CHAPTER SIXTEENDRENCHEDLIAM'S POVElena let out a soft chuckle, a teasing glint in her eyes. "And what would be the alternative if I don’t?" The way she laughed, almost dismissively, made something flicker inside me. I growled low in my throat, trying to keep my voice steady. "You’ll have to tell me the truth."She raised an eyebrow, amused. "What truth?" she asked, playing along like it was still all part of the game.I hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Do you feel anything for me?" The words were out before I could stop them, but I needed to know. My heart raced as I waited for her answer.But Elena just laughed again, brushing it off with a smile. "Liam, come on. We’re just playing a game, right?"Her laughter, her casual dismissal, hit me harder than I expected. It stung. My chest tightened, my heart silently splintering. I forced a smile, even though it felt like my insides were twisting apart. "Yeah, just a game," I echoed, though my voice didn’t quite sound
CHAPTER FOURTEENThe Line Crossed LIAM'S POVThe sound of Derek’s footsteps gradually faded, leaving nothing but the heavy silence between Elena and me. My heart was still pounding in my chest from the tension, my mind racing with what had just happened.But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t.My lips found hers again, softer this time, slower. It wasn’t like the first kiss, full of desperation and fear. This one was filled with something else—something dangerous. I kissed her as if nothing else mattered, as if everything that had been building up between us had finally boiled over. My hand tightened around her waist, pulling her even closer, the heat between us intensifying with every second.But then, suddenly, Elena shoved me back.The force of it startled me, and I jerked away, stumbling a few steps. I stood there, blinking at her, my breath coming in shallow gasps. I hadn’t expected her to push me away so abruptly, and for a moment, I couldn’t think straight. The taste of her lips still
A HEAT OF BATTLEELENA'S POV I peeked through the door, my heart still pounding from everything that had just happened. The room was empty. Liam wasn’t there. A part of me felt relieved, but another part... another part of me felt something else, something I couldn’t quite put into words. I swallowed hard, gathering my courage before stepping out of the bathroom, dressed in his clothes. His scent clung to me, wrapping around me like a second skin, and it only made everything more confusing.I ran a hand through my damp hair, trying to shake off the thoughts swirling in my mind. What had just happened? What was I even thinking, pulling him into the bathroom like that? I let out a shaky breath, pushing the thought aside. I needed to get out of here. I needed air.The house felt too quiet as I made my way downstairs and out the door. The cool evening breeze hit my face, but it did little to cool the heat rushing through my body. I walked with no real destination in mind, my thoughts rep
Chapter 19Shadows of the Past My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the room. Silence pressed in from all sides, broken only by the steady hum of crickets outside. I shifted slightly, and a sharp pain radiated through me, a vivid reminder of the fight I’d barely survived. Every inch of my body ached, as though I’d been trampled by a stampede. I took a deep breath, wincing, and tried to steady myself.The quiet suddenly broke with the sound of footsteps. Then, I heard a soft voice call out my name.“Elena.”I looked up to see Liam standing there, his gaze filled with worry—and something else I couldn’t quite name. He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine.“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice gentle.“Like I got hit by a truck,” I replied, forcing a smile despite the sharp pain that followed each word.A hint of amusement softened his face. “You look like it too.”Rolling my eyes, I felt warmth in his teasing. “Thanks for that reminder. Can w
Chapter 20Unspoken TruthELENA'S POVSunlight peeked through the curtains, drawing me out of a fitful sleep. I shifted, feeling the weight of exhaustion heavy on me. Last night, I barely slept, tossing and turning as Liam’s question replayed in my mind—Will you accept me as your mate? Even now, the words hung in the air, making my heart flutter and ache at the same time. With a sigh, I tossed the bedsheet off and stretched. I knew I wouldn’t find peace lying here, so I dragged myself up and headed to the shower, hoping the hot water would wash away the fog in my mind. As I let the water cascade over me, I thought about Liam—how serious he’d been, the depth in his gaze, the way he seemed to see right through me. The uncertainty twisted in my chest. He’d given me space, but I knew he wouldn’t wait forever.Just as I wrapped myself in a towel and stepped out of the shower, the faint sound of movement drifted up from downstairs. Frowning, I dressed quickly, curiosity sparking through th
Chapter 21Pieces of the PastELENA'S POV The walk back to the packhouse was quiet, though Liam’s hand never left mine. I couldn’t shake the feeling of warmth and safety that settled over me, even as my heart beat faster with each step. I thought we’d go our separate ways after breakfast, but instead, he led me to his room, his fingers wrapped securely around mine. The moment we reached the door, a flood of memories rushed over me—memories of the last time I was here. How close we’d been, the way his lips had lingered on mine… I felt my cheeks heat up at the thought.Sensing my hesitation, he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled gently. “Relax, Elena. I just want to show you something.”I swallowed, nodding as he opened the door and ushered me inside. The room was just as I remembered it, simple yet cozy, filled with earthy tones that matched his calm, grounded nature. There was something oddly intimate about stepping back into his space, but I pushed the thought aside, focu
CHAPTER ONE A BROKEN HEART. ELENA'S POV.As I stepped out of my car and walked into the pack house, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement coursing through me. My heart fluttered as I recalled the sweet words Logan whispered to me just yesterday. His warm hands had circled my waist, pulling me close, and he had smiled that charming smile that always melted my heart. “You know the best thing that happened to me, Elena? You being my mate,” he had said, his voice thick with sincerity. How he’d looked into my eyes, and in that moment, I felt like the luckiest person in the world. The thought of our upcoming mating ceremony filled me with joy, and I couldn’t wait to become his queen.As I walked down the hallway, the memory of him calling me his “little one” played over in my mind, and a soft smile graced my lips. Everything felt perfect, almost too perfect. I was sure that nothing could go wrong when the Moon Goddess herself had blessed me with such a wonderful mate. Lookin
CHAPTER TWO.Elena's POVI didn't know where Ivana was taking us, but I was happy she took me out of that pack, stopping me from breaking down and facing more embarrassment.I loved him. I was happy to be his mate. I forgave him. After all he did, I let it go and forgave him. But still, he chose to betray me once more. I was a coward to think it was all a mistake because I was blinded by my love and desire for him when the whole truth was before me, but I chose to be ignorant.All my life, I had always chosen to be ignorant of things around me, thinking more about other people than myself. At the end of the day, it was still me who got hurt, left all alone to nurse my wounds.But no, I refused to be that girl. I refused to be that stupid, kindhearted Elena anymore. I stopped being her the moment I stepped out of that pack, and now I was free to start my life afresh, away from my painful past.Low-hanging branches slapped at Ivana's face and shoulders. I was certain they'd leave