Liam POV
After a rough football practice, I was exhausted. Every muscle ached, and I could barely wait to get home and crash. Titan couldn't make it to practice this time, but I'd only be able to cover for him once—next time, I knew I wouldn't be so lucky.
At least I had a chance to burn off some steam, channeling all my frustration and emotions into every drill and tackle.
But the words that guy had thrown at me earlier still echoed in my head, and his intentions toward Haylie haunted me.
After a quick shower, I got dressed and headed out, hoping to clear my head on the drive.
As I hit the road, I put on some old music, letting the familiar beats calm me down. But then I felt my wolf, Ace, stir in the back of my mind.
"Liam," Ace's voice sounded cautious, "when you bumped into that guy at school today, I sensed something… off. He reeked of darkness, and his wolf was pure evil."
I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my pulse quickening. "Did his wolf say anything to you?"
"No, he kept silent. But he's no ordinary wolf, Liam. He's dangerous." Ace's voice was tense, and I could feel his unease ripple through me.
Whoever that guy was, he wouldn't get his hands on Haylie. I'd make sure of it. I needed to talk to my dad about him, figure out who he was and why his wolf felt so sharp, almost predatory.
And what did he mean by "her mother's sin"? Whatever mistakes Haylie's mom might have made, Haylie didn't deserve to be punished for them. She was innocent, and I'd do whatever it took to keep her safe.
I finally made it home, relieved to pull into the driveway.
As I parked, I noticed Titan's bike leaning against the side of the house, meaning he was still here—and so was Haylie.
Shutting off the engine, I stepped out and glanced around, quickly spotting Titan lounging under a nearby tree.
"Chilling under the tree?" I called over, teasing him.
He got up, brushing off his jeans. "Yeah, just waiting around. Haylie went off with your dad," he replied.
I frowned, folding my arms as I approached him. "Did they mention where they were headed?"
Titan shook his head. "Your dad just said he wanted to show her some things about her mother."
That could only mean one place: the old room in our house, the one my dad almost never went into. I remembered my mother telling me once that it held things from Olivia, Haylie's mom.
My dad had kept that room closed off for years, refusing to visit it. I could only imagine the weight of what he and Haylie might be uncovering now—pieces of a past he'd tried to keep buried.
I turned back to Titan, trying to keep my tone steady. "Thanks for being there for Haylie today."
He gave a slight smile. "Anytime, man. She still holds a special place in my heart—as a friend, you know."
I bit my lip, feeling a small pang of jealousy, which wasn't like me. I pushed it down and replied, "You can head out. I'll take her home."
Titan studied me for a moment before nodding. "Alright, cool. I need to head over to Claudine's anyway."
"See you tomorrow." I gave him a nod as he walked away, and then I made my way toward the room where my dad and Haylie were.
As I approached the room with the beautiful glass door, I noticed it was slightly ajar and realized my father and Haylie were still inside. Taking a deep breath, I entered, my senses immediately picking up the scent of daisies, which Haylie seemed to carry everywhere she went. My father and Haylie turned to look at me as I stepped in.
"Liam," my father said, sounding surprised.
Haylie's big emerald-green eyes were wide as she looked at me, her hands clutching an old photo frame.
"Sorry to interrupt, but, Dad, could I speak to you outside?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
My father's brows knitted together as he exchanged a glance with Haylie. "I'll be right back," he assured her, then turned to me. "Sure. Let's talk outside."
As he left the room, I glanced back at Haylie. Our eyes met briefly, and I managed a small smile before following my father into the hallway, where he stood tall, arms crossed over his chest.
"What do you want to talk about?" he asked, his tone wary.
Taking another deep breath, I met his gaze. "There's a guy at school I bumped into. He warned me to be careful and said he'd be back… to take Haylie as payback for what her mother did."
As I spoke, my wolf, Ace, growled in my mind, rage stirring just from the memory of that guy. My father's expression shifted, his eyes widening. "Son, did this guy have any scars or burns on his face?"
A shiver ran through me as I answered. "Yeah. He had a burn on the side of his face."
My father sighed heavily, stepping back as if bracing himself.
"Dad, who is this guy?" I pressed. "Why does my wolf sense evil from him? I know he's a rogue because of his red eyes, but… who is he?"
My father ran a hand through his hair, deep concern etched into his face as he looked at me.
I got the feeling that whatever he was going to say was not good and my stomach took a turn inside as I waited for him to answer me. His voice was thick as he finally responded.
"This guy is a rogue wolf. He's part of a dangerous pack." I knew it, my wolf was right. "See I told you that wolf man was no good " Say Ace back in my head. But the question remains what does he want with Hayle I asked, "Then why are they after Haylie?"
My father closed his eyes and rubbed his thumb over his brow as if trying to find the right words.
When he looked at me again, his gaze was somber. "Son, these wolves....they are not ordinary wolves like us .These are wolves who are mark by a dark witch on then … and they're also the same ones who killed your adopted sister Clair's parents and are responsible of my mate Olivia death "
The air seemed to grow heavier as I took in my father's words.
This rogue, the one who had threatened Haylie, was part of the same pack that had destroyed Clair's family and Haylie's mother.
My father's expression softened, and then I saw tears begin to glisten in his brown eyes as he looked at me.
"Liam," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "those Rogues… they were in the woods the night Olivia died. They were after her because she killed one of them when we tried to rescue Clair. Somehow, they tracked her down that night when I went to see her. They were out for revenge, chasing her until she slipped and hit her head on a rock. I tried to fight them off, but they were too strong. One of them told me they'd be back, that it wasn't over. They also say what Olivia did to them would they seek revenge of her sin"
The thought of Haylie being targeted by the same pack that had already stolen so much from us filled me with a fierce resolve.
I looked at my father, stunned, until a familiar scent of daisies washed over me, and something told me that the woman I loved was standing behind me.
I wish she weren't, and I hope she did not hear all this. My heart started to panic and I turned, feeling the blood drain from my face.
Haylie stood there, her face as pale as snow, her emerald-green eyes wide with fear. "My mother… was chase by a wolf ?" she murmured, her voice trembling " All this time I though her death was accident"
My father stepped up beside me, but I quickly asked, "Haylie, what exactly did you hear?"
She shook her head as tears began to stream down her cheeks. As I stood there, I could view steps away from her, and I could feel her emotions for the first time.
I don't know if it was because of the mate bond but I could relate to her feelings as a human she felt that moment.
"Just enough to know my mother was running for her life… and now they're after me too." Her voice broke as she spoke, and my heart shattered seeing her like this.
She was never supposed to find out, especially not like this.
My wolf started to leave out a sad Howl in my head making me break into pieces inside.
The pain from my mate was reflected through me and to see her like that kills me. I took a step toward her, but she turned abruptly and ran.
"Haylie, wait!" I called after her. She didn't stop and just ran and I thought I needed to follow her to see if she was okay. I cannot let her take off like that.
Haylie POV
I ran as fast as I could, needing to escape—to get away from the weight of everything I'd just learned.
Liam's voice called out behind me, but I couldn't bear to stop or look back. My feet moved on their own, pounding against the ground as I raced forward. Eventually, I found myself standing in the middle of a street, breathless and disoriented.
A woman nearby froze, her eyes widening as they locked onto me. "Luna Olivia?" she whispered, as if seeing a ghost.
I wiped the tears from my cheeks, shaking my head. "No, I'm… I'm Haylie." But my correction seemed to fall on deaf ears as others around us began to stop, drawn by her words.
They stared at me, their eyes filled with awe, murmuring the name "Luna Olivia" over and over.
A chill ran down my spine, and my heart hammered with panic. *I am not my mother. I am not your Luna,* I wanted to scream, but my voice barely came out as a whisper.
"I'm not your Luna," I managed, my voice breaking as I took a shaky step back. I could feel the tremor in my legs as the crowd continued to look at me like I was something extraordinary—something other than myself.
Then, suddenly, I felt a warm hand grip my arm, grounding me with a familiar, calming energy.
I turned, and there was Liam. Relief surged through me at the sight of him, and for the first time, I felt safe again.
Liam moved in front of me, facing the crowd with a commanding presence. "She's not Luna Olivia," he said firmly. "This is Haylie, Olivia's daughter. She's not Luna Olivia"
The murmurs quieted, and some heads began to bow, their intense stares finally softening. Liam pulled me closer, his arm around me protective and steady. The warmth of his body enveloped me, giving me a sense of calm amid the storm of emotions.
I felt the pounding in my chest ease, but my body was worn out from the shock and the run. My vision blurred, and my knees went weak. Before I knew it, darkness swept over me, and I collapsed, fainting in Liam's arms.
When I came to, I was lying on a bed, a soft blanket draped over me, the scent of pine and earth grounding me once more. Liam was sitting beside me, his worried gaze softening as he saw me stir. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face.
"Hey," he murmured, his voice filled with relief. "You're safe now. I'm here."
As I glanced around, I realized I was indeed in Liam's room. The walls were a deep, calming shade of blue, with black accents here and there.
Football trophies lined a shelf by the wall, and a football rested on the desk beside a computer. The scent of pine and vanilla filled the space, unmistakably his. I felt a sense of safety in this room, like it was an extension of him—strong and dependable.
I tried to sit up, my head still feeling heavy, and looked at Liam, confusion clouding my mind.
"What… what happened?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. All I could remember was the woman on the street, calling me "Luna."
Liam's expression softened as he gently squeezed my hand. "You fainted," he explained, his voice calm and steady. "I figured the best place to bring you was here."
A warm feeling spread through me, and I reached out, wrapping my fingers around his hand. "Thank you… for saving me back there," I said softly.
A small smile tugged at his lips, but it quickly faded, replaced by a more serious look. "Haylie, you look so much like your mother. That's why they mistook you for their Luna," he explained, his gaze steady.
The mention of my mother sent a pang through my heart, and suddenly, memories of the conversation I'd overheard came rushing back.
My mother was chased down by rogue wolves, forced to run for her life until she fell and hit her head. A fresh wave of sorrow welled up in my chest, and I felt tears sting my eyes as I looked down, my fingers tightening around Liam's hand.
"My mother… she was just a human, Liam. She must have been terrified," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Those wolves… they hunted her, chased her down like she was nothing. How could they do that?"
Liam's hand tightened around mine, offering a quiet strength. "I know, Hayl's," he murmured. "Your mother was brave… and strong. Those wolves were ruthless, but she fought until the end. She loved you, and she did everything she could to protect you."
I swallowed hard, my chest heavy with grief and anger. "I never got the chance to know her… to ask her why she did what she did, to protect me like that." My voice trembled as I spoke, and I felt the first tear slip down my cheek.
Liam reached out, wiping it away gently with his thumb. "You're not alone, Haylie," he said softly. "I'm here, and I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Those wolves… they won't touch you. Not while I'm around."
I looked up at Liam, her heart aching but soothed by the fierce protectiveness in his gaze. Tears streamed down my cheeks, unbidden, as I let out a shaky breath. "What if… what if they're too strong? Your father said a dark witch possesses them, that they're marked by her darkness," I whispered, my voice thick with worry. "He tried to fight them, and he didn't win…"
Liam's grip on my hand tightened, grounding me in the midst of my fears.
He lifted my chin gently, drawing me gaze to his intense, steady brown eyes. "Haylie," he said, his voice rich with warmth and conviction, "I won't let them hurt you, and I won't let anyone take you from me. I just found you, and I'm not about to lose you now."
In that moment, I could felt the depth of Liam love towards me, a force so strong, I could feel it within in my own heart.
Liam's hand moved tenderly from my chin to my cheek, his thumb gently wiping away my tears. His voice softened as he continued, "I need you to promise me something."
Our eyes locked, and I nodded, feeling the gravity of his words. "You have to trust me through all of this. No matter what happens… never give up on us."
I took a deep breath, feeling the strength of Liam promise and the courage it lent me.
I gave a slight nod, my heart steadying as I clung to his words, and whispered, "I promise."
Our eyes held, unwavering, as Liam drew me closer, wrapping me in his arms and holding me against his chest.
I surrendered to his embrace, letting his warmth settle over me like a comforting blanket. I rested my head against his neck, closing my eyes and breathing in his steady presence.
His arms around me felt like exactly the kind of refuge I needed, a sanctuary from the chaos swirling around us.
In his strength, I found the calm I'd been searching for, a reminder that I didn't have to face everything alone.
The whole idea of fated mates was beginning to make sense—it was as if we balanced each other perfectly, his strength grounding me when I felt like I might fall. In every way that mattered, Liam was my anchor, the constant I could hold on to.
Camelia POV
The kitchen was so quiet that the sharp whistle of the boiling kettle made me jump. I rose from the table, pouring hot water into my mug, when a knock on the door echoed through the house.
Frowning, I glanced at the clock—it was already five. Haylie should have been home by now.
I left my mug and walked toward the front door, peeking through the small window beside it. A man stood outside, tall and dark-haired, looking to be in his twenties. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered who he could be.
I opened the door cautiously. "Can I help you?" I asked, meeting his gaze.
The man smiled, his eyes unsettlingly intense. "I'm looking for Haylie," he replied smoothly.
I looked him over, noticing a burn mark on his face. Something about him felt oddly familiar, though I couldn't place it. Crossing my arms, I replied, "Haylie isn't here right now."
"She lives here, doesn't she? So does her mother… or did," he said with an edge to his voice.
My suspicion deepened, a shiver prickling along my spine.
Who was this stranger? "How do you know Haylie?" I asked, letting my arms drop as I prepared to summon my magic if needed. There was something unnatural about him—an air that felt like decay and shadows. I could almost smell it.
He simply smirked, glancing to his side, and then, out of nowhere, three more figures materialized around him.
I tensed, counting them quickly—four in total. My hands started to tingle as I gathered my energy.
The man's smirk widened. "Let's just say your friend Olivia took something from me," he said, his eyes flashing a dangerous red.
My heart pounded. He wasn't just any stranger—he was a wolf.
Not the kind I'd ever trust, but one of the dark ones. Without hesitation, I hurled a ball of energy at him, hoping to drive him back.
But instead of retreating, he simply looked irritated. The air filled with the gruesome sounds of bones cracking and shifting as the men transformed before me. In a matter of seconds, four towering, black wolves stood in their place, their eyes blazing with malice.
I slammed the door, hoping to buy a few moments. But they were relentless, roaring so fiercely that the wooden floor beneath me shook.
I sprinted toward the back of the house, but the crash of breaking glass and the sounds of tearing wood told me they had forced their way inside.
My heart raced, fear and adrenaline pumping through me as I reached for the back door, only to freeze in place.
There, blocking my escape, was a massive black wolf, its sharp teeth bared as it growled menacingly.
The wolf's blood-red eyes locked onto mine, an unsettling hunger in their depths. A half-burned, flaming circle marked its forehead—a dark witch's mark.
My breath caught in my throat as I realized these weren't ordinary wolves; they had magic coursing through them, a twisted blend of power and darkness. Panic surged through me, and I knew I had seconds before I was torn apart. I couldn't stay here.
I summoned my magic, focusing on one place: Matthew's house. Channeling all the energy I had left, I pictured his front steps, and in an instant, the world blurred around me.
When I opened my eyes, I was standing outside Matthew's house. The sounds of the wolves' snarls faded, replaced by the cool night air and the hum of the quiet street.
Relief washed over me—I'd escaped. But as my heart began to slow, a new urgency took hold.
I had to find Matthew.