Maxwell POVI don’t have time to second-guess her abilities right now; instead, I lean into the tub and pull her body into my chest. I glance down at her face and watch as she falls into a lightheaded state. Her entire body is different shades of red and pink.Ava rushes from the room and grabs a dry towel before laying it out on the floor. I flick my gaze to Kayden standing in the doorway, his eyes upon my mate with great horror.Give us some privacy, I snap.His head bows, and he turns to leave. Let us know if there is anything we can do.I place Laura down on the towel and sweep her dark hair away from her injured back. Ava hisses, and I grit my jaw at the sight before me. “Fuck, Maxwell. This isn’t good.”Blisters have already started to show. Parts of her skin are broken and weeping. How long was she up here doing this to herself? Heaviness clouds my eyes, and I try to calm myself down.Ava kneels beside Laura and places her hands gently on her back.“If you can’t do it, Gemma
Maxwell POVOn other days, she’d only want to talk to Ava. At least she’s found comfort in my sister. I barely had a chance to speak to her, but I know gaining her trust is something that will not happen overnight. I’m ready to persist.She hasn’t wanted to be in the same room as me without Ava to make her feel at ease. I don’t take it to heart. She deserves to be understood. As much as it hurts, I know she needs time and space.Over the last two weeks, I’ve thought of Julia constantly. A part of me knows I shouldn’t be diving into this new bond with Laura because my love for Julia won’t magically disappear. She was my Luna. Now, I have been graced with another.Some days, I grieve. But, some days, my wolf forces my attention towards Laura.It alarms me how easily he has moved on. It’s as if she never even existed in his world, and it gives me a headache. It’s a clusterfuck of emotions I can’t seem to control. We are two separate entities with different perspectives.I’m stuck betwe
Maxwell POVA surprising laugh barks out of her. “Of course, I’ve seen rain. But it’s been what feels like years since I’ve seen the rain, and it just…it just–”“It what?”“It makes me feel alive. It reminds me I am alive.” She shudders but not with coldness, with vibrancy. “It’s like I can feel something real. I can go outside. I can feel the rain. I can breathe all this air. It’s real. It’s not a dream. I’m loving this.”My lips spread into a bright smile. “Yeah. It’s real. All of it is real. You’re not a prisoner here, Laura. You are free to do whatever you want. Whatever makes you feel alive.”Her eyes glitter in my direction, and I suck in a breath. The way she’s looking at me makes my chest glow with a tender warmth.“You must be freezing,” I say as I focus on her lips, which are losing color by the second. “Let’s get inside. You don’t want to make yourself sick.”Laura steps around me, and we walk back towards the kitchen. I hold the door open for her as we step inside. She t
Laura POVTonight, I couldn’t sleep. I’ve barely managed a couple of hours each night for the past four weeks. Most start nightmares that torment my mind until the dream changes, and instead of being terrified, I am comforted. It’s an odd sensation that I don’t understand.I hear the calmness of the waves and the gentle breeze over a mountaintop.Every night, it’s something different. A new place. A new. I don’t fight them. I submerge in the images, and I’m grateful when I finally settle into a dreamless sleep.But tonight, I toss and turn in the sheets until they make my legs itch. I have no idea what I’m still doing here. I should have left as soon as my injuries healed and attempted to find my home. Why can’t I remember my home?The thought makes my brows pinch together painfully. A deep ache makes me question the last few years. I huff out a dissatisfied breath and bury my head into the pillow.Tears threaten my eyes once again. I don’t belong here. Yet, I don’t belong anywher
Laura POVWhen he reaches over, I’m convinced he’s about to touch me. I open my mouth and release the loudest scream. It deafens me. It wrenches from my chest because my body jumps into fight mode. It’s the last resort.I close my eyes to try and block out all the crucifying emotions that clutter my head. Blood pounds in my ears, and everything slows down to the point I’m disorientated.Voices start talking, but I don’t hear what they’re saying. My breaths become shorter, and I’m out of oxygen, yet at the same time, I can’t get enough. My vision blurs when another silhouette settles in front of me.“Laura.” The sound is muffled. “Laura, you’re hyperventilating.”Why do I sound like I’m in a bubble? I don’t even know if I’m alive right now.“Breathe, Laura.” The voice softens. “There is so much air in this room. Okay? Don’t let yourself think there is no air. You have it. Breathe. Nothing is going to happen to you.”It feels like it might. I’m going to die.Just breathe, Laura. You ca
Laura POVThe sun continues to dip in and out of the clouds as I perch on the patio steps. I prepare myself for rain, not that I’d mind. My eyes close as I wrap my arms around my knees and inhale the fresh air.Last night was the best night's sleep I’ve had since being here. It wasn’t great, but better than usual. Ever since the incident in Maxwell’s office, I’ve been keeping to myself. I’m still mortified over waking the entire house.The back door creaks open, and I glance over my shoulder to find Maxwell. He’s in a black T-shirt that stretches over his broad chest and thick arms. “Hey,” he greets. “May I sit with you?”I stare at the spot beside me, and I brush my teeth across my lip. “Uh. Okay.”Maxwell nods and perches on the other end of the step. Enough space between us that I don’t have to count my breaths. “How are you today?”I shrug and look at the grass. “I’m okay, I think.”We fall into silence as I clutch my legs closer to my chest. Maxwell happily sits beside me. I don
Laura POVI find myself wandering down to the infirmary wing. I know why, and I don’t stop myself. My arms wrap my cardigan tighter around my body as I step inside. A few of the pack doctors offer me a smile as they walk by.My feet come to a halt in the middle of the corridor. I release a soft sigh and inhale the smell of disinfectant. I’ve never had an issue with hospitals which explains why the scent comforts me.“Laura?”I twist to find Gemma walking out of her office with a clipboard.“Everything okay? Do I need to contact Alpha Maxwell?”My head shakes. “No. Not at all.”She immediately relaxes, her shoulders drooping. Her eyes roam over my face slowly before she beckons her head to the room on her left. “Would you like to come in and talk?”“Please,” I whisper and grip my hands together.Gemma flashes me a comforting smile. “After you.”I nod and drop my gaze, following my feet to the room she appeared out of moments ago. When I step inside, I glance at the walls that are pa
Laura POVWhen some of the pack entered the house a few hours later, I timidly loiter by the stairs. My eyes focus on Ava as she talks with Phia. I remember her from my day in the rain. Ava spots me from across the hallway and approaches.“Hey, Laura,” she says warmly. “How are you?”“I’m okay,” I admit.Ava’s smile is warm and makes my bones relax. “I’m just about to make some lunch in Maxwell’s private kitchen. Would you like to join me?”My head nods before I register. “Yes, please.”Her expression lights up, and I can tell she’s trying her hardest not to overreact. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to her one-on-one. I think about what Gemma said, and this is progress, even if it seems tiny to some.I follow her into the empty kitchen. I’m relieved Maxwell has private areas for his family. “Remind me to tidy up after lunch,” Ava murmurs. “Bash was almost banned from coming in here this morning.”“Why?”Ava glances at me. “Because Maxwell cannot stand the mess. He likes everyt
Laura POV We lay back down in bed, and I rest my head on his chest. “I can’t believe I forgot. I’ve been a werewolf and shifted, and I still didn’t know.”“You lost a lot of blood and were in a coma for a few days, Laura. Don’t beat yourself up for not remembering. I think in a way, your memories come back to you when you’re ready to face them,” he admits, and I think about that for a second.He might be right. He’s always right.I stay silent as he wraps me up in his strong arms. “Sleep, baby. It’s still early. We can talk about this in the morning.”My eyes flutter shut, and I inhale the scent wafting from his neck. I smile at the way it invades my bloodstream. My senses have heightened in ways I couldn’t even imagine.Later that day, I find myself in the library with Evan and Sam close behind him, looking as bored as ever. I reach up to find books on werewolf ancestry because I feel like I’m missing a piece of my history. My parents abandoned me when I was a baby, and now I don’
Laura POVMy ankles are submerged in mild water. The bottom of the lake is clear, and fish swim around my feet. I release a soft chuckle as they tickle my skin. My head tilts towards the sunset as it sits perfectly along the horizon.I open my lungs and take down the fresh air. A presence behind me makes me tingle, but I’m not afraid. My head looks over my shoulder to be met with luminous eyes and long white hair. I relax.“Laura.” She reaches out to touch my cheek.My eyes close at the sensation that washes over my skin.I remember her from my dream before. She came back.“You’re here.”When I open my eyes, she nods, and I study the pretty markings on her face. A triangle with circles glimmer across her forehead, and her eyelashes are a metallic blue. She takes my face between her warm hands, and I exhale a breath of relief.“Do not forget your power.”I frown. “What power?”“Do not forget the strength inside your soul.”“What do you mean?”She offers me a sweet smile. “I would neve
Maxwell POVAfter running Laura a luke-warm bath, I perch on the edge of the tub and study her drained face. Her skin is still on fire, despite the fact she’s shuddering as if we’re in the Antarctic. Guilt rides my chest like a wave. I’m not sure if her body is rejecting my mark because her human body isn’t strong enough to accept it. I don’t want to think about that fate.“Laura,” I whisper and caress her face.Her hand splashes into the water, and she retracts as if it’s toxic. I calm her by stroking back her hair and sending as much comfort through our bond as possible. Although, I can sense a barricade.“How are you feeling?”Laura’s eyes open, and they’re lazy, her lids almost shutting again.I examine her lips and move closer. The corners of her mouth are starting to fade into a light blue. Something is definitely wrong. Her body continues to shake, rippling the water aggressively. She wraps her arms around her legs in an attempt to keep warm.My hands reach into the bath, and
Laura POVI’m on the brink when he speeds up, and I clamp down on his lip, desperate to fall over the edge. I’m building and building. I groan into the kiss seconds away from absolute pleasure.Then he pulls his fingers from me, and I glare at him in desperation. I hate the smirk that sits on his face. “What” I can hardly get the words out as I watch him suck on his fingers. “Max, please.”He curls a brow in my direction as he sits back on his knees, staring down at me with misty eyes. “You think I didn’t hear your little thoughts earlier today slip through our bond?”“I used my barriers,” I heave.Maxwell releases a wicked laugh that sends shivers to my toes. “Not well enough, baby.”“What did you hear?”“Most of it.”I throw my head back to the bed. I’m pooling with heat. My heart rattles so loud I’m sure he can hear it. He crawls over my body once more and kisses me with rough passion. “You tell me the fucking second I cross any boundaries. Do I make myself clear?”“Yes.”“Good,”
Laura POVWhen I travel home later that afternoon, there’s a huge smile on my face from how fulfilled I am. My old life might be nothing but a distant memory, but Kayleigh shines above all. She’s one person I’ll never be able to forget.As the car drives through our gated community and pulls up outside Maxwell’s private entrance to the house, I hop out. I’m desperate to share everything that happened today with him and because he is my person.I wander through the front door and into the kitchen where the smell of food hypnotizes me. I’m not even hungry as we ate a few hours ago, but it smells divine.When I enter Max is standing there shirtless. My feet halt at the sight of his muscly back. He’s standing over the stove, using one hand to stir whatever he’s cooking in the frying pan. I scan his skin as the muscles contract and relax with each subtle movement. My lips part, and I’m certain I start drooling.I had no idea I had a thing for backs.“Are you going to stand there and ogle
Laura POVWe pause by a fountain and perch on the ledge as the sun beats down on us. “So, you go here with Danny, huh?”She scoffs. “No. I’ve always wanted to come here. Danny just so happened to rock up. We don’t see each other often if that’s what you think. I feel like he followed me here so he could find out information about you from me, which he did. I’m sorry. I never intended to do that.”“I know, I know,” I reassure her. “It’s fine. I don’t mind. How are your parents?”Kayleigh’s eyes drop to the pebbled floor. “They’re not together anymore.”“Oh.” I frown. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t.”“No, they loved you. They treated you like their own. It’s okay to bring them up. They miss you so much.” Her eyes crinkle at the sides.My chest warms. “I’d love to see them soon.”“They’d love that, too.”“Are you dating anyone right now?”She’s quiet for a long moment, and I inspect her face. There is an edge of slight discomfort at the question. “No,” she whispers. “Not anymore.”“Oh, what h
Laura POVI want to enjoy as much alone time as I can with you before we decide to start the next steps. If we agree to have any.” He smooths his thumb across the fabric on my shin.I chew on the inside of my lip. “Yeah,” I agree. “That’s true.”He takes my waist in his hands and tugs me up onto his lap. “Good because I want as much time before we have any little devils running around.”“Did you just call our unborn children ‘little devils’?” I release a soft laugh.“Sure did.” He grins.My forehead presses to his and he leaves a kiss on my lips. “Hey, so I’ve been thinking.”“About what?”I clamp my teeth down on my lip as I admire his dark blue eyes. “The next time we have sex,” I pull my head back slowly, “I want you to mark me. I want us to be mated.”Maxwell doesn’t blink, but he holds me close to him. “Laura.”“I know what you’re going to say. I’m a human, and you don’t know what will happen if you do it. But I want you to. I want to experience it. Let’s see what happens and pra
Laura POVMaxwell had an early meeting this morning. He asked if I wanted to join, and I said I’d leave the business side of his pack to him. He wants me to be more involved and grow into my position as their Luna, but I’m still learning the ropes and need more time.Instead, I’m in the kitchen with Evan, teaching him how to cook. Sam supervises us, and it’s obvious he doesn’t want to be here from his glowering. I ignore him, but Evan’s shoulders are slightly tense.“How are you settling in?” I ask.Evan hums softly. “A lot better now. I’m finding my feet, but I’m ready to learn.”My face stretches into a grin. “Good. I’m pleased, Evan.”His hand takes hold of a large knife and slices through a bell pepper. I nod at his positioning until he slices a little too hard, and the tip of the knife swipes down his fingers.Blood trickles onto the cutting board, and he drops the knife onto the counter with a clang. He jumps back, eyes slightly horrified. “It’s alright, it’s alright,” I say ca
Maxwell POVMy fingers take hers delicately. She shifts her hips slightly and nods. “You’re big,” she exhales as I press my mouth to her palm. “Please, just go slow.”“Of course, baby.”I stay still for a moment and allow her to get used to the feeling before I start to move. I rest down on my elbows and drag my lips across her neck, and when she melts into me, I thrust slowly. She gasps into my ear and clings onto my biceps. I pause and wait until her legs start parting further, and I smile into her neck.My hips move again and again until she brings our lips together in a fiery kiss. She moans against my tongue and sends vibrations straight down my spine until I’m clutching her face and angling it towards me so I can taste every inch of her.“Better?” I rasp as I pull out and sink back in.She nods desperately. “Better.”Then I rest my forehead down on hers. My hips move a tiny bit quicker and deeper, and I watch her face for any slight twitch of discomfort, but instead, her lips a