Raija's povShivering, injured, and wishing I would have worn more than a simple tee I watched the flakes fall into my face. I blew them away unsuccessfully. The snowflakes were thicker and the wind was picking up the back of my shirt positioned the way I was. I could see Axel's footprints following behind us up the back alley. Concentrating through the pain I focused on a concealing spell as he rushed to where Daniel had told us to go."What are you mumbling back there?""You're leaving a trail in the snow so I did a spell to conceal you," I explained as we moved swiftly up the sidewalk to the red-painted Victorian house."Hope this is the place," Axel mumbled while reaching the back side door. "Can you stand?"Nodding, he placed me on my feet and I glanced down at the red spot now on the front side of my shirt."I think the bullet went clean through me. Wow, guess I will live," I grinned slightly then winced."You sound disappointed?!" Axel snickered while opening the door."Lady's
Axel's povThe bullet that was fired into my chest missed my heart by mere centimeters. I still couldn't move my body, only my eyes strained to look to my side where I lay. I knew Raija was no longer there and my wolf told me that Daniel was dead. He also mentioned that he was healing my wound."What about Atticus?" "His pendant stopped the bullet from getting to his heart. He is sore and pissed off," Cota growled. Feeling terrible about the Alpha I cursed the ones responsible."Are either of you still alive?" I heard Atticus inquire in a raspy voice. I could only move my pupils in his direction. Hearing him struggling to stand I saw him stumble and wave his hands as he said a spell to recover completely. Atticus kneeled beside Daniel, his long blonde hair falling around him as he checked for a pulse."That's a damn shame," he muttered sourly, then glanced over at me. Seeing my eyes following him as he got closer he smiled."Give me a moment to counter the toxins with a spell, Axel."
Raija's povRubbing my upper arms for warmth I tried once again to call on Rinn."I'm doing better and have spoken with Cota. Alpha Daniel and Luna Breanna are both dead," Rinn growled in my mind. I gasped in disbelief."How?"Rinn told me that Daniel had been shot and Nick killed his mom. Shaking my head I said a prayer for them both and heard footsteps coming. The door opened and a very pregnant woman peered down at me holding a lantern in her mouth and a cup in her left hand. She was a low-ranking witch with little power so I watched her in amusement. Lowering the light she handed me the cup."I'm Emma, um, Brock Johnson's girlfriend and I was ordered to have you drink this by your mother," she said sourly."Sorry," I muttered, taking the glass from her outstretched hand. Smelling the contents and the same scent as that shit Simona had drugged me with before I clenched my teeth."What are you sorry about?" She asked me."I'm sorry that you're that asshole's girlfriend. Brock is a m
Raija's povGoddess did I dislike being cold and running naked didn't help matters at all. The two cats had slowed their pace since I was barefoot and stepping on a quarter inch of snow covering rocks and sticks, I was certain my feet would be a cut-up mess.“How far are we from your land, Axel is just pulling up and said he can come find us as Cota if you need him,” Rinn chortled in my mind. Standing up straight, I peered out at the dark landscape and exhaled watching the hot breath curl up in a cloud into the night air.“I have no idea where we are. Did my father ever get back?”Rinn was quiet for a moment then growled,” Yeah he came back with bad news, something about an old Unseelie fairy demon nonsense, pfft.” Creasing my brow I had no idea what an unseelie fairy meant and my wolf couldn't explain it to me other than telling me it was a horrible fairy. Standing on the edge of a rocky cliff I groaned seeing the only way down was protruding rocks.“This sucks! Hey, Sawyer, how c
Raija's POV ~ a few weeks laterWaking up alone once again in my king-size bed made me frown. My mate had been absent for several days dealing with his new pack and the threat of Zelos. I missed him terribly and was experiencing heartache once again when he didn't return this morning.Each evening I have had to lay in the bathtub filled with quartz to rejuvenate myself for a couple of hours. The ointment my dad put on my neck afterward helped keep the black rot from spreading further but the dead area smelled horrendous. No amount of scrubbing would take the scent of decay away. Atticus had learned a spell that would remove the toxins but my pup had to come first or it would kill the child. Going to the kitchen I prepared myself a small breakfast of toast so I did not get morning sickness.Nibbling on it at the kitchen nook I asked Rinn if Cota was alright.“He is swamped with the pack house addition and new pack members, but plans on coming back soon,” she whimpered.Finished with m
Raija's povBasking in the glow of our mating I smiled happily. Laying on my back I glanced over at Axel. Turning to my side I poked at his nose and he side-eyed me.“I have a real nose, Raija. Are you still having doubts?” Shaking my head I giggled.“I know that you are not Zelos. He isn't powerful enough to perform a doppelganger spell without his ring,” I said assuredly.Grunting Axel slipped from the bed and went to the bathroom. “He is still acting off,” I mumbled to my wolf.“Yes he is and so is Cota,” Rinn growled.Frowning when he returned I glanced up at him rubbing his eyes.“Raija, there are others that have joined my pack. Some are females that I um, shit. I slept with some of them in my youth. They have been trying to get me back into their beds but I swear that I am not interested. I love only you. Goddess that's a relief to get off my chest,” he said in exasperation.Not feeling fantastic about his admission and not being familiar with the feelings of jealousy I exhal
Raija's povGrinning like an insane person, Axel chuckled and embraced me tightly, getting gold dust everywhere. Glancing over at my grandfather Axel chided the older man,” I told you we were perfect for each other!”Ellis dismissed his remark with a wave of his hand. I watched Atticus eye the older man with a frown.“You didn't bless Anita and I and we were a more suitable match,” he asserted harshly. Nodding Ellis agreed and surprised Atticus by saying that he had been wrong.“I've learned much over the years being alone and that is that love is the strongest power in the universe. I'm sorry I didn't honor you or your mother's love. I've been a sour old goat since I banished her over my pride,” he sighed regretfully. Stepping away from Axel I approached him.“Perhaps we can find her and bring her back. Maybe she misses you too,” I offered, causing Ellis to lower his eyes and exhale deeply.“Can't you just tell her that I would like to speak with her,” he asked Atticus. My lips purse
Raija's povAfter assisting Ellis to the couch my father entered the room shaking his head and wagging his finger at the older man.“You always have been such a drama queen!”Glaring at him I told him to be nice.“Just because he disowned you and kicked you out doesn't mean you can't forgive him and treat him kindly. He is your dad after all,” I asserted, getting a gasp from Ellis.“Is that what he told you? Atticus left me all on his own because I didn't approve of his mate, such poppycock,” Ellis grumbled. Raising my brow I eyed my father who sucked in his upper lip.Narrowing my eyes I asked, “Did you write that Ravenswood’s family book that I read in your office?”Nodding his head he mumbled a somber yes. “Unbelievable,” I huffed and glanced at Axel who was waving his hands trying to get our attention.“I need to contact my pack and speak with Nick. My wolf is telling me that something is going on,” he expressed in urgency. Concerned, I asked him about it. Shaking his head he m
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