River pushed aside the unsettling question about Annemarie's gaze. She decided the events of the day were getting to her and keeping her on the edge. Rain's half-eaten cookie lay abandoned on the armchair, its chocolatey scent mingling with the warmth of the fireplace. It was definitely past bedtime. Walking towards them, River addressed Annemarie with a whiff of exhaustion in her voice. "Thank you so much, Annemarie. Rain really needs her sleep now."Annemarie looked up from her book, her smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. "Of course, dear. Rain, come say goodnight to your mother."Rain, still snuggled in the armchair, reached for another cookie but stopped at her mother's words. "Nighty-night, Leo," she chirped, offering a sloppy wave in the direction of the boy sprawled on the rug.Leo, with nose buried deep in his picture book, mumbled a barely audible response. But before River could remind Rain about manners, Rain surprised everyone. Rain hopped off the armchair, the hal
River trembled, fighting back a scream because she didn't want to wake their hosts up. Lord Draven stood in front of her, the streak of moonlight illuminating his pale skin and his crimson eyes glowing like malevolent embers. The air became cloying as the sweetness of his cologne became overpowered by the musky scent of death that clung to him as usual.It was all a scent that River knew too well. One she dreaded."Itsy Bitsy spider, little human," he purred, his lips curving into a sinister smile.River wanted to flee. That was the one thing she knew how to do best– running from her fears. How was she to handle this problem that came knocking on her door?Why won't Lord Draven leave her alone?"I'm not your little human, Lord Draven," River, twisting her fingers in fear chose to not choose weakness this time.She was tired of being weak. Of being the weak Omega. “How many times did I have to say it? I'm not the little girl of seven years ago and you know that too.”He tilted his head
The soft knocking came again and more insistent this time. River took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves at least, for Rain. Whoever or whatever was by the door was knew how to knock gently.It must be one of their hosts, River decided."Who is it?" she called out, her voice uncertain."River? It's Tara. Are you awake?" a muffled voice replied.Phew! It was just Tara as suspected.Relief washed over River, chasing away the wavering dread of the nightmare. Tara! It was just Tara."Yes, Tara, come in," she called back, her voice trembling slightly but filled with relief.Cautiously, she unlatched the door and it creaked open, revealing Tara's concerned face which was highlighted by the dim glow of the hallway bulb."River? What's wrong?" Tara asked, her voice filled with worry. "We heard screaming coming from your room."Shame almost turned River into a squirrel. "It was just a nightmare," she mumbled, stepping back to allow Tara into the room.Tara's gaze darted towards the bed,
She burst into the living room and the scene before her stole the breath from her lungs. Rain sat snuggled between Leo and AnneMarie at the breakfast table with a contented smile on her face as she devoured a plate of pancakes.Relief washed over River in a very hard way. It was so intense that it left her legs weak. She stumbled towards them, tears stinging her eyes. The fear that had enveloped her when she couldn't find her daughter, the feeling it brought, it almost ran her insane.She never wanted to feel such again. Never. Ever.Laughter filled the air as AnneMarie told a story to the kids. The trio hadn't noticed her at first. River's legs buckled and she leaned against the doorway with her chest heaving. Shame washed over her as the realization that she had been impulsive dawned on her."Rain!" she called out again, this time her voice softer since she’d found her daughter. "There you are, sweetheart."Rain looked up with a smile blooming on her face. "Mama!" she squealed, scr
AnneMarie's eyes widened in surprise when River offered to go, then softened with understanding. "Are you sure, dear? You look exhausted."River straightened her back, forcing a smile. "I'm alright. Besides, it's the least I can do. You've all been very kind to us."Annemarie’s face became expressionless at first, and then morphed into a warm smile after. "Thank you, dear. That would be a tremendous help. Just follow Tara, she'll show you the ropes."River modded and headed forward where she pushed open the swinging door. The moment she stepped out and behind the counter with Tara, the warm aroma of pancakes and brewing coffee hit her like a wave. Tara, whose hair was a whirlwind of ginger curls glanced up from the stack of plates in her hand. Flour dusted her apron like a second skin, and a smudge of what looked like blueberry jam adorned her cheek.Perfect kitchen mess; River almost laughed at her but she comported herself.“Hey, Tara.” She greeted her instead."Another pair of han
Rain whirled around, startled by the hysteria in her mother's voice. Her big mischievous eyes met River's agitated ones and a small frown creased her forehead. "Oh, Mama?" she questioned.Terror flooded River's face as she watched her daughter clinging precariously to the edge. “Rain! Get down from there, now!" River shrieked with panic.Rain, who was bewildered by the sudden outburst from her mother scrambled back from the window. "But Mama," she whimpered, her voice trembling with remorse, "I just wanted to see the stars better. Remember, you said they were beautiful up close?"Stars in the morning?Who was this mischievous little girl kidding? River scoffed. The remorse in her voice already told River she was up to some mischief and was trying to find excuses for being caught.However, the relief from seeing her daughter clamber safely down from the windowsill was so bountiful that she even forgot that for a moment.She buried her face in Rain's soft hair after her daughter ran into
Annemarie sat down on the bed beside River, touching her gently. “It must be hard, dear. Knowing your sister, the one who took your betrothed and made you run away is close."River let out a humorless chuckle. "Even you know that story, Annemarie?"Annemarie gave her a sad smile. "It's a tale told for years in the pack. It is a sad story, I must say. And it's painful how they didn't see the true you, the strong and gifted woman you are. They laughed at you instead. But River, you are bigger than any one of us could comprehend. I'm sure you know that already.”Her mother’s letter did say the same but it all didn't make sense to her. However, her mother’s letter also told her not to trust anyone with her secret. So, for all she knew, Annemarie might not even know anything about the content of the letter apart from what Finn had told her about. ‘Witchery’. Therefore, she wouldn't just blurt it out but act oblivious until she was sure.“Just how much do you know, Annemarie? What do you m
Gonzalo McGruff~~After the fall, shame crawled up Gonzalo's throat like a bitter weed. Every eye in the bar seemed fixed on him– the fallen Alpha, sprawled on the floor like a commoner. He mumbled his apologies and felt the words scraping against his pride like a saw. There was no way he could stay. It would be way too embarrassing and wouldn't be good for his reputation for rumors to circulate the next morning about the failed Alpha Gonzalo who had turned into a drunkard now.He slipped out of the tavern, the neon sign radiating a garish red glow on his face as he walked past it, making Gonzalo wish he could smash all of his aggression into the thing. The night air felt strangely cold despite the anger churning within him. Anger at his pathetic situation, at his ruined night, and at not being able to help that little girl and her mother.Back at the pack house, he moved like shadow and lightning bolt, hoping to retreat unnoticed to his room. He’d prefer not to be seen at all.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