“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 her. "Maybe I should just change," she mumbled, the anxiety chewing at her for the past hour finally finding its voice. Across from her was Echo– her only sister who was the one leading their pack; the Ironclaw pack since their parent’s demise. She was expertly braiding River’s Auburn hair into a crown but River had other worries. Echo scoffed, stopping mid-strand to give River a stern look. “Why?” Shrugging listlessly, “What if it's too extravagant for his taste? Maybe I should just put on something more comfortable and approachable.” Answered River. She knew she was a little over the edge. But was she to be blamed? Today was the day her betrothed – Gonzalo McGruff was finally arriving. The excitement that had simmered in her for years of preparing for this day and awaiting him was battling with a sudden unwelcome anxiety. Now that he was coming, she felt like all those years of preparing and waiting to meet him were not enough. Hell, she felt like she needed fifteen more years of preparations. “Nonsense," Hissed Echo. “This dress is close to perfection if not perfect, Ry. We are not changing anything.” “What if…” “No ‘what ifs’, little sis. Stop dwelling on worry, gosh! That is exactly why I am here right now. To help.” “Honestly, Echo," River muttered, batting away Echo’s hand, "you run the pack. You have meetings and other business to attend to. You shouldn't waste time fussing over me." Echo’s brow furrowed. "Nonsense. Don't you dare downplay this day? It's Gonzalo, Ry. After all these years…" Her voice trailed off. "…I know how much you've been looking forward to this. You have to be perfect and I'm here to make sure of that. I want you to look so perfect that Gonzalo wouldn’t find the control to take his eyes off you in a thousand years.” River’s cheeks flushed pink. "Perfect? I'm an omega, Echo, not some prize mare." Being an Omega had been the main sore in River’s life. She was a wolf who didn't have the mark. She was different. It was a lot. It was the source of her insecurities. It made her weak. She was Echo’s weak little sister no matter how strong her big sister tried to make her feel. Echo’s smile softened. "You may be an omega, but you have our mother's fire and our father's strength. And trust me, Gonzalo will see exactly that." A lump cropped up in River’s throat. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed her parents until Echo mentioned them. If only they were here to see this day. Tears welled up in her amber eyes, blurring the reflection of the mirror in front of her. “River?" Echo called, her eyes searching her little sister’s face. Yikes. She was being emotional yet again. This was yet one of her many flaws. If only she could be like her sister– be strong like Echo. River choked back a sob. "Thank you," she whispered, throwing her arms around Echo. The scent of vanilla and woodsmoke which was their mother's favorite fragrance that Echo now wore around filled River’s senses. Fueled with the emotional state she was in and the familiarity of the scent, she was momentarily transported back to a simpler time. A time when their parents were alive. A time before she and her sister were rendered orphans. Echo squeezed her tight. "For what, little sis?" “For everything," River mumbled, tears finally spilling down her freckled cheeks. "I miss them so much." Echo pulled back from the embrace, wiping away a stray tear from River’s face. "Me too, Ry. But they wouldn't want you to cry today. Go greet Gonzalo with a smile. He deserves that much.” River summoned up a weak smile and wiped away the remaining tears. She stood up and looked at her reflection with a soft gasp. Her Auburn hair was braided and adorned with tiny silver beads that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. The emerald dress hugged her curves perfectly, and her eyes sparkled with nervous excitement. "See?" Echo beamed. "You have Mama's curves and fire. Now go knock 'em dead." River laughed. “Don't worry, I'll be a perfect picture of omega charm." She hugged Echo goodbye. “Now, that's what I'm talking about!” . A few moments later, she set off for the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Gonzalo. On arriving at the bustling establishment, River did the cross sign over her chest before stepping in. “So help me God.” She muttered under her breath as her eyes searched around for Gonzalo. Disappointment, however, welcomed her instead. She had scrutinized every table but none had any sign of Gonzalo in them. Where was he? She wondered, her anxiety rising. Was he even here at all? “Oh, please, no…” She began to heave with worry as she pulled out her purse and made to text Echo instead of Gonzalo himself. Her sister was always her SOS button. A soft voice that spoke behind her, however, stopped her. "May I help you, miss?” Almost jumping and startled, River turned to see a young man barely out of his teens, in a neatly pressed waiter's uniform. “Err— yes. Yes, I'm here to meet Mr. Gonzalo McGruff," she stuttered, hating her voice for betraying her growing anxiety. The waiter smiled politely and brought out a pocket note from the pouch of his apron. After a swift skimming, “Ah, Mr. McGruff. Reservations are made under his name. Follow me, please." He said. River swallowed. At least, she hadn't been dumped even before she got a chance to meet him. It seemed he was only… late. The waiter led her to a VIP table tucked away in a corner. “Here is the menu, ma’am. What would you like to have?” She wanted to say she’d like to wait for him but she thought it’d be unreasonable since he already made reservations, she shouldn't slow them down. Hence, she made an order. Three minutes later, she was still sitting alone at the table, wondering where he was. Why was he late? Had something happened? Did he change his mind? The questions in her head were endless. Her orders were served soon enough and still, Gonzalo was absent. She picked at her food, trying to focus on the conversation around her to distract her mind, but her heart wasn't in it. He could have at least sent word. “Maybe he changed his mind.” She grumbled, sulking. Just as she was about to lose all hope, a deep voice startled her. "If you don't like the food here, we can go somewhere else, pequeña.” That voice… River’s head snapped up instantaneously. There, towering above her, stood Gonzalo. Her mouth popped open and her breath seized at the sight of him. This wasn't the young man from her memories. Fifteen years had carved lines on his face, turning his youthful features into a form of masculine strength. Deep lines fanned out from his grey eyes which were now darker and more intense. The passage of time had taken its toll on him– albeit in a good way. He looked...older. Much older. And insanely older than she was. Than Echo who was ten years older than her even. His broad shoulders strained against a well-worn leather jacket and a faint scar bisected his eyebrow, giving him a touch of rugged handsomeness that swept River off her feet. “Gonzalo!” She screeched, dropped her cutleries, and launched herself shamelessly into his arms while burying her face in his fresh rain scent. Something was thumping hard. Hard enough to be heard by anyone who cared enough to listen. It was her heart. Gonzalo was here.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
But before River could flee, Echo spoke with a slight trembling voice. "Gonzalo… I told you not to...”He cut her off, but if River didn't know better, she could have thought she heard some hidden pain in his voice.“Echo. It's now or never. She has to know to stop her childish fairytales, and that's what I did. I told her as it should be!”Disbelief choked the air out of River, leaving her gasping like a fish out of water. She needed to trust in Echo. Her sister wouldn't do this to her.Her gaze darted towards Echo, searching for a sign of amusement in them. Perhaps, a hint that this was all some joke. That Gonzalo was pulling a fast one on her.But Echo's face remained blank. It wasn't amusement, nor was it a triumphant countenance. It was a cold, lonesome neutrality in Echo’s eyes that sent a wave of nausea crashing over River."Echo," River's shook as a plea escaped her lips. "Tell me it's a lie. Please, Echo. Just say it's not true."But Echo wouldn't meet her gaze. An abrupt emo
A tingling sensation began to spread through River’s body and was soon followed by a low hum that reverberated from deep within the safe. The carved symbols thumped with blue light, and then, with a click, the safe door swung open.It worked!Relief washed over River as jubilant laughter escaped her lips regardless of all the shits going on around her now. Her mother's letter was wrapped in a leather pouch. It lay nuzzled on a silver linen in the safe.She sighed happily, picking it up. “Here you are.”But the sound of approaching footsteps ruined the moment for her. “Argh. What do they want?!” She hollered to herself with gritted teeth.Glancing at the door, she saw shadows stretching across the floor. Time was running out.“Shit!”She hastily grabbed the pouch and slammed the safe shut. It didn't matter if Echo and Gonzalo were coming for her for God knows why. She had what she came for.Turning on her heel, she sprinted towards the window with her heart pounding in her chest. J
River squeezed her eyes shut as panic kicked straight into her. Perhaps, if she lay low, these two groups would fight, kill, or harm each other, and she’d have the chance to escape.It was like seeing her two enemies fight one another, doing all the work for her. Hence, she held her breath, straining to hear the approaching footsteps.The sounds of approaching footsteps grew louder, torturing River with it. Any moment now, Echo's men would burst into the clearing, and the inevitable clash with the rogue wolves would begin. But was she totally safe from it?Caught between a rock and a hard place, she realized escape wasn't the only worry. Being caught in the crossfire was just as likely.As predicted, two figures emerged from the trees, dressed in the Ironclaw Pack’s warrior uniforms. A growl erupted from one of Echo’s men who was a hulking figure with a thick beard. River recognized him. He was the one Echo usually sent on important missions. Did that mean she was important to E
With contempt contorting her face, “I'm not a human.” River spat at him.As though it was written in her blood otherwise, he moved closer to her and sniffed her in even more like some hard drug. “You smell like one.” He finally said with a voice that held both the mixture of masculinity and femininity. “Well, I'm not. Anyway, it's none of your business. Give me back my letter. I have to get out of here.” River pressed on, left hand outstretched.He glanced at the letter in his hand for a brief moment, River noticing how long his lashes were. And then, like a robot, he turned and began to walk away with her letter in hand!River cursed under her breath before running after him. “Hold your horses right there! What in the hell are you doing picking up someone’s letter and walking away with it like it's yours?!” She hollered.Had she not supposed to be hiding from rogues and whatever dangerous creatures might be in these woods, River would have screamed at him at the topmost of her voice