“Allies?” Sofia rhetorically asked, "You don't know the half of it. There are whispers and rumblings amongst the pack members who are unhappy about the rogues dominating the borders. It is very crazy that their numbers are alarming too. The more their numbers are, the less our people get. The death toll is fast rising. A small resistance has been brewing, strategizing in secret. We've been quietly meeting, strategizing ways to push back.”A resistance? Did that mean Sofia was a part of a resistance? Damn, he should have suspected; Gonzalo thought. His jaw dropped. "Why didn't you tell me about this?"Instead of replying to him, Sofia's gaze softened as it landed on Rain. "Well, let's just say some things are better discussed without little ears around," she said to River. "Why don't you get the little one settled in? I imagine the escape was tiring."River nodded in agreement. "That sounds good. Come on, Rain, let's see where you'll be sleeping tonight."Before following River, Gonza
Sofia had heard River’s whisper, all thanks to her heightened wolf senses. But the woman was weird. She acted as if she didn't hear the words and only beckoned them forward.“Take a look," she said, pointing to several marked locations. "These are rogue settlements within our borders. We've been gathering information, building a case against them."Gonzalo and River leaned closer, impressed by the detail and organization. "How did you manage all of this?" he asked, surprised."Like I said," Sofia replied with a wry smile on her lips. "If the Alpha won't take action, the pack has to take care of itself."River's eyes lit up. "That's beautiful. You've been planning a rebellion?"“More like a strategic movement of taking us out of this mess. It's not like we want to defy the Alpha or something.” Sofia replied, eyes still on the map.Gonzalo saw River's lips curved into a hopeful smile. "That's beautiful," she commented. "And much needed."The air grew serious as Sofia leaned forward. "Sp
Chapter 105Sofia had heard River’s whisper, all thanks to her heightened wolf senses. But the woman was weird. She acted as if she didn't hear the words and only beckoned them forward.“Take a look," she said, pointing to several marked locations. "These are rogue settlements within our borders. We've been gathering information, building a case against them."Gonzalo and River leaned closer, impressed by the detail and organization. "How did you manage all of this?" he asked, surprised."Like I said," Sofia replied with a wry smile on her lips. "If the Alpha won't take action, the pack has to take care of itself."River's eyes lit up. "That's beautiful. You've been planning a rebellion?"“More like a strategic movement of taking us out of this mess. It's not like we want to defy the Alpha or something.” Sofia replied, eyes still on the map.Gonzalo saw River's lips curved into a hopeful smile. "That's beautiful," she commented. "And much needed."The air grew serious as Sofia leaned
“Oh, God!” River paced around, panting heavily, her neck swiveling left and right in search of her daughter. “I told her to stay put!” That little rebel never listened. She had other things to worry about other than a stubborn daughter. She, however, could make a wild guess where she was. Running through the dark hallways, she prayed with every fiber of her being that no one in the mansion got to her daughter before she did. Otherwise, she’d get them both in trouble again. For five years, she had been paying her debt to Lord Draven. She could still remember that miserable night when her whole world fell apart. Lord Draven had brought her here to his home where his whole family lived to help with the cleaning of the old and rusty mansion that they had just moved into. She was supposed to clean for a few days and be given her freedom until she owed him something bigger. She could still remember…. . . FIVE YEARS AGO River bounced on her feet as nervousness ran through he
The hug, though initiated by River, felt oddly one-sided. Gonzalo stiffened as they made contact. She could feel his hesitation and was suddenly regretful that she had jumped on him like that.Perhaps, that wasn’t the most practical welcoming gesture. But then again, in her defense, this was her betrothed. There should be nothing practical between them.His arms hovered awkwardly before settling lightly on her back. It felt like a polite pat, not the warm embrace she yearned for or had envisioned.River had, however, read articles about Gonzalo McGruff. From what she read, just as the last syllable of his last name read – he was a gruff man.Perhaps, that was the reason behind his cautious reaction to her embrace.Either way, the fresh rain scent that clung to him made her hair stand on end. This man, though way older than her, would be hers very soon, and he was cool as hell!"Gonzalo! It's been forever!" She exclaimed, pulling back from the embrace and beaming at him. He nodded. “Ri
The drive back to the Ironclaw pack was filled with an awkward silence. River, who was quite the chatterbox, tried her best to fill the quietness with stories about her plans for the restaurant she wanted to establish at Gonzalo’s pack. She aimed for the productive topics, to at least, allow him to see how resourceful she could be.Yet, only disappointments were met with her efforts.Gonzalo remained mostly unresponsive. His gaze was fixed on the road ahead unwaveringly. His silence chewed at River, making her second-guess everything she'd said.However, every now and then when River would steal a glance at him, she’d forget all about her doubts after getting captivated by the sharp angles of his jaw and the way his brow furrowed in concentration.Finally, the iron gates of the Ironclaw pack slid open when they arrived, revealing a sprawling network of wooden cabins cradled amidst tall pines. As they pulled up to the central building, River spotted a familiar figure standing outside, d
[Mature Content Ahead; Not Too Explicit]Gonzalo's jaw clenched and his gaze hardened. River could see how hard he was trying to contain something. His anger, maybe?He crossed his arms over his chest, the towel barely concealing his well-defined physique. "Spend the night? Here? River, this is highly inappropriate."She felt a twinge of hurt at that. "Inappropriate? But, we're betrothed, aren't we? Isn't it normal for mates to— spend time together?"Her voice trailed off while her confidence began to wane under his scrutiny. Gonzalo sighed, frustration evident in his demeanor."River, it's late. You should be in your own room. Besides, I'm exhausted from the journey."His words were like a bucket of cold water thrown over her burning desire. She felt the mixture of anger and disappointment sifting inside of her. Here she was, trying to be the perfect mate, to bridge the awkward gap between them, and he was rejecting her?She straightened her spine, her chin jutting out defiantly. "Lo
River’s Birthday Party~~R&B music rumbled through the Ironclaw packhouse. The energy there was vibrant and infectious as disco lights twinkled overhead, illuminating the large hall that was the venue of the party.Laughter and chatter filled the air as guests mingled amongst themselves, their excitement bubbling up in the colorful hall. Tonight was River's 19th birthday, and Echo had thrown her a party unlike any other. River, who was the center of attention spun around in a joyous circle, her crimson dress swirling like a blooming rose. There was nothing in the world that could contain her excitement. True, she was happy to have made it this far and grown up despite all her challenges and incompetencies but, most importantly, her upcoming mating ceremony with Gonzalo McGruff was the peak of her joy.With an expectant heart, she scanned the room, searching for Gonzalo. He'd been strangely distant since their– encounter…a few nights ago. Yet, he'd promised to be here, and River, e