The Return of the Chosen

truth hurts

Maroon 5-Payphone

Shannara shifted quickly but her wound had her running with a limp. Zara took off, leaving them. River looked at her, "Dammit Princess shift back!" Shannara shifted and River knelt and allowed her to climb atop him. Then he took off running. 'Zara, how far behind are they?'

'Who?' Zara laughed.

'The Vargis!'

'River, I totally farted and didn't want everyone to smell it, my bad.' she giggled.

'Oh my goddess, are you serious? I have a naked Shewolf on my back and I'm pretty sure I have a permanent hard on.' River groaned.

'Yeah, tell your girl that damsel in distress bullshit is totally played out. If it was real she would have gotten us killed!' Zara growled, then followed up with, 'I have to go to potty my stomach, almost that time of the month, pms is a b***h!'

'TMI, Zara!' River said, cutting off the link. As he got closer to the pack, Shannara squealed, "Wait, you just can't go strolling with me through the pack grounds naked, what would people say?" She pulled at his fur making him yelp as he came to a halt. He knelt letting her slide off. Now she stood with one arm going across her chest covering her boobs and the other covering her private area. She looked like she was about to cry. River shifted and now stood before her naked. "Did you have to pull my hair? That s**t hurt," he groaned. Shannara's eyes went straight to his hard on and her eyes appeared to be glued to that spot.

"Stay here, I will go find you some clothes." He said, but she did not answer. She was to busy staring at his manhood.

"Jeesh, you act as if you have never seen one before. My apologies, it's the mate thing, ya know instant erection." River said, and when she still did not respond or look up at him, he just shifted and took off. He went into his room and grabbed one of his t-shirts and sweats for both of them. When he returned, he shifted again, handing her the clothes. She took them but her eyes again went straight to his p***s, which made it spring right back into action.

River pulled his shirt on and quickly put his sweats on and now he looked like he had a tent as his pants poked out. Shannara dressed slowly the entire time staring at his manhood. "Shannara uh it's kind of impolite to stare." He said to her.

"Oh sorry," she whispered, "I didn't know they came in different sizes. It just sort of surprised me." She admitted.

River did not look at her and he did not ask whose p***s she had seen or how he compared to it. He already had a bad feeling as to how that conversation would go. Instead, he lifted her and carried her to a nearby rock. He bent down lifting the pants and he examined her ankle. He rubbed it gently, noticing the swelling. Shannara gasped at the skin-to-skin contact as the sparks went through her. "It should heal in no time. I'm sure your wolf will have you back in top shape in no time. He said massaging her ankle. Shannara was completely unprepared for his touch or the sensation it would cause her. The gently rubbing motion seemed to send sparks directly to her middle. She had heard many things about the bond and, of course, knew how irresistible it could be but this was insane. The man was rubbing her ankles and she had already grown wet between her legs. Being downwind, her scent hit Rivers nose and he stiffened. Trying not to notice how sexy her neck was as she closed her eyes, tossing her head back, a soft moan of pleasure escaping her lips. River cleared his throat. Shannara's eyes flew open and her cheeks reddened. She was totally mortified had she just moaned as he rubbed her freaking ankle. And she had called the other girls thirsty and look at her. "I should get you pack to the pack." River said he was very close to bending her over the rock and f*****g her senseless. She stood in a hurry to get away from him but stumbled and suddenly her crouch was right in his face. She scrambled to back away but he wrapped his arms around her, burying his head between her legs. He inhaled the scent. She took several sharp breaths trying to back up. It was too late she heard ripping and the next thing she knew she was lying back on the same rock screaming in pleasure as he devoured her like she was his last meal. She had never felt this pleasure before in her life. She shamelessly arched her back and grabbed his hair squeezing her legs so he could not move. She didn't even mind when he used his fingers to enter her, although it was slightly uncomfortable. He rubbed and sucked until she saw beautiful stars and then he did it again and again and again.

The next morning, she awoke in the room she shared with her sister-in-law fully dressed although now the sweats she wore were not ripped. She tried remembering what happened but only recalled that she was begging River to stop eating her out for fear she would pass out and well, apparently, she had. "Good morning sleepy head. You slept a little late." Janora said, smiling at her. "I didn't even get a chance to ask how your tour was yesterday?"

Shannara pulled the pillow over her head, "that bad hmmm" she laughed.

"There were Vargis out there and we had to run, and I twisted my ankle," Shannara whined.

"Poor baby, I know you were terrified." Janora rubbed her legs as Shannara buried her face deeper into her pillow. She had been dating Beta's son for years and was so disappointed when she sniffed River out as her mate years ago. She vowed never to accept him as a mate and to mate Jamal, but fate played a cruel hand when Jamal died in front of her fighting to save them from Vargis. She was traumatized and just the mere mention of them left her paralyzed with fear. "I'm fine," she mumbled into the pillow.

"Even so, the Luna is offering counseling to everyone and I think it would be a good idea for you to schedule an appointment."

"Do I have to?" She groaned.

"Please, it would make me happy. We have to look out for each other, Shannara." Janora said, patting her leg.

"Fine."

"Great, now up, up, let's get some breakfast for you." Janora said.

Shannara yanked the pillow off her head and growled, "sleep"

"You're such a grump in the morning. I was thinking of volunteering to help with the little ones and maybe you could assist in the kitchen." Janora suggested. Shannara looked at her like she was crazy, "but that is an Omega's job." Shannara said with confusion.

"The world has changed, Shannara, the Omegas here are short-staffed, we must pull our weight so alpha Zion does not regret helping us. Now I know it will be uncomfortable," Janora was saying as Shannara covered her head again, "especially with River serving, but we all must do our part."

Did she say River was serving? Shannara thought.

"Well, I am starving, I will be back shortly." Janora gathered her things and left. As soon as Shannara heard the door slam she leaped out of bed and into the shower. Her wolf Daisy was running around in circles so excited at the thought of seeing River again. She still did not want him as a mate but she loved the way his touch felt. She was hoping that maybe he would do what he done to her again. So she took a little longer with her makeup and curled her hair. She didn't want him to think she was trying to impress him, so she wore a pair of ripped jeans, a crop top, and her Nike sneakers. Janora did a double take as she pulled a chair up beside her, "Well, look at you, what's the special occasion?"

"There is none. I am putting my best foot forward, as you said the world has changed and there are but few eligible bachelors left. I am always going to be on top of my game," Shannara smiled,

"Excellent!" Janora perked up.

One of the Omegas placed a plate in front of her, and it smelled delicious. Janora was almost done, "My goodness my compliments to the chef." Janora said as Shannara took her first bite.

"Oh, he's not a chef. River did that. His mom is an excellent cook and I guess some of it rubbed off." The Omega smiled.

"Wait so he cooks and serves?" Janora looked like she did not believe her.

"Honestly, Mystic Moon is the best pack ever. The Omegas are treated fairly and especially if you're in the kitchen or doing babysitting duty. The Alpha makes the men chip in." She explained

"Chip in?" Janora asked.

"Yeah, the fussy babies like the soothing motion that comes with running, so alpha has them rotate (the warriors) taking them on runs. Most likely it is why our pack is so close." She concluded, "Oh no I'm falling!" One of the elders yelled and the Omega took off to assist.

Shannara watched River out of the corner of her eye. She noticed how all the she-wolves flirted with him. She also realized he wasn't much of a flirt back, just super friendly. Maybe I judged him harshly, Shannara thought. Right before, two naked kids and a very voluptuous woman came sauntering in. River was laughing with the guys when Ladonna came in with the kids. He pulled his shirt off immediately and handed it to Ladonna, "Ladonna, I left my clothes by the river,"

"Hey, Ladonna!" A few people called out

"Daddy, my balls are cold," his son said, quivering. River tapped two guys passing by without thinking they passed him their shirts so he could cover his kids. Zara came by and stopped, "hey you guys hungry,"

"Yes," the kids squealed.

"Starving actually." Ladonna said, looking at Zara, "you're so pretty, Zara."

"Thank you," Zara said sweetly.

"I like your eyes, mama, can I have eyes like that?" His daughter asked,

"Doesn't work like that midget." River chuckled. "Daddy, I can do the backflip as you taught me," his son said, still holding his balls.

"Bro, son, gentlemen don't hold themselves in public." River scolded.

"River, I want to discuss the children being with you for a week or so," Ladonna began.

"Or so?" River asked,

"3- weeks," She said, smiling at him. Shannara did not want to eavesdrop but she couldn't help but listen. She wanted to know if they were still intimate.

"Well, Ladonna, they can stay whenever and however long you want them to. I will be honest, as you can see, we are in the middle of a huge clean-up and Zion is depending on me a lot, so I'm not sure how much one on one time I will have but," he suddenly turned and looked Shannara directly in the eyes. He sniffed the air, licking his lips, "sorry I got distracted, what was I saying?"

"One-on-one time," Ladonna said.

"Yes, I'm not sure how much one-on-one time I will have for them," River admitted,

"Really!" Ladonna said, hands on hips.

"What?" River asked, confused.

Her eyes looked down at his crotch, "oh s**t" he grumbled.

"Is that for me?" She giggled.

"No sorry," he said, grabbing a menu to cover himself. "I recently found my fated mate."

"Huh" Ladonna's mouth dropped open and she squealed, "good for you. Who is the lucky girl?"

"Well, she does not think she is so lucky," he whispered. Just then, one of the Omegas escorted Shannara to the kitchen as River started making plates.

"Why are we whispering?" Ladonna asked. River tried cutting his eyes toward Shannara but Ladonna was clueless. "Any girl that does not see you for who you are is a fool! You can do much better than her." Ladonna said, matter of fact, "who does she think she is anyway?"

River smiled at her and she reached out, pinching his cheek. "Um, this bacon is good, baby daddy."

River laughed, "don't call me that."

He gave her a suspicious smirk, "have you been hanging out on land without me?"

"Yup, before this train wreck came through I took the kids to see movies quite frequently." She admitted, and he frowned, "Ladonna, that makes me nervous as hell. You can be a little… naive at times."

"Daddy, we promise not to talk to strangers." Ladonna teased him. He tossed his napkin at her.

"I have to get back to the sea. We leave bright and early." Ladonna said with excitement, "thanks for never giving me a hard time, with the kids."

"Do you need me to walk you back?" River asked,

"Nope, I will be fine." She slid out of the chair as Zara came sliding into it, "leaving so soon Ladonna?" Zara said to Ladonna, "Yes, I have to get back, we are going on an expedition in the morning."

"Well, it was nice seeing you again." Zara winked at her as she kissed the girls goodbye. River gave Zara an odd look, "are you flirting with her?"

"Girl crush totally, your baby mama is hot," she giggled.

"Stop, I can't hear this," he laughed.

"Baby got back! Buns hun." She held up her hands like she was gripping them.

"I'm so disturbed," he laughed.

"Me too, cause I'm not gay." Zara giggled 'how did yesterday go,' she asked him, nodding toward Shannara who had gloves on but was moving super slowly. As one of the Omegas walked past she grabbed her arm, "there are food particles floating in the water." Shannara pointed out.

"Okay so…."

"You want me to stick my hand in there?" Shannara asked,

"Honey, have you ever washed dishes before?" The Omega asked,

"No, but this is gross," Shannara said.

"And so is wiping your ass, but we do what must be done. Now, are you helping or not?" She asked a now red-faced Shannara.

Shannara turned to face the sink when another Omega came dumping dishes in the water, causing it to splash on Shannara. She screamed, jumping back and her mouth fell open. Realizing she was covered in dirty dishwater, her eyes filled with tears, and she burst into tears. Zara did not mean to laugh at her but she couldn't help herself. Shannara, in her opinion, was way too girly. Shannara yanked the gloves from her hands and went running from the kitchen. "You guys are being mean girls." River said, looking past Zara at Amber, who had come to stand behind Zara. Zara immediately looked away, rolling her eyes.

"River, I can't believe how big they have gotten." She said, smiling at both his kids.

She slid onto the seat next to Zara, "Sorry to hear about your mom Zara." Zara stabbed at her bacon.

"You got anything strong I can put in this orange juice, Sarah?" Amber asked.

"Kind of early for that isn't honey," Sarah said.

"I did not ask for judgment, I asked for alcohol." Amber smeared her nose up at her

Sarah slid the bottle toward her and Amber opened it. "My life has gone to s**t," she poured her alcohol into her cup, "the world is f****d up, right? Who the f**k is not drinking?" She took her drink to the head.

"That's 100-proof Amber" Zara said, eyeballing her.

"Good maybe it will bust my f*****g heart open." She slid out the chair and walked away.

"Losing a parent hits differently." River said, "her mate should take better care of her."

"Yes he should." Zara felt like s**t realizing the nights she spent crying in Quamir's arms were nights his mate was alone. Amber was grieving as she was and she did not even cross Zara's mind once. She needed to cut things off but he made it so hard. And the fact that he said he was no longer sleeping with Amber had made her feel wonderful, but she forgot the damage it did to wolves. They were intimate creatures. Not having your mate was painful. She needed to rethink her situation.

"Hey, you mind watching them so I can check on Shannara?" River asked.

"Not at all. We will go find some proper clothes." Zara said.

"Yeah, 'cause I don't have panties on and it's just weird on land." River's daughter said, Zara, bursting into laughter, "Honey,0 let me tell you"

"DON'T! SHE IS SIX!" River debated leaving his kids with Zara.

"I will keep it pg13. Come on sweetie, let's get you some undergarments."

"Thank you!" She said, relieved.

"I love this kid." Zara said, patting her head as River just shook his head, "be good guys. I actually have training. Could you take them to the nursery?"

"You got it," Zara said, turning to see Quamir coming in. She was not ready for their conversation so she led the kids out the back door.

River tapped on the door and it slung open. Shannara stood with puffy eyes and pouting, "Just thought I'd make sure you were okay."

She just nodded, not looking him in the eye. She was embarrassed and she was not in the mood for anyone.

"Okay, well uh you wanna take a walk later." He asked her.

She shrugged her shoulders, "I guess Alpha's orders right?"

River was hoping the Ladonna situation didn't make things worse than they were. He guessed he was out of luck there.

"Will you be able to get a babysitter?" She asked, "I'm not playing stepmom to another woman's kids."

He stared at her then said, "You know what, Shannara, never mind, maybe some other time. Sure there are plenty of other women that would enjoy a walk with me and my kids."

"Great good luck with that!" She said, slamming the door in his face. River knocked on the door politely, she snatched it open.

"Yes!"

"I don't need luck, not today, tomorrow, ever! Good day!" He grabbed the door, slamming it back in her face. Shannara stood staring at the door, her mouth open in awe.

Zara met River back at the training grounds. There was a line of about seventy men. And twelve women all standing waiting for directions. Zion looked perplexed, "As you all know, we have a shortage of warriors and police patrol and pretty much all the higher positions. One thing I have prided myself on is knowing all my men and women can step into any position. It pains me to say," he cleared his throat. He said nothing for a moment, just stood rubbing his chin, "I lost my Beta Kade during the fall. My Delta and Gamma are gone in this pack but there is a lot of work to be done. I need more than fighters, I need warriors. I need men willing to sacrifice their lives for Mystic if you are not willing. Now is the time to walk away."

Zion looked at them all, "Okay, so you will represent the Mystic Moon pack, I will not take it easy on you. I will be watching to see how you move individually and as a team. Those that don't make it will most likely be patrollers, those that do will be warriors and possibly the next Beta, Delta, and Gamma of the Mystic Moon." Zion waved to Thomas and the two eldest brothers.

"Let's go!" Zion said in a menacing tone. He had a lot of pent-up aggression, so one by one, he broke legs arms and beat the s**t out of each warrior. He stood disappointed as they all lay on the ground moaning. Zara looked at River, help! She mouthed him,

'kick his ass, Zara', River cheered her on.

Zion looked to see Zara was the last one standing, the only one he had not gone around with. He also noticed the younger of the Mccormick brothers was the first to get up, popping his arm back into place. He looked at Zara, "Let's go" he said, charging Zion. Zion swung, but to his surprise, he anticipated the move, dodging him and Zion recovered from the missed punch. Zara kicked him in the face, hard. Zion turned to look at her. 'Oh s**t! I pissed him off!' Zara yelled at River.

'Your good Zara, don't psych yourself out.' River warned her. Zion came to her and Zara stood her ground. She took his punches and landed a few of her own. With the help of her teammate, they came at Zion hard and he loved it. When training was over Zion said to the young man, "You do not give up easily. I definitely see you in a position of authority."

His eyes grew big with excitement, "thank you Alpha."

"You keep up the good work. The rest of you are a bunch of p*****s. I might have to turn in my territory if you lame asses are protecting my territory. I hope tomorrow is better." He said, walking away.

"Zara, you did great." River said, "Wanna go get a drink?"

"No got a few things I need to take care of." She saw Quamir leaning against the building watching her. As everyone walked away, she walked over to him.

"Why have you been ignoring me today?"

"I haven't just been busy," Zara said as Quamir opened the door to the storage behind him, pulling her inside.

"Quamir, it's daylight anyone could come in here," Zara whined as he lifted her onto one of the shelves, pulling her shoes off.

"Really I am sore everywhere."

"Not everywhere but you will be in just a moment." He said, pulling at her jeggings.

"Quamir, you are awful." She tried resisting him but already he was rubbing the head of his c**k against her opening. "Quamir" she tried pushing him away but he was impossible when he wanted her he wanted her. He entered her moaning as her wet tight muscles engulfed him. He didn't know what it was about Zara but he couldn't resist her. He growled, plunging deeper inside her, she wrapped her legs around him as he went as deep as his heart desired. Lifting her up, she bounced up and down on him, moaning in pleasure until she came all over his manhood.

Shannara stood in the window as River was walking along with his kids and several other little ones. Then she saw Janine approach him. She groaned as jealousy tugged at her heart. She debated going out but instead pulled a hoodie over her head and went in search of Leilani.

She found her in her office, which was pretty small since her bigger one would be in the packhouse. Leilani had thrown herself into Luna duties lately. She had to keep her mind occupied since Zion seemed withdrawn. "Luna, can I come in?"

"Sure, honey, come in, I don't think we have met," Leilani said, smiling. Shannara sat down around her office.

"Nah, I was rooting for Catori, but it looks like you won, so here I am," Shannara said, not even realizing how offensive her words were. She was a Sagittarius, so she has been accused of being blunt on more than one occasion.

"How may I help you?" Leilani asked between tight lips.

"You can't, my sister-in-law is forcing me to be here," Shannara said, blowing air out her nose. She leaned back, "well you must have something going on for her to feel you need someone to talk to."

"No more than anyone else. Hell, who did you lose during the fall?"

"My grandmother," Leilani said sadly.

"See we all have lost something, so we just wake up and keep pushing."

"True but-" Leilani held a finger up as one of the Omegas said 'Luna problem in the nursery uh looks like the boys are fighting.'

'On the way' Leilani said, "Sorry dear, we will have to pick this up later. Duty calls"

Leilani walked into the nursery to find Maden bleeding from a bite mark, "What happened?"

"Sorry Luna, he and Earth got into a little spat. And Earth bit him." Leilani crossed her arms. Although Earth was younger in age she had nearly caught up with Maddy and, as of lately, he had developed a problem with biting and spitting.

"Earth tell your brother sorry right now." Leilani said, "we do not bite each other "

"No!" Earth crossed his arms.

"Earth I mean it, how would you like it if he bit you?" Crossing her arms Leilani said, "now say your brother."

"Uh, Luna, maybe we should get the Alpha for this." The Omega suggested.

"Absolutely not, their father is busy. I will handle this now, Earth say you are sorry or you are going to sit in the corner." She said, bending down to look him in the eye.

Earth spat in her face. Leilani's mouth dropped. She grabbed Earth by the arm when she felt a hard kick to her shin. She screamed in pain, "you f*****g little s**t!" She bent over to rub her leg when Earth pulled her hair.

Leilani screamed and it happened so fast she didn't even realize she had done it. She slapped Earth, leaving her handprint on his face. She covered her mouth with her hand. She was just as surprised as he. Earth's started to cry. Leilani cleared her throat, pointing at the corner, "Both of you!" Both boys went and sat Earth crying while Elijah crossed his arms defiantly. "Now don't move for thirty minutes or your dad will be in here to spank you." She said, looking at the Omega that still looked shocked. "Everything is fine now."

She said calmly as she went running in search of Zion. Leilani ran into Zion's office. He was standing near the window. She walked over to him and spat in his face. Zion was so thrown off guard he just looked at her as if she was crazy when she kicked him in the shin. "f**k LEILANI!" HE BENT DOWN TO RUB HIS LEG when she pulled his hair, that was the last straw he looked at her with murder in his eyes. "I'm sorry I'm sorry but I had to make you understand what happened first" she blurted out.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I slapped Earth!"

"You what?"

"He spits in my face and all I asked him to do was apologize to Maddy for biting him and Elijah kicked me and Earth pulled my hair!"

"Wait are you saying my boys… attacked you?"

"No, well, yes, but my reaction was inappropriate and I need you to know because when…"

"When Cat finds out," he bit his lip, "f**k!

Amazingly, they made it through the night without incident. Zion had a discussion with the boys and told them under no uncertain terms they were allowed to put their hands on Leilani or any other woman. Their behavior was unacceptable. The boy's apologized to her but he knew it was not over. He received another letter from the council that night. An emergency meeting was called all hands on deck, so he gathered his things together that night and attempted to send a message to Catori explaining that there was an emergency meeting called and that he hoped to see her there. She did not respond and he was annoyed. He hated that she was back and he had no idea what she was up to. He wanted to spend time with her but nothing was working in his favor and the days seemed to speed by. He could not believe she actually thought he would remove his mark. The thought of rejecting her was not an option. Leilani went into his office sitting across from him, "How long are you going to spin sulking?"

"I am not sulking," he said, trying not to be harsh with her.

"I know I am not what you want, but you can still talk to me. You are the one that lied to me, I have been honest with you this entire time," Leilani said to him.

"What do you want me to say, Leilani?"

"The truth," she leaned forward, "tell me the truth, am I going to lose you?" she asked him.

He ran his fingers through his hair, "The truth is I am with you out of loyalty, not love. I used you. I was hurting and you eased my pain. The truth is, as much as I love Catori, I can not watch your wolf die because of my loss of me. I know the pain. So no, I am not leaving you, but I am starting to resent you and I am sorry. You did not ask for this situation. I have love for you, Leilani, and I will always do right by you because I have flaws, but I try to be honorable. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Is it the truth?"

"Yes. That is what I wanted to hear." She wiped her tears. She was in a loveless bond. "Zion let her go, you won't die you have me. It will hurt but you need to let her go." She stood up and walked out of the room.