Raija's povWatching the arrogant man storm off after his outburst I gritted my teeth."I didn't mean to poison you," I mumbled under my breath to no one.Would there be after-effects?Hell if I knew but it would be wise to keep him around in case, I think.Concerned, I hurried down my hall to the bathroom and paused with my fist raised to knock. I placed my ear to the door to listen to the shower start and Axel sighed when he stepped under the hot spray. "There are towels in the cabinet!" He didn't respond so I left him to it. I collected the filthy clothes that were piled outside the bathroom door. Having already brought in his clothes from outside that he left near the firepit earlier I gathered them with the others. Huffing, I carried them all to my small basement and stuffed them into the wash. Setting the temperature after pouring in some of my handmade soap I grinned slightly. Pondering the possibility of burning his arrogant ass, I giggled. Clicking it on I heard the machine
Axel's pov "I'm going to go put your clothes in the dryer," Raija announced as she scurried off. My eyes followed after her."She announced that you are her protector!" Cota howled in my mind bringing a smile to my face. Catching movement in my peripherals, I watch Sawyer saunter through the living room and down the hall."Tom says he is going to bed…our mate's bed," My wolf growled. Narrowing my eyes at the feline, I huff and start collecting the tools I used to fix her door to put back in the toolbox."Raija considers him a security blanket so I must allow their special bond to continue." With my hands full I head downstairs and see Raija shaking out my damp jeans so they won't wrinkle in the dryer. After putting the tools away I watched as she scurried past me and rushed up the stairs. "What do you think is bothering her now?" I asked my wolf.Cota whined, "I don't know, I do not know how a woman's mind works." Rolling my eyes, I went back upstairs and to the kitchen to see her
Raija's pov Hearing Axel call me his mate once again was beginning to make me feel exuberant. As I watched him under my lowered lashes my hand went instinctively over my racing heart.Mom said HELL NO! Pressing my lips firmly together I went to fill two bowls of oatmeal and place the buttered toast on plates. Settling himself at my table I brought Axel's breakfast to him and mine. Sitting down across from him I dug into my bowl. Glancing over at him I put the spoon into my mouth and raised my brow at him staring over my shoulder toward my front window."What are you staring at?" Axel raised his finger and pointed at whatever he was looking at. Turning my head I saw the colorful sparkle glimmering outside of the window. The sun had risen enough to catch it and the multiple prisms were cascading colors through the window. Sliding my chair back I went to open my front door and as I was about to step onto my porch I saw the black chalk rune marks. Pulling my foot back I leaned out to s
Raija's pov "Can you swim?" I nodded as I laid my cheek against Axel's firm warm chest. My eyes adjusted to the darkness while Axel's glowed, lighting the path through the rugged narrow space. I heard him grimace and suggested that he let me walk so he didn't scrape his arms against the cave walls."I'm fine, little mate, and am only trying to remember which is the correct path to take. The Alphas could have someone at the back exit," he scowled. Frowning, I blurted," Or they could be starting a fire there as well, keeping us trapped." His lip curled as we started descending further through the cave system. Hearing running water, I turned in his arms to see a waterfall raging dangerously down the rock wall."Hold your breath and wrap your arms around my neck. Do not let go! I'm going to dive into the pool and let the current take us outside to the river." Panicking, I was about to tell him I'd need to inhale again once we broke the surface of the water below but he had jumped down be
Raija's pov Getting slowly out of the truck bed I walked past the back window and glanced at Axel with sorrow-filled eyes. Pressing my hand on my aching heart I heard my mother's shrill voice breaking the moment."Oh My God, Raija, Tell Daniel thanks for finding her!!!!"Feeling uncomfortable with her abnormal display of affection I tried pulling away only to have her grip me harder.I was fully embraced by my mother weeping over me. "I'm fine, Mom! I just got assaulted by the other coven!" Simona pulled me back to scrutinize me with narrowed eyes."You were missing for two days! Daniel was certain that that rogue had something to do with your absence, now Come along before you cause more problems for the wolves of the Black Storm Pack," she said sourly. Glancing back at the truck speeding away caused my disposition to falter further. My stomach hurt and it felt like I was going to vomit. Thinking about Axel I felt my heart hurting and my soul felt like it was ripping apart. Damn
Axel's pov Watching Raija getting smaller the further we drove away made my heart hurt. I had grown fond of my tiny mate in our brief time together. I hoped I wasn't being overly confident in Daniel's friendship. I hadn't been completely honest with him about my past.When the truck turned onto a dirt road I peered out at the thick evergreens that covered the terrain. The Black Mountain peaks could be seen through the space between the branches. Traveling further into the forest and turning several more times the truck skidded to a stop before a large resort-looking building."This is impressive," I said honestly and the two men in front agreed."You're going to be taken to the Alpha's office for him to question you and decide your fate," one of them growled. Not giving either man a difficult time I simply nodded and followed their instructions. Glancing around I got the sense that this pack was very dedicated to their Alpha and very powerful. We headed into the large building that w
Raija's povAfter tossing and turning the entire night. I sat up in the daybed confused about where I was and why I dreamt about a large tan wolf. Rubbing my eyes I hiss hearing my mom tapping on my door."Wake up! The shop opens in thirty minutes," she said firmly. Getting dressed in a zombie-like state I shuffled toward the bathroom and unbraided my hair. I wasn't a morning person nor a people person but I didn't want to retaliate. My mother would simply have me drink some coffee made of mushrooms and I would be fine.Entering the tiny kitchen Simona already had a cup prepared and handed it to me."You know Raija, the early bird gets the worm!"Curling my lip I replied, "And they can keep it, worms are disgusting."While I was sipping on the warm drink my mother decided that it was the perfect time to remind me of my "date" for that evening."The Johnson's son will be here at six to pick you up tonight, I will choose an outfit for you." Glaring back at her I swallowed uncomfortably
Raija's povWatching my mother answer the telephone and give me the "eye" I frowned. I grabbed my new cell phone, added my mom's number, and stuffed it into my purse. I would have it in case there was a need for me to dial 911. "Brock is out front!""I will go out back and down the metal stairs in the alleyway," I muttered. Smiling, she told me she would watch me through the window. Not creepy at all, Mom!Taking my time going down the stairs I inhaled deeply as I turned the corner of the building and saw the back of my date. Brock was wearing black jeans and a gray dress shirt. "Hey, I'm here," I said rather bitterly. Once he turned I swallowed uncomfortably. Brock Johnson had changed and didn't look at all like the lanky dork I remembered from school. His hair was black and nicely styled making his green eyes pop. Still, I wasn't enamored, oh hell no, I felt a shiver go down my backbone in alert. I wondered if what Alpha Daniel had said was true about his family joining the other
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