[Elise’s POV]“Uncle William,” Serenity’s voice comes out evenly, which is pretty damn impressive given the current circumstances. “Could we maybe talk inside?”As she speaks, she looks around as if someone may be watching, and when William understands her discomfort, he nods and moves aside, allowing us to enter.Remaining in place, I watch while the others easily enter his cabin, but for me, the feeling is completely different, especially given our past.“Are you coming?” He asks when everyone else is inside. “Or are you too shy to enter a grown man’s home?”Too shy. Was he full of shit? Picking on a young girl while thinking that it was because she was scared of a man. It was good to see that some of his joking nature was still around, but it also bugged me.“I don’t see a man.” I shrug, moving forward and pushing past him. Where we touch comes alive with a delicious energy that I’ve never felt in my life, and before I can determine what it is, I pull away. “Pardon me.”Ignoring my
[Maverick’s POV]I wait silently as all eyes come to rest on me. I guess this meant that I would be laying all my cards on the table. Honestly, it wasn’t surprising since my past and even present were… foggy to say the least.“Before meeting Serenity, I was also one of these creatures.” I begin, nodding toward the still unconscious wolf. “As far as I can remember, there is only darkness and suffering. It was so painful to live day in and day out just doing enough to get by.”As I speak, my time as a rogue begins to flitter through my mind, but that is all that comes. Who I was, where I came from, and even my own identity never came. All there is is a long tunnel of darkness that swirls around me.“Then I met Serenity, and by some twist of fate, I became human.”“Some twist of fate.” Serenity’s Uncle William repeats. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”“Exactly what I said.” I snap. “I don’t know how it happened, but I passed out, and when I woke up, I was human.”Of course, I kn
[Elise’s POV]I watch in annoyance as the two disrupting rogues look around the room. When their gazes come to rest on Serenity, they are moving, confirming once again that she is definitely their target.Not wasting any time, I begin to move, rushing toward both and grabbing them with my arms. Letting out a growl, I push forward, keeping them away from the one that they’re after.“Don’t just stand there.” I snap when no one moves. “Fucking help me!”In a flash, William is moving forward so fast that I almost don’t see him, and before I even know it, he is pressing his body against mine and helping me tackle the rogues to the ground.Together, we hold them down while they fight mindlessly to get free and get to Serenity.“Oi!” I yell, turning my gaze to Maverick. “Get your princess out of here!”Since Serenity was the rogues target, it was obvious that keeping her safe was the main priority. Even if it meant letting her out of my sight while something so serious was happening, I didn’
[Elise’s POV]I fight the urge to pull my arm away from the crazy, jealous woman taking care of me, but decide against it. There was no reason for me to be showing my ass to begin with since William was no longer mine.“Since you’ve got first aid under control, I’d like to speak privately with Maverick and my niece.” William announces, causing me to feel annoyed.His niece. She was my niece too, and because of that, I should have been present for whatever it was they were going to discuss, but I couldn’t, not as Eleanor.Stupid goddess. I grumble inwardly, earning myself a chuckle from Anna.‘Shut up.’ I growl. ‘I’m not in the mood for your shit.’‘If you didn’t decide to play hero back then, you wouldn’t be in this position.’ Anna points out.Ignoring her jab, I turn my gaze to the wound on my arm, which Lidia is busying herself with disinfecting, only to find that it doesn’t quite seem to be healing.Frowning, I let my energy radiate through me, making sure that I am at full strengt
[Serenity’s POV]“Are you sure about this?”Maverick’s voice is filled with distrust as he asks me the question. He was making it clear that he didn’t trust my uncle William, but I did. If there was anyone who would keep not only his secret but even my own, it was him.“I’m sure.” I respond, giving him a smile.When our eyes meet, I feel something rush through me, and it makes me look away immediately. Maybe it was from how protective his expression was or something more, but lately, Maverick has been making me feel odd. I wasn’t quite sure what it was I was feeling, but something deep inside told me I shouldn’t be feeling it.‘Whimp.’ Mahogany chuckles. ‘Too afraid to figure it out.’Too afraid. Of course, I was afraid, especially when it came to Maverick. Since his arrival in the pack, I felt a connection to him, and through the years, the dynamic of our relationship has changed, but I wasn’t sure just how. It wasn't like before, when I felt responsible for him. It was something mor
[Serenity’s POV]“My blood is special.” I announce, deciding that this was the best place to start. “So special that...” Growing quiet, I look around me, taking in the newly transformed twins and then Maverick. “That it turns wolves human.”Nodding, Uncle William considers what I’ve said while his gaze shifts from one person to another.“And why hasn’t your father ever told me of this?” He asks slowly, seeming annoyed. “This is actually something that someone he enlisted to take care of his precious daughter should know.”“That’s because…” I begin, realizing that what I say next could cause one of two things. “He doesn’t know.”Shit. What would Uncle William say to this? Would he keep this a secret, or would he tell my parents? If they found out, I was positive my father would pull me out of The Academy and lock me away in Emerald Moon.“Please,” I squeak, unable to ignore the anxiety that is starting to grow with each passing minute of silence from Uncle William. “Don’t tell him. I k
[Serenity’s POV]“Leave that to me.”Uncle William’s voice is filled with so much certainty that I truly believe he can seek out the answers that we so desperately needed. It was one thing to only have Maverick shift from that rogue to who he was now, but with more appearing, we really needed to know where they were coming from and what exactly it was that they wanted.‘Isn’t it obvious?’ Mahogany huffs, causing confusion to flash through me.‘What do you mean?’Although I had an idea, I was certain that I was just being paranoid, but the chances were pretty coincidental.‘Your blood.’ Mahogany responds, confirming my biggest fear.‘We don’t know for certain.’‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you.’ She huffs before slinking away.“Serenity,” Uncle William calls, snapping me out of my head. “I think it’s best that you and Maverick head back for the evening.” He continues from his place on the ground, where he still cradles the woman he called Elise.“What about these three?” I ask, letting my
[Elise’s POV]I wait as the girl Forrest is trying to get to stop clinging to him stares at me with eyes that hold the promise of violence. From the look on her face, it was clear she thought that she could easily kick my ass, but if she tried anything, she had another thing coming.“Repeat that,” she finally says. “Because I don’t think I heard correctly.”“But you did.” I counter, snaking my arms around Forrest’s neck and sliding my hands into his hair. “So if you could stop bothering him, that would be great.”Tearing my gaze from hers, I meet Forrest’s deep blue gaze and feel a wave of shock rush through me. Was this bastard really getting turned on by something this simple?Frowning, I examine his features until I realize his cheeks are slightly flushed and the tips of his ears are pink.Smirking, I suddenly want to pick on him due to his being openly embarrassed over a woman touching him, but I’m stopped by a hand touching my shoulder.“I wasn’t done talking to you, bitch.” The
[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
[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
[Elise’s POV]I find myself standing in the middle of a large room that smells of blood and death. Laying in the middle of the floor is a pile of dead bodies, and sitting on his throne of death behind them is the one I am certain is responsible for it. And the minute I accidentally touched one of the dead, I saw what happened and how this man was the one who insisted that it happen. He was the one that told them to fight against one another and the reason that they were like this, but despite that, he wore such a smile on his face like he was an angel.“You’ve returned.” He says to me, his dark eyes glowing with triumph. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away.”His voice is like a beautiful siren’s call that draws me closer despite what I’m seeing. I want to obey this man and do everything that he wants of me. That’s why, when I reach his feet, I bow and wait until his large hand comes to rest on my head so that he can rub my fur.The way his fingers brushed along me felt amazing,
[Elise’s POV]I’m in darkness. It is a suffocating darkness—a painful darkness that consumes me and surrounds me. It’s like being trapped in thorny vines that rip at my body again and again, slowly shredding my skin while it heals over and over.There is a voice in this darkness, my only companion as I move about trying to find something or someone who can help relieve me from this pain and free me from the darkness that has become my entire world.The voice is deep, one that belongs to a man, and when it speaks, everything in me screams to go along with it, but I don’t. I’m not sure why, but I know that I can’t go to that person because if I do then everything will be over. I don’t know why I feel this way, but I do, so instead of obeying it, I continue to move.How long have I been traveling? How many days? How many nights? I don’t know because they all blur together. I only stop long enough to eat and sleep, then I’m up and moving once more toward... I don’t know what. I only know
[Maverick’s POV]Later, I lay in bed while Serenity sleeps soundly beside me. The sun is slowly starting to trickle through the window to our right, but I find myself wishing that it would stop and that this single moment of pure bliss would last forever. However, I’m more than aware that isn’t possible.Sighing, I roll over and kiss Serenity’s forehead, causing her to stir, and when her beautiful eyes open and take me in, I fight the urge to jump her.“Morning.” She yawns, giving me an enchanting smile. “What time is it?”I don’t respond as I take in the lovely creature beside me, and when it all becomes too much, I’m pouncing.“Maverick!” She gasps, but wraps her arms around me. “What’s gotten into you?”“You,” I respond, nipping at her neck. “Just the sight of you drives me absolutely crazy.”“Well, that’s going to be a problem.”I don’t argue with her words, as I realize that she is right. It really was going to be a problem, but it was a problem that I was willing to deal with li
[Maverick’s POV]My tongue glides along Serenity’s clit, cleaning off any juices that linger there and then repeating this action again and again while she makes delicious noises that drive me absolutely crazy. Who knew that I would end up craving this, her noises, her taste, the way her body shivers as I make it feel good, and the energy that thrums between us? It was like nothing I knew; not even the joy of a hunt or battle could make me feel this alive.“Maverick,” she whispers, snapping me out of my head. “I’m going to...”“Cum for me, Serenity,” I murmur, shoving my tongue into her core. “I want to taste you on my lips and tongue.”At my words, her body tenses and then arches as a beautiful moan escapes her parted lips while an intense orgasm begins to rush through her. I have to admit, it is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen, but I wanted to see even more.“Mav-Maverick,” she whimpers while I continue my attack, not caring if she has already cum for the firs