Hi all. I apologize for being absent the last week. I was a much needed break from all things electronic and somewhat out of my control. I am back, diving into the conclusion to The Warrior's mate and concepts for new stories to follow once I am done here.
I appreciate all of the readers who have been following me since the beginning and any new readers just joining in.
39 - FinnToo excited to do anything else Greta and I cuddle on the couch talking into the early hours of the morning. Ryker said he has ideas of how to make this happen quickly for us, but he needed to catch some zzz’s before Rosie wakes up from her latest nap. He’s doing his best to support his mate through these early days, which I commend and envy him a little.Greta sighs deeply, but doesn’t say anything. I feel a wash of sadness come over her through the bond, but she is curled up against my side with her head tucked under my chin so I can’t see her expression.“Hey,” I whisper, squeezing her hip gently, “Talk to me.”Another sigh and then a sniffle and I can’t take the suspense anymore. I pull her up into my lap so she’s forced to look at me even though she keeps her eyes closed like it’s going to stop me from seeing how red they are.“Greta, babe, you have to talk to me.” I plead. “What’s going on in that stubborn head?”She’s trying to calm her breathing, but it's ragged and
40 - FinnSeveral happy hours later we head back into check on the kids and attempt to find a place to sleep. Unfortunately for Bennet, the couch in the living room is it. He can’t be mad at us though, this packhouse was not designed like Ryker’s in Dark Moon, a mansion that holds a hundred people. I actually really enjoy it here. Every space is used, nothing wasted or unnecessary. I fall asleep with Greta tucked in between me and the back of the couch thinking about all of her concerns with the kids. Hell, they’re my concerns too. The bonds we have with all the kids, but Trinity specifically, are unlike anything I have experienced before. Even as a pup when Nan took me in, I never felt the pull to her like I feel to that little girl. I drift off thinking about what I want next in this life, now that I have finally achieved the only thing I ever wanted…a home.My dreams are lucid. Greta and I walking hand in hand, Trinity running around our legs in a field. They are both laughing and
41 - FinnI’m trying to figure out why both the Luna and Alpha are being so cryptic about this. I mean, at least Kennedy told me she wants to give us a house, which is insane, but still something to work with. If I wasn’t being weighed down I would be tossing and turning trying to figure out what they are up to. But as it is, I am warm and comfortable and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I am right where I am meant to be.I doze listening to the soft snores of both girls in my arms.“FIIIIINNNNN!!!!” I launch off the couch and over the back ready for a fight after Trinity’s yell. Eyes wide scanning for what made her call for me like that only to be met with laughter. “It worked, Bennet!” She squeals happily.“Someone is wound awfully tight after sleeping so long.” I continue to scan, ignoring him, blinking to get the dryness out of my eyes, asshole.I see Bennet and Trinity sitting at the island next to Gabriel and Peyton. “Where’s Landon? And what were you screaming
I am jumping back into Silver Crescent Pack to explore what is happening in Ben's world after Kennedy leaves with Ryker. This story will be more drawn out as I work through this and two other works. You can expect updates on the weekends. If I can throw in a bonus chapter in the middle of the week, you know I will!Here's their synopsis:Ben thought he’d already lost his chance. Watching Kennedy walk away—into another pack, into another male’s arms, by force—nearly broke him. She didn’t choose him. She chose freedom. And though it gutted him to admit it, Ben knew why. She never wanted to be tied down. Not to him. Not to anyone. She was hurt that everyone she trusted let her go. No one tried to stop Ryker from taking her. She was his mate, his property to take. Ben's heart was torn between a woman he had loved from a distance for as long as he could remember, and his responsibility to his Alpha and his pack.So, he buried the ache under duty.Now, as Beta of the Silver Cresceant Pack,
1 - BenShe’s gone. Just like that Kennedy was snatched up by some Alpha assh*le who doesn’t even care about her. He admitted to not wanting a mate and I know Kennedy wanted out of the pack. She wanted to leave and live her own life, coming back only when she chose it, not before. We all expected her to come back, that was the plan. But I had to watch her get into someone else’s SUV and drive away.I can feel Jeremiah’s stare on the side of my face, but I can’t deal with him right now. I don’t want anyone to try and console me. I know she isn’t my mate, but that didn’t stop me from hoping she could be one day. She’s the only girl in our pack that has ever interested me. We never dated because of Jer’s hands off rule. Of course, Tommy, Jason and I side-stepped the rule a bit. If Jer has any idea, he’s never said a thing.I didn’t notice I walked away until I came to the doors of the gym. We all spent a ton of time here together. Especially after she was taken. The four of us when crazy
2-BenIt’s been months since we have heard from Kennedy. She’s only called a handful of times since she’s been gone, but it’s been too long. I can feel something is wrong. The gaping hole in my chest has felt heavy for weeks now, but with the winter weather settling in, the feeling is becoming suffocating. Something is so off that I can feel it viscerally.WHAM!“F*ck, man! Are you good?” I hear Jason’s question tinted with amusement. “You do know you’re supposed to defend yourself, right?”“F*ck off.” I jump to my feet and reset, ready to beat his ass this time.“Let. Her. Go!” He grunts, accenting each word with a strike I have to dodge. “You can’t have her. She isn’t yours anymore.” That had me seeing red. I felt the surge of hatred and adrenaline mix in my veins and I go on the offensive. Punch after punch. Kick after kick, sending out all the feelings of dread at Kennedy’s loss. “That’a boy! There’s our Beta. I knew you were still in there somewhere.” I know what he’s saying is t
3 - Elara“It’s been weeks since we have had any issues. Why are they coming now?” I growl at my dad, who gives me that look like I am dangerously close to crossing a line. I don’t really care though. I’m three years from my full transition, and my instincts don’t want me to take a backseat to pack endeavors. Having some foreign newbie Alpha coming in like a white knight to save me is the opposite of what I need right now.“He is coming as a part of his training as well as yours, Elara. You need to learn to work with neighboring alphas. And, just because we haven’t had any more issues directly doesn’t mean the fighting has stopped. You know that as well as I do. I believe Austin was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but until we get to the bottom of the fighting, we cannot rest. You know this. Don’t be difficult, my little warrior.” He pats my shoulder patronizingly with a wink. He knows I hate that sh*t.“Ugh. Fine. You’re right, I know you’re right.” I rub my forehead. He’s never
4 - BenI’m not exactly sure why it takes weeks to plan a trip to a pack that is right around an hour away. There are so many formalities, my head is spinning. We had to negotiate protection, how we enter the pack, the times we could enter. Then there were the things none of us thought about. Alpha James and my dad had us scouring maps for places that rogues could potentially use to ambush us on our way and where all of the attacks have been reported. I now know almost as much about Black Claw’s borders as our own.The more they explain, the more it makes sense, but it doesn’t make it any less daunting. We are supposed to take all information given to us with a grain of salt. Believe it when we see it, but don’t ignore it either. There haven’t been any new attacks since they found a young warrior displayed at their far west border, but Alpha David is convinced the issue lies with his daughter’s transition to take over the pack, and that this is far from over. He said he would explain
6 - Elara“I’m going to need you to clarify.” The smartass smirks at me. Chocolate brown eyes boring into mine. “I thought our intention was established before we got here.”He’s not fighting my hold, and I don’t understand. If I were threatened, I would have has his ass submitted before he could speak.“Did you really think you were just going to walk in and take over my pack?” I press harder on his windpipe.“Nope.” He coughs. “I came because my alpha required me to. He is here to help you figure out who is trying to attack you and why, that’s all. I’m a Beta, not an Alpha. I don’t want your job or your title. I’ve got my own, thanks. You wanna let me go now, or are we gonna fight and get this out of our system?”I really, really want to punch him in his perfect teeth, but I can’t bring myself to do it. “Just stay out of my way while I put these rogues in their place. I appreciate your Alpha’s help, but I’m not a charity case or a lesson to be learned.”He surges forward, pinning my
5 - Ben“Well, as you know, Mother, I was busy preparing for our guests since I was given so much notice about my involvement with the project.” Oh good, she’s feisty. Just what I need. “Well, now, let’s have dinner and then we can discuss our situation.” Alpha David coughs his laughter. Perfect, he indulges her attitude.The dinner they offered smelled delicious and I wish I could remember what I ate. But Elara had me so distracted, I’m not even sure if I put food in my mouth. Before I know it, our plates are being cleared and the small talk is over.“Well, gentlemen and ladies, let’s retire to my sitting room, and we can discuss why everyone is here.” He stands, and the rest of us follow suit. We walk through yet another set of doors down a long hallway decorated with ornate pillars and very old paintings, like something out of a medieval castle. Once the doors are closed, I can see Alpha David visibly relax. “I’m sorry for all the pomp and circumstance, but I believe we have a tr
4 - BenI’m not exactly sure why it takes weeks to plan a trip to a pack that is right around an hour away. There are so many formalities, my head is spinning. We had to negotiate protection, how we enter the pack, the times we could enter. Then there were the things none of us thought about. Alpha James and my dad had us scouring maps for places that rogues could potentially use to ambush us on our way and where all of the attacks have been reported. I now know almost as much about Black Claw’s borders as our own.The more they explain, the more it makes sense, but it doesn’t make it any less daunting. We are supposed to take all information given to us with a grain of salt. Believe it when we see it, but don’t ignore it either. There haven’t been any new attacks since they found a young warrior displayed at their far west border, but Alpha David is convinced the issue lies with his daughter’s transition to take over the pack, and that this is far from over. He said he would explain
3 - Elara“It’s been weeks since we have had any issues. Why are they coming now?” I growl at my dad, who gives me that look like I am dangerously close to crossing a line. I don’t really care though. I’m three years from my full transition, and my instincts don’t want me to take a backseat to pack endeavors. Having some foreign newbie Alpha coming in like a white knight to save me is the opposite of what I need right now.“He is coming as a part of his training as well as yours, Elara. You need to learn to work with neighboring alphas. And, just because we haven’t had any more issues directly doesn’t mean the fighting has stopped. You know that as well as I do. I believe Austin was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but until we get to the bottom of the fighting, we cannot rest. You know this. Don’t be difficult, my little warrior.” He pats my shoulder patronizingly with a wink. He knows I hate that sh*t.“Ugh. Fine. You’re right, I know you’re right.” I rub my forehead. He’s never
2-BenIt’s been months since we have heard from Kennedy. She’s only called a handful of times since she’s been gone, but it’s been too long. I can feel something is wrong. The gaping hole in my chest has felt heavy for weeks now, but with the winter weather settling in, the feeling is becoming suffocating. Something is so off that I can feel it viscerally.WHAM!“F*ck, man! Are you good?” I hear Jason’s question tinted with amusement. “You do know you’re supposed to defend yourself, right?”“F*ck off.” I jump to my feet and reset, ready to beat his ass this time.“Let. Her. Go!” He grunts, accenting each word with a strike I have to dodge. “You can’t have her. She isn’t yours anymore.” That had me seeing red. I felt the surge of hatred and adrenaline mix in my veins and I go on the offensive. Punch after punch. Kick after kick, sending out all the feelings of dread at Kennedy’s loss. “That’a boy! There’s our Beta. I knew you were still in there somewhere.” I know what he’s saying is t
1 - BenShe’s gone. Just like that Kennedy was snatched up by some Alpha assh*le who doesn’t even care about her. He admitted to not wanting a mate and I know Kennedy wanted out of the pack. She wanted to leave and live her own life, coming back only when she chose it, not before. We all expected her to come back, that was the plan. But I had to watch her get into someone else’s SUV and drive away.I can feel Jeremiah’s stare on the side of my face, but I can’t deal with him right now. I don’t want anyone to try and console me. I know she isn’t my mate, but that didn’t stop me from hoping she could be one day. She’s the only girl in our pack that has ever interested me. We never dated because of Jer’s hands off rule. Of course, Tommy, Jason and I side-stepped the rule a bit. If Jer has any idea, he’s never said a thing.I didn’t notice I walked away until I came to the doors of the gym. We all spent a ton of time here together. Especially after she was taken. The four of us when crazy
I am jumping back into Silver Crescent Pack to explore what is happening in Ben's world after Kennedy leaves with Ryker. This story will be more drawn out as I work through this and two other works. You can expect updates on the weekends. If I can throw in a bonus chapter in the middle of the week, you know I will!Here's their synopsis:Ben thought he’d already lost his chance. Watching Kennedy walk away—into another pack, into another male’s arms, by force—nearly broke him. She didn’t choose him. She chose freedom. And though it gutted him to admit it, Ben knew why. She never wanted to be tied down. Not to him. Not to anyone. She was hurt that everyone she trusted let her go. No one tried to stop Ryker from taking her. She was his mate, his property to take. Ben's heart was torn between a woman he had loved from a distance for as long as he could remember, and his responsibility to his Alpha and his pack.So, he buried the ache under duty.Now, as Beta of the Silver Cresceant Pack,
41 - FinnI’m trying to figure out why both the Luna and Alpha are being so cryptic about this. I mean, at least Kennedy told me she wants to give us a house, which is insane, but still something to work with. If I wasn’t being weighed down I would be tossing and turning trying to figure out what they are up to. But as it is, I am warm and comfortable and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I am right where I am meant to be.I doze listening to the soft snores of both girls in my arms.“FIIIIINNNNN!!!!” I launch off the couch and over the back ready for a fight after Trinity’s yell. Eyes wide scanning for what made her call for me like that only to be met with laughter. “It worked, Bennet!” She squeals happily.“Someone is wound awfully tight after sleeping so long.” I continue to scan, ignoring him, blinking to get the dryness out of my eyes, asshole.I see Bennet and Trinity sitting at the island next to Gabriel and Peyton. “Where’s Landon? And what were you screaming
40 - FinnSeveral happy hours later we head back into check on the kids and attempt to find a place to sleep. Unfortunately for Bennet, the couch in the living room is it. He can’t be mad at us though, this packhouse was not designed like Ryker’s in Dark Moon, a mansion that holds a hundred people. I actually really enjoy it here. Every space is used, nothing wasted or unnecessary. I fall asleep with Greta tucked in between me and the back of the couch thinking about all of her concerns with the kids. Hell, they’re my concerns too. The bonds we have with all the kids, but Trinity specifically, are unlike anything I have experienced before. Even as a pup when Nan took me in, I never felt the pull to her like I feel to that little girl. I drift off thinking about what I want next in this life, now that I have finally achieved the only thing I ever wanted…a home.My dreams are lucid. Greta and I walking hand in hand, Trinity running around our legs in a field. They are both laughing and