and Jimothy were scattered around the room, each one taking care of a different task. York was pouring coffee, Jarom was mixing oatmeal, Caineghis was cracking eggs, Danny was toasting bread and Jimothy was slicing fruit. The aroma of breakfast filled the air, making Eirika's stomach growl. Toby, Nina, and Nigel were already seated at the table, digging into their plates of food. Toby was munching on a piece of bacon, Nina was spreading butter on her pancakes, and Nigel was taking his coffee. The kitchen was a large and spacious room with gran
After breakfast, they moved to the living room – a luxurious space designed with style and exuding an air of elegance, comfort, and opulence. The centerpiece of the room was a large, plush sofa, upholstered in black leather with matching armchairs, arranged around a glass-top coffee table atop a circular Persian rug. The seating area was positioned to create an inviting and intimate atmosphere, with ample space for socializing and relaxation. The walls were painted in a muted, neutral tone and the room had four large windows, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Window blinds were added for privacy and to complement the room's aesthetic. Floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces were strategically placed to give the room superb lightning. A crystal prism chandelier hung at the center of the ceiling, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to the space. Expensive art hung on the side walls between window panels. Sculptures and vase
Arric arrived at the Easterners' headquarters with Bishop at his side, and Jarom following closely behind. The room was filled with humans, and with his heightened senses he could pick up on the distinct smell of fear all around him, whispers, and furtive glances followed them as they passed, but he paid them no mind, focusing his attention on the tall, bulky man ahead; the head of the Easterners, Zachary. "Welcome, Alpha Arric. Thank you for coming," the Eastern head, Zachary, said as he greeted them at the door. "I'm sorry about your father's passing. He was… a good… man." "Thank you," Arric replied, with an amused smirk. Jarom cleared his throat meaningfully. Bishop let out a derisive huff. "Please, follow me to my office." Arric nodded and followed Zachary, with Bishop and Jarom flanking him. They walked through the halls, with the sound of their footsteps echoing loudly. As they entered Zachary's office which was spacious enough to accommodate twenty people, Arric couldn't he
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