9

Liam’s pov

As I lay in bed, my thoughts drifted back to Maxine. Her beauty was captivating, unlike anything I had ever seen before. The way her eyes sparkled, even through her fear, and the way her body moved. I could go on and on, thinking about her. She had a hold on me that I couldn't quite nod off.

I was lost in these thoughts when my phone rang, snapping me back to reality. It was Kris. We were supposed to discuss the elders' visit. I had almost forgotten in my distraction.

"Hello?" I answered, trying to clear my mind.

"Alpha, Liam, where are you?" Kris's voice was impatient. "I'm already in the garden waiting for you."

"I'm on my way," I replied, hanging up quickly. I couldn't let my distractions get in the way of my responsibilities. Any slight mistake might put my pack at risk.

I stood up, still thinking about the meeting with the elders. It wasn't that I didn't know what to say or do, but I was genuinely concerned about my pack. Exposing them to constant attack and fear wasn’