“A friend who saved your life…” Arric said. His voice was low and rough, a little deeper as a result of just waking up and then for the way the she-wolf was straddling him. Her nipples were straining against the fabric covering her chest and having the knowledge of how full and soft they were wasn’t helping. Her eyes were gray like the moon with tiny gold specs, showing what she was. Her hair was full, long, and rich. The unruly tendrils framed and fell over her heart-shaped face. She was incredibly beautiful. Even the fire of fury in her eyes didn’t stop his growing hunger for her. His heart tightened at the thought she was his and that she might hate him. “This must be the reward then? Taking advantage of my moment of weakness?!” Eirika growled. Arric hitched a breath, her ferocity, heightening his desire. He released a shaky breath and clenched his jaw when the knife she held to his neck dug deeper into his skin. “You were seriously wounded, bleeding and freezing cold…. I was tr
"He is… was my… Alpha…" Eirika said and her shoulders shook as she started to cry. 'It is too soon… she is hurting," Steelclaw said. Arric sighed and went to sit gingerly on the side of the bed, leaving a considerable distance between them. "I'm sorry…" Arric rasped. Eirika nodded, causing tears to fall on her outstretched legs. Arric slowly raised a hand then to place over the ones she laid over her thighs and when she raised her eyes to meet his, he added, "I promise you are safe with me." Eirika nodded. She tried to ignore the tingling on her skin at his touch. He was a very attractive male and was half-naked. She figured it was normal for her to be attracted to him. She was just annoyed that she could think such a thought even in her grief. She slowly edged away from him and Arric stood up. "Get some rest, you will need it to heal faster," Arric said, trying to emotionally withdraw from her as he went to clean up the blood on his neck and chest. Silently noting the wound had
Arric let out a deep sigh and asked, "I know you are a Lycan but your beast seemed elusive. Do you know why?" 'Oh, Arric! You are such a buzzkill!' Steelclaw complained. The corners of Arric’s lips tweaked in a smile. He pressed his nose to Eirika's hair, inhaling her sweet scent, distracting Steelclaw from his hunger for drama. His beast whimpered with pleasure. "I - I don't know…" Eirika paused, knowing his line of conversation would expose her. She thought she needed to be certain Arric was indeed who he said he was before she let him know who she was. And telling him she was supposed to get her wolf the same day as the grew wolves' alpha's daughter would be too much of a coincidence. "Have you shapeshifted before the attack?" "Um… yes, but once. T-there was no need for it." "You did shapeshift in the ditch though. I think that was what saved your life…" Eirika's eyes welled with tears and she released a shaky breath. That day was supposed to be the best of her life and it
"It's... an honest assumption. You are in my room and in my bed after all," he said without meeting her gaze.'Good, she is suspicious!' Steelclaw said.'I am not against her finding out by herself. I just want her to know me first and trust in me,’ Arric thought.'Telling her it's much faster!''I know but earning her trust is best.'The girl seemed to have opened up a new possibility for Eirika and her mind raced with thoughts. Her father had told her that others of their kind could tell when Lycanthropes were mated. And although the topic of mating was not something her father was particularly keen about. He did speak about a bond and a connection that was beyond magical. And although one didn't need to share such a bond to be sexually attracted to another, it was a bond that was said to be quite intense between Lycans. And she need not ask if Arric was one. He exuded an unmistakable aura; power and strength. The possibility of Arric being her mate made her pulse race. Celine had
The first few days after that were the hardest. Eirika was in a lot of pain, and her leg was swollen and bruised., Alpha Arric's pack healer Gabriel came to check on Eirika's progress every day and sometimes twice a day. He would examine her leg, change the bandages, and monitor her healing process. Arric's reassuring presence made Eirika feel safe and well-cared for.As Eirika's body worked to heal itself, she found herself feeling more and more hungry. Arric knew this and made sure the kitchen staff brought her nutritious meals throughout the day. They would knock on Arric’s bedroom door, announce themselves, and then enter with a tray of food.Each meal was carefully prepared to help Eirika's body heal faster. Arric even brought her bone broth, which he said was good for healing bones and strengthening the immune system. Eirika was grateful for the care and attention she was receiving. As the days went by, Eirika's pain began to subside, and she could start to move her leg a littl
"Arric!" She moaned and then felt his large hand frame the side of her neck and her nape at the same time. His thumb lay just by her throat as he took over, deepening the kiss. Eirika whimpered as he explored the inside of her mouth. Their tongues danced, stroking, twirling, and exploring. Arric caught and suckled the tip of her tongue and then drew her lower lip into his mouth with his teeth and suckled hungrily. The need for more development inside Eirika like vengeance. Arric made her feel alive as she had ever been. Her entire body was throbbing with an almost painful need. "Arric!" She cried when his lips left hers and traveled down her throat. He repositioned her, making her wrap her legs around him to pull down her front zipper. Eirika could feel his bulging need now, straining against the apex of her legs. She held on to him, tilting her head back for whatever he wanted to do to her. He used one arm to support her weight, with an open palm pressed to the small of her back. E
Eirika grew rigid when she felt the bed compressed. Her heartbeat increased and she waited for him to hold her but he didn't. She increasingly ached for him and didn't know when she moved back and didn't stop until her bum was nestled in the curve of his groin. A shiver so profound ran through their bodies and Eirika felt Arric trailing his fingers down her side to the curve of her hip. The pajama top she wore had ridden up, giving him the room to stroke her naked skin. Her breathing grew labored when he pressed tightly to her back and she could feel his hardened length. He moved his hand to her lower abdomen and slowly dipped his fingers into her panties. Eirika shivered as he gently brushed the pad of a finger across her vulva, before parting her folds and slipping a finger into her. She jerked, whimpered, and felt her juice pour more. Arric groaned and slipped another finger into her, Eirika started to rock against his fingers, rubbing and circling her soft bum against his thro
Days after, Arric helped Eirika get acquainted with her wolf albeit in her human form. Gabriel advised she waited until she was fully healed before she attempted a full transformation and they all agreed. Eirika fought her growing attachment with Arric but she always lost the battle, especially at night. And she noted how he seemed to always make certain she makes the first move otherwise he stayed away from her. However, ten days after their first mating, Arric arrived later than usual, having gone patrolling with his men, Steelclaw was getting restless and he knew it was an omen. Something was coming their way and they needed to be extra vigilant. When he got inside his room, Eirika was already asleep and he could tell she had been waiting for him. His heart picked up speed at the sight of her curled up on his side of the bed, wearing one of his shirts. The hem had ridden up and from where he stood, he could see the full round shape of her naked bum. He sniffed, drawing in her sc
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