Laura POV
When the lunchtime school bell rings, we all stand up from the bench we’ve made our home for the last forty-five minutes. “Are you coming to study hall?” Kayleigh asks.
I shake my head as I slide my bag over my shoulder. “Not yet. I’m going to meet Danny in the car park quickly—he said he wanted to see me. Stall Miss Lowe for me, please?”
Kayleigh rolls her eyes, but she can’t fight the smile that creeps onto her lips. “Alright, lover girl. You owe me.”
“Thank you,” I exhale gratefully before giving her a half-hearted hug. I don’t have long to see Danny. He's always busy playing football at lunch.
I dart off to the sports block and approach the car park. My eyes scan the area, hoping I’m not caught by a teacher for being out of class.
My legs carry me to the other end of the car park, where I spot Danny’s car, but he’s nowhere to be seen. I check my phone, and surprisingly, I have no messages either.
I huff out a breath and slump against the side of his door when a van pulls up with blacked-out windows.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand immediately, and I push off the car. I grab my bag tighter and stare at the man as he peers out of the window, looking at me like I’m an animal at the zoo.
“Hey, darlin’.” His voice is rough as he chews on a toothpick.
I furrow my brows at him before walking away. Do they not have better security at this school? Either that or one of the maintenance men is being extra creepy today.
The van slowly pulls away and begins to follow me as I walk towards the exit of the car park. I keep my head down. It’s best not to engage.
“Aren’t you a pretty little thing?”
When I look at him with disgust, he drops me a sleazy wink which makes my stomach roll with discomfort.
My feet burst into a run, but I hear the van door open and slam behind me.
“Grab her,” another voice demands loudly. “She’s the one. She’s mine.”
Blood pounds in my ears as I run to the path, but I’m too slow.
A sweaty hand clamps over my mouth to muffle my scream, as forceful hands latch onto my arms, tugging me backward. I kick and wriggle, but I’m outnumbered.
The back door of the van opens, and I’m shoved inside. Darkness swarms me as they slam the doors shut and laugh.
My face burns from the punch that leaves me whimpering. Blood swims in my mouth, making me nauseous.
I’m sick of the taste. I’m sick of swallowing back copper that burns my throat.
“Now, tell me again, where did you used to live?”
I partially open my swollen eyes to look at my kidnapper, Alex.
“I-I don’t remember,” I croak between heavy breaths. Blood drips down my chin as I speak and splashes onto the stone-cold floor.
Alex flashes me a smile of triumph. “Good pet. And your parents?”
“My foster–”
The next hit is more painful than the last. My entire face stings beyond words. Flinching, I release a groan of agony.
My body almost touches the floor. But before I hit the ground, Alex takes a fist full of my hair and tugs me towards his face.
I stare back into his lifeless mossy eyes that I have despised since the moment I came here.
My jaw clenches, and I am hit by another wave of tangy blood that makes me gag. “Who are your parents?” he asks again.
My lips tremble, and I know better than to act smart or tell the truth. “I-I don’t remember,” I whisper as I flick my eyes between his.
Alex finally releases my head and throws me to the floor. “Good,” he grumbles as he stands up and dusts his hands on his trousers. “We’ll come back to this again tomorrow.
The quicker you forget, the quicker we can get on with everything we have in store for you.”
My entire body shakes against the wet floor. I close my eyes as they fight to stay open. I’ve never felt so defeated and useless.
My only wish is that this is all over soon. Yet, I know barely anyone will be looking for me.
"There's my beautiful girl." Alex flashes his evil smile at me as he enters the room I’m chained up in.
I stare up at him through my damp lashes. “Fuck you.” My voice is strong and whispers.
His dark, cackling laugh echoes around the freezing room as he takes a few steps closer. I flick my eyes to his hand as he slaps my cheek hard.
The corner of my lip splits open within seconds. Blood bursts across my tongue, but I’m used to it now.
My head rises as I look up at him. His chest heaves with fuelled disgust at my profanity. I gather the blood in my mouth and spit down onto the ground next to his feet.
Before I know it, he’s grabbing my face painfully between his fingers and lining his nose up against mine. “Oh…you stupid little mate.
Everything would have turned out alright if you were an actual wolf and not a Luna.”
I refuse to let my eyes water. He’s been going on about werewolves and mates since I was brought here against my will.
I didn’t believe him at first, but he showed me the transformation, which I thought was impossible. A part of me was convinced that I had died, but the reality soon hit. Is never true that I died, that is my spirit remains, I was brainwashed to believe what I know couldn't be true. I will not let them my belief and insert me with another strange one irrespective of anyone even the moon goodness can never. It can never at all. I have become popular again and again.
Laura POVI’m living in hell on Earth instead.My gaze zeros on him. “Do you know how embarrassing it would be to bring out a pathetic, Stronger Luna like you?”“Just let me go,” I say through gritted teeth.Alex pouts and twists his head, his evil eyes flashing at me without an ounce of remorse. “Oh, sweetheart, but that’s no fun!”His fingers dig into the flesh on my cheeks, which makes me wince, but I refuse to make a sound. I don’t want to give him that satisfaction. I want to fight. “You still owe my Beta and my male wolves a show.”Immediately, my skin runs cold, and goosebumps invade my arms. I clench my throat to stop the bile from rising, but the mention of his pack has my body triggering its fight-or-flight instinct. Except I have nowhere to go, and the only choice I have is to play by their despicable, unfair rules.“You even think about showing me up, and I swear I'll make you wish you were never born.” Alex's eyes are lifeless as always, but today they seem deadlier, and
Maxwell POVFor the past five minutes, I’ve been watching Ava intently as she whimpers and grimaces. And she doesn't know I have been seeing her for a long time. I know better than to snap her out of her trance. I’ve seen what it can do, and it’s not a pleasant experience. I have to let her ride it out–even if she didn’t want to dive into Laura’s mind in the first place.Her facial expressions twitch and change almost every second, her lips trembling with what looks like pure fear. My heart pounds in my throat as I wait. Patience is not my friend right now.After what feels like an eternity, the white film casting over Ava’s eyes finally dissolves to restore her natural blue. Her lips part to take a huge gulp of air, but it’s not just one breath, it’s multiple. She’s panicking. Never in my twenty-six years of life have I ever witnessed Ava have a panic attack.“Hey, hey,” I say softly. I press my hands to her shoulder to remind her she’s safe. “Ava, slow down your breathing.”But s
Maxwell POVA few long minutes later, the door cracks open, and Laura emerges. Ava smiles at her softly. “Hi, how are you feeling? You must be so thirsty.” Do you need a glass of water to quench your thirty?My gaze focuses on her as she stares at the bottle. Her thoughts are loud and clear in my head, it almost makes me lose my balance. She’s skeptical of what’s inside. And I don't know if her next move is going to be good or bad.“It’s not drugged,” I offer, swiping the bottle out of Ava’s hands and taking a generous swig. “See?”Those big brown eyes study me for a moment before her shaky hand reaches out. I extend my arm to pass it quickly. “Have it,” I say with a soft smile.Her nimble fingers latch onto the bottle before lifting it to her lips. She takes two big gulps before closing her eyes, droplets rolling down her chin.“Do you want something to eat?” Ava asks.She doesn’t answer straight away; instead, she lowers the bottle and glances down at her stomach. Her hands grip the
Maxwell POVIt was a relief to watch Laura eat. Although it took her a while to get through half of the meal, I’m glad she managed to digest something. I know she probably doesn’t have much of an appetite, so starting l so she doesn’t make herself sick is key.After her meal, Ava took her upstairs to one of the spare rooms. She showed her how to use the shower and let her borrow some clean clothes. We said we’d wait downstairs in the living room to give her some breathing space.“She should see the doctor again,” I say to Ava as I pace the cream rug in front of the grand fireplace. “To double-check that everything is okay.”“I agree.”“I don’t want to push her too far,” I comment, running a hand along the stubble on my jaw. “But at the same time, I want to make sure she’s okay.”My sister nods. “I don’t think you should be pushing yourself too far either.”“What does that mean?”She sighs and chews her bottom lip. “I know you’re not over Julia. You will never be over Julia. She was y
Maxwell POVI didn’t expect the bond to be this strong, let alone for it to arise this early without any physical connection. It starts to pull on my heartstrings, and I resist the urge to rub my hand over my chest.Eventually, Laura nods.Gemma continues to smile as she holds out her hand, but she doesn’t take her palm. Instead, she follows her further into the infirmary.Ava sighs from beside me. “I am exhausted, I have no idea how she feels.”My eyes ache with heaviness and all the foreign emotions weighing down my body. “I know.”When the minutes tick by, I’m strung with worry that Gemma has found something that puts Laura’s health in danger. Overthinking is a bastard.The door opens, and I stand from my seat in the hall. Gemma guides Laura back to us. “Everything okay?” I ask.“I managed to get a better look at those cracked ribs and torn ligaments. But they’re all healed now. Laura will be weak for a few weeks, so she needs a lot of rest.Hydration and nourishment are also going
Maxwell POVThe past week has been tough, to say the least. I’ve barely had a wink of sleep. Every night I stayed awake projecting images into Laura’s mind to stop the nightmares until she was able to fall asleep peacefully.It’s agonizing listening to her screams, knowing I can’t comfort her instead. I’ve been visiting her once or twice a day, but I don’t get a lot back. She hasn’t left her room. She’s barely said two words to me. But I don’t push it. I take every day as it comes.I hold a cup of coffee in my hand which has turned cold from staring endlessly at the wall. If I don’t, I’ll peer around my kitchen to find plates and cups dotted everywhere as no one bothered to clean up last night. It irks me that my private kitchen is treated like university accommodation.“No sleep huh?” Ava’s voice echoes around the kitchen as she walks by me. Sebastian follows and gives me a slow nod.“I have every right to be worried about her,” I grumble under my breath. “And were you guys born in
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
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