Eirika shut her eyes tightly, pressing her lips together to prevent them from trembling. Her heart clenched painfully at his cold tone. The memory of him caring for her at his pack flashed in her head and it was almost her doing. This was not the Arric she left behind at the Steelclaw pack. This was a cold stranger helping her to live so she could face his wrath. Aria whimpered at his detachment. After Arric finished helping her to clean and redress her wound, he found one of his shirts for her to wear. It was a soft, worn cotton, and it hung loosely on her slender frame. He helped her into it and tucked her into the warm covers. He then left, making his way to the kitchen to prepare a meal for her. He rummaged through the cabinets, searching hurriedly for something that would be both nourishing and appetizing. And doing his best not to think of her. Finally, he settled on some fresh cuts of steak, which he seasoned with herbs and grilled to perfection. He paired the steaks with a
Eirika shut her eyes tightly, pressing her lips together to prevent them from trembling. Her heart clenched painfully at his cold tone. The memory of him caring for her at his pack flashed in her head and it was almost her doing. This was not the Arric she left behind at the Steelclaw pack. This was a cold stranger helping her to live so she could face his wrath. Aria whimpered at his detachment. After Arric finished helping her to clean and redress her wound, he found one of his shirts for her to wear. It was a soft, worn cotton, and it hung loosely on her slender frame. He helped her into it and tucked her into the warm covers. He then left, making his way to the kitchen to prepare a meal for her. He rummaged through the cabinets, searching hurriedly for something that would be both nourishing and appetizing. And doing his best not to think of her. Finally, he settled on some fresh cuts of steak, which he seasoned with herbs and grilled to perfection. He paired the steaks with a
Arric shut his eyes to take a deep breath and heard it, her steady breathing – albeit labored and knew she was somewhere in the room. He went to check the bathroom and the closet, a deep frown furrowed his eyebrows before he walked gingerly to the other side of the bed and found her curled up on the lush area rug on the floor. His heart shook hard in his chest at the sight of her. The image of the cold, damp cell she had spent the past days playing in his head, and a low growl vibrated deep in his throat. With jaw clenched, he took off his clothes, almost tearing them off of his body as he allowed Steelclaw to connect with her beast causing him to feel the pain in her body and heart. Left in his boxers, he went to scoop her up, startling her awake, she flinched delicately and the thought that she may have been abused hit him like a wrecking ball. But he knew if she had, Ghost would have told him, and he was certain the guard wouldn’t have lived to see the next day. Eirika had no
Arric picked his boxers from the floor and slipped them on, ignoring his pulsating need. He couldn't even remember when he pulled them off. That was how intense loving her felt and he already wanted her again. He used to love and reveled in the insatiable desire they shared but now he just hated himself for his weaknesses. He shouldn't have given in and made love to her. He shouldn't even allow himself to be this close to her and he hadn't planned to. Seeing her like that on the floor had gotten to him. He imagined the hell she must have been through in the past months and he just reacted, wanting to comfort her. He could lie to himself and say it was the mate bond. But it wasn't. What they both shared was way past a mere bond. And how dare she mess that up by throwing unnecessary hurdles in their path. As if it wasn't bad enough that their enemies were abundant. He went back down the stairs to seek the comfort of another kind. He was surprised but glad that his cabin was still
He picked her up and she pressed her lips to his. Arric visibly shook. He opened his mouth for her and she dipped her tongue into his mouth, tasting and exploring every corner as her arms wrapped around his neck and her fingers tangled in his long hair. Steelclaw gradually calmed down as Eirika's scent overpowered Rubella's. Arric let out a shaky breath and went to sit down on the bed, making Eirika straddle him. Breathing hard Eirika stopped and held his gaze, giving him keen scrutiny. "Better?" she asked with a frown. Arric nodded as he framed the side of her face with his left hand. Using his thumb to gently stroke the corner of her full lips. The feral look in his eyes was gone now and was replaced with naked desire. "Thank you…" he rasped. She nodded when she tried to get off of him, he used both hands to hold her by the waist to keep her in position. "I thought you said you felt better…" Eirika said. Arric nodded. "I do feel better. Only you have created another probl
Eirika's heart thudded faster than usual and it was not just for the apparent danger outside the cabin but for the way Arric reacted despite his anger and his determination to punish her for his brother's death. She took steady breaths, taking in his scent. Her face was pressed against his massive chest and he was literally wrapped around her, eclipsing her with his massive body. His muscles flexed against her body and she could feel almost every ripple of it. His heartbeat was going a mile per minute. She could smell his fear and she could tell it was for her. When he drew back slightly to hold her gaze, his irises flashed dangerously making it obvious his beast was only skin deep. She adored him with her eyes: his perfectly formed face, his squared jawline, his straight nose and those arresting eyes, and then his lips. She swallowed. Arric made a low deep sound that sounded like a purr. "Really? Right now?" he said, making her meet his gaze. Eirika's cheeks grew pink. "W-what?"
"What the hell?" he said. "Good day, alpha," Bishop greeted. "Alpha," the others acknowledged. Arric saw that Nigel was with them and he merely nodded when their eyes met. "What happened?" he asked. "A bounty hunter slipped through security, I think he may have seen her come out of your cabin and thought she was luna?" Bishop supplied. "Shit!" Arric cursed, wiping his face with the palm of his hands, and then swept his fingers through his long hair. "He tried to run, but his luck ran out. York gutted him," Caineghis said. Arric moved closer to the body of the assailant, crouching beside it. He was clean-shaven with low cut and his leather getup was all black. A tattoo peeked out of the base of his neck and Arric brought out a pocket knife to slash open the neckline down one sleeve. A tattoo of a python slithered from his neck to the wrist. Bishop cursed. "This is no ordinary bounty hunter…." Arric said. "You know the tattoo?" Nigel asked, everyone, directed their ey
Eirika took a moment to survey her surroundings. The kitchen was spacious, with sleek, modern appliances and an impressive range hood. The white cabinets contrasted beautifully with the dark wooden floors, and natural light streamed in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A large island in the center of the room provided ample space for food preparation, while a row of high-end cookware hung from the ceiling above the stove. Eirika rummaged through the kitchen cabinet and pantry then started to gather the ingredients and began to assemble her menu. She roasted a tray of vegetables in the oven, the vibrant colors of carrots, zucchini, and eggplant brightening the kitchen even further. Moving on to her main dish, she made a savory pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce and tender chunks of meat. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the kitchen as she stirred the simmering sauce. She then made a decadent chocolate cake after leaving it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. She
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