Laura POV Ava holds my hand as she sings to me and then throws me into a hug by surprise. “Oh, Laura. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m so glad you’re in our lives,” she murmurs before pulling back and gently gripping onto my forearms. “I’m so glad that one day you’re going to be my sister-in-law!”A hesitant laugh escapes my chest. “Yeah,” I rasp. “That caught me off-guard a little.”Ava’s face falls with sudden realization. “Oh, my Goddess. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable! I love seeing you guys together. Honestly, you’re so perfect. I don’t think you realize.”“It’s okay,” I say with a smile. “I just wasn’t expecting it.”“Weddings get me so excited. I love love!” she yells.My lips spread with enthusiasm. “I’m so glad I met you, too, Ava.” I’m engulfed in another hug before I pull myself away, in desperate need of five minutes to myself. “I’m gonna go grab some water.”She nods before turning towards Phia and Grace. I push my way out of the crowd and approach
Laura POV As I lay in my bed, looking up at the white ceiling, I can't stop thinking about what happened tonight. I raise my fingers to my lips and brush the delicate skin. Max kissed me. I kissed him back.I thought I’d be reeling in shame and discomfort, but if anything, I’m proud of my self-confidence. For claiming my right to my body and what I want.And boy…did it make me feel things.A childish squeal rushes through my throat, and a giant smile creeps up on my face. I’m giddy. My head is spinning with a thousand different positive emotions. God, I can’t stop thinking about him.I close my eyes again for the hundredth time and pray I fall asleep. But deep down in my bones, I know I’m far too ecstatic to even think about it. I’m on cloud nine. Tonight was perfect in so many different ways, and I’m growing in my own skin.I might not ever be the woman I was before, but I like who I’m turning into. It’s refreshing and relieving, all wrapped into one.My stomach growls from hunger
Laura POV When I’m finished, he takes my plate from me, and I jump down from the counter. “Come on.” He takes my hand and presses a kiss on my forehead. “Let’s get you back to bed.”Once he leads me out of the kitchen and up the stairs, we pause outside my bedroom, and I hesitate for a moment. A new wave of self-assurance washes over me.“Goodnight, baby,” he whispers. “Sleep well.”My fingers raise to his mouth, and he leaves a peck on my knuckles. I stare at the action, and my heart flutters like a butterfly. He drops my hand and turns to walk down the hall towards his own bedroom.I stand there fumbling with my fingers, the words on my tongue. After everything I experienced today, the last thing I want to be is alone. It’s a part of the reason why I think I couldn’t sleep.“Max,” I called.He stops and turns around. “What’s the matter?”“Can I?” I swallow the lump in my throat.I hear footsteps until he’s directly in front of me again. “Tell me, Laura.”“The bed you sleep in,” I
Laura POVIt’s been a few days since Ava and Sebastian’s wedding. Whilst they are off enjoying their honeymoon, Maxwell is whipping the pack back into shape. A few days off doesn’t mean they slack for a second only now have I realized how determined he is as an Alpha. Always striving for the best.I’ve been building up the courage to join in with group training, and I told Maxwell I wanted a few sessions with him alone first. I asked him to take it easy because my stamina and strength will be at the other end of the spectrum.On Monday, we start with core training with balancing and slow movements. On Tuesday, I attempt a stamina session in which I end up on the floor in a heap of dirt from how weak my legs are. On Wednesday, we start with self-defense and practicing getting out of certain grips and positions, always finding a way, even if it seems impossible.Having the Alpha to myself whilst Kayden takes on the rest of the pack has my cheeks heating. I have to admit I love it,
Laura POV She reassured me that having any sexual thoughts shouldn’t be seen as shameful despite what I might have been told in the past.Every woman has a right to pleasure, whether that be sexual or not.I tell myself to ignore this sudden rush of fire. I can speak to Gemma once this training session is over she will help me dive deeper into the cause.A girl beside me begins to fan herself as she watches Maxwell and Kayden fight. I narrow my eyes as she bites down on her lip and releases a whimper. My face twitches at the sight of her gaze on Maxwell and she’s no better than me, but it triggers a wildfire in my heart.An unsettling feeling ripples through my stomach, and I hate that it tastes like jealousy. Her eyes flare with excitement every time Maxwell throws Kayden down onto his back. I tighten my fists at my sides and find my entire body vibrating.Time is called for the first groups of sparrers, and Kayden calls out the next pairs. I stand back as they weave in and out of
Laura POV I brace my hands on the counter for a second before turning to look at him. His nostrils are flared, and his brows are dipped, but once his eyes roam my face, concern washes over his features. “Fuck, Laura.” He steps towards me. “You’re bleeding.”“It’s just blood,” I say dryly before rinsing my hands in the sink. “I’ve had much worse.”Max’s fingers are underneath my chin, forcing my eyes to his. “I don't care if it’s just blood, Laura. You’re hurt.”I roll my eyes. “It’s fine.”“Don’t ever roll your eyes at me.” He pinches my chin, making me gasp quietly. “Not when it’s about your wellbeing. Now, let me clean you up.”My mouth parts as I stare up at him. “Max, honestly.”“Sit.”I don’t object. I perch on the edge of the stool and watch him pull out antiseptic wipes and tissues. He peels the box open and starts cleaning the wound. “I think you’re okay. No broken bones. The skin has just split. One of the pack doctors can heal you.”He throws the bloody supplies away, and
Laura POVAva and Sebastian have been home from their honeymoon for an entire day before Maxwell drags Sebastian away to train. I take a walk with Ava through the town for a change of scenery. Every last detail of their honeymoon? I heard about it.I swear this woman doesn’t have a filter, but I appreciate her willingness to share. It makes me feel like I’ve been here all along. I smile listening to her; it’s nice to hear happy stories and exciting memories being made.“Anyway.” She waves a hand in her face. “Enough about me. How was it whilst we were away?”A soft hum vibrates off my lips. “Yeah. It’s been good. Maxwell’s back to training everyone until they bleed internally.”Ava snorts. “Sounds like my brother.”We fell into a comfortable silence for the first time since we stepped out of the house, and I let my boots kick the leaves that have fallen on the path.My head tilts towards Ava, who is smiling up at the blue sky. I part my lips, the question on the tip of my tongue. S
Laura POVAva and Sebastian have been home from their honeymoon for an entire day before Maxwell drags Sebastian away to train. I take a walk with Ava through the town for a change of scenery. Every last detail of their honeymoon? I heard about it.I swear this woman doesn’t have a filter, but I appreciate her willingness to share. It makes me feel like I’ve been here all along. I smile listening to her; it’s nice to hear happy stories and exciting memories being made.“Anyway.” She waves a hand in her face. “Enough about me. How was it whilst we were away?”A soft hum vibrates off my lips. “Yeah. It’s been good. Maxwell’s back to training everyone until they bleed internally.”Ava snorts. “Sounds like my brother.”We fell into a comfortable silence for the first time since we stepped out of the house, and I let my boots kick the leaves that have fallen on the path.My head tilts towards Ava, who is smiling up at the blue sky. I part my lips, the question on the tip of my tongue. S
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