Ryker
I did not take any time to unpack my things, but I did at least inspect the place for basic necessities and put my bag in the same room that I had been utilizing during my brief stints here in the South prior.
As I departed the house, I found myself grateful that I had made the split-second decision to do a walkthrough before I began my tasks for the day. I had never encountered any issues in the past, but the lack of a proper alpha running the pack here had evidently leaked into other areas as well.
The residence appeared somewhat tidy, but it was obvious that no one had entered the home since Willow and Jax had last left it. After a precursory glance, I knew that I needed to add a trip to the grocery store to my list if I wanted to eat anything tonight.
I waffled between taking the car and letting my wolf loose, knowing
Veronica I shut my eyes, leaning heavily against the inside of my closed front door as I dropped my backpack on the ground and let out a long breath. I could still feel Ryker’s strong arms wrapped securely around me as he had assured me that he would be back tomorrow. It had been over two years since I had last been embraced by a person of the opposite gender, other than my brother, and it led my mind down a rabbit hole that I would rather leave unexplored at the moment. My wolf was no help with the dirty thoughts that she persisted to voice at any opening, but my daughter’s heart-rending cry succeeded in breaking through my mental haze. I raced down the hall, eager to hold my baby in my arms again. I had never left her for so long before, but I knew that she had been in good hands with Mari. I rounded the corner into the livin
Veronica “Ronnie, calm down. It is going to be fine.” Mari said, her words halting me in my tracks where I had been pacing across the small kitchen the next morning. “You don’t know that for sure.” I couldn’t resist adding as the worry hung around my head like an encroaching storm on a cloudy day. “You are right. I don’t,” she stated, giving me a severe frown before she went on in the next breath, “but I do know that you need to stop stressing over every detail and try to accept what Luna has blessed you with.” Mari was not one to usually call it like she saw it, being shy and introverted with most people unless something sparked the fire that I knew was deep within her. Consequently, if she was being this candid with me, I opted to seriously consider her argument as I took a seat at the table. Nevertheless, I heard the crunching of heavy boots traipsing up the path towards the front of
Ryker I saw what Ronnie was doing the second I realized that Mari always seemed to be on the periphery no matter where we went throughout the morning. My wolf was annoyed, wanting to jump right to the claiming portion of things, but I knew that she needed time. I could prove to her that I would put her and Roxi before everything else this time around, and I reveled in the prospect of being able to learn my daughter’s individual quirks and mannerisms as she frolicked about outdoors. This day was certainly one for the books. I would never forget Roxi’s sweet little voice ringing out for the first time or the smile adorning my mate’s gorgeous face for most of the morning. I would forever cherish these new memories, and I knew that they would serve as a balm to further soothe any ghosts that managed to persist in haunting my futu
Veronica “Did you get to everyone that you needed to this morning?” Mari asked as I reentered the room from packing Roxi’s diaper bag for our upcoming trip to the training grounds in about an hour. “I did, thank you again for keeping an eye on her for a couple of hours. I don’t have many patients presently, and I was able to meet with a few of them last night so that helped a lot.” As I set the bag on the counter, I allowed my eyes to trail over to where Roxi was hard at work, banging her cardboard books against her table while Mari gathered the rest of her lunch. “That’s great! I am happy that Ryker seems to be up for the challenge of parenthood. Don’t get me wrong, I revere Roxi unconditionally, but it has been tough recently with Scarlett’s absence. I didn't realize how much she helped out around here. Roxi misses her too. S
Veronica I led the way into the familiar house, leaving the door open for Ryker who was right behind me with Roxi in tow. I headed straight for the kitchen, mapping out my options in my mind for something simple that Roxi would eat. I knew from experience that neither my brother nor Ryker had kept this kitchen well stocked in the past, so I knew that my choices were limited. I was flabbergasted that Ryker had chosen this house over the well-appointed pack house, but I did recollect that he always had preferred the simpler things in life. It also proved that there were still secrets that I was ignorant of. Nevertheless, I found myself astounded in the next several minutes as I took in the changes that had occurred in the week or so since I had been here last, derailing my previous train of thought as I hunted for ingredients to
Ryker I noted the immediate dip in Ronnie’s mood when her friend’s abrupt absence was highlighted as we discussed the past. I could sense her annoyance, but it was also evident how much the other woman meant to my mate by the concern that outshined it by a long stretch. “I know Reese would never let any harm come to her, but I will ask him about more specifics if he is in range tomorrow. I need to try to contact the others again anyway.” I supplied, knowing that her pride and stubbornness was hindering her from demonstrating her caring nature like she typically would have. I shifted my position next to her, nudging her knee with mine as I did so and glancing down to measure her reaction in response to both my words and prior actions. I didn’t think so little of her as to believe that she would forget her yearning for information that easily.
Ryker My wolf growled his protest in my head the following morning, causing my muscles to seize as he fought for control. I hadn't been prepared for a skirmish this early in the day, but thankfully the reminder of the importance of securing the territory to ensure our family's continued safety made him falter enough for me to be able to retake the reins. I ripped myself away from Ronnie’s soft figure snuggled securely into my side, the action creating a physical ache that I knew I would carry with me until she was in my arms for good. It was becoming more strenuous by the day to resist the relentless tugging of the mating bond as it urged us together. I hauled myself up and into gear, knowing the exercise would satisfy some of my wolf’s pent-up frustration. Moreover, I could not deny my own exasperation at having to leave my m
Veronica My head remained firmly in the clouds as I ambled inside after Ryker kissed the living daylights out of me and then left like I wasn't in shambles, trying to peel myself off the ground due to the puddle of goo I had melted into with his clever mastery. Okay, so maybe I was being a bit melodramatic, but the mating bond made this sweltering desire seem a thousand times stronger now that he was in my presence on a more regular basis. In fact, I honestly believed it might have been rallying to a new intensity the longer I resisted its call. I found Mari in the living room with her latest book, curled up on the sofa where she looked up upon my entrance, saying in a lighthearted manner, “It’s about time you showed up, Ronnie. I thought we were supposed to be planning a ball while Roxi was asleep?” I knew she was only jestin
Hello wonderful readers, I am so sorry for any confusion, but all four books in this series will be separated. Unfortunately, my editor received some untrue information that was then passed on to me. To limit confusion, the order of the books is as follows: *Mated to the Alpha of the North *Mated to the Alpha of the South *Mated to the Alpha of the West *Mated to the Alpha of the East Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support. (I am also loving all the comments and encouragement. You guys are awesome! Thanks for sticking with me!!)
Veronica I was awoken way too early for my liking the next morning, but I wasn’t complaining once I realized what had brought me back to the land of the living. I could see the sun had already risen through my squinted eyes, but the fatigue seemed determined to stick around. The sensual feeling of Ry’s stubbled beard rubbing against my inner thighs as he gently ran his tongue in circles around my bundle of nerves had my hips rocking up of their own accord. My mate’s husky chuckle was the only warning I got before he suddenly sucked my clit into his mouth, slamming me into awareness as he brought his fingers into the action now that I was awake and fully onboard with his plans. It didn’t take him long to bring me to a screaming climax then, and I was enthusiastic to return the favor after I recovered from the stars orbiting my head and took a few moments to catch my breath, that was. Ry moved up my body while I was lost in all-
Veronica I was stunned when Ry’s voice intruded, anxiously warning of his impending arrival with a severely injured Ruby in tow. I had only just taken my seat to dig into the hearty stew Willow created, but I didn’t dither to explain to the others as I jumped up to meet him at the door. Even as I scurried forth, I couldn’t help but think there had been some type of mistake. Ruby had sworn to me she would not leave her house during the fighting. I knew she had chosen to stay behind, and I had advocated for her to join the patrol groups, but we had agreed she needed more training before taking on real adversaries. I didn’t give a damn that the bears had invaded early, I was pissed at Ruby for lying to me, but then I felt horrible for being angry at a wolf who was struggling to remain with us. I zoned my concentration in on her abdomen, where it appeared the most damage had occurred. There were multiple large gashes stead
Ryker My concentration was zeroed in on getting Ruby to my mate as I ran through the forest, but I also observed the fighting appeared to be over entirely as I pushed myself faster through the trees. I didn’t let myself ruminate on our victory or the losses we undoubtedly suffered, rather I diverted all my attention towards letting Ronnie know I was on the way. {Incoming! Ruby’s been injured. It’s serious. I’ll be there in two minutes time with her.} I could barely detect the girl’s shallow breath as I continued onward. The uneven beating of her heart had me frantically hurtling forward, dodging obstacles, and darting through the trees at a risky speed with the precious cargo I carried. It wouldn’t matter, regardless, if I couldn’t get her to Ronnie in enough time. Thankfully, Ronnie was waiting with the front door thrown open wide when I reached my destination, but she was advancing towards me in the twinkling of an e
Ryker Pain rippled down my spine as I transformed mid-stride, but it was forgotten as soon as the pinprick registered. My wolf’s keen eyes took in the dim tunnels as we ran onward, and I had to admit his vision was much clearer than mine was in my human form. On the other hand, I was having a difficult time discerning which direction Holden had disappeared with his scent seemingly surrounding me at every turn. Sight and smell were two of the biggest senses I normally relied on when tracking prey, but both were limited down here to my chagrin. Magnus’ and Holden’s scent trails were down every dark corridor I took, taunting me from every turn. I was forced to slow when I lost the elder again, but it did give me the opportunity to identify the subtle differences within the lingering scents. It didn’t take me long to narrow the options down to only two possible paths of egress he might have taken once I was focused, though I conce
Veronica Relief poured through me as my eyes alighted upon the weapon the former Southern Elder was brandishing. I wasn’t stupid. I knew it was dangerous after my own encounter with it prior, but I had something to fight back with now. Ryker and Jax blocked the older male’s line of sight, so he didn’t see me whipping out my own identical cylinder. Willow’s chocolate eyes turned up when she saw what I was holding, and her lips stretched into a victorious grin as she spoke up, giving me the opening that I needed. However, she also unwittingly aided our enemy in the process, forcing me to act quickly as the noxious fumes began to spew into the air. Ryker yanking me off my feet didn’t help matters, but I still managed to initiate the container in enough time to combat the unchanged one Holden had set off. I didn’t hesitate as relief at my foresight spread through me, reaching into my pocket, and instigating another cannister so we would be able to keep going. I knew Ryker would never
Ryker I wanted to say I was positive these tunnels hadn’t existed when I was a child, but it would be a lie. I never had the opportunity to seek out all the mysteries my father had masked from his family, especially regarding this house. It had been his pride and joy, and the ostentatious nature of it displayed that well enough. Yet, my father had been as suspicious as he was cruel, so it wouldn’t astonish me if he had been the one to install this underground network all those years ago when he’d had this abode built. It would make more sense than Zeke or the elders managing to cover up such a huge undertaking without alerting the rest of the population. Just the same, my ponderings were interrupted by the distinctive noise of life erupting from within, and I was climbing into the opening without a second thought. I did have the prudence to pause long enough to ensure my mate was on board with my present course of action, but
Veronica I took in the unanticipated strain in the atmosphere, but I didn’t say anything as I held up my hand in a staying gesture and darted to the living room in order to catch Nyla before she escaped upstairs. The younger wolf had her foot poised to ascend the first step when she halted, rotating at my voice as I said, “Hold up a second, Nyla.” I trudged closer before I started speaking again, and she helpfully met me in the middle of the room. “How is Remus doing? Ryker let me know he was up this morning, but I’m guessing that is where you’re headed now.” “Yes. He actually just woke up from his nap. Thank you again for everything. I don’t know what I would do if I lost my mate so soon after finding him.” I embraced her as she became teary eyed, squeezing her momentarily before pulling back to reassure her, “Don’t thank me, Nyla. You have been working just as hard as me to help our patients heal. Everyone should be
Veronica I shot up in a flash, dashing to the bathroom to relieve myself as I was slammed back into consciousness with the realistic dream my mind had conjured up as the remnants of the wolfsbane left my system. I could still feel the sweltering heat as the mighty inferno raged on internally, but the particulars of the nightmare slithered away before I could commit them to memory. I belatedly realized I was alone when I stumbled out of the washroom after taking care of business, which explained why my mate hadn’t been laughing his ass off at my morning sprint to the toilet. Yet, I idly wandered whether it was morning after all when I caught a glimpse of the light peeking through the gaps in the loosely drawn drapes. I concentrated for a minute, taking in the competing stimuli as I tried to wake up. I could hear there were several people moving around in the common areas, as well as Ryker further out, outside in