Maxwell POVI’ve had an early morning of sifting through piles of more work I’ve ignored over the last few months. This is the third morning in a row, which often drags into the afternoon. Kayden’s thoughts buzz around my head. You’re going to overwork yourself.Maybe I’m heading that way, but I won’t stop until it’s done.Once I’ve cleared my backlog, I’ll be able to focus on calculating a plan to take down Alex’s pack. I don’t want to make any mistakes. I want to wipe him and anyone who has ever touched Laura from this world. I don’t care what their excuses are; I want them to pay for what they’ve done to her. I want her to be at peace, knowing they no longer exist in the world.I head downstairs once I’ve completed as much work as I can before my head explodes. I need to call a meeting soon to pitch my ideas and see where the plan can lead us.When I reach the kitchen, I’m surprised to see Ava standing outside on the patio, trimming the plants she’s been growing. I never took he
Laura POVThe air tastes so fresh. That might sound like a silly thing to say, but it does. I lift my heap towards the sky and take down a large inhale of oxygen. The cold water of the lake laps around my ankles, and the gentle breeze brushes my skin. This is true freedom. It’s like experiencing nature for the first time.Maxwell walks ahead of me in the lake. I try not to stare at his impressive back muscles, but I can’t help my eyes instinctively gravitate towards him. Before he can get past his knees, he turns back to me.Those blue eyes sparkle with calmness, despite being splashed seconds ago. I don’t know what came over me; it felt like a natural reaction. It certainly released a burst of amusement through my veins. I can’t remember the last time I laughed. The sound was alien, but it felt good, it federating.He holds out his hand gently, flashing his palm. “Come with me,” he says. “You’ll warm up once you’re in.”I chew on my lip as I focus on the callouses across his finger
Laura POVThey can kill us, but what’s that going to do? My father might not even be around to witness it.”I tilt my head away from the sun. “And when your pack moved here, the district accepted you?”He nods. “We got lucky. I have no idea how. But we’ve caused no issues in the last few years. We’ve helped out in the district where we can and have created good allies. I feared becoming an Alpha because I didn’t know if I could do a good job of leading after moving from our home. I thought no one would trust us, and I didn’t even know if I trusted myself to get us through that mess.”“And each of these districts…” I trail off. “They’re big?”“Huge,” he clarifies. “We’re talking to over a hundred thousand people.”My mouth falls open. “And you know everyone in the district?”“No. There’s no way we’d be able to know everyone, but I will try.”“Oh–” I pause, wondering if I’m asking too many questions. A few more can’t hurt, hopefully. He seems to absentmindedly nod at me, so I carry o
Maxwell POVSince our trip to the lake a few days ago, the pack house has been fairly quiet, which is a relief as I’ve wanted to stay home and spend time with Laura. She’s been making herself known at breakfast and dinner in my private kitchen, even helping Ava out with a few things to keep herself busy.I don’t want to put all my faith in the bond because I want to give Laura all the credit for how hard she’s been trying to settle, despite this not being her true home, but I know the bond between us is helping her realize she can learn to trust me. I want nothing more than for it to be authentic, but I can’t physically slow the bond. It’s inevitable.That’s why I’m making sure she knows exactly what the bond is doing between us because I want to be honest. The ball is always in her court; I’ve made that clear from the start.Laura is currently in the living room reading a book with a hot chocolate and a blanket. I decide to leave her to it, to give her some time alone if that’s wha
Maxwell POVYou would think I had never seen a woman in a dress before. She’s beautiful in a jumper and lounge pants. I am not denying that, but I’m dying to see Laura dressed up.“Well…” I shrug. “I look forward to it.”“You should.” Ava wags her eyebrows at me.“What are you doing tonight, Luce?”“Bash is taking me out for dinner.”I nod. “Nice.”“What about you guys?”My eyes wander over to Laura, who is already staring at me. “I was hoping to cook this one a nice dinner. What do you say?”The corners of her lips curl subtly, and she nods with bright eyes. “Yeah. I’d like that.”“Cute.” Ava gives me a wink. “Well, you guys enjoy it. I need to start getting ready.”When my sister is gone, I focus on Laura again. “Is there anything in particular you’d like for dinner?”She nibbles on her bottom lip for a long moment. “Surprise me.”My brows raise at her suggestion. “Okay. Surprised it is.”“How was town today?” I ask as we dig into our dinner.Laura nods and covers her mouth as she
Laura POVI Can't stop the thoughts that flood my mind. My brain reacts to Maxwell’s actions by seizing up like muscle memory. Right now, there isn’t a single thought without a filter.I gasp for a breath as I reach my room, sheltering inside for some privacy, but I’m not alone with the loudness inside my head.One hand is pressed firmly against my chest, and the other grips my hair. I groan in agony, desperate for these voices and impulses to leave me alone and spare me some peace.My head whips towards the door, and I lurch forward to lock it. I shove my back against the wood and slowly sink to the floor, sobbing into my hands. As soon as my legs hit the ground, I crumble into a hyper-sensitive state.I tighten my hands into fists so intensely that my fingernails dig into my palms. My eyes shut as I try to control my breathing, but I can’t seem to distract myself. Everything is so loud, and I cannot push it out.There is an ache between my brows, growing over my eyes and into the b
Laura POVMy eyes focus on the ceiling as I release a shuddering breath. Why can’t I be normal? I’m so fucked up that I wonder if I’ll ever stand a chance of going back to how I once was.Stop saying that, Laura. You are not fucked up. It’s Max again.He’s reading my thoughts. How? I’m too exhausted to argue right now.I thought you were giving me space, I responded blankly.Maxwell’s voice flitters for a moment. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hear your thoughts, he states slowly, and each word sounds so sincere that it’s hard to digest. When you think of k something with intense passion, it floats in your mind the next second. It’s a part of our bond that connects us. I’ll teach you how to put your shields up. I don’t want to intrude on your privacy.I have questions, but I don’t have any energy; I mind linking weakly.Then save it. Please can we talk when I get back?My eyelids shut, and I twist onto my side, tucking myself into a tiny ball with my head firmly on the pillow.Laura?Ok
Maxwell POVThe second I knew Laura was hurting herself, I abandoned my meeting with the district Alphas and raced home as fast as possible. Despite her unskilled attempt to try and block me out, I could still feel every inch of her physical pain.I roar at Ava through our mindlink to check on Laura before it’s too late. I won’t get home in time, but at least she will be there with the pack doctors on standby. The journey back to the house is silent and agonizing. By the time I cross our territory borders and run to the front door, I’m up the stairs quicker than I can blink.My hand presses to Laura’s door, and I find my sister sitting beside her on the bed with Gemma to her left. She’s lying on her front, and my eyes roam her bare back. It’s clear of broken skin, but it remains red and blotchy.“Is she okay?” I whisper as my eyes flick to her face.She looks peaceful, but I can’t help but feel she’s content being asleep. It makes my chest compress to the point my lungs can’t even t