Terror squeezed River's lungs as the rogue lounged for her. But before she could even scream, Tara was there. With a flick of her wrist, a shimmering blue net materialized around the wolf and trapped it before it could pounce on River. "Use your emotions, River!" Tara shouted, her voice hardly audible over the thrashing of the trapped beast as it struggled to get freed. Another rogue somehow managed to be freed from the spell and it lunged at River. By the moons, why her? River’s breaths seized. It seemed they were aiming for the easier target. Panic froze her limbs when this one successfully threw her on the floor in a very sickening thud. The beast's claws raked across her arm in slash and a stinging pain seared through her. She stumbled up and back again, crashing onto the damp earth. A throaty roar echoed through the trees as the enraged wolf tore free of Tara's net. Holy hell, those beasts were powerful, it seemed. No wonder they were able to take over Gonzalo’s pack; River
Through the haze of dizziness, River saw Tara kneeling beside her. Her face was contorted with concern. "River, are you alright?" Tara asked gently.River could only nod weakly as she was unable to find the strength to speak.Suddenly, a soft glow emanated from Tara's fingertips. As Tara touched River's wound, a soothing warmth spread through her arm, pushing back the pain. The gash slowly closed, leaving behind only a faint pink scar.Wow. Tara could heal too?"That should do it," Tara said, her touch lingering for a moment. "You scared the living daylights out of us, you know that?"A weak smile tugged at River's lips. "I… I didn't mean to," she mumbled."No, I don't think you did," Tara chuckled softly. "But you did good, River. Real good."Annemarie also chirped in. “You have more power within you than you know. I told you that you are not just any witch. Do you believe me now?”River looked down at her hands, still trembling slightly. "I— I don't understand," she whispered.
River's mind was a ball of confusion and indecision as she met Annemarie's gaze. "Rain doesn't need to perform this ritual," she blurted out finally. She would not expose her daughter to darkness. Annemarie's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, child? The ceremony requires us to mask both your scents, not just yours. Or do you not want her human scent masked?” "But you said it has to be renewed every month," countered River, trying to be logical. "wouldn't it be pointless for Rain? She is still so young. Her wolf won't awaken for years, not until puberty. Surely people won't suspect anything if she doesn't have the wolf scent yet. They will take it as her wolf not being awakened yet.” Tara stepped forward with her expression uncharacteristically serious. "River, are you absolutely sure about this? Rain is part of this now. We can't leave her human scent exposed." Well, what they didn't know was that Rain didn't have a human scent. Rain was an Alpha’s daughter. Rain was a Luna. Rive
For the first time since then, River felt a sense of belonging, a connection to something bigger than herself. She had always been cast away. Always on the search for her true purpose. For where she belonged and maybe she had found it. The fear and confusion that had gripped her slowly began to recede and was soon replaced by a sense of intent. Without realizing it, she joined the chant, her voice blending with the others. The words themselves held no meaning, yet they resonated within her like a profound, crude language stirring from within her soul. Little Leo had his eyes wide with fascination. He carefully tilted the vial, allowing a single drop of blood to fall into the center of the circle. As it touched the stone, it erupted in a sudden burst of flame that startled even the seasoned witches. The fire, however, was short-lived. It morphed into a swirling cloud of smoke, tinged with a surreal silver color. River’s breath seized. Beautiful. The smoke that emanated from t
As sleep finally claimed her, River held her daughter tight while a promise bloomed in her heart - she would protect Rain, no matter the cost. The weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her, but this wasn't the time to cower. She was a witch now, and she would find the strength within herself to be the protector Rain needed. Also, to be the protector her people needed. Echo had failed them. Echo had failed their parents. The next morning… … Sunlight streamed through the window, its golden stripes lining across the floor. Rain was already awake, seated on the windowsill, her chin resting on her hands as she gazed out at the street below while glaring at a certain figure ahead. River, however, stirred much later. The exhaustion of the previous night was not done taking its toll on her. She groaned as she stretched while all the memories of the night before flooded back to her. Annemarie’s words; “You are a powerful witch.” Continued to echo in her head. Wrong though. She
“We could use your help, dear," Tara provided. "We're a bit short on supplies and I need someone to run to the market." Phew! That sent Relief gushing into River. She had thought something bad had happened again. A simple errand sounded perfect right now. It would give her a chance to clear her head and process the unsettling encounter with Gonzalo. "Of course," River agreed readily. "What do you need?" Tara rattled off a list of ingredients – herbs, spices, groceries, a new jar of honey, and something called "moonflower petals." River recognized most of the items, but the moonflower petals piqued her curiosity. "Moonflower petals?" she asked. "What are those for?" Tara smiled mysteriously. "Just a little something we're working on," she said. "It's a surprise. But trust me, they're important." “Sounds good," River agreed, nodding. With a final hug for Rain, they both followed Tara out of the room. In the living room, Annemarie sat at a large table, with a pen scratching busily
H- how did Gonzalo know that Rain was his?No, she shouldn't give in so quickly. He might just be giving a wild guess. If she agreed to that, his doubts would be cleared.He might want to take her daughter away from her. No, she would never allow anyone to take away Rain from her. She sole handily brought her daughter up and Rain deserved to be with no one else but her!“W-What girl are you babbling about?" she tried so hard not to stutter but it seemed that was wishful thinking. His words confirmed what she'd dreaded – sooner or later, someone might take away her daughter. People would be able to tell that Rain was his. Tara already did, and now, him."Your little girl," Gonzalo continued, his lips curved in a cynical smirk. "Rain, or what did you call her the other day?"River swallowed a lump down her throat. He even knew her name and that was all thanks to her.“Your girl?" she scoffed, forcing a laugh that sounded flaky even to her own ears. "Gonzalo, you're delusional! I would
Chapter 64 As River turned around, the unexpected was before her. She wouldn't call it ‘unexpected’ but she certainly wasn't yet prepared for the meeting. She was expecting to see a stranger or perhaps, hoped the voice belonged to a stranger as familiar as it sounded. It was a face from her past and it had materialized before her. The cold indifference on that grim face provoked River. How could her expression be so bland after everything? It was Echo. And she looked like she didn't give a damn too. She didn't seem not in the least bit surprised to see River– at least, not in the ways that she had anticipated. Her icy stare held, instead a flash of something… was it resentment? Disappointment? There was certainly no warmth, no joy at seeing her long-lost sister alive in those dead eyes. There was just darkness and bleakness. A pang of sorrow shot through River's heart. It was at this point that she decided that Echo had no heart. After seven years, after the betrayal, and th
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