[Serenity’s POV]When you hear about your first time, you’re told about the pain, the fear, the embarrassment, all of that, but you’re not told about the new world that opens between you and your partner. One where you feel this overwhelming connection to the person because they were seeing and feeling all of you while in turn you were seeing and feeling all of them.Sex was scary, but it was exciting, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it really felt like. That’s why, I gingerly move while ignoring the sting of pain that comes from my walls being stretched in an attempt to adjust to Maverick’s fullness.“You don’t have to move so quickly,” Maverick murmurs, not missing the hiss of pain that escapes me. “I told you, we have all night and can...”“No,” I smile, falling in love with him even more from just how much he cared about me and my well-being. “I want to.”As I speak, I move again, slowly making Maverick move in me as I take the lead and take our first time at my own pace.“Ser
[Serenity’s POV]The next morning, I wake up with a pleasant tingle between my thighs. It makes me smile as memories of what happened the night before come rushing back. Each. And. Every. Detail from the new expressions I got to see on Maverick’s face to the sensations, everything.Goddess, it was amazing and exhausting all at the same time, but despite all this, the urge to do it again hits me.Sighing, I roll over, expecting the man in question to be beside me still sleeping, but I’m only met by a cold and empty space that makes me roll my eyes.“Of course,” I murmur, sitting up so that the blanket around me falls around my waist, revealing my still-bare chest, making the nights events that much more real. “We had sex.” I whisper, feeling a goofy smile coming to my face. “Maverick and I had sex, and it was amazing.”Honestly, I didn’t think amazing was a strong enough word to describe the way I felt during the whole experience. Mind-blowing. Euphoric. Those were closer, but even the
[Serenity’s POV]I nod and give everyone a look of reassurance as Jolene bounces to my side. It is clear that she is more than ready to get to experimenting, and that aspect alone makes me think that she and Tristan could really get along. But that single thought is ruined by the way the man in question glares at her, clear jealousy in his eyes.Sighing, I turn my gaze to my arm and watch as Jolene wraps a tourniquet around it and feels around.“Oh,” she giggles, her eyes flashing with excitement. “This one is juicy.”Growing quiet, she preps her needle and then attacks, stabbing it deep beneath my skin and hitting the vein perfectly so that burgundy blood begins to pour out. As it does, I feel Maverick grow tense, but after I give his hand a gentle squeeze, he relaxes.“All done!” Jolene announces, patching me up and then jiggling the vial of blood she has collected. “What’s next?”“Next,” Tristan announces, snatching it from her. “We see if our hypothesis is right.”As he speaks, he
[Maverick’s POV]All eyes come to rest on me as Tristan’s words settle around us. And I know that they’re waiting to see what I will say. Of course, I was willing to try anything, but there was the slightest bit of reservation in me.What if I returned to being that mindless rogue? Would Serenity be able to change me back again? Would I return to my own wolf from the past? Would any of this even work?There was truly only one way to find out, and if I wanted to be able to properly stand beside Serenity and protect her, I would ignore the voice in the back of my head and do what needed to be done.“Alright,” I announce, making my decision. “Then give me some of her blood.”At my words, Serenity’s eyes widen, and fear flashes in them. I’m certain that she is thinking the same thing as me but has also settled on trying.“Could we maybe have some privacy?” She asks, looking around at all that is watching us. “You’re making me uncomfortable with all the staring.”“No way!” Rosco snaps, but
[Serenity’s POV]I stare at the large red wolf in front of me with glowing amber eyes. It is magnificent and nothing like I’ve seen, but it is the size that takes me by surprise the most.Wasn’t Maverick supposed to be the son of villagers? Wouldn’t that mean that he would be normal-sized and not the same size as me when I was in wolf form?It was interesting indeed to see this and to take it in, as I find myself wondering if maybe there was more to Maverick’s background than even he knew.‘What’s wrong?’ The man in question asks as I realize too late that I’m staring. ‘Is something wrong?’‘No,’ I respond immediately, giving a smile as I reach out a hand and run it along his soft fur. ‘I was just admiring how beautiful you are.’‘Beautiful.’ He repeats, anger trickling from his words. ‘Should I remind you again that I’m a man?’Shivering, I try not to remember the happenings of the night before as his promise settles over me.‘Later,’ I tell him slyly. ‘But before that you should shi
[Serenity’s POV]I stare ahead, taking in the bullets while I process what it is that Tristan and Jolene have managed to accomplish. With this, we could end the pain and suffering of those rogues and eliminate Ezekial’s army. Once there was no one standing in the way, we would be able to finish this.Great. I think inwardly, feeling a wave of relief over there being a clear ending in sight.“Now,” Uncle Jose says now, reminding me that meeting wasn’t over. “It’s time to come up with a foolproof plan.”“Leave that to me.” My father announces. “I’ll get in touch with my beta and have him get a group of my finest men together.”“And I’ll do the same.” Uncle William adds.“Then I’ll do that as well.” Uncle Jose chuckles. “I’m certain with our joined forces we won’t be able to be defeated. It’s all looking so simple that I almost want to say that the children don’t have to be involved at all.”“I’m helping,” I counter, unwilling to be left out. “This started because of me, and I want to be
[Maverick’s POV]“Of course.”Rosco’s words erupt from him along with a smile that screams predator who is about to take out its prey, but he was going to be sadly mistaken. There was no fucking way I was going to lose this battle, not when so much was riding on it.Returning his look with my own, I tap into my strength and power for the first time in front of everyone.Slowly, it begins to trickle out of me, and when I know that Rosco feels it, his eyes widen, and a momentary look of shock appears on his face. However, it doesn’t stay there long before he is moving, his fist swinging in an attempt to hit me.Holding out an arm, I catch his attack and strike out with my own that he manages to avoid.Together, we take the defensive, attacking blow for blow, while the other works to gain dominance over the other. But it is clear that we are evenly matched, at least, in terms of strength. Once again deciding that this just wasn’t the way to win, I jump backwards while Rosco tries anothe
[Serenity’s POV]Later that evening, I straddle Maverick, my lips pressed against his while his hands run along my skin. Ever since returning to my room after gaining my father’s acceptance, I just couldn’t seem to get enough of the man in front of me. Was it because I felt like the single hurdle keeping us apart was now gone, or was it something more? I didn’t know, and honestly, I didn’t care; all I cared about right now was ravishing Maverick while I had the chance.“You’re acting like this is our last night together.” He murmurs now as I begin to trail kisses to his neck.“You never know,” I counter, fixing my gaze on his dark one. “It could be.”Tomorrow wasn’t promised for us, not as long as Ezekial was out there roaming free. Didn’t that mean that we should take advantage of each and every second that we have?“Are you suggesting that we will lose this fight?” Maverick demands, his voice stern.Gasping, I find myself being flipped so that he is left hovering over me with a look
[Serenity’s POV]Later, I sit in a meeting room with Uncle Jose, a few of his sergeants, and Maverick. The mood is grim, and even though I want to be outside fighting, I know that going forward we will have to be wary. For that reason alone, we decided on this retreat despite the danger that lurked just near the borders, unmoving.As I let my gaze travel around those who are with me, Maverick’s hand touches mine, and that gentle touch alone makes me feel like I’m going to crumble at any minute.I didn’t protect him. I didn’t protect my father. I didn’t protect the rest of the warriors who trusted in us. I failed. I was a failure, and now…‘It’s alright.’Maverick’s voice is soft and soothing, but it only causes my turmoil to grow greater.‘How can you say that?’ I ask, wanting to look him in the eye. ‘Because I didn’t arrive on time, you…’“Let’s begin this meeting.” Uncle Jose announces before I can go any further. “As it is clear that we were surprised with that boy's strange abilit
[Serenity’s POV]I stare straight ahead, taking in Forrest, who sits on the ground laughing. His arm is bleeding, and even from where I stand, I can smell his blood, and to my surprise, it makes my mind hazy.What is that? I hiss, trying to make sense of what is happening. What the hell am I smelling? It smells delicious, and I want…No. I hiss inwardly, shaking off the desire that I’m feeling. There’s something off about that blood, something scary, and maybe it explained the way Maverick was acting.As this thought hits, I peek behind to find him lying motionless on the ground. He’s in his human form, and I’m almost certain that he won’t be able to shift again, not after biting me and ingesting my blood.Was it you? I silently growl, turning my gaze back to Forrest. It was, right?I’m certain he understands me given the smile that spreads across his face and the way he lifts his hands and claps.“You’re a smart one.” He huffs, slowly rising to his feet. “And it seems that you may be
[Maverick’s POV]The world around me begins to turn red, and everything in me screams to kill as the scent of Forrest’s blood overwhelms me.Fuck. What was this? What was this feeling? What was happening to me?Hissing in shock, I stumble backward even though everything in me screams to continue to attack, and this move alone causes a laugh to escape Forrest.“Look at you,” he huffs, sitting up and wiping blood from his lip. “Just the slightest smell of my blood has you struggling so much.”“Shut up,” I growl, trying to shake off what I’m feeling. “Just shut the fuck up.”As I speak, I move to attack again but once again stagger as that need for blood hits me.“What is this?” I whisper, causing a bark of laughter to escape Forrest.“She isn’t the only one with special blood.” He says, getting up from the ground and beginning to move toward me. “I too have special blood, but mine doesn’t turn wolves into humans.”“What?” I hiss, fixing my gaze on the man in front of me so I can see him
[Maverick’s POV]I watch in horror as the ground beneath Serenity opens up, and before I can move to help her, she is falling.“SERENITY!” I roar, rushing forward and watching as she hits the ground below and curls in on herself to protect her body from the debris that is falling.Stepping back, I prepare to jump but stop as I hear Serenity cough and then get up to move, heading straight for the front of the packhouse where I’m certain the enemy is waiting.“Dammit!” I growl, moving forward and then jumping so I’m left falling to the ground below.As I hit, I start to move, rushing forward and bursting through the door to find Serenity standing with Rosco, but I don’t have much time to feel relief as I take in all the blood that is covering Serenity’s body.Shit. I hiss inwardly, looking around until I find a flag, which I grab and then move forward so I can wrap it around Serenity, who lets out a shocked gasp while Rosco watches on.“At least someone has some sense of urgency.” He hu
[Serenity’s POV]I keep my gaze locked on Maverick’s as I slowly begin to lower myself, allowing him to fill me bit by bit until he is swallowed whole. Remaining in place, I get used to having his fullness in me before I begin to move.“Maverick,” I whisper, pressing my hands against his chest so I can dig my nails into his skin. “Oh, fuck Maverick.”“That’s it,” he murmurs, running his hands to my ass so that he can begin to guide me. “That’s a good girl.”Good girl. Goddess, I loved the way he called me a good girl. I loved the way he called my name passionately. I loved how his body felt against mine and how his dick felt in me. I loved all of it, but most of all I loved him, and even now, with our bodies moving together, our hearts beating rapidly, and our breath hitching from what we are doing, I don’t feel like this is enough to show him my feelings.“I love you,” I whisper, quickening my thrusts. “I love you so damn much, Maverick.”At my words, his eyes grow wide, and before I
[Serenity’s POV]“Do you think Uncle William is okay?”I stare up into Maverick’s dark eyes while his arms tighten around me, pulling me closer to try to comfort the anxiety that I’m feeling.Two days had already passed since Uncle William went back to Crystal Fang, and even though there was no word on how he was, there was also no word that something happened, which in the end was a good sign, but I just couldn’t seem to calm down no matter how many times I told myself that everything was going to be okay.Was this feeling of foreboding only because of Uncle William, or did it also include the battle that we would be heading out for tomorrow?Of course, I have full faith in my pack, my family, and my family’s packs, but I was still nervous because the thought of losing even a single person was eating away at me, especially since I was the reason all of this was happening.“Hey,” Maverick murmurs, gently grabbing my chin and making me look at him. “Listen to me.”“Mmmmm.”Where he tou
[William’s POV]I stare at Lydia, my gaze narrowing as I take in what it is that she is saying. I wasn’t sure if she thought that I was so easy to fool or if she really went crazy, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with her shit.“You know there is no way that is impossible.” I say, ignoring my anger over her even suggesting such a ridiculous thing. “If you’re worried about not having anywhere to go once you leave here, you don’t have to worry about that. I will continue to support you as I promised, but you will no longer be able to stay beside me as you have until this point.”“You can’t be serious.” Lydia says, her eyes widening. “You’re going to send me away even though you know that I’m pregnant?”“You’re not pregnant.” I snap. “I took all precautions to ensure that didn’t happen.”“Nothing is a hundred percent.” She points out. “If you don’t believe me, then shall I have an examination?”“Have it,” I shrug. “Even if you are pregnant, I wasn’t the one who did it. Now, if you’re do
[William’s POV]I give Serenity and Maverick a final look before turning and peeking at Elise, who is curled up in bed with the blanket wrapped so tightly around her you would think she considers it the only thing protecting her from what is happening around her.“Why does this feel like goodbye?” Serenity asks, drawing my attention back to her. “I don’t like it.”“Don’t worry,” I chuckle, ruffling her hair. “I promise that I’ll be back, after all…”After all, wherever Elise is is where I will be. There was no way that I was going to let her out of my sight now that she was here with me. Of course, I knew that our relationship could never be what it once was given our current standing, but I could still be her support as she navigated the trenches of whatever life she decided to lead.“Now,” I continue, gently shutting the bedroom door behind me. “You and Maverick should take advantage of the time you have left before we leave.”“Okay,” she says quietly, but from her gaze, I know that
[Serenity’s POV]I sit with Maverick outside of Uncle William’s room, listening quietly to what is being said inside. Although I don’t necessarily think it is such a good idea to overwhelm Aunt Elise with her backstory, I can’t help but hope that maybe, somehow, it will bring her memories back to her. But even if those returned, what would come of Eleanor’s memories before Aunt Elise awoke? Would they somehow be there, or was the Eleanor of the past be gone forever?“What is it?” Maverick asks me, snapping me out of my head. “You’ve got a pretty big crease between your brows.”“I was just thinking,” I say quietly. “What it must feel like to be devoid of everything.”The words leave me before I even realize what I’m saying and to whom, and when I realize what I’m doing, my eyes widen, and I snap my gaze to Maverick, only to find that he is giving me a gentle look.“I’m sorry,” I hiss, feeling like I just shoved my foot into my mouth. “I didn’t…”“It’s fine,” he assures me, his large ha