Isla smiled, her nerves melting away as she felt the warmth of Liam's presence. "That sounds wonderful. I've always wanted to try Swedish cuisine, and what better place than here?"As they indulged in the delicious food, Isla felt a sense of ease and comfort in Liam's company. He had a way of making her feel at home, even in the most extravagant surroundings. They chatted about their journey, the beauty of Nysoria, and their plans for the coming days."So, Isla," Liam said, leaning forward, his eyes holding hers. "I know you've been waiting for this moment, and I want to make sure we do everything we can to help you awaken your wolf. I've heard that the cosmic rays here have a powerful effect on werewolves, and I'm eager to see what it does for you."Isla's heart fluttered at his words. She had always felt a deep connection to Liam, but the thought of their physical intimacy was both thrilling and daunting. "As I said before I'm ready to try anything, if it can bring back my Selena,"
Liam led Isla back to their luxurious suite, the scent of roses filling the air as they entered. The room was a haven of opulence, with a grand bed adorned with silk curtains and a stunning view of the ocean. But what caught Isla's attention was the swimming pool, its surface shimmering with rose petals floating delicately. It was a scene straight out of a romantic fantasy.As they stepped inside, Isla's heart raced with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. She had never been with a man before, and Liam's intense gaze made her feel both desired and exposed. The memory of their passionate encounter earlier, interrupted by the mysterious stranger, only added to her excitement."You look breathtaking, Isla," Liam said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. He moved closer, his muscular frame towering over her. Isla felt a rush of heat as she took in his chiseled features, his broad shoulders, and the tantalizing glimpse of his sculpted chest beneath his shirt."I-I feel a bit
His fingers worked their magic, stroking and circling her sensitive bundle of nerves, bringing her to the edge of ecstasy and then pulling back, leaving her gasping and desperate for release. Isla's body was a symphony of sensations, her mind overwhelmed by the intensity of her desire. "You're so beautiful when you're aroused, Isla. I want to hear you moan even more," Liam whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Your body is a work of art, and I'm going to savor every inch of it." Isla moaned as Liam's fingers continued their dance, his thumb now joining in, rubbing against her clit in slow, deliberate circles. Her body was on fire, her hips arching off the bed, seeking more of his touch. "That's it, my love," he encouraged, his voice a low purr. "Let go and feel the pleasure. I want to hear you scream my name." Isla's breath came in short gasps as she teetered on the edge of orgasm, her body tense and ready to explode. Liam's fingers worked her relentlessly, his thumb press
Isla lay in the soft sheets of the four-poster bed, the curtains billowing gently in the breeze from the open window. The room was luxurious, the kind of place she had only dreamed of staying in. The sea view hotel in Nysoria was everything they had hoped for, but in that moment, all she could focus on was the aftermath of what had just happened.As she shifted slightly, she felt a twinge of discomfort, a reminder of the intimacy she had just shared with Liam. It was a mix of pain and pleasure, a whirlwind of emotions that left her breathless. She glanced down at the bed, her heart sinking as she noticed droplets of blood on the pristine white sheets. It was a stark reminder of her lost virginity, a symbol of the vulnerability she had just embraced.Wrapping her naked body in the soft blanket, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. The cool air of the room sent a shiver down her spine, and she made her way to the window, drawn by the breathtaking view of the Nysoria
Liam took Isla’s hand, gently guiding her out of the luxurious suite and into the hallway. The air felt different outside the room—charged with excitement and the promise of adventure. As they descended the staircase, Isla couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness.“Being enclosed in that suite with you turned me into a different person,” Liam said, a playful smirk on his face. “But I know you can’t have more sex right now, not with you still sore from losing your virginity.”Isla felt her cheeks flush at his words, a mix of embarrassment and warmth flooding her. “Yeah, I think I need a little time to recover,” she admitted, a shy smile creeping onto her lips. “But I’m ready for whatever else you have planned.”As they reached the lobby, Isla’s eyes widened in awe. The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of a Las Vegas set-up, complete with vibrant lights, music, and a bar stocked with an array of drinks. The energy was infectious, and she felt a thrill of exciteme
Isla stood at the table, her heart racing as she tried to process what she had just seen. The man at the bar looked strikingly similar to Liam—his dark hair, strong jawline, and confident demeanor were all too familiar. It was impossible, she thought. No other man could look as good as Liam. Yet here was someone who could be his twin, and the sight sent a wave of confusion through her.She excused herself from the poker game, her curiosity piqued. “I’ll be right back,” she told Liam, who nodded, his focus still on the cards in front of him. As she made her way through the crowd, her heart pounded in her chest. What was she doing? Why did she feel compelled to investigate this look-alike?As she approached the bar, she could see the man more clearly. He was leaning against the counter, a drink in hand, and speaking to a stunning woman who looked like a Russian supermodel. Her long legs and striking features made her stand out, and Isla felt a pang of insecurity wash over her.“Listen,
Liam's father looked down at Isla, his presence commanding yet gentle. His eyes, the same striking almond hunter's eyes as his son's - but of brown shade - held a depth of wisdom that spoke of years of leadership. The opulent hotel lobby seemed to fade around them as he reached for her hand, his touch carrying an unexpected warmth that reminded her of Liam's. "Wolf-less," he said, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of werewolf tradition. The word hung in the air between them, not accusatory but contemplative.Isla flushed under his scrutiny, feeling every bit the outsider she was. Her fingers trembled slightly in his grip. "Yes, I am," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. The crystal chandeliers overhead cast dancing shadows across his face, highlighting the familial resemblance to Liam that made her heart ache.Liam and his father were more like twins - except for eye color. He nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "There must be a reason why you are mated t
After returning to the suite, Isla's mind raced with the weight of her conversation with Maximilian Lockwood. Her hands trembled as she pulled out her phone, staring at the screen before carefully typing in the number he had given her. The name itself carried such power – Maximilian Lockwood, one of the strongest werewolves in history, now hiding from an unknown threat so dangerous he couldn't even tell his own son.She saved the number quickly, trying to push away the gnawing questions that threatened to overwhelm her. What could be so terrifying that it would drive such a powerful Alpha into hiding? She shook her head, desperate to clear her thoughts, and headed to the bedroom to change.The silk dress slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet like water. Just as she reached for more comfortable clothes, the door swung open. Liam stood there, his blue eyes widening as they took in the sight of her. The air seemed to crackle with electricity between them."Wow," he breathed, hi
The drive to the hotel was short, though it felt longer with her family's incessant commentary on every landmark they passed. Clara, in particular, seemed determined to demonstrate her worldliness by sharing "facts" about Paris that Isla suspected were either completely fabricated or gleaned from a tourist pamphlet.Le Grand Hôtel lived up to its name, its imposing façade and ornate Belle Époque architecture a testament to old-world luxury. They were escorted through the magnificent lobby with its crystal chandeliers and marble columns to the restaurant, where a table overlooking the Palais Garnier awaited them.A sommelier appeared almost immediately to present the wine list to Liam, who selected a vintage that made the man's eyebrows rise in respect. Menus were distributed, bound in leather and embossed with gold."Everything looks incredible," Clara murmured, scanning the offerings with furrowed brows. "How does one choose?""Take your time," Liam suggested, closing his own menu
Isla maintained a carefully neutral expression as the shopping spree continued. Her family moved from boutique to boutique along Avenue Montaigne like conquering heroes, leaving a trail of empty champagne flutes and enthusiastic salespeople in their wake. She had positioned herself slightly apart from them, standing beside Liam as a silent observer to the spectacle."Do you think this scarf complements this purse?" her mother called out, holding up a silk Hermès scarf against a Chanel handbag.Before Isla could respond—not that her opinion had ever mattered—Clara stepped in. "The colors clash, Mother. Try the blue one instead." Her sister's tone carried the same authoritative certainty that had dominated Isla's childhood, the same assumption that her judgment was inherently superior.Isla bit the inside of her cheek and said nothing. What was there to say? That this entire excursion felt like a bizarre fever dream? That watching her family eagerly accumulate luxury goods they had prev
The flight to Paris passed in much the same manner—her family consuming expensive food and drinks, making false statements about places they'd never been, and peppering Liam with questions about his business and personal wealth. Isla retreated further into silence, responding only when directly addressed, her discomfort growing with each passing hour.By the time they landed at Le Bourget Airport, Isla felt emotionally drained. A sleek black limousine awaited them on the tarmac, another display of Lockwood luxury that her family exclaimed over with unrestrained enthusiasm."We'll be going directly to Avenue Montaigne," Liam informed them as they settled into the vehicle. "It's home to some of the world's most exclusive boutiques.""Oh, I've read about it in magazines," her mother gushed. "Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton—all the finest brands!""Indeed," Liam agreed. "And today, you're welcome to explore them all."The drive through Paris was a blur of elegant architecture and tree-lined
The sleek private jet gleamed in the morning sunlight as Isla reluctantly made her way up the stairs. Behind her, her family's excited chatter grated on her nerves like sandpaper. They had barely contained their elation since Liam's unexpected invitation, and now, faced with the reality of the Lockwood family's private aircraft, they made no attempt to hide their awe."This is absolutely magnificent," her mother exclaimed, running her manicured fingers along the polished wooden paneling inside the cabin. "I am flying private to Paris for lunch! Who would have thought?"Isla winced at her mother's theatrical tone. The woman who had once told her that dreams were for people who couldn't face reality was now behaving like a child in a candy store.Her father wasted no time claiming one of the plush leather seats, immediately testing its reclining function and the various buttons on the armrest. "Now this is how travel should be," he declared, as if he'd been flying private jets his entir
"Isla!" Her mother's voice cut through her thoughts, high and delighted in a way Isla had never heard directed at her before. "Darling, there you are!"All conversation at the table ceased as every head turned toward the doorway. Isla felt Liam's hand press reassuringly against her lower back, grounding her as seven pairs of eyes fixed on them."Good morning," Liam's deep voice filled the room, commanding attention without effort—the natural authority of an Alpha. "I trust everyone slept well?""Exceptionally," her father answered, rising from his seat with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Your hospitality is unmatched, Alpha Lockwood."Alpha Lockwood. Not Liam. The formality wasn't lost on Isla, nor was the respect—bordering on obsequiousness—in her father's tone. This was the same man who had once dismissed her dreams of finding her fated mate as "unrealistic given her limitations as a wolf-less.""Please, join us," her mother urged, gesturing to the two empty seats at the
The Lockwood jet touched down on the private airstrip just as dawn was breaking over the horizon. Isla stirred from her dreamless sleep, her body feeling more rested than it had in weeks. Without her wolf constantly prowling beneath her skin, sleep came easier now—deeper and more peaceful. She blinked away the remnants of slumber and gazed out the window as the mansion came into view, its grand silhouette outlined against the pale morning sky."Sleep well?" Liam's voice was a warm rumble beside her.Isla turned to find him looking refreshed despite not having slept at all during their trip back from Montreal. Being a werewolf—a powerful Alpha at that—meant Liam could go days without proper rest if needed. His supernatural stamina was yet another reminder of the wolf she no longer possessed."Better than I have in a long time," she admitted, stretching her arms above her head. "I didn't even realize I'd fallen asleep until we were halfway back."Liam's fingers traced the curve of her
The take-off was smooth, the powerful engines pushing them back into their seats as the jet climbed rapidly into the night sky. Below them, New York City spread out like a constellation of earthbound stars, a mirror to the actual stars above them."It's beautiful," Isla whispered, pressing her palm against the cool window.Liam leaned over, his breath warm against her ear. "Not as beautiful as you."She turned to him, ready to playfully accuse him of being cheesy, but the sincerity in his ocean eyes stopped her. There was something profound in his gaze, something that transcended romantic platitudes."When I saw you wake up like that," he said quietly, "terrified, haunted... it broke something in me. I would fly you to the moon for hot chocolate if it would chase away that look in your eyes."Isla's heart swelled, emotion clogging her throat. She reached out, tracing the strong line of his jaw with her fingertips. "My fierce, protective wolf," she murmured."Always," he promised.The
The silence between them faded now, less.Isla's breathing had steadied, though her mind still raced with the implications of what she had seen about Selena. It was just a dream. Pull yourself together!She looked up at Liam, her eyes searching his. "You said you'd help me forget," she whispered. "How are you planning to do that?"A slow smile spread across Liam's face, the kind that always made her heart skip a beat. It was mischievous, tender, and utterly disarming all at once."Well," he said, reaching for his phone on the nightstand, "first things first." He pressed a button, and the device lit up, illuminating his face in a soft blue glow. He scrolled through his contacts and pressed call.Isla watched, puzzled, as he waited for someone to answer. At this hour? Who could he possibly be calling?"Marcus," Liam's voice was authoritative yet casual. "I need hot chocolate sent up to the master suite. The good kind, with the whipped cream and those little marshmallows Isla likes."
The bedroom was lit up in night lamps, soft and silver.. Isla lay nestled against Liam, her body curved perfectly into the protective arc of his embrace. Their breathing synchronized. Her slumber began softly, peacefully. The warmth of Liam's body, the steady rise and fall of his chest, the faint scent of cedar and pine that always surrounded him—these were her anchors, her safety.And then the dream began.At first, it was pure joy. Isla found herself running—no, bounding—through a moonlit forest. But this was different. This was her wolf form. Selena. Her long-lost wolf that she thought had died years ago.Golden blonde fur gleamed under the moonlight, each muscle moving with a fluid grace she had forgotten was possible. The ground beneath her paws felt alive, vibrating with ancient energy. Moss-covered earth, fallen pine needles, the soft give of forest floor—sensations she had been denied for so long rushed back to her.Freedom. Pure, unbridled freedom.Her wolf form was magn