Raija's pov "Can you swim?" I nodded as I laid my cheek against Axel's firm warm chest. My eyes adjusted to the darkness while Axel's glowed, lighting the path through the rugged narrow space. I heard him grimace and suggested that he let me walk so he didn't scrape his arms against the cave walls."I'm fine, little mate, and am only trying to remember which is the correct path to take. The Alphas could have someone at the back exit," he scowled. Frowning, I blurted," Or they could be starting a fire there as well, keeping us trapped." His lip curled as we started descending further through the cave system. Hearing running water, I turned in his arms to see a waterfall raging dangerously down the rock wall."Hold your breath and wrap your arms around my neck. Do not let go! I'm going to dive into the pool and let the current take us outside to the river." Panicking, I was about to tell him I'd need to inhale again once we broke the surface of the water below but he had jumped down be
Raija's pov Getting slowly out of the truck bed I walked past the back window and glanced at Axel with sorrow-filled eyes. Pressing my hand on my aching heart I heard my mother's shrill voice breaking the moment."Oh My God, Raija, Tell Daniel thanks for finding her!!!!"Feeling uncomfortable with her abnormal display of affection I tried pulling away only to have her grip me harder.I was fully embraced by my mother weeping over me. "I'm fine, Mom! I just got assaulted by the other coven!" Simona pulled me back to scrutinize me with narrowed eyes."You were missing for two days! Daniel was certain that that rogue had something to do with your absence, now Come along before you cause more problems for the wolves of the Black Storm Pack," she said sourly. Glancing back at the truck speeding away caused my disposition to falter further. My stomach hurt and it felt like I was going to vomit. Thinking about Axel I felt my heart hurting and my soul felt like it was ripping apart. Damn
Axel's pov Watching Raija getting smaller the further we drove away made my heart hurt. I had grown fond of my tiny mate in our brief time together. I hoped I wasn't being overly confident in Daniel's friendship. I hadn't been completely honest with him about my past.When the truck turned onto a dirt road I peered out at the thick evergreens that covered the terrain. The Black Mountain peaks could be seen through the space between the branches. Traveling further into the forest and turning several more times the truck skidded to a stop before a large resort-looking building."This is impressive," I said honestly and the two men in front agreed."You're going to be taken to the Alpha's office for him to question you and decide your fate," one of them growled. Not giving either man a difficult time I simply nodded and followed their instructions. Glancing around I got the sense that this pack was very dedicated to their Alpha and very powerful. We headed into the large building that w
Raija's povAfter tossing and turning the entire night. I sat up in the daybed confused about where I was and why I dreamt about a large tan wolf. Rubbing my eyes I hiss hearing my mom tapping on my door."Wake up! The shop opens in thirty minutes," she said firmly. Getting dressed in a zombie-like state I shuffled toward the bathroom and unbraided my hair. I wasn't a morning person nor a people person but I didn't want to retaliate. My mother would simply have me drink some coffee made of mushrooms and I would be fine.Entering the tiny kitchen Simona already had a cup prepared and handed it to me."You know Raija, the early bird gets the worm!"Curling my lip I replied, "And they can keep it, worms are disgusting."While I was sipping on the warm drink my mother decided that it was the perfect time to remind me of my "date" for that evening."The Johnson's son will be here at six to pick you up tonight, I will choose an outfit for you." Glaring back at her I swallowed uncomfortably
Raija's povWatching my mother answer the telephone and give me the "eye" I frowned. I grabbed my new cell phone, added my mom's number, and stuffed it into my purse. I would have it in case there was a need for me to dial 911. "Brock is out front!""I will go out back and down the metal stairs in the alleyway," I muttered. Smiling, she told me she would watch me through the window. Not creepy at all, Mom!Taking my time going down the stairs I inhaled deeply as I turned the corner of the building and saw the back of my date. Brock was wearing black jeans and a gray dress shirt. "Hey, I'm here," I said rather bitterly. Once he turned I swallowed uncomfortably. Brock Johnson had changed and didn't look at all like the lanky dork I remembered from school. His hair was black and nicely styled making his green eyes pop. Still, I wasn't enamored, oh hell no, I felt a shiver go down my backbone in alert. I wondered if what Alpha Daniel had said was true about his family joining the other
Axel's povWatching Raija take her cell phone from her purse and hand it to me made me feel giddy. Her sitting next to me was giving me joy by basking in her scent. It was intoxicating."Give me the number Alpha," I asked as I readied a new contact in her phone. I typed my name as Mate snickering as I did. After entering the digits Daniel gave me I handed the cell phone back to Raija. Brushing her fingers with mine caused me to grit my teeth from the intense desire that coursed through me. I hoped she never discovered how easily she made me swoon. I'd willingly become a puppy for her, even beg and roll over. "On your back begging for her to climb on top!" Cota huffed wanting our mate.Raija saw what I had written and shook her head."I have to change that, my mom could see that and throw a fit.""If you must Raija, but it is true, you are my mate," I said huskily. Her eyes met mine and she grinned."I remember you wearing a skirt, Axel…did you?" Growing uncomfortable and seeing Dani
Raija's povAfter ending the call with Axel I hugged Sawyer to my chest."I told him that I liked him, Sawyer!" Biting my lip over thinking about my Mom's reaction if she had heard my confession made me suddenly shiver.Brock was her choice but he just wasn't the one to make my heart race. "That Brock boy is disgusting," I murmured to my cat and he meowed in response. My phone dinged and I read the message Axel had sent and giggled. My heart pounding in my chest was a sure sign that Axel was who I should be dating. Sitting up quickly I scrolled through the apps on my phone in search of the calendar to see when the next full moon was. Counting the days I had nine to wait. Frowning about having to deal with my mom forcing me to date a person that I had no interest in was going to drive me to the brink of insanity. "I could just go with it and trick her into believing that I had a change of heart," I mused as I tapped on Sawyer's fur. "I will do a spell that will keep her from seein
Axel's povI slept peacefully and in delightful spirits. I was looking forward to the new day to see Raija. The morning seemed to damper my spirits once I glanced outside to see a cloudy day. I grabbed my blue jeans and shimmied them up my legs. Turning to the loud knocks from Nick's connecting door I shouted enter. Nick came in looking bright-eyed."My dad, I mean the Alpha said to tell you that you have the day off and I'm supposed to "babysit" you so you stay out of trouble," he mumbled sourly. Smiling, I snickered at him looking so disappointed."Great, you can join me while I go and watch my mate's date!"Nick creased his brow and gasped."Your mate is going on a date that's not with you? Seems rather odd don't you think?" Shaking my head I slipped on a t-shirt and said," My Mate is Simona's daughter and her mother set up the date for today at the city park. I want to go down the block from their store and watch."Nick laughed, "You sound like an everyday stalker but what the h