Irina For once, I didn’t look at how beautiful the forest was. I didn’t smell its amazingly fresh air and I didn’t feel the dirt as it gave way under my paws. We made our way deeper into the forest and my mind was all over the place. These bastards had been hiding amongst us for weeks and now they dare to threaten me and my child for a second time! I wanted to rip them limb from limb slowly, and that thought scared me. I had never been the kind of person who could stand cruelty of any kind, but since I had become a werewolf for the sake of love … I had been forced to become cruel! I always believed that we had a choice. People who hurt other people had a choice and they chose wrong. Now I had to change my point of view on the matter. I was protecting those I loved. We reached the border of our territory and I looked at Hunter. I could feel that he was hesitating. We didn’t want to bring these beasts into our territory, but we also didn’t want to kill them out here in free country.
Irina“Honestly,” I thought about it voicing my thoughts out loud. “I don’t care about some legend. It won’t keep our people safe. It won’t keep our son safe. Hunter, even after we get rid of all of our opposition, our son will always be known as the alpha to the human mother.” I was a werewolf when he was conceived, but for some reason, it didn’t matter to those who wanted all human wolves dead.“I can understand that sweetheart, but if there is a way, we can force them to understand.” Hunter pulled his fingers through his hair and sighed deeply. I laughed out loud. He couldn’t possibly be serious!“You know as well as I do that there is no way.” I leaned up to look at him. “They’ve shown us that they won’t stop. They won’t rest until all my kind are dead.”&ld
Irina“Humans don’t know about werewolves unless a werewolf tells them. How can my kind mean the extinction of your kind when there are laws against it?” I sighed, crossing my arms again. I studied our prisoner.“Not your kind. You!” He shook his head as if he shouldn’t be telling us this. “Imagine if suddenly your world turned upside down and a skunk started ordering humans around as if they were his personal slaves. I know it’s a ridiculous example, but that’s the way it’s going to be for us! The legend refers to a human taking control over all werewolves. One alpha, and one pack. There would be no more territories or free will for us. You will rule us all.” Shock was running through my body as he spoke and I was beginning to think I needed to get my hands on that damn legend! I looked at Hunter and he wasn’t looking very happy, but none of us really were happy with our current situation.“The legend doesn’t say that. Not that exactly. It is what your purist radicals think it means.
IrinaI had no idea how many people might have seen me shifting, but Emily assured me that I was safe. The sheriff wasn’t happy with the turn of events, which was understandable. None of the werewolf wars had ever come so close to town, never mind happening right in the center square. It was all a bit much and our enemies had gone too far.By the time I got back to the shop I was frustrated and tired. I couldn’t imagine being this legendary wolf when I was born a human, but then again, I never in my wildest dreams imagined werewolves were real! Hunter hung around while I attended to some of my actual business.“Sooo, this is what you do all day?” He frowned and I rolled my eyes. He was bored out of his mind and driving me insane.“Yup, I tend to the admin while Emily and the guys build beautiful flower arrangements.” I smiled while both of us knew it was fake. Hunter nodded and continued studying my office. He was seated on the other side of my desk while I tried to figure out one of
IrinaHe let go of his ear. He was furious, understandably. I had just proven his point in a way of speaking, but I was trying to prove mine.“Oh, stop glaring at me. It's not like I told you to rip out your own heart.” I sighed, but as his hand went up and his eyes grew wild, I felt shock run through my body. “NO DON’T!” I screamed and he stopped. His fear was instantly replaced by fury.“You can order any wolf to do anything! You are dangerous!” Our prisoner spat out his words as if they were poison. I caught a glimpse of Hunter’s shocked look and decided I needed air. Our prisoner was right. I could kill anybody. With words!“Take him back.” I couldn’t look at Hunter or our prisoner as I stormed out of the room. This was too much. After everything we had been through. Everything we suffered! Now I don’t trust myself to speak or even just make a joke! I wasn’t just a danger to my enemies! I was a danger to the ones I loved! I shifted, knowing Hunter would at least take another five
IrinaThe entire house was filled with the electric excitement of hosting all the alphas. We had never had an event like this at our place before. Emily and I were checking on the last of the arrangements when Hunter let me know through our mind link that the first Alpha and Luna had arrived.I was over the moon to see Rosemary and I was grateful when she instantly rushed to hug me. I was convinced that all of them knew what was going on by now. The werewolf grapevine never disappointed, but either she didn’t care or … She didn’t know the full extent of my power just yet.Most of the morning was spent on making sure all the alphas and lunas had what they needed and were settled in their rooms. We had a barbeque planned for lunch and then we would go straight into our meeting once all of them were properly fed.I was hoping they would be a little sluggish after a huge meal and it would make things a little easier for me, but as the day wore on, I became more nervous. I was scared I mig
IrinaI appreciated that she was standing with me. I knew that if I lost her support, I would definitely lose all their support.“She can order any of us to do anything!” It was the first time I saw Rosemary’s mate speak up against her. Usually, he agreed with most of what she said and he never disagreed with her in public. He was a true gentleman and still madly in love with his mate after all these years.“We asked all of you here because I need a council. I need a conscience of sorts. I am also just a person who can make mistakes and I need you all to be there to support me when I need to make the tough decisions. That said, I’m NOT here to take away anyone’s power. Hunter and I are perfectly happy living our lives in our hometown with our own pack. We only want to use this power if and when you need my help.” I squared out my shoulders and spoke up. I couldn’t cower away from these people.They were alphas. They would simply roll over me if I let them. I could have allowed Hunter
IrinaIt was a huge shock that I would ask such a thing, but after some discussion they had to agree with me that the only way to find peace was to extend a peaceful hand. All the packs had been through so much that everyone just wanted peace after the war. Now all I had to do was convince our prisoners to accept the peace terms and I could get back to my normal life again!Our discussions had lasted the entire afternoon and the pack had started with the festivities outside when we finally finished. I wasn’t ready to speak to our prisoner just yet, and was relieved when Rosemary’s mate said he would do it. Hunter and all the alphas joined him as they went downstairs to talk to our prisoners while I made sure the Lunas had drinks in their hands and were having a good time.“When I first saw you, I knew there was something special about you.” Rosemary appeared beside me as I stood looking at all our people having fun. I smiled and she smiled back.“Thank you, Rosemary. If it wasn’t for
IrinaAfter a couple of weeks, the new place was built and we all moved in. I loved the new setup more than I thought I would and it was actually great fun to have Rosemary so close by. The children had done an amazing job in getting everyone settled into the new place and as I walked down the beach, I breathed in the fresh morning air.I missed Archer terribly. He would have loved this new place so much. He had always loved the lake. I met Rosemary on the way and we caught up on all the last-minute arrangements for the day. Hunter had finally accepted his new position in life and there was just one thing he asked of the kids which they gladly gave.Now that we were all settled in, it would be the official ceremony to bind our two packs together according to our ancient traditions. Today was Ingrid and Richard’s mating ceremony and I could feel the excitement in the air. The packs had already come together as one much easier than any of us could ever have imagined they would.On the f
Irina“Oh, no! Don’t you dare put me in the middle of this!” I glared at Hunter who was glaring right back at me. The discussions had been going around in circles for hours without a solution and he had pulled me aside to ask me to order Richard and our daughter to move home. Hunter, being Hunter, had found the only way he believed this arrangement would work.He thought Richard could just become Alpha of our pack and choose someone else to take over his pack. As if it would be that damn easy! What was my mate thinking?!“I don’t see what the problem is.” He huffed and for a split second I saw traces of Archer in my husband. They looked so damn much alike! “Other males move to the packs of their females, why can’t he?” Hunter was pouting as he waved his hand through the air before clamping his arms tightly over his chest.“Would you have left your pack for me?” I studied my mate. “If I refused to live this life, Hunter. Would you have given up everything just for me?” I could see that
IngridI was hoping I looked sexy, but I knew I didn’t as I fumbled to try and fit him inside me. I was just about to give up when Richard reached out and helped me and I nearly swallowed my tongue the moment he pushed inside of me. I liked this position! I had seen it in movies and always wondered about it, even if I looked away as soon as it came on.It felt as though he was going even deeper and I wondered if that was even possible. I wasn’t entirely sure if I should hunch on my legs or just move my hips, but clearly Richard knew what he was doing as he guided me and we were soon captured in the throes of passion!“Yeah, that’s it! Ride me!” He growled through clenched teeth and it gave me the small confidence boost I needed. I was doing it right! Richard pushed himself up and he clung to my body as I moved. It took a little longer for us to reach that peak this time, but just as I felt myself about to tumble over, he leaned closer. I felt his canines scarping my skin for just a mo
IngridIt was as though that was all he needed to hear as he slowly started to push into me. In an instant, I was flooded with hunger. I wanted him more than anything. I needed him. The expression of needing someone … Really needing them finally made sense! The world finally made sense! Why men went to war for women made sense!Richard stopped pulling me out of my ridiculous thoughts and when a frown formed on his brow, I thought I had done something wrong.“I’m not sure if you know this, but this next part will hurt a little. I promise you it will be the one and only time I will ever hurt you.” He stroked a stray piece of hair out of my face and I nodded. I could have told him that it wouldn’t be the last time he hurt me, but I didn’t. My mind was running at a mile a minute with all sorts of distracting thoughts and I didn’t want to spoil the moment with any of them.As Richard thrust into me, I cried out and he held me for a moment. It was painful, but it wasn’t unbearable pain. I c
IngridI wouldn’t say I was entirely innocent. I knew which parts went where and what to do with all those parts, I just hadn’t physically done any of it up to now. Why hadn’t I done it before?! Having him touch me in those sacred places felt out of this world! It was incredible! I had never in my life felt as relaxed and happy as I did in that tub in Richard’s arms.As Richard got out of the tub, I wondered if that was it. Was it over now? I knew it couldn’t possibly be it! He held out his hand and I frowned.“Is it over?” I pouted and he burst out laughing, making my cheeks turn a bright shade of red!“No, my sweet Ingrid. That was just the start. The water is getting cold. I thought we would move this to the bed where we could be more comfortable.” He smiled at my look of shock and I silently swore at myself. I shouldn’t have waited! At least if I had done it once before, I wouldn’t have been such a damn idiot the first time with my mate!Richard picked me up bridal style and carri
Ingrid“Stay right there, okay?” He looked around and I nodded. I laughed when he started opening cupboards and swore. “I will be right back.” He grinned and disappeared. When he returned, he had a box filled with candles in hand and he walked right into the bathroom.“That is really not necessary, Richard. We didn’t know this was going to happen tonight.” I laughed as he opened the taps for the bath and started to light the candles.“In that case, you can light the candles while I get us some Champaigne.” He winked and disappeared before I could say anything else. I did as he said and I have to admit that it helped ease the nervousness I was feeling. When he returned with the Champaigne, I had lit all the candles and he opened the bottle for us. After pouring each of us a glass, he held out his glass to me and I blinked and watched him. I had never imagined him as someone who could be very romantic.“To us. May we only share happiness and love.” He sounded a little out of breath and
IngridI scanned his room. His bedding was white, which was a surprise. A single black line decorated the border around the edge of the bedding and the pillow cases. A huge bed stood in the middle of the room and on either side was a set of beautiful antique free-standing cupboards.“This will be yours.” He rubbed his palms on his sides before opening the cupboard for me and I wondered if he was as nervous as I was.“Thanks.” I smiled as he opened the cupboard and I realized it was left empty for his mate. An awkward silence fell between us for a moment.“I will give you a moment to settle in. Would you like anything to eat or drink?” He was nervous! It was so damn cute!“Something to drink would be nice.” I smiled as I realized my mouth was feeling incredibly dry. “Something strong!” I laughed nervously as his face relaxed and he smiled. He nodded and disappeared while I unpacked my overnight bag and made my way to his bathroom. It was beautifully done in white and black marble. The
IrinaHunter and I didn’t even have to ask the moment we saw Ingrid move. It was clear that she had found what she had been looking for all day and when they kissed, I nearly cried. We knew the boy. Hunter and I had been invited to his alpha ceremony while Ingrid was away on her trip. He was one of Archer’s friends from when they were younger, but the one thing that caught my attention the most was that he was Rosemary’s grandson!He wasn’t just any wolf, and thank the goddess, he wasn’t human!IngridRichard pulled away just enough so he could look into my eyes and I almost melted when he tucked a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. It reminded me of something I saw my father do for my mom once and how I thought that I wanted that kind of love one day.“Hi beautiful,” He smiled and I felt my cheeks turn bright red.“Hi.” Over the years, I looked at my brother’s friends and wondered about them. It was logical that I would one day be mated to an alpha or even a beta. Some of my frien
IrinaThe excitement hung thick in the air in the morning as everyone got ready to attend the Founder’s Day festival. It was the one day the entire town came to a halt and took the time to celebrate our town. It felt as though we were celebrating Ingrid’s return for two continuous days. I loved every moment of it. In my mind’s eye, I could actually see the many dinners and festivals Ingrid experienced while she was away.This was exactly what our town needed after the hunter was there. People needed to see us moving between them. They needed to talk to us and be reminded that we were human. We had to show them we weren’t the monsters the hunter was trying to make us out to be. None of them knew the truth, of course. The sheriff was one of the first to greet us when we arrived and the relieved smile on his face said it all.We had been working overtime to squash any rumours that were still flying around and finally, things seemed to have returned to normal.I caught sight of Ingrid tal