RIEKA Sebastian cautiously approaches us. “We need to go now if we’re going to get out of here before the rogues arrive.” Aleksandr’s grip on me tightens, but he doesn’t argue against the idea. Jericho walks up behind Sebastian with a pensive look in his eyes. “I know I have no right to ask this, but can Giovanna please go with Rieka and the guards? I want her safe, but I will stay and fight alongside you.” He’s obviously talking to Aleksandr even though he won’t look him in the eye. Something about being submissive to the alpha keeps his eyes turned toward the ground. I glance behind Jericho to see Gina looking contrite and remorseful. It’s almost as if she has spent all of her energy trying to appear tough and uncaring before, and now she is just broken. She’s spent and she’s tired of putting up a front. To my surprise Aleksandr agrees that Gina can leave with us, but he looks to be contemplating something. “You will need to rejoin the pack if you’re going to fight along
RIEKA When we arrived back at Aleksandr’s home it was very different from the last several times I was there. His mom, Vasilisa, was there to welcome us, and although she had the same warm smile from the first time we met, her eyes looked haunted. Vasilisa introduced herself to Gina before she ushered us inside and the house. It was full of people whom I’d never met before. When we walked in the room went quiet and everyone turned and looked at me. I’m not a shy person, and under normal circumstances I can even enjoy the spotlight, but right now it just felt awkward. Vasilisa cleared her throat and without saying a word managed to turn everyone’s attention back to their own conversations. She led us through the crowd to the living room. Everyone kept glancing at us as we passed by and although they tried not to make it obvious, I could feel their eyes on me. From what I caught of the conversations when we walked past; everyone is tense over the battle happening right now. I
ALEKSANDR I’m in my wolf form ready to engage in one-on-one combat with the leader of this rogue group. There is a slight hesitation as we both stare each other down and assess our opponent. Neither of us wants to rush into this and be reckless, but it’s important to establish dominance. If I’m too hesitant during the fight, then even if I win, the rogues who previously followed him might not submit and concede. If they view me as a victor who just got lucky this battle could rage on for hours. All the warriors begin moving back and forming a wide circle around us as we begin circling one another. We each let out a low growl as we circle to confirm our challenge to the other. Usually if there is a battle like this, we are at least aware of the reason for it, but this has come out of nowhere. We have no idea who these rogues are or why they’re attacking us. I decide that it’s important to establish my dominance from the beginning to so swiftly move in for the first attack. We
ALEKSANDR The rogues changed positions and stiffened as they realized that they were now surrounded. Alpha Reece and the Crescent Moon Pack moved in from the south, Alpha Kaden and the Blood Moon Pack came around from the east, and Alpha Levi and the Lunar Eclipse Pack were blocking any escape from the west. Their only chance at getting away would be to run north, back across the river. Our allies slowly moved in corralling most of the rogues into a central position. We will need to keep them as prisoners and do some interrogation to figure out who they are, where they came from, and why they attacked. The warriors from all 4 packs were able to work together and subdue most of the rogues. A few escaped to the north, but with their leader dead, I’m not sure where they will go. After giving order to their warriors, Reece, Levi, and Kaden all made their way to me. As soon as they saw my father’s body on the ground beside me, they each took a knee out of respect for a fallen alpha
ALEKSANDR Rieka’s presence has calmed me and helped me to cope with the loss of my father, but I have to keep reminding myself that she needs to be taken care of as well, and right now what she needs more than anything is to be reunited with her children.I knew Drea was going to speak with Amber about her taking the kids for a few days so she could go home to her family and get some rest, but I was unsure if it would work out. We don’t really know Amber and it was hard to say if she would allow Drea to take the kids. At least the older kids know Drea and can tell Amber that they trust us and want to come here. When Drea mind-linked me that she was on her way back and she had the kids with her I couldn’t wait to tell Rieka. She didn’t know how the kids would respond, so she didn’t tell them that their mom was here, but as soon as I told Rieka that they were on their way she couldn’t contain her excitement. It brought me joy to finally see a smile on her face, and although I was s
ALEKSANDR It was hard to fall asleep knowing that Rieka was just down the hall, but at least I knew she was here, and she was safe. When I finally dozed off, I dreamed of Rieka and what our life together could be like. First, I dreamed of a human style wedding. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress walking down the aisle toward me, then we were dancing together and eating cake celebrating with my pack and her friends. Then, the dream shifted, and it was a warm summer night. We were having a BBQ in the backyard with all the kids as fireflies lit up the yard. The dream faded away and suddenly Rieka and I were alone in my bedroom. I began walking up behind her and as she turned to face me, I saw her stomach was swollen and round with my pup. I wrapped my arms around her mid-section, holding both her and our baby as I kiss her cheek. When I woke up around 6 AM my bed felt especially cold and empty. I wondered if she and the kids were awake yet. As the sleepy fog cleared fro
RIEKA “Kids, there’s something we need to tell you.” We all sat in a circle in the game room. Aleksandr, Vasilisa, and I were on the sofa. Calvin was on my lap, Alex was in a gaming rocker on the floor, and Aria and Eden were cuddled up together in a giant beanbag chair. I picked at the cuticles of my nails, a nervous habit of mine, before I glanced up to meet my kids eyes. They looked nervous and I knew that it was my fault. They could feel my nerves and it was affecting them. Pull it together, I cursed at myself. “You kids know that Aleksandr saved me, but what you don’t know is that he had an entire army that helped him—” “Is he in the military?!?” Eden interrupted. “No, not exactly, but he is a leader. Some of his men died in the battle to save me… and one of those men was his father.” Tears immediately sprung from Aria and Eden’s eyes, and Alex looked completely shocked at this information. I hate seeing them cry and wish I could just stop here, but I already starte
ALEKSANDR I realized almost too late that I needed to talk to Rieka again. Tonight is the perfect opportunity to officially introduce her to the pack. It’s way past due considering we just went to war as a part of our efforts to rescue her. I’ve heard the rumors being whispered throughout the pack about a human who’s been hanging around the pack house, and while nothing I’ve heard is negative, I want to get ahead of any talk that might go the wrong way. I’d hate to have to discipline anyone for talking bad about their Luna out of ignorance. This could be an important part of the evening and give everyone something positive to celebrate amongst the heartbreak of our losses, but I would never put her in a position to make her uncomfortable. After mind-linking Drea, I finish getting ready and prepare to meet with Rieka so we can discuss her formal introduction. A few minutes later I was standing in front of her bedroom door. I could hear the tv on, and the girls giggling. I rais