Nivia’s povA few more days. I can do this. Just a few more days of laying low. Pretending none of this is bothering me. Just say as little as possible to avoid fights and then get the hell out of this place.I’ll find ways to keep myself busy while I’m here, away from Ford and his stupid, handsome face.Because when I’m near him, I either want to kiss him or kill him, and both of those options aren’t good. At all.‘Hey Niv, just checking in. Or are you busy?’ Dad mindlinked me on the drive back to the packhouse.‘No, I can talk.’He chuckled, ‘so, how’s asswood treating you?‘Fine. It’s fine.’Dad scoffed, ‘so, it’s fucking horrible? Don’t fucking lie; I can hear it in your voice.’I sighed as I stared out the window. I didn’t want to lie, but I would rather not tell Dad how bad it really was, or he’d
Ford’s povI studied my mate’s facial expression as she spoke to someone using their mind links. Once Nivia joined my pack and she was marked by me, she would not be able to speak so easily with her family and friends.Using the mind link that our pack shares has never been something I have done for informal reasons. While others might use the mindlink to converse with their mates or family members, I have only employed it to speak directly to my pack or discuss pack business.Occasionally Madeline would discuss matters surrounding the kids with me using this method, or my beta would try to engage in small talk.Nivia seemed to talk daily with her family and friends, either using her phone or the mind link between the Iron River pack’s members.It irked me not to be able to hear what she was discussing, especially since I could clearly see whatever was being said bothered her immensely.“Is everything all right?&rdquo
Nivia’s pov“Join you?” I replied.“Yes, you mentioned feeling eager to train. Would you like to join me tonight?” He asked. For a moment he sounded insecure, but it was probably just my imagination.“Sure.” I replied. I did really need to blow off some steam.I was still thinking about everything my mom had said. She had asked me for a favor, not realizing what was going on between me and Ford. She had assumed, since I would be staying anyway, that it wouldn’t be difficult to gather some information.I think the only reason Mom seemed conflicted about asking me for help was because it could influence my relationship with Ford. There was a difference between asking some questions and spying on a pack. And although she acted as if it would be as simple as talking to a few people, I knew what they really needed was access to data that was surely hidden.It’s safe to bet that if the council
Ford’s povHer foot rested between my legs, and I moved myself closer. It was impossible not to touch her— to examine every line and every curve of her feet.I had already mindlinked with the pack doctor, wanting to make sure Nivia’s ankle was not broken.‘You did this.’ Callum growled.'She did this. She could have tapped out.’ I replied.I could feel Nivia relax her leg; her feet were now pressed against an area it really shouldn’t be. There was absolutely no way I could control my cock at this point.All I could hope for was that Nivia would not notice it growing beneath her foot.“A mate’s saliva can speed the healing,” I uttered.“I think that only counts for open wounds,” Nivia replied.“An alpha’s saliva is more potent.” What was I trying to accomplish? Saliva could never heal a broken bone or a sprained ankle. It could, howe
Nivia’s pov“What bad luck to start your stay at the Night Claw pack like this,” a kind nurse said as she wheeled me out of the room.I laughed, “you don’t know the half of it.”“At least you’re lucky your mate has been so attentive; I’ve never seen our Alpha act like that before. It’s sweet.”“Yeah, it is.” I replied. It was… sweet, but also very out of character.He was hot and cold. How can someone go from being competitive enough to break my ankle to licking the injury he caused? And then carrying me like a baby?If he wasn't such a dick before, that would have made me fall for him. Honestly, the whole knight-in-shining-armor thing was really swoon-worthy. Even though I'm an independent woman and all that, it was pretty nice to be treated like I'm the most precious thing in the world.Did he realize he had given my foot a quick peck when he was do
Ford’s povWhen I awakened, I realised I was running. It took me a second to come to terms with the fact my wolf had hijacked my body and had shifted in my sleep.‘Are you mad?!’ I growled at my wolf as I forced him to cease his movement. ‘How dare you take advantage of my sleeping state to, -‘My wolf interrupted me, ‘our mate.’Nivia. What was the matter with Nivia?‘She didn’t return home,’ Callum said, ‘I stayed awake all night, trying to hear her come in.’I continued running until we reached the hospital.The doctor would check to see if my mate needed surgery. I assumed if that was the case, someone would have informed me.If she didn’t require surgery, she would have been sent home.Perhaps I could have suggested she call so I could inform someone to fetch her a ride.‘You should have offered to give her a ride back yoursel
Nivia’s povCan this dumb mate of mine be anymore fucking clueless?He’s smart; I mean, his words show he has some intelligence. But emotionally? He’s like a fucking toddler.No, even his daughter is emotionally smarter than this dipshit who is now pushing me home in my wheelchair.The wheelchair is temporary, thank the Goddess. I can’t imagine having to rely on my mate to go around all day.The nurses said I should take it easy today, but starting tomorrow I can try using crutches, and then it should take about a week until I get a walking cast.Gwen is slowly coming back; I can feel her, but I can’t hear her yet.She’d probably scold me for telling Sam and Sarah so much, but there is so much I left out! I didn’t tell them about the nosebleed or the council bullshit.Marley is right; I do curse more when I’m angry.“Do you wish to unwind at home?” My stupid mate asked me.How could he not feel bad?I felt so embarrassed. Grandma Leia always says if someone shows you who they are, beli
Ford’s pov“They did what?!” Samuel is the only one who is allowed to see my outburst.He has been ignoring me most of the day, which does not bother me. I find it petulant behaviour, but if he must continue with this nonsense, then he will.At the end of the day, when I was busy rounding everything off, Samuel came into my office with an expression I could not decipher.It almost appeared to be pity. However, what reason could my beta have to pity me?My first thought was of Nivia. Perhaps something had happened to her, but I had given Viola clear instructions to check on my mate every hour and to keep me updated.Unlike the doctor, Viola did give me brief updates throughout the day.Nivia was asleep most of the time; she had eaten lunch and seemed to be fine.“What is it?” I asked impatiently.“Um, the council has invited Alpha Fletcher of the Wind, -“I stopped my beta from speaking further: “I am fully aware of which pack Fletcher is the sodding alpha of.”I had avoided speaking to
Ford’s povPerhaps the Moon Goddess was not mistaken after all.Nivia’s body felt delightful; I fit perfectly into it as she allowed me to fulfil my fantasies. My defiance did not bother her; they seemed to turn her on almost as much as they did me.I am not one to let my guard down; however, while we had sex, I did not feel that similar need for control.Simply put, I felt free to be myself.Nivia surrendered herself to me, accepting my mark, and although all my previous reasonings for needing my mark on her neck were still valid, there was another reason I had not thought of previously.My mark on my mate’s neck wasn’t simply necessary to the pack, to the council or my legacy. I coveted the opportunity to mark Nivia, to make her mine in every way.I felt the similar sense of urgency Nivia had displayed, and whilst hers was out of jealousy, mine was for another reason.Nivia had not minced words when it came to our relationship. She had made it abundantly clear that the option of rej
Nivia’s povAfter some bullshit chitchat with Mom, Dad, and Forrest, Dad went into super-dad mode.“So what the fuck is up with your face? Because your voice sounds cheery, but your eyes betray you. You’re fucking miserable.”I sighed, “I am not fucking miserable.”“Well, you’re not basking in the motherfucking flow of the mate bond either. You should be fucking all day and being all giddy.”I laughed, “seriously?”Dad shrugged while Mom covered her mouth to hide her laughter, “well, yeah. You’ve seen how mates are when they first meet. They’re all over each other, sucking face all day long, being fucking clingy. Some people just stay in their room for a whole week. And you two… Well, Niv, no offense, but you don’t even act like you like each other.”I sighed, Goddess, this man is exhausting! “We do like each other.”“Prove it.”I scoffed, “seriously? Prove it? How?”“I don’t fucking know, but well… fuck it…. Your mom is going to kill me for saying this, but I’ve already started this
Nivia’s povMaybe it could work somehow?I’d be Ford’s Luna, the type of Luna he wants, and after a while I’ll take over as Alpha for Mom and get to have my shot to be in charge.I just always thought it would be different, you know?We’d run our pack together. Like Mom and Dad and all that came before them.It’s… Ugh… I don’t know if I can be a Luna like Pearle was. I don’t know if I can be a traditional Luna, one who barely is allowed to have an opinion on pack members.I’m trying. I really am.Trying to find a way things could work, because for all his faults, I am falling hard for Ford.We walked the rest of the way in silence, and I hoped maybe we could salvage the rest of the evening. Maybe I could find a way for Ford to understand we weren’t trying to embarrass him but help him.Because it was clear he reacted so strongly because we hurt his pride.I wish I could understand why Ford behaved the way he did. I know his past has shaped him to be the man he is today.If Fletcher tr
Ford’s povEverything seemed to be settled with the Wind Winder pack. Fletcher’s remains have been sent back; they have found a temporary replacement until Fletcher’s son is of age, and they have agreed to my budget proposal.To my surprise they even suggested a new alliance, this one based on mutual respect.I told them I would consider their offer, even if I would rather not have any ties to that part of my life. If it benefits the pack, I might consider it.And if it’s an agreeable option for the Iron River pack. If the Iron River pack says it’s either them or the Wind Winder pack, the choice is clear.This is what I'll be discussing shortly, once my mother-in-law is ready for our meeting.I impatiently waited until she appeared on the screen. I have other business to attend to.‘As has she,’ Callum reminded me. ‘Be nice.’Be nice, I scoffed to myself. I am perfectly pleasant.Alpha Aeryn can ask her daughter just how pleasant I can be.I didn’t mean anything by it; however, my min
Nivia’s povFord crawled into bed with me when the sun was already coming up.At least he had let me know he wouldn’t be home for dinner. By using one of the Omegas instead of calling or texting, but still… He did let me know.Goddess… Okay! I know I’m pulling at straws trying to make it seem like he cares as much as I do.If I want Ford to like me for me, then I should like him for him, right?Nah… Sorry, it won’t happen.I must admit I am starting to find his frowns and scolding expression cute. And I love it when he swallows hard to avoid saying something that isn’t proper. The way his Adam's apple moves is sexy somehow.I also love… LOVE! How he calls me darling.With his accent and the way he speaks in general, it’s fucking hot.I love how gentle he is in bed. Even when he crawls next to me, he puts his arms around me, and it feels like I’m being hugged.And the sex…. Well, not sex, sex, but it’s still sex without penetration, right? Well, the sex is just… WOW!But is it enough?“
Nivia’s povIt took a lot of restraint not to fight Fletcher when I had the opportunity, but I had to think about the consequences if I did.Not only would it look like Ford needs my help fighting his battles, but it would also mean that I’d be in control of the Wind Winder pack.Whoever kills the alpha becomes the alpha.I have no clue what Ford will do with the pack, and while I would love to discuss it with him, I am pretty sure he doesn’t want my opinion on the matter.Besides, I’m too busy licking every inch of his body. I mean, his wounds.Of course we took a shower first. Ford’s face was covered in Fletcher’s blood, and his body was covered in Goddess knows what.Dirt, his blood, Fletcher's blood, fur, pieces of skin?Although it was kind of gross, watching them fight was pretty cool.I had helped clean his back, which means we were both just wearing towels at the moment. I could have gotten dressed, but I figured it was time sensitive to tend to his wounds.‘Sure….’ Gwyn teased
Ford’s pov “Agreed.” ‘Agreed?!’ Callum growled inside my head. ‘Are you mental?’ ‘She almost lost the alliance between our packs,’ I replied calmly. Callum was beyond angry; I could feel his outrage through our connection. ‘She called you her family. She defended you!’ ‘I am an adult. Her senior. I do not require or desire her protection.’ I growled back. Fletcher smirked at me, “You should take your pink-haired Luna home. We’ll be able to help you, yeah? We'll show her how a Luna should conduct herself.” “That won’t be necessary.” I replied curtly. “Nah, it would be great, Rutherford. You can show her your mother’s resting place while you’re at it.” I swallowed down the bile in my throat, “thank you for the suggestion.” Fletcher’s eyes flashed as they used to do when he was eager to beat me. “After you left, things actually improved for the old cow. See, when there wasn’t a constant reminder of the crime she committed, people began to forget. It’s not like she was out and ab
Nivia’s “Luna Nivia, perhaps you could share how the Iron River pack handles this dilemma.” Old fucker numbero uno asked. What did I name him again? Baldie? They’re all pretty bald. Or balding at least. Not that bald men can’t be handsome. Grandpa Os continues to attract attention from women, and he's already almost seventy. That is one handsome dude, as my dad would say. Focus, Nivia. “I apologize,” I said with a smile. “I hardly slept last night; could you repeat the question?” Ford grumbled, “what stance does the Iron River pack place on the mate bond and chosen mates?” I nodded, “as the daughter of someone who was part of the School, I am keenly aware of the damage focusing solely on genetics has. However, I see a clear distinction between choosing a mate based on love or based on pressure from those in power. We trust in the Moon Goddess’s decisions to give us the chance to reject our mate if we choose to. It’s not a decision anyone makes lightly, and we consider it a pers
Ford’s povGoddess, did I need this.I had been craving Nivia’s scent, her touch, but I had no conception of what she’d actually taste like or what her moans of pleasure would sound like.I dived into her core, giving up all restraint or decorum.I needed this and so much more.‘Are you sure it’s not because of what Fletcher said?’ Callum tried.Of course he would find a way to ruin this.I walked us to the bed, placing Nivia down gently as I kept sucking and licking her. Goddess, did she look ravishing in her little outfit.But it was for my eyes only.Fletcher should have never seen it.Nivia is mine.I inserted a finger before trying to add another. Nivia squirmed, a clear indicator she did not desire a second digit.She was tight.“Fucking hell,” She moaned as I flicked my tongue against her clit.“Language, darling…” I teased her before going back in.“Oh, Goddess, Goddess, Ford… O, my…” Nivia moaned, “I’m… Ford…. Please… I’m going to, aaaaaah.” And she began to shudder against my