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 povRushing back down the stairs Axel and I both stopped on the staircase seeing Atticus looking like a hot mess. His hair was sticking up all over and his clothes were in shreds.“My father and I got into an argument about sleeping arrangements…I lost,” he mumbled sourly.I started to laugh at the absurdity of it all.“We thought we were going to war! You both better behave yourselves or you will have to leave,” Axel asserted sternly. Ellis came out from the hall and glared at Atticus. Shaking his head he sighed.“Go ahead and take the blue guest room. It's not that big of a deal. Sorry Axel,” he muttered and Atticus gasped, waving his hands around himself. “It's just like when you drown me with your shower,” he snapped.Rolling his eyes Ellis waved his hand over the man and Atricus appeared once again his clean pristine self.“There you're back now behave like the Alpha has requested,” Ellis spat, causing Atticus to glare at him.Clapping my hands together I asked them what
Raija's pov“Cota isn't accessible and refuses to speak with me,” my wolf whined in my mind. Losing oxygen I eyed my dad for help.“Alpha, please release my daughter!” Atticus ordered firmly.Axel narrowed his eyes at me and removed his grip from my neck.“Who are you people and why are you in my residence?”Rubbing my bruised skin I blurted that I was Luna making him growl.“You are mistaken, there is no Luna in my pack,” he snarled. I scooted away from the anger I saw flash in his eyes as my lip trembled. How could he forget about me?Standing up and looking very pregnant, Axel huffed at me.“Your pregnant miss, I think you are confused about who I am. The Shadow Moon Pack doesn't have a Luna nor I a mate…,” he stopped as his eyes glanced around the interior of his new home.“Where in the hell am I? This isn't my pack house!” Gesturing to Atticus I mumbled softly, “Do something!"Axel stood and wobbled a bit on his two legs. My dad raised his hand and froze him to the spot.“He a
Raija’s pov“I don't find any of this humorous, wolf,” I muttered sourly as Axel caught his breath. He was eyeing me strangely and I apologized for my mumblings.“My wolf is behaving poorly,” I explained and he nodded. With my hand still on his back I concentrated on my magic to search for a needle. “If you unhand me you may go and run me a hot bath, I would enjoy that,” he said sternly. Hesitantly I removed my hand and glanced up at him.My courage had waned and I simply responded with a quiet okay as I scurried from the dining room and up the stairs to our bedroom.“Does he even know where to go?”“He will follow your scent of arousal, it's quite potent,” Rinn snickered. Rolling my eyes I put the plug in the tub drain and started the hot water. I was a bit moist in my nether region but figured it was due to the pup pressing on my bladder. As I waited for Axel I thought about Simona and what she had done to the previous Luna.Could she have done the same thing to Axel? I began chew
Raija’s povWaking from suckling on my breast my sleepy eyes adjusted to see Axel holding our son against my chest to feed. My son was wearing a cloth diaper and a tiny tee and looked adorable.Rubbing my eyes, I smiled at my husband.“I'd forgotten that I'd given birth, I must have overdone my comfort spell,” I yawned. Chuckling, Axel nodded and told me I had slept an entire three days and it was already late morning of the fourth one. “Crap, did my grandfather ever show up?” Nodding his head Axel grinned slightly and said, “Yeah he did and also helped me with my issue. Notice anything different about me?”He tilted his head at me and winked Narrowing my eyes I examined him closely. Unsure of what it could be, Rinn howled in humor in my subconscious.“Cota is back, Ellis reversed the spell Simona placed!” Smiling, I studied my husband closely and saw his head injury completely healed.“Cota healed you as well,” I giggled and ran my fingers through his bangs. Capturing my hand he
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