On getting to the restaurant, River’s face was reddened from shedding so many tears. It was very much obvious and difficult to hide too. The moment she stepped in, Tara pulled in from taking the orders from a booth. “Oh, River. Thank Goodness you're back. You sure did take your time, didn't you?!” She groaned and was about to snatch the grocery bags from River when she noticed her red-rimmed face. With a raised brow, “Oh, my God. River? What's wrong?” “Nothing is wrong, Tara.” Replied, sniffing while wiping her face with the back of her hands. “I—I just need some time alone. I'm sorry, I won't be able to help you out in the restaurant further today.” A line appeared between Tara’s brows as she tried to get a grip and allow River space. “S – sure, River. Take your time. Go, go…” She gestured kindly for her to move forward. “Thank you, Tara.” Said, River as she hurried into the house, trying hard not to explode into a fit of sobs right there and then. As she passed the passageway
The word “good” might be applicable to Gonzalo but not in the case of their relationship. She was tempted to answer Rain that he was. Yet, lying to Rain didn't feel right either. It was a truth she would have to face sooner or later, and building a foundation of trust meant honesty, even in fragments. "Well, honey," she began, searching for the right things to say, "being a good leader is complicated. Sometimes, even good people have to make difficult choices." "Difficult choices?" Rain repeated, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Yes," River continued, her voice soft. "Sometimes, those choices can hurt the people they love." She couldn't explain the complexities of pack politics, betrayal, and ambition to a child. But she could plant a seed of understanding – a seed that hopefully would blossom into empathy when Rain was older. "Did my father make a choice that hurt us?" Rain's voice was small, and it pained River to hint at sadness in her daughter’s voice. River could feel guilt
Gonzalo~~After declaring River being alive to Echo, he stormed in but she followed. Echo's persistent questions echoed in his ears as he walked on, "What did you mean about River? Where is she?" He ignored them, his jaw clenched tight as he tried hard not to explode in anger. Whoever would wound up marrying Echo would most definitely have a lot on his hands.Reaching his door, he slammed it open with a resounding thud, hoping the sound would finally deter her. But no, Echo was like a persistent fly buzzing around him, demanding answers."What about River, Gonzalo?" she pressed, her tone weaning with a hint of something that might have been fear. "Is she truly alive?"Oh, so she was so concerned now as to if River was still alive when all she had done during her absence was condemned her and damned her dead. Perhaps, she had just realized that she had missed her sister?Perhaps, that heart of Echo’s wasn't entirely dead. He whirled on her, and with a tone that was filled with exhau
The girl couldn't be older than six or seven…River had left the pack seven years ago. If she had been pregnant back then because, in fact, they did have a night of passion. This would explain everything. Something churned within him. He couldn't ignore this possibility."I need to test this theory," he muttered thoughtfully. "I am ninety percent sure the girl is mine though. But then again, Ninety percent sure isn't enough."He couldn't help but be ashamed for not realizing it sooner. He… he had a daughter. A beautiful one at that and she was so smart and outspoken.The feeling of knowing he was a father was rather unfamiliar. It wasn't passion and it wasn't exactly identical to what he now felt for River.It was rather, a tenderness…… there was a mini him somewhere and he hadn't known all these while. To think River had been subjected to survive alone and bring her child alone on her own was respectable.He was such a fool for thinking Echo was stronger than she was in the pas
Gonzalo's stomach grumbled from the lack of breakfast. Sarah's cheerful obliviousness was grating on his nerves. "Yeah, early bird and all that," he mumbled, forcing a smile that felt strained even to himself. Sarah, who was reveling in her cluelessness, chirped, "Just getting myself back into the swing of things after that late night yesterday." Did he ask? Gonzalo secretly rolled his eyes. Sarah’s bluntness wasn't much of what he admired. His gaze was still fixated on Rain who appeared to be hissing at him like a predator marking its territory. Whatever could have happened to the little girl who was so friendly and open-minded with him yesterday? Could River have said something to her? It took great strength for him to snap back his control and force himself to tend to his business. But what man wouldn't be swayed from seeing his daughter look so hateful at him? The familiar aroma of freshly baked bread and cinnamon rolls assaulted Gonzalo's senses as they entered. Nicholas w
Sympathy that the boys were also orphans just like him made Gonzalo’s heart bleed. "That's rough, little ones." He said, lips forcefully pressed into a thin line.Michael, the quieter one, chirped in, "That's why we need to work, you see? To survive. But Nicholas… he's been real kind, taking us in and giving us a job even though we are still teenagers.”Well, he would concur with that notion anywhere. Silas was one hell of a good man."He's a good man, Nicholas is," Gonzalo agreed wholeheartedly.Just then, an exclamation boomed through the street. "The Alpha is coming!"Argh! As though his morning wasn't ruined enough, Echo shows up! He almost retorted at the announcer to shut the hell up before he remembered what Nicholas had told him about how Echo came around every morning to eat at the restaurant.The restaurant– did River not live there? Would their paths not cross in there? Did their path not cross yesterday? He didn't think so as the news about River’s arrival seemed like fres
"Alright, what needs doing next?" He asked, breaking the awkward silence and pretending like he did not notice their countenances.Nicholas started slightly, and soon ended up blabbering all through. "Oh, Gonzalo, good. I was just… well…" Gonzalo tilted his head and gave Nicholas a good one over to show the man that he wasn't doing this— whatever the hell everyone was trying to do.Nicholas got the message as he hesitated, then sighed. "Echo's words outside, they shouldn't worry you, Alpha Gonzalo. We all know the truth."Gonzalo scoffed. "Truth? As long as they have their little houses and feel a little sense of security, people wouldn't care if the sky turned purple. But whatever she spouted, don't worry, it went in one ear and out the other."Nicholas chuckled, relief washing over his face. "Good lad. You're a good leader, Gonzalo. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."It certainly didn't feel like it but Gonzalo managed a dry nod. And then, he asked, "Anything else I can do befo
“Just be careful out there, alright, Gonzalo? Hopefully, this delivery will be peaceful. Wouldn't want any news of you carrying another injured lad around the pack again. It is what is giving the room for embarrassment for you, Alpha.” Gonzalo's heart sank. He did not even pay attention to the rest of Nicholas’s words. He was too humbled to care for embarrassments or no embarrassment now. Rourke's pale and lifeless face flashed before his eyes. He could feel guilt burrowing deep within him, finding hollowed space to nestle its toxicity and feed off of his happiness. Maybe this was what he was reduced to now. He forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Nicholas, noticing the change in his demeanor, furrowed his brow. "Did I say something wrong?" "Rourke..." Gonzalo started, trying his best not to let his emotions get the better of him. "He's dead, Nicholas. Killed. He was killed yesterday.” A gasp escaped Nicholas's lips. "Dead? But... I thought you took him to the doct
The air was filled with noises of music and laughter later that night. Every civilian member of the new Moon claw pack got dressed in their best wears as they swarmed the old Iron claw pack house in their numbers. The pack house itself was filled to the brim with people chattering and laughing among themselves. The large hall which was the venue of the celebration was decorated with d colorful disco light up ahead as a slow jazz music played in the DJ played a soft jazz music. Meanwhile, River was a little nervous as she got dressed with the help of Calantha, Claire and some maids. "Luna, relax, you look great." Claire assured her with a warm smile as she put the finishing touches on her wavy auburn hair. She was seated, facing a mirror, tapping her foot nervously as she looked up at the clock. "He hasn't picked up his phone in an hour. What if something came up?" She paused, her eyes lingering on the shimmering red dress she wore. "Besides, I don't think red is really my color...
The days moved fast again until the day finally came. The day of the celebration for the creation of the new Moon claw pack. River woke up that morning, stretching lazily on her bed. Today was special for three reasons actually. There'd be a full moon tonight and then the celebration for the creation of the pack.Wolves from both sides of the territory would be coming together in the old Iron Claw's pack house to celebrate. The place where it'd all begun…But also, today was the day of the official opening of 'Luna's Delight '. The restaurant had been set for days now, but River wanted a big opening. One that would coincide with a day of celebration.Gonzalo was currently at his side of the pack, preparing some things. They were constructing a new pack house, one that would represent the essence of their new pack while also giving the both of them a chance to stay together again. She already missed her charming Spanish prince, even though they'd last seen the previous morning.She g
ONE WEEK LATER . Things were looking good ever since their declaration for a joint pack. The new pack of 'Moon Claw' observed days of celebrations after the announcement. As for River, well, she finally did something she'd been meaning to do in a while. "Ta da!" She exclaimed excitedly, after taking off the blind folds from Gonzalo and Rain's faces. What stood before them was a large building with only a group floor and a neon sign board that read "Luna's Delight". It was still under construction—some site workers still going around and adding finishing touches, but it was basically done. It was a restaurant. Her very own restaurant situated at the border between old IronClaw and old Moonstone. They both gasped in surprise, looking between her and the building repeatedly. After a while, Gonzalo rushed up to her, lifting her in a hug. "Ugh. Pequena, I'm so happy for you! Your dreams are finally a reality." He blurted excitedly before dropping her to the ground. "I m
Hand in hand, River and Gonzalo walked out of the pack house, trailing behind Claire. As they did, they were greeted by civilians, all showing their respect and gratitude for their Alpha. "Thank you for saving us, Alpha Gonzalo!" "He's a hero. I got to see my son again because of him." A woman muttered to her friend with a grateful tone. "And look, isn't that River of the IronClaw pack?" "Apparently, it's 'Alpha River' now. She rules over her pack now." A man who'd been staying in River's pack provided casually. "What? Since when?" "Who cares? We wouldn't have gotten our pack back without her help too. They're both heroes." A blush crept up her face when she heard those words. She tried ignoring them like Gonzalo, but she just couldn't. Knowing that these people saw her as their hero brought pride to her heart. She was beyond touched. They finally got to the town square, which was packed to the brim with pack members. Men, women, and children from all works of life were gat
An old quote River once read says: "The aftermath of war is not just about rebuilding, but also reconnecting with what we love and stand for". Well, there was a lot of reconnecting and rebuilding to do, and the war wasn't over yet. They still had one more thing to do. They had to reclaim Gonzalo's territory from the rogues. "It's a simple plan. No diversions. No baits. And most of all, we're killing every rogue in sight." River spoke calmly as she drew a circle around a part of a large map where Gonzalo's territory lay. The moonstone pack's citizens have been seeking refuge in the IronClaw pack for a while, courtesy of the fake Echo, but there were still some imprisoned back in the pack by the rogues. Gathered in the dimly lit meeting hall were River and her advisors, which included Old Man Thomas, Gonzalo, Calantha, Claire from the rebellion, and also two other men from the rebellion. They stood around a table, their faces stern with one thing in mind. Victory. "I've sent spies
River woke up the next morning, her body aching like an old woman's. Last night was wild! She and Gonzalo literally had hours of 'naked cuddle sessions ' from dusk till dawn. She turned to look at the clock. Eleven AM! Shit, time goes by fast when you're overrun with pleasure! She tried getting up but only then realized that she was lying on top of Gonzalo's chest, his arms wrapped around her naked body. The man was drained, and she couldn't help feeling bad. Her face flushed with embarrassment when she remembered how she'd repeatedly used magic to increase his vigor and stamina whenever he reached orgasm. It was like having infinite strength, but there was only so much magic could do when it was used to offset the natural balance of a wolf's anatomy. The constant use of magic on both of them had them drained. Would they even be able to do anything today? Just then, Gonzalo turned, but his grasp on her body didn't lessen in the slightest. He blinked awkwardly as his eyes trie
Warning: Mature content The days after the battle at BloodHill were rather peaceful. River and Gonzalo enjoyed that moment of peace, using it to reconnect with themselves and also to spend more time with Rain. Emphasis on the ‘’reconnecting’ though. Their nights had been more steamier than ever, and they had some of the best sex since they took over IronClaw. Good moon goddess, have mercy, if she could just stay all night and all day having sex with her man, she would. But sadly, she had her duties as Alpha to attend to. And it was an unrealistic wish anyway. Unless…...“You want us to do what?” Gonzalo blurted out again when they'd entered their room one night and were about to get freaky. He arched his eyebrows in surprise, looking at her like she'd said the vilest thing known to werewolf, witch, heck even vampire kind. River purred playfully, as her hands went up his chest. “Come on, think about it. If I'm able to use my magic to increase your stamina, we'll be able to go
Warning: Some graphic scenesCalantha was relentless, as she bared her fangs at the rogue wolves, managing to intimidate a lot of them. She jumped down from the elevated area, causing the rogues on the ground to make way. The other four of her brethren also jumped down, snarling viciously at the rogues, but most especially the rogue witches who'd just lost two sisters.River smirked. That was her cue. She'd managed to gather enough magic up to that point and wiggled her fingers, concentrating all of it on her chains. It took some effort, but eventually, the chains fell off like threads, startling the rogue wolves watching over her and Gonzalo.“What the–?” The female rogue who she'd mind-controlled for that brief moment looked at her with bulged eyes and was about to draw out her weapon. However, River was faster as she brought out the two daggers strapped to her thighs, slashing the rogue on the chest first and then on her neck. It was so swift and the rogue was speechless, as she
The cave indeed had a large interior. The ceiling was lined with jagged stalactites, hanging over them like giant icicles and casting eerie shadows on them. The cave was lit up by several fire torches, and also by a large hole carved into the ceiling, which allowed moonlight to glimmer down like a wave, falling directly on a stone altar.The cave was filled with even more rogue wolves and was blossoming with activities. However, it all died down when the others from outside brought in River and Gonzalo. "Brethren!" The old hag raised her staff into the air triumphantly. "Behold, the hybrid Alpha of the IronClaw pack and her mate, the fallen Alpha of the Moonstone pack! The ones responsible for taking our hold on the IronClaw territory."The rogue wolves snarled, throwing a torrent of curses at River and Gonzalo. They dropped them to the ground, forcing her to kneel while Gonzalo lay there, groaning as his face hit the ground. Ignoring their plight, the 'maiden' of the trio of witche