He wasn't just looking at her; he was devouring her, his eyes tracing every one of her curves with a hunger that both terrified and exhilarated her. The heat of his gaze was branding her skin even more intensely than his hand had moments ago.Get a grip, River; she reprimanded herself.“Clumsy, maybe," she finally blurted out, her voice reeking of anger and something else. Something hot and unwelcome that boiled inside of her. "But not useless."She needed to show him that she was growing. That this wasn't the submissive Omega girl he picked up from the woods. That she was learning to not become the one who cowered at every harsh word. This was a mother– a woman who had faced fear and pain and emerged stronger.That– was who she’d become from now on.A slow smile spread across Lord Draven's face. It was a smile that sent shivers of a different kind down her spine. It wasn't cruel, not entirely. It was intimidating, yes, but there was a hint of something else in his red eyes, a touch o
The man's smile faltered at their unrhymed answers. River saw a wary look purr to life on his face. "I apologize for the confusion, but security is tight these days. We've reached our limit for the Moonstone pack. The few remaining rooms are reserved." He finally said River's heart sank. This wasn't how she pictured their arrival. Rain’s joviality had just ruined it for them. Images of exhaustion and Rain shivering in the cold flickered through her mind. She wouldn't let her daughter stay out here in the dark.Never."But where are we supposed to go?" she pleaded with desperation.Before the guard could reply, a commotion erupted from within the hotel. A man wrestled another to the ground, their shouts echoing in the lobby. In the struggle, the fallen man's hood slipped, revealing a face that was all too familiar - Gonzalo.The moment River's eyes landed on Gonzalo, a whirlpool of emotions flared within her. Years of building such repellant to him crumbled at that moment, leaving beh
As River wrestled her attacker, Rain's small foot connected with his shin with a surprising amount of force. "Leave her alone! Let go of my mama, you bad man!”The muffled voice of her captor, strained by River's resistance, replied, "Hush, child. I'm a friend. I mean no harm.”What? He meant no harm, yet he grabbed her in such a way? Yeah, he meant no harm indeed.Suddenly, the pressure on her back increased, pinning her to the damp ground. A heavy sigh filled the air. "River, you need to calm down.” Said her captor.She thrashed against him like a wild animal desperate for escape. "Get off me! What do you want?" How did you know my name, you freak?!”By the gruffness of his voice, River knew he was a man. He finally relented, pushing her back against the brick wall with surprising gentleness. "River, listen to me. I know about the letter."River froze. The letter? H-how did he know about the letter? Her mother clearly made sure that piece of information remained between her and Echo
As Finn hurried them through the heart of the pack, River clutched Rain's hand tightly, her senses on high alert. Despite Finn's seemingly genuine demeanor, the reality of their situation – a rogue with a mysterious letter and a child in tow – wasn't to their advantage.Just then, the aroma of pastries filled the air, emanating from a warm, inviting glow across the square. It was the famous pack's bakery. River remembered it quite well and it brought a faint smile to her face.This right here, made her feel nostalgic yet again.As they proceeded, the glow of the bakery across the square grew stronger. But just before they reached it, Finn turned down a side street, leading River to a quaint building she hadn't noticed before.k"This is it?" she asked, surprised. Nuzzled right in front of the bakery was a restaurant that had its windows dark and doors locked. River swallowed. She didn't like dark.Being tucked away in the De La Morts dark mansion for seven years had made her grow a na
The woman beside Annemarie, with eyes like Finn's warm brownish eyes gave River a friendly nod.River dipped her head in acknowledgment even though she still had her uncertainties. Despite the seemingly warm welcome, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd stumbled into the middle of something much bigger."And as you've already discovered," Finn continued, pointing at Leo, "that little ball of energy there is Leo. My nephew.""Nephew?" River repeated, surprised. Leo looked remarkably similar to Finn, but the age difference threw her off. “I thought he is yours.”As if sensing her confusion, Annemarie stepped forward with a motherly smile that made River yearn for her own mother. "Finn and Leo looks like they are father and son, right honey? Everyone thinks so but Leo belongs to my Tara. Although, Finn practically raised him like his own son.”Finn seemed like a remarkable man. A warmth bloomed in River's chest on finally meeting one man that seemed normal. The family dynamic was une
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,
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