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
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
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...
“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