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,