Raija's povThanks to Nick and Daniel carrying Axel to his room I could write a list of supplies I needed from my mom's store. Nick watched me write over my shoulder and asked if it would help his dad too.Glancing up at him I bit my bottom lip and nodded."You can't just waltz in there Nick, someone she doesn't know will have to," I muttered in concern. I didn't want any other wolves being cursed. Nick grinned, "No worries lil sis, I have a few plebs that will do errands for me because of my looks," Nick chided as he flipped his mane of hair. Raising my brows I laughed."Okay, weirdo just get it fast because Axel is very sick," I asserted and handed him the list. "I will return with it in less than an hour," he sighed as he exited. Seeing Axel sprawled out on his bed I could see beads of sweat forming on his brow. Going to his ensuite I dampened a washrag and went to sit next to him on the mattress."You must be a big threat to the witches for them to have gone this far, Mister Rathb
Raija's povNick brought me straight back to the Alpha's room and Breanna, the Luna, came at me aggressively."It is you and your mother's fault that the Alpha is dying!" She growled emotionally. Cringing at her verbal assault, I watched her face contort into a partial wolf before she attacked me and bit my arm. Before I could say a protection spell her canines sank into my arm hitting the bone. I felt a burning sensation enter my arm and hissed as Nick pulled his mother off of me, ripping the skin partially. Stepping back in shock I lifted my good arm to see her bloody teeth marks. My wide eyes looked up at Breanna."What have you done!?" Wiping her mouth off my blood she growled, "I infected you for killing my mate!""He's not dying but I may," I cursed and fell back against the wall. My flesh was burning where my tri-moon necklace lay on my chest. Trying desperately to remove it from my neck the silver singed my fingers. "You won't die being a witch, you will just become enhanced
Raija's povNibbling on my toast I wasn't all that excited to go to the woods to do this wolf-shifting thing. I wasn't even certain that I would be able to and the bitch calling herself Rinn in my subconscious was very moody. "Are your wolves supposed to be kind or annoying?" Axel glanced over at me and grinned."Your wolf is an extension of your consciousness and self. If yours is being surly maybe you should ask yourself why." Biting a piece of toast I chewed it aggressively."You referred to me as an infection which I am Not!" Rinn growled sourly in my head."I'm sorry I didn't know what else to refer to you as," I snapped in irritation. Looking at me like I was crazy, Axel shook his head."Are you going to take an hour to eat that single piece of bread?" "No!" I exclaimed and shoved the remainder into my mouth. "Is the Alpha alright?" I asked while I chewed. Axel nodded briskly and said, "Yeah, he is right as rain and wearing the jewelry you insisted on him wearing just as I a
Axel's pov Running off ahead of Raija I stepped on my old pack lands and could smell those two bastard brothers Steven and Seth. Glancing back I couldn't see Raija and figured she had wandered off elsewhere as I headed into the rocky terrain in search of the twin Alpha's. "Their scent is strong, they have to be close," Cota growled bitterly. Hearing a conversation I snuck down an embankment and peered over the ledge.Raija was trapped by the two assholes carrying rifles. The rifles were banned from use during my and my father's leadership of their pack."They are weak if they have to use weapons," my wolf huffed. "Well they have our mate," I replied, filling fast with rage. Looking around for an idea of how to distract them I jumped down further. Getting ready to pounce on their backs, I shifted to my human form. I jumped at the exact moment Raija did her zapping thing. My rambunctiousness had me collide with the twins falling backwards. The rifles they carried started riddling sho
Raija's povThe Wolfman, I'm realizing, is a hornEE pervert. I was only being curious and he got all irate with me. It was frustrating how he always made a big deal about me just trying to learn how to do things that felt good.Watching him give me a shit-eating grin I exhaled sharply.Sawyer came slinking out from the closet and eyed us both with boredom. I wondered if the feline had given us privacy on purpose. Dismissing the thought I smiled at Axel."Can we go see if Alpha Daniel has returned so I don't burn you with this imaginary fire you speak of?"Sitting up Axel grabbed a shirt and slipped it on covering his tawny firm chest."I meant our passion, not a literal fire, silly," he said firmly.Standing he waved his hand toward the door for me to go first. Rolling my eyes I head out of his room before him to go to Daniel's office at the bottom of the stairs. Nick was at the middle landing and when he spied us descending he put his hand up and waved it for us to head back up. Axel
Raija's povThe officer returned to my window with my documents and a speeding ticket in his hand. I signed for it and watched as the officer returned to his vehicle after telling me to slow it down."See it ended without incident," I asserted to Axel in the back seat."Just get to the inn I have my wallet and can check us in and please no more speeding," Axel replied sourly. I caught Sawyer nodding his head in agreement in my peripherals. Exhaling deeply I slowly made my way back onto the highway and continued at a reasonable speed toward our destination. "Was that cop from the twins pack?" I asked the grumpy creature in the back.Axel's eyes met mine in the rearview mirror as he huffed out, "Yeah."Rolling my eyes at his surly attitude I reduced my speed as I entered Worthington. Barriers were up along the main street. "The Halloween parade and fair are starting today, I think we should attend," I said chipperly. "All the witches and werewolves in this quaint town will be there as
Raija's pov Ignoring my mother standing off to the side. I looked up at Axel and said quietly, "I am sorry I lashed out at you earlier. I'm not upset about you marking me and I know you did it for my safety."He smiled brilliantly at me and said," I will always have your back, sweetheart."Holding his hand in mine I turned to my mom with a stoic glance and explained to her that I was just waiting for our food order. "I also went to the bank and discovered that you took all of my things. Very presumptuous of you, mom," I huffed. Simona fanned surprise by gasping in shock.I knew it was because the diner was full of outsiders giving me an upper hand."Oh goodness dear, I did it to save the shop, sales have been slow and I needed to pay bills. It is your inheritance after all," she quipped. Glaring at her I could see our food bags coming and scooted from the booth to stand. "Our order has arrived, so good day Mother! Just so you know I am getting my things back from you shortly, you ca
Raija's pov Grabbing the crystals I required I stuffed them in my back pockets and turned to Axel."Are you ready? We should head out because it's getting crowded on the main street," he asserted as he peeked out the window. Nodding, I told Sawyer that we would return once I completed my rituals. The cat meowed and curled up on the bed. I went to open the door but Axel shouted, "Don't open that!"Raising my brow I glanced at him and asked," Why?"He rushed over, peered out the peephole, and growled." That old male witch and both twin Alphas are approaching. Your mom must have told them we were here. Why does your mother hate you so much?"Frowning at that I shrugged. I only knew for certain that she hated my human father."Mark me!""What!?" Axel stuck his wrist in my face."Give me your bite so our wolves can communicate with each other. We are mates and our wolves can talk with each other telepathically. For safety measures," he stressed. Filled with uncertainty I cupped his wris
Raija’s povAxel had been correct about the Worthington residents believing that the entire town had suffered a mass hysteria event. I had been hearing the rumors since the grand opening of my holistic store. Knowing the true cause of the missing residents I pretended to be as shocked as they all were. Calling my shop Natural Remedies I was giddy with excitement on its opening day and seeing old Pete waving at me from across the street. I was glad the older man had returned and hadn't been murdered.Heavily pregnant I was restocking the shelves days later on a fine spring morning and in jovial spirits. Atlas and Lucas had entered and were searching for some of my handmade protection rings.“More? Didn't you come just yesterday and grab ten? Aren't you supposed to be in school today at the pack house?”Looking sheepishly at me, my son nodded and said, “Yeah but we're selling them there and making money for the pack. The classroom got out early so I went to my practice with Atlas.” E
Raija’s povFeeling irritated after the conversation with my male relatives, I approached Axel with a fake smile.“What is going on with the odd fellows?”Shaking my head I told Axel it was just a dispute between the two and he nodded.“Well, sweetheart, we have a bit of a dilemma. Half of the pack wants to stay here while the other wants to go back. They miss having seasons,” he said with a sigh. Glancing over at the pack members busy doing chores on my dad's property I raised my brow.“I want to reopen the store I own. I liked doing it but then again I really dislike snow,” I muttered biting my lip.“Who will be the Alpha here?”Axel suggested Nick and Wyatt.“I know them both and they are decent. Are you saying that we take the members that wish to return and make it our very own pack?”Nodding my head Axel smiled and kissed me.Staring into my eyes he said, “ You should rename it so we all have a fresh start.”Grinning slightly I suggested that we be called the Lugh Light Pack and
Raija’s povAxel lifted me and twirled me around in the frigid night air smiling joyfully. My blanket was loosened and I squealed as the movement caused the coldness to touch my bare flesh.“Oops! I forgot that you're still in the buff,” he chuckled then planted a kiss on my lips.Kissing him back I smiled against his mouth and suggested that we head home. He placed me back into the vehicle and hurried to the driver's side. As he drove I thought about how my life had changed so drastically over the past several months and rubbed my eyes.“So grim reapers, elves, and vampires exist?”Side-eyeing me with a smirk, Axel nodded.“Yep, and a whole variety of other things as well. I'm not sure of Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster because I haven't seen them but I have the others,” he replied. “Simona kept me closeted so I was only ever aware of the werewolves. I didn't even know Sawyer was a werecat. It all makes me feel inadequate as a witch,” I muttered sourly.“But you have the knowledge
Raija’s povI glanced back to try and see who was aiming at me and saw the shadow of a man with a rifle. Before I moved another dark mass approached and backhanded the fellow causing the shot to fire up into the air.“Let's go, Rinn!”Rinn jumped down the cliff and was buried neck-deep in the snow which started to move underneath her.“Brilliant wolf, you started an avalanche,” I cursed.“Don't worry I am in complete control. Don't distract me,” she growled and leaped through the moving snow toward a Stony ledge. Diving under it she scanned the area and bound out to the cluster of fir trees unaffected by the raging white wave. Tucked against the trees Rinn was panting heavily. Hearing a howl coming from below her strength renewed. “Was that Cota?” Pffting me she said sarcastically, “Who else would it be silly.”“Don't be a bitch, Rinn!”Chortling, she raced down the cliff. We paused at a precarious drop-off that caused her to whine and pace along the edge.“I've told Cota that you
Raija’s povAxel rushed through the forest with Nick at his heels. “Is Stephanie still at our house?”Nodding his head Axel told me she was the one who told them we had been taken by the demon.Biting my lower lip I laid my cheek against his flannel shirt enjoying his warmth and safety.“Were you hurt by that freak?” He asked gazing down at me briefly.“I don't know what happened. I was unconscious,” I stammered, causing him to grunt. After a few more curious looks from him, he grew silent and continued traversing through the thick woods and up the incline. “I only ask because you were strapped down with leather straps, no pants with claw marks down your legs, and smelled strongly of sulfur,” he admitted. My eyes began to tear as I buried my face in his shirt.“I don't remember,” I murmured.“Is Simona still alive?” I questioned with a sniffle.“Yeah, she was helping that demon get to safety,” he responded bitterly. “When we get to the compound I'm taking you straight to the infir
Raija’s pov“Breakfast is hot and ready!” Sara announced before eyeing the three of us looking grim.“Did someone die?”Atticus smiled and approached her saying, “No my dear, just pack issues.”Looking up at Axel my heart hurt. “If anything happens to him or Lucas my heart would be devastated,” I told Rinn and she whimpered in response. “We met by accident and now look at how far we have come,” I said solemnly as I looked up at Axel smiling at me.“Glad I met you Raija, you're the best thing that has ever happened to me, even though you made me wear a skirt,” he chuckled and pulled me into his embrace. Running his fingers through my hair and tucking it behind my ears he gazed at me compassionately.“I can't believe that I only wanted you in order to get my pack back. Now I'm an Alpha yet my pack is elsewhere,” he sighed.Grinning slightly I said, “They're safe and will return once the threat is dealt with. How is Worthington? Are there any humans left or is it all abandoned now?”Sh
Raija’s povAfter our wolf mating, I fell asleep with Rinn cuddled up next to Cota. Our bond intensified when we joined and I felt so much contentment with him by my side that I shared some of my magic with him. Grinning slightly I figured that I would ask Atticus what Axel would be capable of and Sawyer to teach him once I discovered if he had indeed gained some of my life magic.Feeling my mate stretching I shifted into my human form and did the same.“Are you feeling alright? You're not injured? The floor isn't very comfortable,” he said, leaning over my face.Smiling up at him I pulled him closer and gave him a soft kiss.“I feel incredible, Axel and so does Rinn.”“I was concerned about you getting rug burns,” he teased.“Ha ha, Mister. I don't think wolves get rug burns,” I giggled as I stood and glanced out at the window to see the sun peeking out.“Did we sleep for an entire day?”Axel nodded, “Yep, it appears so.”“I want my dad to check on Lucas and make sure my grandfather
Raija’s povWe raced to the fence separating our pack lands. Axel had to shift and lift Stephanie over the fence and I scrambled underneath. Panting heavily I heard the howling getting closer and eyed my mate.“They won't come on this land. If they do, I'm battling them both,” he growled forcefully. “I will help,” Rinn asserted and I grinned slightly and told her I agreed with her. Shaking his head, Axel glanced down at us.“No Raija, you and Rinn will watch over Stephanie and keep her protected. I'm much stronger now that I have you,” he said firmly. Glancing back over at the Shadow Moon Pack lands I saw two pairs of red glowing eyes approaching within dark inky wolf shapes and gritted my teeth.“They aren't normal wolves any longer!”I started chanting as they got closer. I hoped that I could weaken whatever force was driving them to us. Nothing I said seemed to stop their progression.“Protect Stephanie,” Axel growled as he shifted into Cota. The two black wolves jumped the fen
Raija’s povShifting once again I was shocked to have the necklace dangling from Rinn’s neck like a collar. My grandfather must have used his magic to allow for it to remain during my transformations.Following Cota down a steep path through the hillside I was surprised that he went directly to the place where the dead were. Scanning the people I frowned seeing they were mostly lower witches and showed no sign of visible injuries or cause of their death. I just knew that Zelos fed from them, sucking the life force from them to regenerate himself. Sickened from the thought I looked around for Axel.“He is searching for any signs of Nick,” Rinn informed me. Traveling away from the horrid smell I spied a shiny object in the snow. Seeing it was a tourmaline ring I had Nick wear I searched for Axel and just told him I found it with a thought. “Where are you?” he responded.“Northeast by the trees. The ring is Nick's’ and must have fallen off when he shifted. Seeing a pile of discarded cl