[William’s POV]Shock rushes through me as Elise works to cover her body, and I realize that she is getting the wrong idea about me. Shit. How could I even think of me ogling her body? Did I look like that much of a damn creepy old man?“No one cares about your body.” I huff, heading to the dresser and grabbing a shirt and shorts. “Don’t get the wrong idea here.”Turning, I toss the clothes at Elise and then wait as sounds of movement reach me.“I didn’t think this needed to be said.” I say now, crossing my arms. “But you’re a student, and I’m your principal. That is all that is going on between us. Understand?”For a moment, Elise doesn’t say anything, and I truly wonder if she is second guessing what I’ve said, but when a hand touches my shoulder, I turn and find that her large eyes are taking me in with so many questions.“What?” I ask now, keeping my expression straight. “What is it?”“I saw,” she says quietly, then stops as if questioning whatever it was that she was claiming. “I
[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
[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
[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
[Serenity’s POV]I sit quietly, staring at the babbling brook in front of me as it sweeps easily across smooth pebbles and sparkling rocks. Even though I know that my father will go ballistic that I’m out here alone in the middle of the forest, I still snuck out to try to clear my mind after my shitty day of training.As the daughter of an alpha, a great one at that, there was a lot expected of me and though I was able to live up to those expectations, I was still not accepted by the youth of my pack.Pulling my knees closer against my chest, I close my eyes and let the faces of all those who taunted me appear. Even if I know they shouldn’t bother me, I just can’t get their voices out of my head.“You’re only that cocky because you're the daughter of an alpha.”“I bet all of your scores were given because of your backer.”“You’re just a freak with a powerful daddy.”“A woman will never be accepted as alpha.”“Stop being delirious.”Again and again, their voices and faces swirl in my m
[Serenity’s POV]Later, I sit with my parents in the infirmary as the man who attacked me lays in bed, sleeping. Although he clearly hasn’t had a proper wash or meal in years, he is still quite handsome, and I can’t stop myself from feeling drawn to him.“Ugh,” he groans, beginning to stir. “Where…”Eyes widening, I watch the man’s amber-colored eyes open and come to rest on me. For a moment, they stay locked there as some strange emotion flashes in them before awe and even appreciation take their place.“You!” He rasps, attempting to reach out and grab me, but is stopped by my father grabbing his wrist and squeezing until a hiss of pain escapes him. “Ouch!”“Who the fuck are you, and what makes you think you have the right to touch my daughter?” My father growls.“Rosco,” my mother murmurs, giving him a disapproving look.“What?” My father demands. “This bastard hurt Serenity!”Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue what he said but stop as I realize that I shouldn’t have any reason to
[Serenity’s POV]All eyes come to rest on me as they try to process what I’ve just said. Although there wasn’t any way to really know if my blood was the reason that this strange man couldn’t shift anymore, it was very likely.Since birth, I was aware that my mother’s bloodline was special, but it was also cursed. Where my mother and my deceased aunt both possessed special gifts that made them stand out amongst wolves, I was the one who developed the curse.When I was first born, my grandfather and some mages attempted to capture me but didn’t succeed, thanks to my father, mother, and their friends doing everything in their power to protect me. It was because of this battle that my aunt was no longer with us, and joining her in death was my father’s best friend, who was like family.Since the battle between good and evil things in Emerald Moon was quite peaceful, however, the fear of something like that happening again always remained over us.Feeling my heart squeeze, I look down at
[Serenity’s POV]Tristan’s words echo around me, causing the fear that was already beginning to build to grow and then bubble over.My blood could change wolves into humans. My blood. How was something like this even possible, and what did that mean for my future?“It’s amazing, right?” Tristan asks, breaking the silence that is falling around us. “You’re like this supreme goddess who can make or break the wolf world!”Amazing. Ha! That was most certainly not a word that I would use in a situation like this. If anything, it was terrifying, not only because of what others could do if they found out, but also because of what my parents would do when they found out. With how overprotective my father already was, I was certain that he would insist on keeping me locked away, but that in itself would only draw more suspicion.“We should head back and inform your father of my findings.” Tristan murmurs. “I’m sure he will come looking for you soon.”“No!” I gasp, not wanting to tell him. “We