(Soren)The night was thick with tension over our camp. The fire crackled softly, casting long shadows and flickering light on the determined faces of those gathered around. Cerelia and Damon were there, their expressions mirroring the resolve we all felt, but the weight of uncertainty pressed heavily upon us. We sat in silence, the forest around us whispering its secrets, when a scout arrived, breathless and urgent, handing me a letter. It was from Maelor. “Soren,” the letter began, the handwriting unmistakably his, “I wish I could have delivered this message in person, but the dangers I face have made that impossible. What I’m about to tell you changes everything we thought we knew.” I read the words aloud to the group, my voice steady despite the unease growing in my chest. “It seems King Arlo might not be the mastermind behind the rituals. There are indications that he was being manipulated by someone within the coven.” “What?” Damon interrupted, his voice edged with disbe
(Hilda)I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I looked up at Arlo. The night around us was quiet, the stars above twinkling as if they were watching our exchange. Arlo stood before me, his presence both comforting and unsettling, his openness seemingly genuine, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that something lay beneath the surface, something I needed to uncover.“Alright,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the turmoil inside me. “I want to know everything. I need to understand what’s really happening with the pack. And I need to know why you’ve been so… secretive.”Arlo’s expression softened, but I noticed a flicker of something in his eyes… a hesitation, perhaps? He took a step closer, his gaze never leaving mine. “Hilda, I’ve never intended to keep anything from you. The truth is, there are matters of the pack that are complex and difficult. I’ve been trying to protect you from unnecessary worry.” “Protect me?” I echoed, my voice edged with s
(Hilda)That night, the tension between Arlo and me seemed to dissolve into the stillness of the air, yet the turmoil within me only grew stronger. My thoughts twisted and turned, caught between the loyalty I felt for Soren and the undeniable pull I felt toward Arlo. But as the night stretched on, I allowed myself to be enveloped in the warmth of Arlo's presence, feeling my resolve weaken. The forest around us was serene, the stars above shimmering as silent witnesses to our conversation. Arlo's words echoed in my mind, laced with sincerity and a promise of something more. I couldn’t deny the magnetic attraction that drew me closer to him, even as I fought the conflicting emotions raging inside me. Arlo stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Thank you, Hilda," he murmured, his voice full of relief and sincerity. "I promise you won't regret this." A rush of emotions flooded through me. Hope, fear, and an undeniable attraction that I could no longer ignore. The connection b
(Soren)I paced back and forth in the clearing. Every passing minute felt like an eternity, my heart hammering in my chest as I waited, praying that Hilda would show up. It had been days with no sign of her, but I kept my promise. I showed up every night. I waited for her. I needed to warn her. But more than that, I needed her help to get to Lilith. I had no chance without her, without King Arlo. And then I would expose King Arlo’s deceit and protect the pack. I had been so sure that she would see reason, that she would stand by my side against King Arlo’s tyranny. But doubt gnawed at the edges of my confidence, its claws digging deeper with every second that ticked by. I glanced at the trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The serenity of the forest was at odds with the turmoil inside me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. This had to work. Hilda had to understand. When she fi
(Arlo)I loved her. I loved everything about her. From the moment I found her in the woods, bleeding and whimpering like a fawn, I loved her. The mate bond was nothing compared to the love I felt for her. I needed her. I needed to hear her voice, to feel her touch. Every time I saw her, I felt happier than I’d ever been before. Every time I heard her voice, it was like nothing I’d ever heard. She changed my world with her presence. But I couldn’t get too close to her. I hated that. I hated the lies, the control. I didn’t have a choice. "Arlo," my mother’s voice slithered into my consciousness, her tone dripping with malevolence. "Bring her to me. It is time."I stiffened, my hands involuntarily clenching into fists. "No," I muttered, more to myself than to her. "Not this time."Her laughter echoed in my head, cold and cruel, sending shivers down my spine. "You do not have a choice, my son. You never did. Hilda is essential for the ritual. Bring her to me, or face the consequences."
(Arlo)The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Hilda's peaceful face. I watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She looked so serene, so content, and I felt a swell of tenderness for her. I hadn’t been there last night. I would have to explain that. I would have to tell her about my mother. That was a heavy burden that I wished to bear alone, to save her from. But I could only avoid her questions for so long. She would need to know the truth. But maybe not today. Determined to make this day special for her, I quietly headed to the kitchen. I wanted to surprise her with breakfast in bed, something sweet and thoughtful to start her day. As I moved around the kitchen, I couldn't help but smile at the memory of her laughter, her moans, and the way she had clung to me. I wanted to give her more moments like that, to show her how much she meant to me.I prepared a tray with freshly made pancakes, a bowl of strawberries, and a
(Hilda)The morning sun gently woke me from a dreamless sleep. As my eyes fluttered open, they settled on Arlo standing beside the bed. His smile was soft, his eyes radiating a possessive love so deep it seemed to reach into my very soul. “Good morning, love,” he whispered, his voice a soothing melody that made my heart flutter. I returned his smile, a warmth spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with the sunlight. “Good morning, Arlo,” I replied, sitting up slowly. Arlo extended his hand to me. “Come with me,” he said, his voice a soft invitation. We walked together out past the pack to the riverbank. He was quiet as we walked, but his hand gripped mine tightly. When we reached the river he stopped, his face etched with a pain I had never seen before. “Hilda,” Arlo began, his voice low. “There’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.” “Arlo…” I said, looking up into his eyes. “What is it?” But the sound of rustling leav
(Soren)Dragging Hilda through the forest, I couldn't shake the image of her standing between me and Arlo, the look of betrayal on her face cutting deeper than any wound. My grip on her wrist was firm, my pace unyielding. The forest was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves a remainder of the chaos we had just left behind. I knew I had crossed a line by taking her, but there was no turning back now. She had to understand the danger she was in, even if it meant risking everything.The hidden cabin came into view, a small, unassuming structure nestled deep in the woods. I pushed the door open and pulled Hilda inside, releasing her wrist as she stumbled away from me. The cabin was quiet, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me. It was a place of secrets and shadows, much like the feelings I had buried deep for far too long."What are you doing, Soren?" Hilda's voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. Her eyes flashed with anger, and something else. Betrayal, maybe. It t
Hilda“I get where you’re coming from, but waiting here will waste time. I don’t know where the glade is, but my family belonged to the same pack for many generations. In all likelihood it’ll be on those lands.” I tell Arlo softly.“Hilda, you were pierced with several arrows and just about dead when I found you. Not to mention that you were skin and bones. Clearly too weak to be running or fighting. That asshole used you for sport.”“I know, but he drove me straight to you, so there’s a silver lining,” I say with a smile, trying to dispel his brooding expression. “I would have found you even if you were on the opposite side of the world,” he growls. “I definitely didn’t need him to try and kill you so I could find you.”“Baby, I love that you’re protective and furious about what he did. If our roles were reversed, I’d feel exactly the same way, but this is more important than that. I’m still alive and happier than anybody has any right to be. We’ll ask Soren to make sure he stays hid
HildaI go to find Cerelia first. I’m pretty sure there’s no lingering resentment or jealousy about my and Soren’s past, but just in case it upsets her to know I still have stuff in Soren’s attic, I’d like to give her advance warning to deal with it.“Hilda, that’s incredible! We have to go and look through your stuff immediately,” she says excitedly, nearly vibrating with elation. “Combined with what I’ve just learned, I think we’ll have an edge Maelor will never see coming!”I’m cautiously optimistic that the artifact will help, but there are no guarantees we’ll even find it. I also don’t want to deflate Cerelia’s optimism with my doubts.“So you have more control now?” I ask with a smile. Perhaps her power alone will be enough to beat back Maelor now that her latent powers are being unleashed. Cerelia smacks her forehead, “I haven’t told you!” she practically crows with delight.“Told me what?” I’m becoming a little concerned that there may be too much magic flowing through her vei
Hilda I’ve been uncomfortable in Tara’s presence since the day we met and she blew a hole in my near-perfect life, but I’m glad Cerelia came to me to accompany her to the small cottage we’d allocated to Tara.“I just need a second pair of eyes to help me make sure she’s not lying,” Cerelia explains. Clutching the piece of obsidian in her hand like it’s tethering her to the world.“Very wise and I’m happy to lend you my deception detection capabilities,” I tell her grandiloquently. She’s apologized twice for bothering me and since nothing else seems to convince her, I’ll tease her instead. Cerelia grins at me, “Okay, fine, I get it,” she retorts.Tara looks surprised to see us and I have to suppress the urge to ask whether she didn’t see us coming. Despite my best efforts, I can’t quite keep myself from resenting her. I do my damnedest to hide it though.After a few quick pleasantries to make sure she’s settling in well, I turn the conversation over to Cerelia.Tara’s eyes grow wide w
CereliaAfter a day of rest, I’m back to normal. As quickly as my power drains, at least it regenerates just as fast. Yesterday had gone well, but there’d been a moment where it was touch and go and my blood runs cold every time I think about what could have happened if I lost control and the mages got their powers back.“What’s wrong?” Soren finally asks with a small frown. I’ve been pacing like a caged tiger and he’s been very patiently trying to ignore me while attempting to read. Hilda found the book in the huge library Arlo’s pack has tucked away in an underground fortress and tasked him with checking whether it contains anything useful.Apparently we’re not the first werewolves to have a run-in with mages. The book is titled: Illusions and How to Dispel them. So far it hasn’t offered up anything of practical value.“I’m sick of having such inconsistent control over my abilities,” I tell him. “Yesterday very nearly went badly wrong. What if I got all of you killed?” Soren puts th
Cerelia“You’re sure about this?” I murmur, glancing at Hilda where she stands near the edge of the ley line, her arms crossed over her chest. She’s radiating confidence, but I know her well enough by now to see the tension in her clenched jaw and the way her fingers subtly flex.Hilda glances at me, her lips quirking in a faint smile. “I have to be, don’t I? Besides, we’ve got a solid plan and I trust you, Cerelia.”“Let’s hope your faith isn’t misplaced,” I say, exhaling to calm my racing heart. Soren steps closer, placing a comforting hand on my back. I can feel the warmth seeping into me, grounding my emotions. “She’s right. You’ve practiced for this. You’re ready,” he tells me with unflappable certainty.Before I can respond, King Arlo’s voice cuts through the quiet. “We won’t have much time before they get here. Everyone, to your positions.” His tone is sharp, but I catch the way his eyes linger on Hilda.We scatter to our designated spots. Percy and Nixie flank me, their stance
HildaTalking to Cerelia helps solidify what I want, but Arlo gets to have a say in this too and I’ll discuss it with him when the time is right. For now, I’m taking the potion. If he agrees, and we decide to take the risk, it will be the last time though. Which means I’m more motivated than ever to eradicate the mages.“I have an idea, but the final say has to rest with Cerelia,” I tell the war council that evening. The inner circle consists of Arlo, me, Cerelia, Soren, Percy and Nixie. Soren glances at me heavily, already unhappy with whatever I’m planning to propose.“I’ve seen a glimpse of what Cerelia is capable of now and that brought me the idea.” Turning to face her I say, “If this is going to place you in danger of burning out, or it seems like more than you can handle yet, you say no.”“I won’t know until you tell me what it is,” she responds when I keep staring at her. “I’m serious Cerelia,” I say emphatically. “If you’re not sure, we wait until you’re ready.” She nods, but
HildaI’ve never had a close female friend before. I was one of the boys until one day Soren looked at me in a way that set a whole flock of starlings into motion in my stomach. I still fought and trained the way I had before, but suddenly I wanted to look good while doing it.There are other female warriors I’m friendly with, but Cerelia is the first woman I’ve opened up to emotionally. The irony isn’t lost on me. “Look at us, moving past our issues and bonding,” I joke.Cerelia eyes me knowingly. “We did that a while ago, even if we haven’t stated it quite so unequivocally before. What are you avoiding?” she asks astutely. Maybe this is why I hung out with the boys. When it comes to emotions they’re as observant as a tree.“If you apply this kind of perceptiveness to your surroundings nobody will ever get the drop on you,” I inform her. Cerelia crosses her arms and continues to stare at me inquisitively.“I need a potion to keep me from conceiving,” I finally whisper, unable to bear
CereliaTwo weeks of working with Tara has honed my skills far more than I could have ever foreseen. Judging by the expression I’ve caught on her face more than once, my rapid improvement shocked her too.I’m still drained and near collapse every night when I get to crawl into Soren’s arms for some well-deserved rest, but my magic is much stronger than it was before and I’m able to stop Tara’s attacks almost as quickly as she manages to launch them.The hour I spend with Hilda just after sunrise has become almost the only time we get to talk and I look forward to it. I’m not advancing quite so swiftly here. I can lunge away from a direct attack with reasonable speed and throw an almost decent punch. Sword training was a disaster and Hilda proclaimed it to be a waste of energy.“You have magic. That’s where your greatest strength lies. It’s going to take weeks to build up the kind of musculature you’ll need to properly wield a weapon and I’m really hoping we’ll be done with all this by
ArloHer pussy tries to suck on to my finger and keep it trapped inside, while she makes all the beautiful little noises that never fails to drive me wild. She’s like silk around my digit, her sweet liquor making it feel like I’m dipped into liquid silk.Her ass is still red and glowing. I would have stopped much sooner if she didn’t keep imploring me to continue. If she hadn’t been steadily pumping out moisture from between those slick, swollen pussy lips, I would have stopped regardless, but the proof of her enjoyment was clear to see.“Please Arlo,” she squirms on my lap, trying to force my finger deeper inside her. Pulling it out I go back to stroking her. Gently parting her folds so I could pet the sensitive interior. My index finger tracing circles around the nub of her clit. It’s already engorged and the slightest touch makes her shudder.“You said you want me to be in charge, love,” I tell her placidly, pressing down hard with the pad of my finger for a few seconds, before ret