Nivia’s pov
A 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
Nivia’s povAnd there he goes again being a fucking dreamboat of a man…But I don’t trust it!‘You enjoyed it, though….’ Gwyn sounded weaker than normal, and I hated that I had to keep her like this to ensure my ankle would heal properly.‘It’s fine,’ Gwyn reassured me. ‘What did I miss while I was gone?’My wolf was able to peek through my memories; we literally share a mind, so she knew exactly what happened yesterday and the night before.She knew how angry I was at Ford and how I had held back from yelling at home, knowing there was no point. But she wanted to talk about it all and convince me it wasn't so bad.It’s why I was quiet yesterday instead of getting angry at Ford for being such a dick to his kids.And the sad thing is… I think Ford is actually nicer to me because of it.‘Why is that sad? It makes sense he is nicer when you two don’t argue that much?’ Gwyn asked.I sighed, ‘because it means we’re not meant to be. It means he would never like the real me.’‘You’re jumping
Nivia's povAfter Ford left to train, I planned different ways of telling Ford about waiting to have kids. I could explain how I was only eighteen. Or that I wanted to have some more time with just him.Or maybe it would be nicer if Ada and Percy were a bit older.I knew telling him I was worried about how he'd be with our kid would make him really mad, so I needed to make sure I used a lot of "I feel like" or "I think" phrases. Instead of saying, "I'm scared you'll be a bad dad to our baby."Or tell him I don't agree with the way he's raising the kids he already has.When I did fall asleep, I woke up a few hours later to Ford hugging me tightly deep at night.He’s so sweet in bed. So gentle with me. He kissed my back, “go sleep, darling.”And I went back to sleep being held by my mate.I actually woke up before Ford, and I turned to face him to watch him sleep. I hadn’t done that before because, well, it wasn’t until now that I felt the need to. Maybe because I finally accepted that
Nivia’s povI wish Ford could just allow himself to have fun. To be silly.Or at least allow me to be silly.Like Grandma Leia and Grandpa Ash. She’s nuts. I mean, in the best way. She’s funny, loud and weird. She has her crazy hair and her tattoos; she swears a lot and is loud and wild.Grandpa Ash is calm and serious, yet he never judges Leia for the way she is. He loves that side of her. You can see the admiration in my grandpa’s eyes every time my grandma does something weird.I love that even now, in their late fifties, they sometimes still act like kids. They’re still young at heart.After everything they’ve been through, their time apart, losing their daughters only to find them much later when they’re all grown up…Same for my other grandma, Eve. She’s so in love with her second chance mate, and while they’re not as crazy or loud as Grandma Leia can be, she laughs and makes jokes. She has fun with her mate.And then my parents… They went through some shit too. Like a lot of sh
Ford’s povI allowed Nivia some leniency. While I normally would prefer to solely focus on work, like her, my mind has wandered off to last night a few times.I plan to spend every night enjoying my mate until she is with child. And even then I will most likely continue.‘So you don’t just want her around for your heir?’ Callum scoffed.While I had led Walter to believe this to be the case, my wolf should know better.I might not feel the same Nivia does; I have grown fond of her and our time spent together.And she has begun to prove her worth in more ways than one.Not only can she satisfy me like no other in the bedroom, but she has also helped take over my beta's tasks with an ease I did not expect of her.‘When you were her age, you were already running a pack and had received training from our former beta. Why would you assume she hadn’t received comparable or superior training to you?’ Callum asked.Her decorum in the beginning and me feeling slighted by her being appointed to
Nivia’s povShit, shit, shit....I’m falling so hard for my mate, and it’s fucking terrifying.Remember how I thought having sex with Ford might make me like him more...? Yeah, I was right.But it’s more than just the pleasure he gives me. Although he’s really good at that part. My goddess, he’s good.I don’t even care that he takes the lead; I know how important it is for him to be in control. Besides, I’m new to all this. So I don’t mind just letting go and following his lead. It’s nice to be surprised by whatever he decides next; each position feels better than the one before.But beyond the pleasure, there is something else that I didn’t count on.It’s the way he makes me feel. The way Ford looks at me makes me feel so sexy, so wanted. He doesn’t really say it, but I can see it in his eyes when he’s watching me.Normally there is judgment behind his eyes, but when we’re having sex, he’s not judging me. I’m free to make sounds, to curse, and to make faces without feeling judged.I
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?“