Haylie POV
I hadn't realized just how hungry I was until I took the first bite of my burger. The rich, savory flavor of the beef was perfect, and I couldn't remember the last time I'd had a burger this good.
Liam was right—this place really knew how to make food that felt home-cooked. The fries were just the right balance of soft and crispy.
I polished off my burger and, mid-chew, noticed Liam watching me with an amused smile as he gestured to my cheek.
Embarrassed, I quickly grabbed my napkin and wiped away the smudge.
Awkward as it was, I couldn't help but laugh a little. Picking up my fries, I said, "This is really good." I was glad I'd chosen it, even if I could feel my stomach nearing its limit. I ate until I was completely full, then set down my napkin.
Looking at Liam's empty plate, I teased, "You've got a good appetite!"
He chuckled, still mid-bite, and mumbled, "I need my energy. Big appetite."
I smirked, realizing it was probably his wolf side.
Shifting must burn a lot of energy, but I wasn't quite ready to think about actually seeing him transform. As he finished his last coffee and pushed the mug aside, he looked at me. "How was your food?" he asked.
I smiled back, feeling completely satisfied. "It was delicious, but I'm stuffed. Thank you."
His brown eyes lit up as he looked at me, and I couldn't help but smile back.
"Let me go pay the check, and then I'll take you home," Liam said, his voice warm and calm. Before he could stand, I quickly spoke up, "Wait—should I help you pay? You don't have to cover everything."
Liam frowned for a moment before his smile softened. "Haylie, it's my treat. There's no need to worry about it."
He rose from his chair and walked to the counter. I felt a pang of guilt as I watched him pay. I wasn't used to guys paying for me—dating hadn't been a part of my life for a while, and being with Liam was entirely new to me.
I stood up, and when he motioned for me to follow, I walked with him outside. The fresh morning air filled my lungs, and I could hear the distant sounds of children playing and people chatting as they passed.
Walking back to the truck, I smiled when Liam opened the door for me. I climbed in, and he closed the door before joining me on the driver's side.
"Thank you for breakfast," I said once he settled in.
"We were both hungry, and I like taking you out," Liam replied, turning on the engine. The truck came to life as I buckled my seatbelt, and we started driving.
We passed rows of shops and houses, and I couldn't help but ask, "Are all these homes part of the Crescent Moon pack?"
Liam glanced over at me with a nod. "Yes, all of this belongs to the town of Crescent Moon. Everyone here is either a wolf or, in some cases, a witch."
My eyes widened as I looked out the window. "So… they're all wolves?"
He smiled as he explained, "Just like me, they have both a human side and a wolf side."
I leaned closer to the window, watching as the houses passed by. It was hard to believe that people who looked so human could transform into wolves. My curiosity got the better of me, and I turned to Liam. "Does it hurt when you shift into your wolf?"
He smiled, glancing over at me. "The first few times, yes, it was painful. But over time, it gets easier. Now, shifting feels natural."
His warm gaze made me smile back. Soon, we reached the gates of Crescent Moon and started heading toward my town.
As we got closer to my house, a pang of sadness crept in. Being with Liam had felt amazing, and I didn't want the time to end.
"You okay?" Liam's gentle voice broke through my thoughts, making me turn to him. "You're so quiet. I can tell you're deep in thought."
I sighed, glancing down at my hands in my lap. "I… just realized I don't even have your number." My voice softened as I continued, "Being with you today felt like something I didn't want to end."
I felt his hand reach over, gently holding mine. I looked up, meeting his warm brown eyes as he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Haylie, I feel the same way. This is just the start of something special between us. Taking your home is harder than you know, but I know your aunt is waiting for you."
Taking a deep breath, I managed a small smile, feeling my heart swell as he looked at me with such warmth and tenderness. It might have been the end of this morning, but tomorrow at school, we'd see each other again. And I couldn't help but feel excited for what was ahead.
As Liam pulled into the driveway, I spotted Aunt Camila waiting on the porch, her arms folded with a mix of worry and relief. I couldn't help feeling a hint of guilt—sneaking out to the woods without telling her was probably not my best decision.
Liam parked the truck and, without a word, got out to open my door, his expression carrying a soft sadness that mirrored my own.
Together, we walked up the path toward the house, and Aunt Camila's face brightened as she hurried down to meet us. "Haylie! You're home!" she called, pulling me into a warm hug and pressing a kiss to my cheek.
"Hi, Aunt Camila," I mumbled, hugging her back tightly. When she turned to Liam, her smile softened in gratitude. "Thank you, Liam, for bringing her home—and for everything else."
"It's my pleasure. Really, it was no trouble at all," he replied, his voice so steady and warm that I felt my heart flutter.
Standing there, I couldn't help but let my gaze linger on him. Liam had this quiet strength in his broad shoulders and defined jawline. The veins in his forearms hinted at his power, yet there was a gentleness in his face and the softness of his lips. As he swallowed, his Adam's apple moved subtly, and I felt myself drawn to every little detail.
This moment was bittersweet; I didn't want it to end. But even with Aunt Camila standing beside us, the world seemed to fade away whenever I looked at him.
Liam caught me staring, and the playful look in his eyes made my cheeks heat up even more. Before I could stammer out an excuse, Aunt Camila cut in, offering me a way out. "Haylie, you must be tired and probably want a good bath," she said, giving me an out. Reluctantly, I nodded. "Yes, I am," I replied, though part of me wasn't ready to say goodbye to Liam yet.
Aunt Camila thanked him one last time before she stepped inside, leaving us alone in the quiet of the driveway.
Liam tilted his head, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Were you just checking me out?"
He caught me red-handed, and I could feel the blush creeping up my cheeks as I admitted, "A little bit."
His small laugh was warm, and he reached out, holding his hand out expectantly. "Give me your phone. That way, I can give you my number, and whenever you want to talk, just text or call me."
Nervously, I pulled my phone from my baggy jeans, our fingers brushing briefly as I handed it over. Watching him type in his number felt surreal, almost like a promise, and I couldn't help but smile when he handed the phone back to me.
"Just so you know," I said with a laugh, "I'm really bad at keeping up with my phone."
He chuckled, nodding. "Me too. But since we don't have a mind link, we'll have to rely on our phones to keep in touch when we're apart."
I bit my lip, feeling a wave of guilt. "Sorry about that," I murmured, wishing I could share that bond with him.
But Liam reached over, taking my hand gently, his touch sending a shiver through me. "Don't apologize," he said softly. "You're perfect just the way you are."
His warm gaze met mine, and he took a small step closer, our faces so near I could feel his breath on my lips. "You're everything I've ever wanted and needed," he whispered.
His lips brushed mine, soft and tender, sending sparks through me. Then, his mouth moved more firmly, his kiss warm and intense, making me feel weightless, like I could melt right into him.
When he pulled back, I felt breathless, butterflies still swirling inside me.
Reluctantly, I said goodbye, not wanting the moment to end but knowing I had to. As he walked away, I couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning of something wonderful between us.
As I stepped back into the house, the familiar scent of the old floor greeted me. It felt surprisingly comforting to be home. All I wanted right now was the warmth of a cozy bed, but I knew a hot, relaxing bath would be the best remedy for everything I'd been through.
I went straight to my room, gathered my night clothes, and headed to the bathroom. I decided to add bubbles to the water, preparing for a proper, soothing bath. As I eased into the hot water, I felt my body begin to unwind, the tension from recent events slowly melting away.
The memories of everything that had happened recently buzzed in my mind.
I was still trying to process it all: discovering that my mother was a wolf and mated to Alpha Mathew, meeting her fated mate today, and then finding out that I was fated to Liam.
Liam seemed almost too good to be true, especially since I'd always felt awkward around men. I hadn't been intimated with anyone yet—just a few kisses and that one time when I went swimming in my underwear with Liam.
I washed my hair, letting the warm water run through it as I lay back in the bath to wash it off, then began to wash my body. Thankfully, the swelling from my allergic reaction had finally gone down, and I was feeling like myself again.
After a long, soothing bath, I stepped out of the tub, surrounded by the warm steam lingering in the bathroom.
I dried myself, slipped into my night clothes, and let my hair fall freely, gently patting it dry with the towel. It felt wonderful to be clean and finally home.
As I left the bathroom, a rich, familiar aroma greeted me—chocolate. I breathed in deeply, recognizing the smell of hot chocolate, which could only mean one thing: Aunt Camila was in the kitchen, making my favorite treat.
My legs moved on their own as I followed the irresistible scent.
In the kitchen, I found Aunt Camila at the counter, busy making hot chocolate. "I knew it was hot chocolate!" I said with a smile, settling down at the round kitchen table. She turned, smiled warmly, and soon joined me at the table, setting two mugs down—one for each of us. She took the seat beside me.
"I thought you could use some, after everything you've been through," she said gently. I wrapped my hands around the mug, savoring its warmth. "Thank you," I replied, feeling deeply grateful.
Aunt Camila looked at me kindly. "Haylie, I know all of this is new to you, and it's a lot to take in."
I took a deep breath, raised the mug to my lips, and taking a sip.
The hot chocolate was heavenly, the flavor dancing on my tongue. "I'm still trying to get used to everything," I admitted after a few moments. Aunt Camila's face softened, a crease of worry appearing as she looked at me.
"I want you to take it one step at a time," she said gently. "This world is so different from the human one. Your mother wanted you to have a normal life, away from all of this."
I took another sip, letting the rich warmth settle me, then exhaled deeply. "I wish she were here to help me through this," I murmured, feeling a familiar ache at her absence. Aunt Camila placed her hand over mine, offering comfort.
"I know. She would have explained all of this so much better. She had her wolf from the age of sixteen—she knew it all by heart," she said softly.
I squeezed her hand, offering a small, appreciative smile. "You've done an amazing job, Aunt Camila. You and Jacob and Aunt Amora. You've all raised me, and I turned out pretty well, I think."
She let out a soft chuckle. "I'm trying," she said, taking a sip from her mug. "When your mother passed, it felt like part of me died, too. Raising you in this house alone was daunting sometimes. I was a young witch with no clue about raising a child. But you… you made me a better person. Watching you grow, seeing you blossom into someone so much like your mother, has been one of the greatest gifts of my life."
Her words filled me with warmth, my heart swelled. "Thank you for never giving up on me," I said, my voice full of gratitude. I owed so much to her—for the safe home she gave me, the clothes on my back, the warm bed, and the love that surrounded me every day.
Thanks to Aunt Camila, I had a home to live in and love surrounding me. As I looked at her, I could see the years etched gently into her face, marks of the time that had passed as she grew older, just as I had grown into a young woman.
My aunt was my best friend, my confidante, and though she wasn't my mother by blood, she was a mother to me in every way that mattered.
She taught me how to be a young lady, guided me through my first period, and shared the lessons of life with me. Thanks to her, I was never alone and had a chance to grow up with love and care.
She was the one who held my hand on the first day of school, who sat by my bed when I was sick, who comforted me through every challenge. She was, in so many ways, the only mother I ever knew.
"I wouldn't have made it this far without you, Aunt Camila," I said, my voice choked with gratitude, tears gathering in my eyes. She smiled warmly, and I felt a surge of love for her fill my heart.
"I don't know much about werewolves," Aunt Camila began, her voice gentle, "but I do know what a fated mate is and when two wolves meet each other, thanks to your mother." She hesitated, pulling her hand away, and I could see a flicker of worry in her expression.
"Would you tell me what you know about it?" I asked her, feeling a surge of curiosity. "I've read a few things in my mother's old books, and Uncle Jacob told me a bit, but that's all I know."
Aunt Camila let out a soft sigh, glancing at me with a look of concern. "I could use my magic to show you what it means to have a fated mate—and what happens when two wolves are mated," she said quietly. My heart skipped a beat.
"What do you mean, use magic?" I asked, both nervous and intrigued.
Aunt Camila rose from her chair and stepped behind me, her presence making me feel both curious and a little uneasy. "Now, close your eyes," she instructed softly.
"Is this going to hurt?" I asked, nervous.
"No, it won't hurt at all," she reassured me, her voice calm and soothing. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, feeling her fingertips gently press against the sides of my head, just near my temples. Her touch was warm, and my heart started to race.
"I want you to relax and empty your mind," she whispered, her tone steady and comforting. I focused on her voice, trying to calm my thoughts, allowing myself to trust in the magic that was about to unfold.
I empty my mind, to let my thoughts drift away like leaves on a stream.
As I surrendered to the darkness, a warm sensation surged through my body, wrapping around me like the gentle embrace of the sun on a winter day.
Suddenly, the void erupted into vibrant flashes, and I was no longer alone or in the kitchen; I was thrust into a world that felt both foreign and familiar. I was some were in the woods.
In one striking scene, I saw two people entwined in a passionate dance of love. They stood close, their foreheads almost touching, their laughter echoing like music in the air.
The man, with raven-black hair, leaned in to smell the woman's neck, his lips brushing against her skin softly. My heart thundered as my eyes widened in disbelief.
I watched as their forms began to shift, their bones cracking and reshaping before me, instinctively cloaked in fur. The transformation was at once beautiful and terrifying—the power rippling beneath their skin, a breathtaking manifestation of connection.
They became wolves, graceful and majestic, merging with the spirit of the forest around them.
In their wolf forms, they soared through the woods, raw energy coursing through their veins as they raced between towering trees. The crunch of leaves underfoot and the rustle of brush surrounded them, a symphony of primal freedom.
I was there, in that moment, a ghostly spectator hovering on the edges of their world, invisible yet enthralled.
Their playfulness quickened into an intensity that made my heart ache with longing. They circled each other with the exuberance of springtime, their eyes shimmering with an unspoken bond.
Suddenly, the man halted, his gaze locking onto the woman. The air crackled with a palpable energy, and I felt my breath hitch with anticipation.
As they transformed back into their human forms, the rawness of their connection deepened, pulsing in the silence of the woods.
I could see the glint in the man's eyes—the fierce, primal beauty of a wolf bound to his mate. He leaned in, whispering something I couldn't hear, their lips brushing together before deepening into a passionate kiss.
It was then that he revealed his incisors, sharp and glistening, glinting in the dappled moonlight. In one instinctual motion, he sank his teeth into the delicate curve of the woman's neck.
As she released a howl that reverberated through the forest, the sound filled my chest with a storm of emotions—I was witnessing an ancient rite, a union forged in passion and purpose, the way wolves bonded for life.
I felt my heart race, questions slicing through the haze of enchantment. Could this be how it would be with Liam? The thought sent a jolt of anxiety through me. I wasn't a wolf—I lacked their instinct, their freedom.
What would fate hold for me? My thoughts spun, hesitant and chaotic.
Just as their connection reached a dizzying peak, I felt a tug, as if the very fabric of reality was pulling me back.
The world around me blurred, and suddenly, I was gasping for breath in the familiar confines of the kitchen. Panic surged within me. My heart pounding like a war drum, and turned to my aunt, my wide, anxious eyes as I looked at her.
"Is that really how it's done?" I asked, my voice trembling, echoing my uncertainty and terror. I craved clarity in the doubt swirling in my mind what I just saw.
My aunt's gaze softened, the went to concern. "That is a glimpse of how the mating work" she began, her voice low and soothing. "The bond between a wolf and his mate is one of the deepest connections known. It is both fierce and tender."
"Liam… Can it be like that with him?" I pressed, searching her face for answers. I rise from my chair and turn to my Aunt Camilia.
She smiled gently, her eyes sparkling with unspoken wisdom. "Love takes many forms, dear. It requires vulnerability, trust. You must decide how deeply you wish to embrace the threads of fate, and if they weave a tapestry meant for you."
I felt a wave of panic settle over me, my thoughts racing. "I don't know if I'm ready for this," I said, my voice trembling. "It looked so painful when he bit her, and... I don't think I'm ready to be mated."
My aunt's reassuring warmth faded a little as she took in my words. "Haylie," she said gently, "what you saw was only a glimpse. It doesn't mean that you and Liam will have to go through that. You're human, and a wolf's bite could be dangerous to you. If a wolf were to bite you like that, it could be fatal."
The words slipped out before I could stop them. "I... I could die?" My eyes widened as the fear settled deeper.
Aunt Camilia stepped closer, her hands wrapping around mine warmly. "Your story is different, Haylie. Because you're human, your bond with Liam would unfold in a different way," she explained gently. "What you saw was a bond between two people who both had a wolf side."
I took a shaky breath, trying to settle the whirlwind of emotions. "I just… I don't know if I'm ready to fully bond with a mate. I'm too scared."
Tears blurred my vision as I looked at Aunt Camilia. She squeezed my hands and said, "Sweetheart, you don't have to follow the wolves' ways or be intimate until you're truly ready. No one will force you. And if Liam doesn't understand and respect that, he'll have to answer to me."
Her arms wrapped around me in a comforting hug, and I felt a rush of gratitude.
I was scared and lost, shaken by what I'd seen and what it might mean for me. I couldn't imagine sharing that level of closeness with anyone yet, let alone giving up my innocence in such a way.
As I pulled away, Aunt Camilia's hands rested firmly on my upper arms. Her gaze held a gentle strength, and she said softly, "You are your own person, Haylie. Don't let your mother's choices be what holds you back. She made her own mistakes, but you have the freedom to make your own choices."
A tear slipped down my cheek as I tried to absorb her words, my chest heavy with swirling emotions.
"I know, but… being that vulnerable with someone scares me," I admitted, my voice trembling. "I already feel this deep connection to Liam, and the idea of being so exposed, so intimate—it terrifies me."
The room felt too close, too overwhelming. I broke free from Aunt Camilia's hold, needing space, and hurried to my room.
I just wanted to be alone to make sense of everything. Everything felt so tangled—fear, confusion, and a sense of being lost all at once.
Collapsing onto my bed, I grabbed my headphones, plugged them into my phone. I found a song in my music gallery, hit play, and let the music wash over me, drowning out the thoughts that crowded my mind.
Liam POV
As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed Titan waiting, with Claudine standing beside him, arms crossed. My wolf, Ace, recognized Titan immediately, and his excitement surged through me, making my head throb as he wagged his tail and bounced around in my mind.
I parked the truck, noticing Claudine's intense expression—this didn't look like a friendly visit. Opening a mind link to Titan, I asked, "Why is Claudine here?"
His response came back quickly, with a hint of annoyance. "She insisted we come; she wants to talk to you."
I took a deep breath, switching off the engine. Whatever Claudine wanted; I'd have to face it. Being Haylie's best friend, she likely had something to say on her behalf. "Looks like you're in trouble," Ace quipped in my head.
Ignoring him, I stepped out of the truck. I longed for a hot shower and fresh clothes, but that would have to wait. Approaching them, I greeted them both with a nod. "Claudine." I glanced at Titan, "Titan." I looked back at Claudine, her dark brown eyes fixed on me, her lips pursed. Despite her intimidating expression, I noticed her resemblance to her wolf, Snow, with her fierce yet delicate demeanor.
Ace was excited, as always, at the sight of Snow. "Focus," I mentally rolled my eyes at him, turning my attention back to Claudine.
"So, what brings you here?" I asked, folding my arms.
Claudine didn't hesitate. "Why did I hear from my wolf that you're fated to Haylie?"
I froze. Ace must have told Snow. "Ace, couldn't you keep that to yourself for once?" I snapped at him, but he only retorted, "They're our friends. Besides, I needed to tell them since I don't have a mate, and you do."
Titan's eyes sharpened as he absorbed this revelation. "You're fated to the human?" he asked, his voice laced with shock.
Under their intense stares, I felt my pulse spike. There was no avoiding it now. "Yes, it's true. I'm fated to Haylie, and she bears my mark on her neck."
They both gasped, staring at me in shock. "Are you freaking kidding me?" snapped Claudine.
After a long night at the hospital, dealing with this was the last thing I wanted. I needed space, fresh clothes, and some time alone, not another confrontation.
But I wouldn't back down. "She is my fated mate," I told them firmly, "and no, I'm not going to reject her for a chosen mate." I turned to head inside, hoping to end the conversation, but Claudine grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop and turn back.
"Liam, you can't seriously be considering this," she said, her voice sharp.
My eyes darkened as I met her gaze. "This is my choice, Claudine, and no one is going to decide for me." My voice was clear, unwavering.
She stepped in front of me, crossing her arms, her expression hardened, her eyes intense and questioning.
"Then explain to me how you're planning to complete the fate bond if you can't mark her," she challenged, "and how you expect to rule the pack with a human by your side."
Ace growled in my mind, his anger mirroring mine. "Enough of Claudine," he snarled, his fury boiling over.
I could feel sweat prickling on my forehead as I clenched my fists at my sides. I was done with this.
"You know what, Claudine?" I locked eyes with her, holding her gaze. "This is my decision as the future Alpha. Haylie may not have a wolf, but she has the strength to stand by my side. She may be human, but she's strong—and I'll take her as my mate, wolf or not."
They both stared at me, still processing my decision. I didn't care what they thought. I'd chosen Haylie as me fated mate, and nothing would change that.
Titan stepped closer, worry etched on his face. "You'll never be able to mind-link with her. And what if you want pups one day? It would be dangerous for her, especially since she's human."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. "I'm aware of the risks," I replied, looking directly at them. "But I'm willing to take them. We'll find a way to make it work. It won't be easy, but I love Haylie, and I want a future with her."
The risks were significant having a human mate would put her in danger.
She wouldn't have the speed, strength, heightened senses, or healing ability that came naturally to wolves. She'd be vulnerable to injury, and without the resilience of a wolf, she could bleed out easily in a fight.
The pack expected a Luna to be strong, to lead and protect. Haylie didn't have those abilities, but I believed in her strength regardless.
Claudine's voice cut through my thoughts. "Just so you know," she said with a steely edge, "if you ever hurt Haylie, I'll come after you myself. And I don't care if you're Alpha."
I held Claudine's gaze a moment longer, my voice firm as I reassured her. "I'd never hurt her. She's me fated mate, and it's my duty to protect her." With those final words, I turned away, done with this conversation. My mind was made up, and nothing would change it.
As I walked away, Ace's voice echoed in my head. "I'm with you, Liam. If our mate is human, then I'll be the wolf to protect her against anything." His loyalty, though tinged with annoyance, grounded me.
I respected him for standing by me, even if this path came with challenges.
Reaching home, I felt an immense relief wash over me. My first instinct was a hot shower to rid myself of the lake water that clung to me and to shed the clothes I'd worn far too long.
Entering my room, I went straight to the closet, pulling out fresh clothes. Tossing the dirty ones into the laundry basket, I made my way to the bathroom attached to my room.
The bathroom, nearly the size of my bedroom, was a sanctuary.
A corner pool sat off to the side, the shower was spacious enough for several people, and a massive round bathtub occupied another corner. White marble countertops held a gold-rimmed sink, and the porcelain toilet gleamed under the soft lights.
Turning on the shower, I let the water heat up, then stepped beneath the stream, letting it flow over me.
The warm water eased the tension from my shoulders and washed away the weight of the day, leaving me feeling renewed.
It felt like each drop carried away the stress and doubts I'd been holding onto, leaving only a clear sense of purpose in its wake.
After a long, hot shower, I dressed and dried my hair with a towel, letting it fall naturally. Returning to my room, I collapsed onto the massive, soft bed, the comfort easing the tension in my body.
I hadn't slept properly at the hospital, lying on that stiff sofa, always waking up whenever my wolf sensed movement.
Every sound Haylie made had kept me on alert, my instinct to protect her stronger than my need for rest.
Now, though, with the warmth of my bed and the feeling of cleanliness, a deep yawn escaped me. This solitude, this quiet, was exactly what I needed. Within moments, the heaviness of sleep claimed me, pulling me into a deep, much-needed rest.