After six weeks in the Silvertooth Nightstalkers Pack, Eirika had formed a pattern, she trained with Nigel as often as they could and when Nigel was busy training the new members of the Pack, she went to help Brook in the bar. Jack, Hawk, and the other enforcers often showed up at the bar and although Jack kept his distance, she had seen him giving her a cold stare across the room. And in all that time, she only crossed paths with her uncle once when Brook asked her to make a delivery to an upscale establishment a few blocks away from her uncle's house. A young brunette had opened the door for her, wearing a robe over a sexy getup. The lady thanked and paid Eirika but before she shut the door, Eirika saw her uncle walk past the lady in nothing but boxers when he saw her his steps faltered but then he walked away without saying anything. Eirika simply nodded her thanks and turned to leave. Remembering the part her uncle played in her parents' death made fury burn inside her all over
"Hey!" One of them yelled. But before they could react. Beta Shadowclaw transformed into a massive Lycan, his fur bristling with fury. With lightning-fast speed, he attacked the guards, taking them down one by one.Eirika watched in awe as the older Lycan dispatched the guards with ease. When he was finished, he turned to her and snarled, "Run!"Eirika gave him a grateful nod and sprinted past the fallen guards, her heart racing with adrenaline.Weeks before: ArricArric crept through the forest surrounding his father's pack's territory, careful to avoid making any noise that might alert the guards patrolling the perimeter. He knew the layout of the castle-like structure that served as his father's home like the back of his hand.He moved stealthily across the courtyard, hugging the shadows in his black hooded cloak and ducking behind bushes whenever he saw a guard approach. His heightened senses allowed him to sense their presence even before they came into view, and he used his keen
After a day in the woods again, camping alone and sleeping on trees, Eirika's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the massive pack of black werewolves march by. She need not guess where they were coming from and she silently prayed that Nigel and his father and Brook with the rest of the Silvertooth Nightstalkers Pack are alright. She watched from her perch as the group of werewolves passed beneath her, their numbers milling massively in hordes. She waited until they had moved on before climbing down from the tree. Knowing they were heading back to the black wolves' territory, she started to trail them, unconsciously making a decision to find Roffe Barther. She moved silently through the woods, staying just far enough behind the group so as not to be noticed. They moved quickly, their massive forms blending seamlessly into the night. She had to use all her stealth and agility to keep up with them, but she managed to do so. She watched as they made their way deeper into the fo
After running for a few minutes, Eirika spotted a small cottage at the end of a quiet street. It was surrounded by overgrown vegetation, making it difficult to see from the road. She hurried towards it, trying to stay quiet in case anyone was nearby. As she slipped inside, she didn't turn on the lights. Instead, she tiptoed through the small living room, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. It was sparsely furnished, with a couch, a couple of chairs, and a small table in the corner. She could see the outlines of pictures on the walls, but she didn't get a good look at them. Eirika made her way to the bathroom, where she washed her face and hands to try and calm her nerves. She then sat down at the table and ate quickly, trying to replenish her energy. Feeling more refreshed, she decided to explore the rest of the house. She found the bedroom, which was similarly sparsely furnished. There was a dresser against one wall, and a bed with a plain white sheet on it. She wondered if the st
Eirika slowly opened her eyes, blinking in the dim light of the walled-up dungeon. Her head throbbed from where she had been knocked out, and she could feel the cold stone floor beneath her. She tried to get up, but her body was weak, and her muscles refused to cooperate. She shivered, feeling the cold seep into her bones. The walls of the dungeon were damp, and the air smelled musty and stale. She had no idea how long she had been here, but it felt like days since she had last eaten or drunk anything. A piteous sob escaped her lips and she shook with tears. She wished they had killed her outrightly. So she wouldn't have to face Arric. She figured he would have found out about her by now, and if no one had come for her, then she was right about her deductions. Arric hate her now and had indeed left her to her fate – to rot and starve to death. Because she was certain she would soon enough. Lack of food would make her waste away that is if the cold did not kill her first. She was e
Eirika's eyes fluttered open to the soft swaying of the hammock beneath her. For a moment, she was disoriented, her senses struggling to adjust to her surroundings. But then, the smell of roasting meat reached her, and her stomach growled with hunger. As she slowly sat up, she took in her surroundings. She was in a clearing, surrounded by trees that loomed tall and imposing on all sides. The crackling of the campfire filled her ears, the flickering of the flames dancing against the bark of the tree trunks in the shadowy ground. Nigel emerged from the shadows, his sharp features illuminated by the fire. "Hey," he said, his voice gruff but warm. "How are you feeling?" Eirika groaned, the effort of sitting up still taxing on her weakened body. "Like I'm trying to crawl out of my grave," she rasped. "Everywhere hurts." Nigel nodded, going to stand beside her. "You've been through a lot," he said softly. "But you're safe now." Eirika managed a weak smile, grateful for Nigel's kindnes
Nigel crouched low to the ground, his muscles tensing as he prepared to fight. Eirika silently noted that their assailants were a mix of werewolves and unchanging, and there were about ten of them. "Where is the she-wolf?" one of them asked. "What she-wolf?" Nigel replied in a cold tone. "Give her to us and walk away…" another growled. "Why don't you come and make me," Nigel snarled a reply. The ten then started to close in on him. It was an unchanging that lunged at Nigel first with a knife, but Nigel was too quick for him. He dodged the attack and delivered a powerful punch to his gut, sending him flying into a nearby tree. Another one, a werewolf, transformed into his lupine form and charged at Nigel with a vicious snarl. Nigel met the werewolf head-on, his own transformation into his Lycan instant and frightening The two beasts clashed, their teeth and claws glinting in the moonlight as they fought for dominance. Nigel was quick and agile, dodging the werewolf's attacks
Arric stood in the morgue, his eyes darting back and forth between the two examination beds. On each lay the lifeless bodies of his father and brother, the only family he had left in the world. His heart pounded in his chest, and a wave of grief washed over him, threatening to consume him. Bishop, York, Jarom, Caineghis, and Jimothy stood by as he paced back and forth, his footsteps echoing in the sterile room. The scent of formaldehyde filled his nostrils, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. His father and brother had been killed by Eirika, and the thought of his brother, most especially, lying here, cold and lifeless, made his blood boil. Arric clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as he fought to contain his emotions. Mauro had told him how it happened but Arric couldn't quite believe Eirika had bested Marcus even with a poisoned weapon; he doubted his brother would have gone down that quickly. And she had killed his father?! Roffe Barther! If it wasn’t such
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