Thanks again for the continued love and support for this story. I'm sorry to leave you on a cliffhanger over the weekend, but it's just the way the story is playing out. Parts 2 and 3 will continue next week. Much Love, Anja <3
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
RIEKA He loves me. I heard him say that he actually loves me. I knew that he was attracted to me and wanted to be with me, but in the back of my mind, I think I was still blaming the mate bond, even if I had accepted it. But this was different. The mate bond doesn’t force you to love. There was absolutely nothing holding me back now. I fell into his arms kissing him like he was the oxygen I needed to breath. He responded with an equal amount of passion and need, but I noticed his hands gently moved from my waist up to my neck and then softly cupped my cheeks as he returned my affections. I realized he was probably being careful not to mess up my hair that Drea had worked so hard on. I felt the warmth in my chest growing and the butterflies under my skin everywhere he touched me. I knew that I felt the same, but for some reason I was still scared to say it out loud. Instead, I put all of my love into this kiss, praying that he could feel it and understand my emotions throug
Aleksandr smiles as he lifts my hand to place a featherlight kiss on the back side. “Are you ready for your honeymoon Mrs. Volkov?” The corner of his mouth tips up in an adorable half smile, and I almost giggle at being called Mrs. Volkov, but the heat in his eyes stops me dead in my tracks and reminds me of the promise of what’s to come when we get to…. Wherever it is that he’s taking me. “Am I still not allowed to know where we’re going?” I reply with a smile. I know I didn’t answer his question, but I’m suddenly feeling playful. He shakes his head, but I follow up with another question before he can speak. “Can you at least tell me how long it will be before we get there?” Aleksandr pauses in thought and for a moment. Just when I think I might get SOMETHING out of him, he shakes his head again. “No, that might give too much away.” ----- I was in the woods alone at night. I kept hearing something and glancing around, but there was nothing I could see. Just trees and bus
I recently completed my second book “Going Rogue” (Gina’s Story) and will soon be returning to Rieka and Aleksandr’s story to pick up where we left off.If you haven’t already please check out Gina’s story and give it a review. It didn’t get nearly as much attention as this one, and I’d love to see it get enough reviews to show a rating on the info page. I have 2 more books planned for this series, but I’m also starting a new job that might take some extra time to learn and get in the swig of things. I’m going to try and write ahead a little before I begin publishing so that you guys never miss an update because of my crazy schedule.Have a great weekend and stay tuned for the sequel to “Second Chance Luna” - “The Luna’s Family Secret” - in the coming months! I HOPE to start publishing the sequel in March, but I'll post a short preview here soon to give you a sneak peak. ;-) Much Love,Anja
RIEKAI’ve been working out with Aleksandr for the last several months, and I feel great! I feel stronger, and I know my muscles are more toned and I’ve even dropped a couple of inches from my mid-section. The amazing thing, however, is that the more time I spend with Aleksandr, the less stressed I feel about how I look. At this point, I’m just working out because I love it, and I love feeling strong, but I am absolutely convinced that he really does love me no matter what my body looks like.Another bonus has been all the extra energy I have to play with my kids, even after a long day of working. Although my work schedule isn’t nearly as hectic as it used to be, I keep working because I love it, not because I need the income.We moved into the pack house, although I still have a separate room until after the wedding, and the kids started attending the local schools for pack members. I think they’re all doing well and getting along with the other kids. At least they haven’t told
ALEKSANDRI’ve been planning this moment since I rescued her from Silas and brought her back home with me. Initially, I wanted to deal with all the funerals, memorials, and the local authorities first, but things kept coming up and stretching it out and I couldn’t wait any longer.I knew this location would give us enough privacy that I didn’t have to worry about someone recognizing her and calling the authorities, but I still took extra precautions to ensure that our evening could proceed uninterrupted.When I made assumptions about us having a pup, I worried that I’d screwed everything up and lost her. Thankfully we started working through it and I felt confident enough in our relationship to move forward with our plans.She’s everything to me, and I wanted the entire day to be relaxing, enjoyable, and memorable for her. I had Drea take her out for girl time in the morning to help her get ready before we started all the things that I had planned for us.Rieka looked stunning when
RIEKA Even though I just received a massage this morning with Drea and Alheri, I’m really enjoying getting one from Aleksandr. We’ve already had such a full day and the tension was starting to build up again, but he makes quick work of my neck and shoulders coaxing them back into a relaxed state. He better watch out. If he spoils me too much, I’ll start expecting this treatment every day. The thought makes me chuckle softly to myself which gets Aleksandr’s attention. “Care to share the joke?” I quickly stifle my laughter and clear my throat. “I was just thinking that you better not spoil me too much or I might start expecting over the top gestures and being treated like a queen every day.” “You should expect it,” He replies in a serious tone. “You are my queen, and as such, you will be treated accordingly.” If I hadn’t heard the serious tone in his voice, I would have though he was making a joke. I’ve learned that Aleksandr does joke around sometimes, but he’s never sarcast
RIEKA I peeked out the door, and although I didn’t see anyone, I quickly darted across the hallway to the bathroom before I could be spotted. As the door to the bathroom was closing behind me, I could hear Aleksandr standing in the hallway chuckling. Although my eyes were a little red, he was right, my makeup still looked flawless. What kind of witchcraft was this? What makeup had they used on me that it stayed on so perfectly, even when I cried like a baby? Feeling reassured that I didn’t look like a raccoon or a dying cat, I stepped back into the hallway where Aleksandr was waiting for me with a grin. “Ready?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, where are we going now?” He just laughs and shakes his head again without answering. We made our way back to the elevator and I thought we might be headed back across the sky bridge to his hotel, but instead he pulled a card from his pocket and scanned it before he hit the button for the top floor. I wonder what all the floors a
RIEKA When we arrived back at the pack house, the kids were nowhere to be seen. I was a little disappointed, but I was also excited about my evening with Aleksandr. I had no idea what he had planned, but I’m sure that Drea knew something, and if my outfit was not appropriate, she would have guided me towards something else. “Do you know where the kids are?” I ask Drea.Her eyes shifted as she mind-linked someone. “They aren’t here. Apparently, Vasilisa, Oliver, and Sebastian took them to a park in town and to get ice cream.” She smiled apologetically. Just then, Aleksandr walked into the room looking incredibly handsome in blue jeans, a white collared shirt, black tie, and a vintage style black leather jacket with a few gold stripes. He also wore classic white Adidas shoes with black stripes, and black shoelaces. Glancing down at my own shoes and I’m glad I chose a pair of dark grey booties with 4-inch heels. Our outfits will look great together, and I always appreciate tal
RIEKA Sometimes you wake up slowly, and sometimes you wake up quickly. This morning I was startled awake, sitting up quickly only to realize that it was still dark outside. It feels like I woke up because of a dream, but I don’t remember the dream at all. That tends to happen when I wake up quickly, but I always remember my dreams when I wake up slowly. Alex and Aria are both in the habit of sleeping in the other beds in the room now, and sometimes Eden sleeps with Aria, and sometimes she sleeps with me. Last night, Eden slept with Aria, so I only had Calvin in the bed with me this morning. Turning to look at the clock, I quickly confirm that it’s only 5:07 AM. I lie back down hoping to fall back to sleep, but my mind and body are both wide awake. After tossing and turning for about 30 minutes I give up and head to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. It’s probably just in my head, but I always feel colder first thing in the morning. After my shower I dress in m
RIEKA Gina already had a list of rogues that she knew would be open to joining the pack, and after coming up with a plan she and Jericho left to meet with a few more rogues to see where they were at and if they would be a good fit for integration into one of the packs. Aleksandr spent much of the morning interrogating the rogues who Gina said might know more about Silas’ connection to Alastor, so I didn’t see much of him. He didn’t even return for lunch, and by the afternoon I was feeling his absence strongly. Realizing that I’ve spent most of my time with him since I was rescued, I understood why it was so hard to be away from him. Being with him was like a drug, and the more I was with him, the more I needed to be with him. I’m not sure if this is normal, or if it’s affecting me differently because I’m a human but seeing Jericho and Gina together after having completed the mate bond made me miss Aleksandr even more. I could tell that Gina wasn’t holding anything back from him