Liam’s PovI had been contemplating giving Maxine a chance to follow her passion for helping people. He noticed how she found joy in lending a helping hand, whether it was volunteering to help the elders or assisting elderly neighbors with their groceries. It warmed his heart to see her so selflessly dedicated to making a difference in the pack. But I feared giving her such privileges might give her more chances to disrespect me.One day, I decided it was time to have a conversation with Maxine about granting her more freedom to pursue her interests. I know she would be happy. For once let me be the reason she smiled. I had planned to also talk to her about no longer needing her to do menial tasks around my mansion and instead encouraging her to focus on what she loved most—helping others and being a Luna.That evening, I decided to head over to her room. As I approached Maxine's room, my mind was filled with thoughts of the conversation we were about to have. And I anticipated the jo
Maxine PovRecovering from the storm of pain swirling around me felt like trying to swim against a current dragging me under. Liam's treatment was brutal, leaving me feeling like a shipwreck stranded on a desolate shore. Every ounce of hope I clung to vanished, leaving me adrift in a sea of despair and confusion.In the depths of my suffering, I cursed the very world that had brought me into existence. The Moon goddess, in her infinite cruelty, seemed to delight in my agony, though I had done nothing to deserve it. Why was I singled out for such punishment? What had I done to draw her? And my father's words failed me now, I wished one day, I’d have the opportunity to tell him my mind to his face.With each passing day, the weight of my torment grew heavier, crushing me beneath its relentless pressure. Tobias, my one comforter in this bleak existence, was barred from giving me even the smallest comfort. I in fact was suffering now, stripped of his title because of rendering help to me.
Maxine’s PovThings were going well in the pack until one evening, I noticed everyone running around in urgency when I inquired from one of the guards, he said, Alpha had received a distress call in one of the packs he protects.The day Liam got that urgent message from another pack was like any other ordinary day, until it wasn't. We were all just going about our business, the pack members doing their thing, and I, well, I was still in my room. But my window seemed to be my perfect television.The next morning, before Liam left with his abled guards, he summoned some of the pack members informing them about his journey.“My people, our baby pack had cried to us for help. And I’ve answered. I will embark on the journey and I hope that everyone of you stays in your best behavior. This pack will be in the safe care of my second, Kris. Accord him maximum respect and work together with him for the success of this pack. And if I come back and hear anything contrary to the instructions give
Maxine's POVLiam returned injured, and despite the anger and resentment I harbored towards him, I couldn’t ignore the part of me that cared. Seeing him vulnerable and in pain stirred something deep within me. I pushed aside my feelings and focused on nursing him back to health.Every morning, I would wake up early to prepare his meals. I made sure to include nutritious ingredients that would aid his recovery. I would brew herbal teas, known for their healing properties, and make sure they were warm and ready for him to drink throughout the day.“Here, drink this,” I said one morning, handing him a steaming cup of herbal tea. “It will help with the pain and speed up your healing.”Liam took the cup from me, our fingers brushing slightly. His eyes searched mine, perhaps looking for any hint of malice or resentment. But I kept my expression neutral, focusing solely on his recovery.“Thank you, Maxine,” he said, his voice softer than I was used to.I simply nodded and went about preparin
Liam POVMy return brought an unexpected turn of events. Despite all the anger and resentment I felt towards Maxine, she was still attending to my injuries. The care she was showing me seemed to affect me more than I realized. My usual stern attitude softened, replaced by an almost discernible confusion.I was struggling, feeling guilty. I don't know why Maxine kept helping me despite everything I’ve put her through.Each day, she showed me concern was a struggle for me. It was as if I was battling something within myself. The same man who had once been the source of her suffering was now receiving care and attention from her, and it was throwing me off balance.One evening, after she had prepared my meal and left me to rest, I was bothered. I wondered if I should stop receiving care from her.Meanwhile, Maxine stood by the door, watching me from a distance. While I was lost in thought, staring at the ceiling with a troubled expression."Master, is everything okay?" She asked gently,
Liam's POVThe days passed, and I began to feel the effects of Maxine's care. She had done a remarkable job, and my healing was progressing faster than I had anticipated. I could move around more freely, and the pain that had once been a constant companion was now a dull ache.As my physical strength returned, so did a new sense of clarity. I found myself watching Maxine with a different perspective, realizing the depth of her strength and kindness. It was hard to admit, but she had earned my respect, something I rarely gave to anyone.I decided to make a conscious effort to change my behavior towards her. I began to show her small acts of kindness, gestures that were foreign to me but necessary. I wasn't treating her as harshly as I had before. The change was subtle, but it was there.I also decided to stop allowing other women to visit my chambers as frequently. It was a small step, but it felt significant. I wanted to show Maxine that I was trying to be different, even if I wasn't
Maxine's POVLiam's change in attitude towards me was gradual but noticeable. He wasn't as hard or cold as he used to be. I could see it in the way he spoke to me, in the way he looked at me. It was like a heavy weight had been lifted, and I could finally breathe a little easier.One morning, as I was preparing breakfast, Liam walked into the kitchen. I braced myself, expecting some criticism or command, but instead, he simply watched me for a moment before speaking."Maxine," he said, his tone was softer than usual. "That smells good. What are you making?"I turned, surprised by his interest. "Just some eggs and toast. Do you want some?"He nodded. "Yes, that would be nice. Thank you."As I cooked, I felt his eyes on me, but instead of feeling uncomfortable, it felt... different. There was a warmth to his gaze that hadn't been there before. When I handed him his plate, he took it with a small smile."Thank you, Maxine.""You're welcome," I replied, trying to hide my surprise.Later t
Liam's POVAs I sat in the garden, Clara's words echoed in my mind, gnawing at my thoughts. I couldn't stop the feeling of betrayal that washed over me. Maxine had been spending time with Tobias when I gave her a day off. Despite all the care I had shown her recently, she chose to betray me in the most hurtful way. She was mine and not Tobias.I needed answers, and I needed them now. I looked at Maxine, my emotions were becoming a turbulent storm inside me."Maxine," I said sternly as I stared at her directly in her eyes. "Who is Tobias actually to you?"I had asked this question over and over again but I kept getting the same answer but different action.She looked at me with fear in her eyes. "I… I’ve told you, Master. He's just my friend and I see him as a big brother."I took a deep breath, trying to control my anger. "You heard what Clara said just now. She said to your face that you were with my guard the day I gave you off. Is that true or not? I want to know what relationship
MAXINEI got a job working at the pack hospital again. This time, I signed up to be a real medical practitioner. I was going to become a midwife. There were a few familiar faces at the hospital and lots of new ones.Still, I was grateful to Ronan for giving them this opportunity again.That evening, I walked back into my apartment. The dead herbs were still in a box on the floor in the kitchen. I wondered if I would go back. I used to pick herbs and sell them to women who wanted to get pregnant.It felt like eons ago. Times were simpler. Back then, I saved lives not help take them. That was a time when I didn’t have blood on my hands.I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. I wanted my simple life again. It was simple but everything made sense. I didn't have to try to untangle myself from this mess that was my reality.A knock on the door brought me back. Zel was back from work. She worked as a bartender a little while from our apartment. Zel had gotten the job. After the manag
MAXINEI nodded, not trusting myself to speak without crying. Ella was right. I needed to let myself grieve. The love I once had for Ronan still occupied my heart.Lindsey reached out and held my hand. "We’re here for you, Maxine."I squeezed her hand, grateful for their support. They were right. I didn’t have to go through this alone. I had them.Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.***Going back to my old life felt like stepping into a strange place. There was the feeling of losing something. My apartment felt like a place from a faraway memory. Zel was gone and I was feeling so sad.I was back from saying goodbye. I unlocked the door and stepped inside. The space was just as I’d left it. There was still dust over everything. At least, I had something to do with my time.I took a deep breath. I hadn't lost everything. I was still okay.I began to clean up slowly. Lindsey stopped by to help me out and together, we covered a lot. As I was cleaning, I heard a knock on the door.“Are you
MAXINEI wanted to believe her that everything would be okay but deep down, I felt guilt and grief. This was my fault. I pulled back from her and wiped my eyes. I gave her a shaky smile. “It doesn’t feel like it.”She cupped my cheek. “Everything isn't always as it seems, my dear. But, I can tell you one thing I know for sure.” She said.“What's that?”“It's not your fault. I'm sure you don't know where to go from here, what to do, or where you belong. You want to come with me, you want to continue your life back at the place where you and Zel liked and you want to go back to how things were in this pack.” Cinder explained.“But, I see you staying here. This is where your strength lies, where hope lives, where you have friends and support.” She lowered her eyes and winked. “It's where you have a future.”“And, we'll always be here for you to fall back on, regardless of what happens. We're your home away from home.” The Luna Queen said, putting her hand on my shoulder. “I'm very proud.
MAXINEI didn't feel anything. No pain from a stab whatsoever. I looked between us and that's when Ronan smiled. His lips were close to my ear and he whispered, “I would never hurt you on purpose, love.”I didn't know when I screamed.Ronan collapsed into my arms, taking the both of us down to the ground with him. I tried my best to hold his head up on my lap. My eyes traveled down to the blood pouring down the stab wound in his belly.“Ronan,” I called, tears filling my eyes and rolling down my cheeks. He had stabbed himself.My hand shook as it hovered over the wound. I didn't know what to do. The dagger was in his chest.Ronan had chosen death. Death over a life without me.“Maxine…” he called, his voice unnaturally calm for someone who was dying. He reached up to touch me and I guided his hand to my cheek.“I'm here, I'm here,” I cried. “I'm sorry,” I whispered the last part. My hands shook as I held him. I never wanted this. I didn’t want him to die.Ronan gasped. He looked up
MAXINEI held my breath as Ronan kept his eyes on mine. When he was close enough, he stopped. Neither of us said a word. The battle continued around us but I couldn't get myself to make the first move.He didn't either. I wondered if it was hard for him to see me. I wondered if he thought he could fight me. I also wondered if he thought that he could kill me.I spoke up first. “Ronan,” I called. My voice was sounding more longing than I wanted.I missed him, to be honest. I missed sitting down in the quiet and reading books. Strangely, I missed making his cinnamon coffee.Ronan didn't say anything. Instead, he took a step closer. “You don’t have to do this,” he said.There was no hurt, no anger in his voice, just nothing but kindness. I wished he would yell. I wished he would curse me and call me evil for everything I've done.“Come with me.” He said, softly. I heard it regardless of the noise. “We can fix this, Maxine. We'll leave everything behind together.”It sounded so good. But,
MAXINEHe caught me off guard. It meant that he still cared about me. I didn't focus on that though. “I won’t, I promise,” I replied.We stood there in silence for a while, neither of us knowing what to say. I could feel it though. I could feel it. The unspoken feelings and questions we didn't have the time to ask.Or we didn't dare to ask, I guess.After everything that had happened, I still wasn’t sure where we stood. I said I was okay with him hating me but, I didn't know anymore. The lines between us were confusing now. I didn't know how to fix that.But now wasn’t the time to focus on that. We had a mission and that was a priority. Every other thing could come after. We would cross that bridge later.For some reason, Liam stepped closer and I held my breath. “Regardless of what has happened between us, out there?” He said, “No matter what happens, we’ll get through this together. Do you understand?”I nodded. “Together,” I repeated.Before I could say anything else, Zel appeared
MAXINECinder gave me and Zel a brief of the plans that night when she showed us a bedroom. She and the Luna Queen were sharing the one right next to us. They told us to come to them if we faced any issues.Sleep didn't come easy because my mind was entirely on Ronan. I didn't know how I was going to face him again after betraying his trust. But, I knew I couldn't sit out of this fight.The sun had not even risen when I was woken up by the sound of Liam's voice. He was given instructions and I heard more footsteps around the house than the number of people I had seen the previous day.It meant that Liam was already up and gathering the troops. I could hear him giving commands like it hadn't been two months since he was last in power. He was a natural-born leader. He carried this air of authority around him.He was giving orders, explaining ranks and positions for this fight. Every single detail was important to winning.Zel was still asleep, of course. She wasn't a wolf so she wouldn'
MAXINEI chuckled bitterly. “What about now?” I asked. “Will you take me back now that I have a wolf? Isn't that what you've always wanted?”His eyes widened slightly but he kept himself composed. “That would be unfair to you. It would be wrong. If you want to come back to me, I will take you but the choice is yours now. You have a choice and I see now that I was wrong. I’m so sorry, Maxine. I hope you can forgive me.”Tears welled up in my eyes. I hadn't thought about this but I let the anger roll away from me. He was still family. He was my father. “I forgive you. You're my father, whether you abandon me or not.” I said.“Thank you, Maxine.” He said. He reached for me hesitantly. I would have settled for a handshake but he wrapped his hands around me. For the first time in what I knew was forever, my father hugged me.I didn't know what to feel about that.LIAMAfter Maxine spoke to her father, they returned to the living room. However, she moved toward the far end of the room, away
LIAMDespite everything that was unfolding in front of me, my thoughts were stuck on one thing.Maxine had a wolf.I couldn't wrap my head around it. After everything that had happened to her, it didn’t make sense. I glanced at her. The strange white-haired girl was sitting between us.Maxine was staring out of the window. The white-haired girl squeezed her hand. Maxine turned to look at her and offered her a small smile. That was when she caught me staring. She looked away, taking her eyes back to the window.It left me confused. Was she pissed at me? I was the one who had the right to be mad at her. She had chosen him over me. Well, the distance between us was necessary.I didn't know what I would say or do if I were sitting next to her. Kris took a sharp turn, causing Maxine to grab the handle of the car door. I opened my mouth to say something but I stopped myself. There would be time for questions later.“You alright back there?” Varis asked.“We’re fine,” I said. I didn't know i