Chereads / Fated to a human / Chapter 6 - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 - Chapter 6

Liam P.O.V 

I woke up early that Saturday, ready to get my daily training in before my other responsibilities kicked in. My father had asked me nicely to show the new pack members around town, and as the future Alpha, it was my duty to oblige. 

 After an intense morning of exercise, I went straight to the showers, washing off the sweat, and grabbed something quick to eat before heading to my father's office. 

 The new pack members were already waiting when I arrived, and I was grateful for that. The sooner I could get this task done, the better. 

I began the tour by showing them the first building my grandfather had constructed when he founded the Cress moon Pack. 

Next, I took them to the town hospital, clinic, and the school for the pups. I had attended that primary school myself before moving on to high school in the city, since we didn't have our own yet. 

 Over the years, our town had grown. We now had libraries, grocery stores, small shops for clothes, restaurants, and even our own church where wolves could get married if they wished. 

Everyone in the town knew me, the son of the Alpha and Luna, and as I finished showing the newcomers around, it was already 11 in the morning. 

The sun was beating down hard, making the air thick with heat. I was on my way back to the house when I saw Titan, my best friend, approaching. 

"I was wondering where you were. I've been looking everywhere for you," Titan called out, his voice full of the same energy I'd known since we were pups. 

I let out a smirk, typical Titan. 

We'd been inseparable since primary school. "I was showing the new pack members around town," I said, but as I spoke, something caught my eye. The door to my father's office swung open, and I froze when I saw who stepped out. 

It was Camilia—Haylie's aunt. 

My heart pounded in disbelief as I watched Camilia, Haylie's aunt, leave my father's office. I couldn't move, frozen in place, my mind racing. "That's Haylie's aunt," I muttered, more to 

myself than to Titan, who had now come to stand beside me, his expression turning into a frown. 

"You mean *your human* Haylie's aunt?" Titan said, emphasizing the word "human" like it carried an extra weight. 

 I rolled my eyes, feeling a flicker of irritation. Why did wolves always have such a problem with humans? It was exhausting. 

"Yes, Titan. *My human* Haylie's aunt," I replied, a sharp edge to my voice. The heat of the day was unbearable, and I could feel the thirst clawing at my throat. I needed something cold to drink, but more than that, I needed a moment to process why Camilia was here. What business could she possibly have with my father? 

"Don't get mad, you know Titan is right," Ace, my wolf, chimed in through the bond, his voice calm but firm in my mind. "You should forget about that human." His words hit a sore spot, and I shook my head, watching Camilia get into her car and drive off. 

"Come on, Liam," Titan said beside me, his tone softening. "I didn't mean it like that. I just think what you need is a good wolf run—and then maybe some water to cool off." 

I let out a heavy sigh. He was right, as usual. The heat was suffocating, and I could feel Ace's restlessness stirring inside me. 

 His tongue hung out, as if even he was suffering under the sweltering sun. 

"Come on, Liam, I'm dying to stretch my legs a bit," Ace's voice growled in my mind, eager for release. 

 Having a wolf inside you was overwhelming at times, a constant reminder that you were never truly alone in your own body. Half-human, half-animal, always ready to break free, and Ace was itching to run. 

"Okay, let's go for a run," I said, giving in to the inevitable. Before I could even start to shift, Ace had already taken over, and the familiar, intense pain of bones breaking and reshaping flooded my body. 

 The sounds of bones cracking filled the air as my wolf form began to emerge. In seconds, Ace was free. 

Titan's wolf, Skull, had taken over as well, and soon, both of us were no longer in control—our wolves were. Ace, now fully in charge, took off in a sprint, feeling the wind rush through his fur, the heat no longer a burden but a challenge. 

 The ground beneath his paws was cool compared to the scorching sun above, and all I could do was let him run, finally giving in to the wild freedom of our shared body. 

The sound of sticks cracking under Ace's paws was almost rhythmic as we ran through the woods. He was in his element, the wind rushing through his gray fur, and I could feel his pure joy in being in control. 

 The forest blurred past us until we reached the waterfall—our usual hangout spot for wolves. Without hesitation, Ace took a mighty leap into the cool pool below. 

The water was shockingly cold, the perfect remedy for the heat, and I could feel each muscle relax as we submerged. As we resurfaced, I shifted back, fully aware of the fact that I was naked but not bothered by it. 

 Around other wolves, there was no shame in this. It was normal. I glanced around and noticed a few other wolves swimming and splashing about. 

 The place was buzzing with life, but I finally felt some peace. 

That peace was short-lived when I heard a familiar voice pierce the air. 

"I was wondering when you were going to come and take a swim," the voice said, dripping with the kind of confidence that instantly irritated me. 

I didn't need to turn around to know who it was—North, my ex. Her voice was unmistakable. I sighed inwardly, trying to stay calm as I turned to face her. 

"Just needed to cool down a bit," I responded, keeping my tone neutral. Thankfully, Titan joined us before things could get too awkward. 

"North, long time no see, and looking good!" Titan chimed in, his usual carefree attitude on full display. 

I bit down on my bottom lip, holding back the sarcastic response itching to slip out. This was not how I wanted to spend my time. The realization that I was in the same pool, naked, with my ex felt wrong on every level. 

Without wasting any more time, I swam back toward the shore and climbed out, relieved to find some towels stashed away by the tree. Wrapping one around my waist, I took a deep breath, feeling the tension ease from my body. 

Just as I started to relax, North emerged from the water. She was completely naked, walking toward the same tree to grab a towel, and I forced myself to look away, trying to avoid seeing her. 

Not like I hadn't seen her naked before, but those days were over, and I had zero interest in revisiting them. 

 North had a sun-kissed body, toned and perfect in every way, but that didn't change the fact that she was my ex—and for a good reason. 

"Liam, why are you leaving so quickly?" North asked as she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself. 

I finally allowed myself to look at her now that she was covered, but my wolf, Ace, was bouncing around in my head like an overexcited pup. He always had a thing for North's wolf, and his behavior was frustrating. 

I mentally rolled my eyes at Ace, trying to shove him to the back of my mind. "I think I've cooled down enough," I replied, keeping my tone light but detached. 

North moved closer, her presence suddenly heavy next to me. I could feel her eyes on me, as if she was waiting for something, but I had no intention of giving her what she was looking for. 

 My mind wandered to Haylie, thankful that she was human and didn't have to deal with all the complexities of this world. 

 She didn't have to know about moments like this, and for that, I was grateful. 

"You sure you don't want to stay a little longer?" North's voice was soft, but there was a certain edge to it, like she was testing me. 

I turned slightly, meeting her gaze. "I'm sure," I said firmly, trying to make it clear that whatever had been between us was long over. Ace grumbled in the back of my mind, but I ignored him. There was no going back. 

Titan was still splashing around in the water, completely immersed in his carefree world. 

That was typical of him—he and Claudine were a perfect match because of their shared free-spirited nature. 

 Meanwhile, I stood on the shore, arms crossed over my bare chest, feeling the weight of North's words hang in the air like a storm cloud. 

"I barely see you these days, and I've heard that you asked a *human* out at school," North's voice broke through my thoughts, dripping with disdain as she lingered next to me. 

I exhaled, trying to hold back my irritation. 

Once again, the word "human" was tossed around like an insult. As if that part of me was something to be ashamed of. Folding my arms tighter, I looked at North with narrowed eyes. She was enjoying this moment far too much. 

"Her name is Haylie," I replied firmly. "And yes, I asked her to the movies." 

North's brown eyes darkened instantly, jealousy flashing across her face. It was almost satisfying to see her mask slip, but the frustration inside me flared when she snapped back. 

"You *know* it's against the rules to date a human, let alone fall in love with one!" she said sharply, her voice full of accusation. 

I knew this was coming. Every wolf in the pack had something against humans, as if being human somehow made you lesser. 

 But the rules they clung to didn't make sense to me, and I wasn't going to let her or anyone else dictate how I lived my life. Before I could respond, Ace, my wolf, chimed in, his voice buzzing in my mind. 

"She's right, Liam. You need to listen to her—this one is sharp and clever," Ace urged, clearly swayed by his feelings for North's wolf. 

I clenched my fists at my sides, feeling the anger building inside me. I was done with all of this. 

 I shot back at Ace, pushing him to the back of my mind. *"Clever, huh? You only think that because you're still obsessed with her wolf. Too bad her human side is nothing like that—disloyal, selfish, and manipulative."* 

Ace went silent, knowing I had hit the truth. 

No matter how much he liked North's wolf, there was no denying that North herself was toxic. 

She was the complete opposite of Haylie. Where Haylie was kind, decent, and genuine, North was the embodiment of everything I wanted to avoid—bitchy, selfish, and always playing games. 

"I don't care about the rules, North," I said, my voice growing firmer with each word. "And I sure as hell don't care what you think. Haylie is the best person I've ever met—*human* or not." 

North's jaw tightened, and I could feel the tension between us. But I wasn't backing down. Not this time. 

As the future Alpha, I couldn't let North—or anyone else—bring me down. 

 I didn't care what she thought of me, or her outdated views about humans. I had bigger things to focus on. Without waiting for her to respond, I turned and walked back toward the water, dropping my towel at the edge before diving in. 

The coolness of the water enveloped me, calming my thoughts as I swam deeper, letting the rush of the waterfall and the ripples block out everything. 

The water was vast enough that I could swim without running into anyone else from the pack. It was my own little retreat. 

I couldn't help but think of Haylie, wishing she were here with me. Just the thought of her made me smile beneath the water. I would much rather be spending this time with her than being surrounded by judgmental wolves like North. 

 Haylie was different—so much more than anyone else could understand. 

 She made me feel like I could be myself, stripped of all the titles and expectations that came with being a future Alpha. 

 With Haylie, I felt like a man, not just a future leader of a pack. 

 She brought out something in me that no one else could. There was a sense of peace and purpose when I was with her. I wanted to protect her, to hold her close, and keep her safe from anything that could hurt her. In just a few days, she had already started to get into my head in ways I hadn't expected. 

I missed her voice, her laugh, and her lighthearted jokes that always made me feel alive. And for the first time today, I realized how much I missed her presence. Even though we hadn't known each other for long, she was already becoming someone important to me. 

The cold water brought me back to reality, but Haylie was still there, lingering in my thoughts. 

She was the only thing on my mind, and the more I thought about her, the more I wanted to see her again. 

Haylie P.O.V 

The morning had been perfect. I had the best breakfast with Claudine , enjoying warm pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee. 

My aunt was always so thoughtful, making sure everything was just right. But even as I ate, I couldn't stop wondering how her meeting had gone with her old friend. Something about it seemed to weigh on her, but she hadn't said much this morning before she left, and I didn't want to push. 

After breakfast, Claudine helped me clean up the kitchen, and then we both got ready for the day. 

She mentioned we could head to the skate park, which sounded perfect to me. She just had to be home by two since Titan was picking her up for their date. I threw on my usual skate park outfit: baggy jeans, a gray half-cut shirt, my black skate sneakers, and a black-and-gray cap. 

 Grabbing my skateboard, I felt ready to take on the day. Claudine, thankfully, had brought her board too, and together we headed down the street. 

Skating was my escape. Every Saturday, I'd rather be at the skate park than anywhere else. I wasn't the type of girl who spent her weekends in the mall or obsessing over hair and nails. 

I didn't fit the mold of those girls who wore high heels and tiny dresses with half of their bodies exposed. 

 That wasn't me. I liked to keep things low-key, grounded. And I had my reasons for being cautious when it came to relationships and intimacy, shaped by the mistakes my parents made. 

 I wasn't in a rush to date or experience sex like many of the people around me. I was old-fashioned that way, and I wanted to wait until I was sure—until it felt right, with someone who was worth it, and maybe even until I had a ring on my finger. 

The skate park wasn't far, and within an hour, we were there. The place was packed, the sound of wheels rolling over the pavement filling the air alongside the chatter and laughter of everyone enjoying the day. 

It was my kind of crowd—easygoing and energetic, just like me. 

Before hitting the ramps, we stopped by the stand to grab some cold drinks. The heat was intense today, and we knew we'd need the hydration. 

 With drinks in hand, we made our way to the open planks and started skating. As soon as I felt the familiar rhythm of the board beneath my feet, all my worries melted away. 

This was where I belonged—free, in my element, with nothing but the open air and the thrill of skating to focus on. 

Claudine and I spent the afternoon trying out new skate moves, and I couldn't help but feel alive with the rush of it all. 

 She had seen a video of some tricks on her phone and convinced me to give them a shot with her. Of course, there were a few falls—okay, maybe more than a few—but we laughed our ashes off every time we hit the ground. 

That was part of the fun, though. Skating was all about the falls and getting back up again. 

I'd been bruised and scraped so many times over the years, but that never stopped me. I dusted myself off, tried again, and eventually nailed some of those flips and moves I hadn't done in a while. 

 It felt good, like I still had it in me. 

After a while, we were both out of breath and needed a break. We headed back to the stand and got ourselves some ice cream to cool off. 

Claudine went with a classic blue ice cream, while I stuck with my favorite—chocolate. As soon as the cold sweetness hit my tongue, I felt a wave of satisfaction. We found a shady spot, sitting down on our skateboards to enjoy the ice cream. 

As we sat there, my thoughts drifted back to the last time I was here. 

 I had been with Liam, and just like today, we were eating ice cream together. The memory of him made me blush, a warmth spreading through me that I couldn't ignore. I smiled to myself, thinking about how easy things felt when I was around him—how he made me laugh, made me feel comfortable, and even a little fluttery inside. 

It was strange how someone could just pop into your head like that, out of nowhere, and suddenly everything felt different. 

Claudine nudged me, noticing the look on my face. "Thinking about someone?" she teased, her eyebrows raised knowingly. 

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the grin that crept onto my face. 

"Maybe," I said, not giving her the satisfaction of a full answer. But inside, I knew it. Liam had been on my mind a lot lately, and even just the thought of him made me feel something I hadn't felt in a long time. Something real. 

I couldn't help but think about this morning during breakfast when all my thoughts were on Liam, especially that kiss we shared under the willow tree. 

Even now, just recalling it made my cheeks flush. Claudine, ever the sharp observer, gave me a playful nudge on my shoulder. "Stop thinking about Liam. I can see your cheeks turning red!" she teased with a smirk. 

I laughed, trying to downplay how much he had been on my mind, even with a mouthful of ice cream. "I'm trying, okay?" I replied, my tone just as playful. 

It was hard, though—last night had been my first real date in forever, and that kiss with Liam felt like pure magic. It was almost impossible not to think about him, but maybe, just maybe, shoving more ice cream into my mouth would help distract me. 

Claudine grinned, her eyes glinting mischievously. "I think someone's got a serious crush," she teased. 

I rolled my eyes, trying to appear unaffected, but I knew I couldn't hide anything from her. 

"Alright, fine. Maybe I do," I admitted, glancing at her with a smile. But the truth was, Liam was more than just a fleeting crush—something about him had gotten under my skin, and I wasn't sure how to shake it off, or if I even wanted to. 

After eating our ice cream, Claudine and I skated a bit more before heading home, as she needed to get ready for her date with Titan. 

 We said our goodbyes halfway, and I continued skateboarding back home on my own. It was already past one, and the sun was blazing. Thankfully, I had my cap on; with my light skin and red hair, I was always cautious of getting sunburned. 

When I reached home, I noticed the front door was slightly open. 

 Aunt Camilia must be home, I thought. The soft hum of voices came from the living room as I stepped inside. 

"Aunt, I'm home!" I called out, recognizing Aunt Camilia's voice, but there was no immediate response. I made my way toward the living room, the old wooden floors creaking beneath my feet, announcing my presence. 

As I entered, I saw both my Aunt Camilia and Aunt Amora sitting on the big blue sofa, engrossed in what seemed like an intense conversation. 

They stopped as soon as they noticed me. Aunt Amora, with her radiant smile, stood up. "Haylie! You're finally home!" she exclaimed, crossing the room toward me. 

A smile spread across my face as I walked over to hug her tightly. "It's so nice to see you, Aunt Amora," I said, genuinely happy. 

Aunt Amora was one of my mom's best friends, and practically like family to me. I had grown up with her, Aunt Camilia, and Uncle Jacob always around. 

After our hug, I asked, "How have you been? And when are we hanging out again?" Her eyes lit up even more, her smile broadening. "We will soon, I promise," she said warmly. 

Aunt Camilia stood as well, saying she was going to get us something to drink before leaving the room. 

 Once she was gone, Aunt Amora sat back down on the sofa, gesturing for me to join her. 

"So, how's school?" she asked, turning her body toward me, her full attention on our conversation. 

I let out a deep breath as I sank into the soft cushions of the sofa. 

"School's good, no problems there," I replied with a smile, feeling her gentle hands cover mine. Aunt Amora, with her beautiful brown fizzled hair, radiant sun-kissed skin, and light brown eyes flecked with gold, was truly captivating, both inside and out. 

 Her soft hands and comforting presence always made me feel at ease. 

Her eyes sparkled as she leaned in slightly. "So, Camilia told me you went on a date last night," she said teasingly, her words making my cheeks flush instantly. 

I couldn't help but blush. "Yeah... I did," I admitted, feeling the warmth spread across my face as I recalled the night with Liam. 

My Aunt Amora noticed the blush creeping across my face and started to smile. "I can tell this guy means something to you, judging by that blush," she teased gently. 

I blushed even deeper and pulled my hands away from my face, feeling even more embarrassed. 

"We... kissed," I stammered, my voice soft and unsure. The memory of his lips on mine was still fresh, making my cheeks burn even hotter. 

"Haylie, there's no need to be shy about it," Amora said calmly, her eyes warm with understanding. I looked at her, feeling like a child caught in something confusing. 

"I'm not good at this kind of stuff," I admitted, crossing my arms over my chest for some sense of comfort. 

Amora's smile softened. "Don't worry, I was the shy one in school too. But when you find the right person, someone who makes you feel comfortable, all that awkwardness disappears. That's when you know they're special." 

Just then, my Aunt Camilia appeared, carrying a tray of cold sodas. She placed the tray on the table in front of us and sat on my other side. 

 "Haylie," she said, her voice unusually serious. 

I turned to face her, noticing the deep frown on her forehead. "Amora and I were talking," Camilia began, but she hesitated, as if struggling to find the right words. A sense of unease settled over me, my heart starting to race as Aunt Amora stood up and moved in front of me, her expression now mirroring Camilia's seriousness. 

"Do you remember when Uncle Jacob told you about your mother—how she could turn into a wolf?" Aunt Amora asked quietly. 

My eyes widened, memories of that conversation resurfacing. I nodded slowly, feeling tension rise inside me. 

"He said she was a Luna, mated to Alpha Mathew," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. 

Camilia placed a hand on my leg, her touch gentle but firm. "When your mother lost her wolf, Haylie... she was already carrying you. The mark left by Alpha Mathew, the bond between them, didn't fully disappear." 

I felt a chill run down my spine as my heart pounded. A knot of anxiety formed in my chest. 

"What does that mean?" I asked, panic creeping into my voice as I stood up, suddenly feeling too hot. "I'm not a wolf. How could her mark pass down to me?" 

Aunt Amora looked at me with sympathy. "When your mother was pregnant with you, the bond was transferred. Even though her wolf was removed, a mate mark is eternal. It can't be erased." 

My mind went blank for a moment, the weight of their words sinking in. "Am I marked to Alpha Mathew?" I asked, fear clutching my chest as my thoughts spiraled. 

"No," Camilia said softly, "but you are marked... to someone else." 

A shiver ran through me. I wanted to deny everything, to walk away from the room and pretend none of this was happening. 

 "Who?" The word slipped out before I could stop it, though I wasn't sure I really wanted the answer. 

Amora and Camilia exchanged a long, quiet glance. It was like they were speaking in a language only they could understand. Finally, Camilia turned back to me, her face serious but calm. "It's better if we don't tell you, Haylie." 

My head spun. "Why?" I asked, feeling tears stinging the corners of my eyes. "Who is he?" 

Both of my aunts remained silent for a moment, before Aunt Camilia finally spoke. "Because the Moon Goddess has fated you two to be together. It's your journey to find each other, not ours to reveal." 

I stared at them, overwhelmed, confusion clouding every thought in my mind. 

My whole life had been a mess because of secrets like these. I didn't date, didn't get close to anyone because of the chaos tied to my past. Now, this? 

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I whispered, "Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?" 

I felt lost, confused in ways I couldn't explain. I wasn't a wolf, my bloodline had been removed. Yet I was still fated to someone. 

"Haylie, this is something you had to find out for yourself. We wanted to tell you at the right time," Aunt Camila's voice echoed, full of regret. 

But it was too much. The weight of this revelation pressed down on me, suffocating. Without a word, I stormed out of the room, needing to escape. 

 I ran to my room, slamming and locking the door behind me. I needed space—time to process everything. Why was life so unfair? Why was I fated to someone? 

My hands trembled as I opened the drawer, pulling out the box of my mother's things. I carried it to my bed, sat down, and opened it, my vision blurring with fresh tears. I had gone through this box so many times that I'd lost count, but today, it felt different. 

 Everything in here was a piece of her, and I needed her guidance now more than ever. 

There was her engagement ring, the one she wore when she was promised to Alpha Mathew, and a photo of her when she was my age. 

 We looked almost identical, like we could have been twins. I held the photo in my hands, staring at the face that mirrored mine. Slowly, I placed it down and reached for the book—**the** book. 

 The one about wolves. She used to tell me stories from it, tales of their lives, their bonds, their fates. Maybe, just maybe, there was something in there about wolves being fated to each other. 

I opened the book, my fingers flipping through the old, familiar pages. There had to be something here. 

 And then, I found it—a section about mating and marking. I wiped the tears from my cheeks and pulled the book closer, reading the words softly to myself. 

"When the alpha male of a pack is ready to choose a mate, he will 'mark' his chosen female. He will get a scent from her that no other can smell except him. Only one wolf is fated to a male wolf. Like marriage when you get married to someone..." 

The words hit me hard. Marking. Mating. A bond for life. Wolves only chose one mate, sticking with them for the rest of their lives. 

The book went on to describe how a wolf would bite his mate on the neck, marking her for the world to see. It was intimate, permanent—until death. 

My heart raced as I thought of my mother. Had she been marked like this? Was this what had happened to her? 

I read further, learning about the possessiveness of alpha males. Once a female was marked, no other male would dare approach her. The alpha would become protective, even jealous if another came too close. 

I closed the book, my mind reeling. 

 So this was the world I was meant to belong to, a world where fate tied you to another, where your very being was marked by someone else's claim. It was like human marriage, only more primal, more consuming. 

Wolves didn't just love—they **owned**. 

My heart ached. I understood more now, but it didn't make the pain or confusion any easier to bear. Why was this my fate, when I wasn't even a wolf anymore? Why was I tied to someone I hadn't chosen? 

I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything. 

It was all so confusing. Maybe if I had a wolf inside me, things would be clearer. But I was only human, and from my perspective, this world of wolves and fated mates seemed so far away, so impossible to grasp. 

 If I had a wolf, maybe I'd understand my place better. But as it stood, I felt lost. Trapped. 

The daylight still lingered outside, and I knew I had to get out of this house. Everything here—the memories, the weight of the truth I'd just learned—it was all sinking me in, pulling me under. 

 I couldn't breathe here. I needed air. I needed space. Maybe visiting my mother and father's grave would help. At least there, I could feel closer to them, to their spirits, and maybe find some clarity. 

I got up from my bed, tossing my cup on the bed before grabbing my skateboard. I didn't want to go through the front door, not if it meant facing my aunt again. I wasn't ready for more questions, more explanations. 

 So, I headed for my window instead. Sometimes, climbing out of my window was the only way I could escape from everything. From the weight of the world. 

 I slipped outside, quietly closing the window behind me so I could sneak back in later. The heat hit me as soon as I stepped out, but I didn't care. I just needed to get away. 

I walked toward the sidewalk, ready to disappear for a while, when I froze. 

"Liam." 

His name slipped out before I could stop myself. There he was, standing nervously by his black truck, hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans, looking at me with those warm brown eyes that always made my heart skip a beat. 

 He licked his lips, his gaze soft but filled with something deeper. 

I walked toward him, my voice barely a whisper as I asked, "Liam, you're here?" 

Our eyes met, and there was a spark in his, a glimmer of something that made my pulse race. He looked so nervous, so unsure, but still—there was something there between us, something undeniable. 

"I know this is crazy," he began, his voice shaking slightly. 

My heart fluttered, my cheeks heating up as his presence overwhelmed me. What was this? Why did he have this effect on me? 

"But I needed to see you, Haylie," he continued, his voice soft but filled with a need that mirrored my own. My eyes widened, my heart pounding as I processed his words. He missed me too. It wasn't just me thinking about him—he was thinking about me, too. 

Before I could respond, I felt his warm hand taking mine, sending shivers through my body. The sensation of his touch was like nothing I'd ever felt before. 

I looked down at our hands, his warmth spreading through me, grounding me and yet making me feel like I was floating. 

"I couldn't help but think about you too," I confessed, my face burning with embarrassment. But it was true. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get Liam out of my mind. 

A smile tugged at his lips as he heard my words, and the spark in his eyes brightened with something more—something like love. "I tried to go through the day without you, Haylie, but there's something about you… I just can't get you out of my head." 

His words swirled in my mind, making my legs feel weak beneath me. He was like Romeo—too perfect, too good to be true. But before I could respond, his lips crashed against mine. 

For a moment, I was caught off guard, but then I melted into him. 

 His kiss tasted sweet, like honey, and I couldn't resist. I leaned in, feeling him pull me closer, his arms wrapping around me as the kiss deepened. His tongue slipped into my mouth, and it was like everything else faded away. The world, the confusion, the pain—it all disappeared. 

Making out with Liam felt like floating on clouds, like nothing else mattered but this moment, this connection between us. 

 And in that moment, I knew that no matter how complicated things were, no matter how confusing this world of wolves and fate might be, being with Liam felt like the one thing that made sense. 

I didn't know if Liam was me fated mate, but when he kissed me, everything inside me lit up. 

It was like my heart and soul were set on fire, and I had to hold onto him or else I'd fall because my legs couldn't keep me steady. His kiss made me weak, and the moment his lips touched mine, I knew I was melting into him, my body betraying me in the most overwhelming way. 

I threw my arms around his strong shoulders, locking them there to keep myself from collapsing. 

 His presence was the only thing holding me together. When our kiss finally broke, my breath came out shaky against his warm lips. I whispered, "Let's get out of here," barely able to form the words. My voice was soft, almost pleading, but I knew he felt the same. 

Liam didn't say a word, but his actions told me everything. 

 He noticed how weak my legs had become and gently guided me to the other side of his truck, opening the door for me like a true gentleman. 

 I climbed in, feeling relief as I sank into the seat. The door closed behind me, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I allowed myself to smile.