Liam POV
Haylie's scent surrounded me, the soft fragrance of daisies mixed with her warmth, driving my wolf to the edge with longing and protectiveness.
Holding her close, breathing in her red hair, I struggled to keep my wolf under control, its restlessness urging me to stay connected to her. But as I held her, a sudden intrusion pressed against my mind. I opened the mind link and felt my father's presence.
"Son, is Haylie with you?" he asked, his voice tense.
Frowning, I replied, "Yes, she's with me. Why?"
Gently breaking our embrace, I looked into Haylie's calm eyes, hoping not to worry her. My father's voice came through the link again, more serious this time. "Come with Haylie to the office. It's urgent."
My expression must have darkened because Haylie's brow furrowed with concern. "What's wrong?" she asked softly, watching me closely.
"We need to go. My father wants to see us," I replied, standing up from the bed. Haylie rose as well, worry flashing in her eyes. "Is everything okay?" she asked.
Running a hand through my hair, I shook my head. "I'm not sure," I admitted, taking her hand in It only took a few minutes to reach my father's office.
When we arrived, the door slid open, and we stepped inside. My father was standing behind his desk, his expression grim. But he wasn't alone. Aunt Camelia was there, along with Haylie's aunt Amora and her uncle Jacob.
Next to me, Haylie gasped, letting go of my hand as she rushed forward to embrace her aunt. I watched as she hugged Camelia, relief softening her worried face.
"Haylie, Liam, we need to talk," my father's voice cut through the room, steady but serious. His usual calm demeanor was shadowed by a deep frown.
I made my way over to stand beside Haylie, who was next to her aunt. I heard her whisper anxiously, "Aunt Camelia, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?"
My father cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Camelia was just attacked by rogue wolves."
A cold shiver ran down my spine. "You mean the same man who bumped into me earlier was involved in this attack too?" I asked, my voice laced with dread.
Haylie gasped, clutching her aunt's hand. "Aunt Camelia, are you okay?"
Camelia managed a weak nod, though her face was pale. Jacob, standing nearby, looked at my father with growing concern. "Is this the same group that attacked Clair's family?"
The room fell into a tense silence. Aunt Amora's voice broke it, her tone laced with disbelief. "I thought they were gone after Olivia defeated them."
Haylie's hand found mine, her warmth grounding me. I gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze, feeling her steady presence.
My father, Mathew, looked around the room, his gaze settling on each of us.
"It's clear they want something," he said gravely. "With two attacks in one day, we can't take any chances. We need to be vigilant and watchful."
His worried eyes swept over each one of us, the weight of his words settling heavily in the room. It was clear—whoever this group of wolves was, they were dangerous and determined, and we had to be ready.
The tension in the room grew heavier, pressing down on us like a storm cloud. Haylie's grip tightened on my hand, drawing my attention to her. Her green, emerald-like eyes met mine, filled with worry but also a fierce determination.
"I think the best option would be for Camila and Haylie is to stay in Crescent Moon Town, at the old witch house, just to be safe," my father, Mathew, finally said, his voice steady and resolute.
The mention of the witch house sent a chill down my spine. It was where Aunt Amora, Camila, and Delia had grown up, not far from my own home—just three blocks away.
Though old and cloaked in shadows, the place was known for its powerful protective wards, laid down generations ago.
"Are you sure?" Camila asked, glancing uncertainly from my father to Haylie.
I gave Haylie's hand a reassuring squeeze, feeling her pulse steady beneath my fingers. My father's gaze was unwavering as he replied, "For now, it's the best option. You'll have more protection there than anywhere else."
His words left no room for doubt. We all knew the witch house held magic strong enough to keep even the most dangerous wolves at bay. And for now, that was exactly what Camila needed. "Let's go find out."
Haylie POV
I glanced at my Aunt Camelia, questions swirling in my mind. The old witch house—was it really like the stories written in the books? This is going to be the first time in my life I'd see a real witch's house, and the anticipation was thrilling, even a bit unnerving.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard my Uncle Jacob say, "I think it would be best. Delia still lives in the witch house, and she would know how to keep anything dangerous out. Even the strongest wolf won't get in there."
This was serious, I realized.
There was no more joking around. The tension was thick, and as the only human here, I felt the weight of it more than anyone.
I needed a moment to breathe. I let go of Liam's hand, and he looked at me with a deep frown. "Hayl's, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and warm.
Taking a deep breath, I replied, "I just need a break outside."
It was all getting to be too much. I made my way out of the office, stepping into the fresh air and filling my lungs with it. There was something about this place—the air was fresher here than in the city, maybe because of the pine trees surrounding the area.
I walked over to one and sat down beneath it, not caring if I got a little dirty. Leaning back, I felt the rough bark pressing through my shirt.
Then, I remembered that Alpha Mathew had mentioned something earlier—there were some of my mother's belongings in the room what I could keep to myself.
Maybe, after I calmed down, I could go gather them.
It didn't seem like we were leaving any time soon and by the look of it we are going to sleep here tonight, so I might as well collect her things.
There was her jewelry box, some clothes, and a few photo albums I knew I should pick up.
I leaned my head back against the tree and closed my eyes, breathing in deeply to fill my lungs with the fresh forest air.
"It's way better out here than inside," I heard Liam's voice echo through my thoughts.
I opened my eyes to see him approaching, a gentle smile on his lips. His quiet dimples softened his expression, making me smile back.
"That's exactly why I came outside," I replied. "The tension in there was just… too much."
Liam came and sat beside me, settling against the rough bark of the tree. After a moment, I decided to ask, "Why didn't you tell me that you met one of the rogue wolves back at school?"
He looked away for a second, as if choosing his words carefully, then said, "I didn't want to burden you. You needed some space, and the last thing I wanted was to add more stress."
His voice was calm and sincere, and the thoughtfulness behind his words warmed me.
I looked at him, and our eyes met, his brown gaze so full of warmth that I felt myself relax. He was smiling, a reassuring, understanding smile, and I felt a pang of guilt for pulling away from him earlier.
"I'm sorry about that," I murmured. "I was just... lost in everything. Still trying to understand this new world."
I felt Liam's hand take mine, his touch warm and comforting, grounding me in the moment. I looked over at him, meeting his gentle gaze. "I understand, Haylie. You don't have to explain," he said, his voice soft but full of sincerity. "I'll give you all the time you need to take it in. This world of ours is a lot to handle sometimes."
Searching his eyes, I could see he meant every word.
"Thank you for understanding," I replied. Liam felt like my other half, even if I didn't have a wolf.
He just… got me. I moved closer, resting my head on his sturdy shoulder, feeling the warmth radiate from him as he wrapped an arm around me. He had this magnetic pull I couldn't resist, as if we were two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together.
Just then, my Aunt Camelia and Amora came out of the office, approaching us by the tree.
I lifted my head as Aunt Camelia spoke. "Haylie, we've decided to stay with my sister, Delia, for now. She has an extra room, Amora's old one, and we can set it up for you if you'd like. It's best we stay here in town for our safety."
This was serious—I'd never moved in my entire 15 years. The weight of it hit me, and I rose from the ground beside Liam. "Okay, but what about our things back home?"
My aunt let out a sigh. "We'll gather them another day, but for now, we have no choice but to stay here for our safety."
Liam stood up, offering, "If you'd like, I could pick up some of your clothes tomorrow."
I looked at him, touched by his thoughtfulness, but before I could respond, Uncle Jacob joined us. "I wouldn't do that, Liam. The house is off-limits for now. Wolves may target it, so we have to leave it alone for at least a few weeks."
My eyes widened.
My skateboard, my clothes… my things. That house was my childhood home. I glanced at Liam, my worry clear.
He looked at me with calm reassurance. "It's okay, Haylie," he said softly, sensing my stress. "We'll find a way to get your things."
I gave him a slight nod, breathing deeply to steady myself.
"So, for now, it's best we go to Delia's. We'll be safe there," Aunt Camelia added. She and Amora began walking toward the car.
I gathered my school bag, which Titan had left for me and followed them.
I couldn't help but feel a little sad about not going back home tonight, or even tomorrow. The thought of not sleeping in my own bed, without my pillow that still had traces of my scent, felt strange and unsettling.
I opened the back seat of the car and looked back at Liam one last time, my heart heavy. He gave me a soft, sad smile, leaning in to give me a kiss. I wished it could last forever. Our eyes met as he pulled away.
"Everything is going to be okay," he said, his voice warm and calm. "You won't be far from me—I'll only be three blocks away."
I managed a small smile. "Thank you for everything," I said, then climbed into the car.
A part of me almost wanted to say, "I love you." The words lingered on my lips, but instead, I just said thank you. Maybe it was the exhaustion from a long day, but those words had felt so close.
Liam closed the car door for me, and Aunt Camelia started the engine.
As we drove, my heart raced. This was going to be a new chapter in my life, one I'd never imagined. I'd never seen a real witch's house before, and I couldn't stop wondering if it would be eerie, maybe even magical. Would things move on their own?
As we pulled closer, a tall house came into view. It was made of rich red wood with a striking blue tile roof. It looked like something straight out of *Charmed*, standing at the corner of the street, surrounded by black iron gates.
Aunt Camelia drove up the driveway and parked, and I climbed out, eyes wide with curiosity.
The house was beautiful and slightly intimidating. It had a big, round art-deco window with intricate designs, and a tall wooden porch that seemed to welcome and warn visitors at the same time.
I swallowed, nerves fluttering in my stomach. Slinging my school bag over my shoulder, I closed the car door and followed Aunt Camelia and Amora to the front entrance.
The front door was massive, built from thick, dark wood, with a presence that seemed to echo through the stillness around us.
Aunt Camelia knocked, and within moments, the door creaked open to reveal a woman standing in the doorway. My heart raced as I took her in.
"Delia!" Aunt Camelia's face brightened, and she pulled the woman into a warm hug. I watched, surprised. This was the first time I'd ever seen my aunt's sister. Since my mother's passing, Delia had always been a name I heard but never a face I saw.
Delia was striking, with thick, brown hair that fell over her shoulders, hazel-green eyes that sparkled in the dim light, and a sprinkle of freckles across her nose.
I quickly noticed how different she looked from Aunt Camelia, who had bright blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, and even from Amora, whose hair was brown but whose eyes shone golden green. It was hard to believe they were all related.
As Aunt Camelia and Amora stepped inside, I hesitated, taking a deep breath before following.
My gaze swept over the room, taking in the surroundings. The house was full of mystery, with a towering stone fireplace of grey bricks dominating the room.
But it was the paintings on the walls that captured my attention. Each one was alive, shifting and moving, as if replaying a memory frozen in time. Every scene in the frames told its own story, swirling and changing as if the house itself held onto its history.
I gasped softly, lost in the magic of it all, when a melodic voice brought me back. "You must be Haylie," Delia said with a soft smile. Her voice was warm and welcoming, like music. "You look just like your mother, Olivia."
Her words made my chest tighten, and I found myself smiling shyly.
As I looked at Delia, I couldn't help but notice her true, effortless beauty. She had a delicate, feminine build, with a grace that made her seem both earthy and ethereal. Her presence felt calming, like she was someone who could be trusted instantly.
"Haylie," Aunt Camelia's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Let me show you the room where you'll be staying."
I took a steadying breath and followed my two aunts, Amora and Camelia, through the house.
Each step through this place felt like stepping deeper into a storybook, every corner touched by some hidden magic. We climbed the creaky staircase, and when we reached the second room upstairs, Aunt Amora pushed open the door.
My aunts entered first, and I followed them inside. The room was a bit dusty, clearly untouched for a while. Sunlight filtered through the dusty windows, casting a soft glow over the room's hidden charm.
"Now, if you'd like, we could use a bit of magic," Aunt Amora said with a mischievous smile.
I raised my eyebrows, intrigued, and then Aunt Camelia added, "We didn't mention it back in the office, but there's a way to bring all your things from your old room here without having to go back to get them."
My heart skipped with excitement, and I felt a grin spread across my face. "Really? You can do that?" I asked, hardly daring to believe it.
They both nodded. Aunt Camelia replied, "With both of our powers, yes, we can."
This was the best news I'd heard all day—I could have a piece of home with me, even here in this strange new place.
"Now, Haylie, just close your eyes—and no peeking!" Aunt Amora instructed.
I obeyed, closing my eyes until all I saw was darkness. Then, as my aunts began chanting in a language that sounded ancient and powerful, I felt a sudden warmth, like a soft breeze and a cool mist wrapping around me at the same time.
The voices had been a low murmur at first, but they grew louder and louder until, suddenly, everything went silent.
The quietness made my heart race, and a thought popped into my mind: if only they could bring my old room here. That would be so incredible! I loved my old bed, the one that used to be my mother's, and all the little things I'd collected over time. They might not have been much, but they were mine.
Then, I heard Aunt Camelia's voice say, "Okay, Haylie, you can open your eyes."
I took a deep breath, opened my eyes, and... wow! I could hardly believe it. My heart practically burst with excitement—it *was* my room! They'd brought my whole room here! I let out a squeal, jumping up and down like I'd just won the lottery.
I raced over to my old wooden bed and fell onto it. "This is my bed!" I shouted, grinning from ear to ear as my aunts chuckled.
My bed was still as wonderfully soft as ever, with that familiar cozy feel that made it special.
I sat up and noticed my dresser, too. Practically running over to it, I pulled open each drawer, checking to see if my clothes were inside, and they were!
"This is freaking amazing!" I said, beaming.
I looked at my aunts, my heart so full, then ran over and hugged them both tightly. "Thank you so much," I said, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. Having my things here, in this unfamiliar house, meant the world to me. It made everything feel a little more like home.
"You're welcome," Aunt Amora replied with a warm smile.
I looked at both of them, grinning from ear to ear, unable to hide my happiness.
"Well, why don't you go take a bath while Amora and I start on supper?" suggested Aunt Camelia. That sounded like a great idea—the day had been hot and exhausting, and a bath sounded perfect. Now that my bedroom was here, I could finally unwind a little.
"The bathrooms down the hallway," Aunt Amora added as they both left the room.
I took a deep breath, still smiling as I watched them go, and headed off to find the bathroom.
Liam POV
I watched the car drive off, feeling a strange relief settle over me. It was good to know that Haylie was now only three blocks away; now I could keep an eye on her and reach her quickly if anything happened.
It was enough of a risk that she was human—one wrong move, one bite, and she could be gone. Having her close made me feel safer.
"Humans are so fragile," my wolf, Ace, grumbled in the back of my mind.
"Well, that human is my mate, and I love her," I shot back at him.
Just then, I sensed my father, Mathew, step up beside me. "I'm glad you're still here," he said.
I frowned, turning to look at him. "Why?" I asked.
He smiled, giving me a knowing look. "I need your help packing some things up."
I smirked, teasing him. "Depends on what you need help with."
He chuckled, giving my shoulder a light tap. "Come on, it involves Haylie, so I figure you'll want to help."
With a sigh, I followed my father as he led me back toward the room where he and Haylie had been earlier. As he opened the glass door and stepped inside, I couldn't help but stare in awe.
The room was breathtaking, more beautiful than even my father's current room—it looked like something out of a fairytale.
"Grab a box and help me pack up Olivia's things," my father's voice broke through my thoughts, snapping me back to the task at hand.
I frowned, wondering what had changed.
It was the first time my father had asked me to help pack up this room, a space he rarely even opened. Grabbing an empty box, I walked over to the large wooden cupboard.
Just as I was about to open it, he spoke up. "I know what you're thinking."
I looked over at him, confused. "Well, I was just curious. All these years, you've hardly opened this room, and now…" My voice trailed off as I studied his expression.
He looked at me with a serious gaze, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow. "When I saw Haylie today, I couldn't help but think… these things would mean more to her. I may have lost Olivia, but Haylie lost her mother before she even got to know her," he said quietly.
He was right. Haylie barely knew her mother, and these belongings were all she had left of her.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the cupboard, greeted by the sight of beautiful summer dresses and a faint lavender scent that must have been Olivia's.
One by one, I gently took the dresses out, folding them neatly into the box. Each piece was delicate, with a timeless elegance that spoke to the kind of woman Olivia must have been.
When I reached the last item, my hand froze. As I pulled it out, I heard my father gasp behind me.
I widened my eyes in surprise—it was Olivia's wedding dress, delicate and lovely, but stained with blood. My wolf, Ace, stirred, whispering darkly, "That blood belongs to a wolf named Blade… and his human, Kayson."
My hands began to shake as I held the dress, feeling my father's presence close beside me.
I turned to him, seeing the pain etched into his face as he looked at it with tears in his eyes. "That… that was Olivia's wedding dress," he said, his voice breaking. "She wore it on our wedding day."
The scent of lavender and blood filled the air, and I could sense my father's heartache as if it were my own.
"Dad, I'm so sorry," I whispered, my heart aching for him. He walked over to the bed, sinking down slowly as silent tears slipped down his cheeks. The sight of the dress had reopened wounds he'd kept hidden.
Trying to give him a moment of peace, I placed the dress in an empty box and closed it, hoping to shield him from the sight. But he kept speaking, his voice heavy with emotion.
"She looked so beautiful in that dress," he said quietly. "It was the happiest day of my life. Before the ceremony, I accidentally touched her stomach and felt something… felt so proud, thinking the woman I loved was carrying my child."
I sat down beside him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. His gaze was far away, lost in memories, and then he looked at me, his eyes raw with pain.
"Do you know how much it hurts," he murmured, his voice choked, "to find out that the baby your mate was carrying wasn't yours… but your best friend's?"
My heart sank as I watched the tears streaming down his face.
I had never seen him so vulnerable, so broken. It was as if he were reliving every moment of betrayal and loss all over again. I squeezed his shoulder, hoping he knew he wasn't alone in this dark past, that I was here for him, just as he'd been there for me.
My father looked at me, his eyes filled with a heartbreak so raw it made my own throat tighten.
Seeing him in this state, broken and shattered, was almost unbearable. "Dad, what happened to you was unfair. To be here today, facing this... it must have taken a lot of courage," I said softly. "But maybe we could do this another day. I'll come back and pack everything up for you."
He tried to wipe away his tears, though they kept coming. "I'm sorry, son. I thought that maybe helping Haylie with Olivia's things would help me somehow... but it all hurts so much. I loved Olivia with everything in me, and she broke me."
I felt my chest tighten painfully, and even Ace, my wolf, let out a sad, mournful howl in the back of my mind.
Betrayal from a fated mate—it was beyond words; beyond any pain I could truly imagine. For my father, this had been the woman he thought he'd spend his life with, the one he believed was carrying his child.
And then, to find out that his best friend had betrayed him… it was no wonder he still carried this deep wound.
"I'll see you at dinner, son. I'm sorry," he said, rising from the bed, his voice thick with grief. "I thought I could be here, but this... it's too much."
I nodded, unable to find the right words, feeling a single tear slip down my own cheek.
I watched as he left, his shoulders heavy with sorrow. This was a sight I'd never forget: my father, the Alpha, someone I'd never seen cry, shedding tears. Olivia's memory, her betrayal—it was tearing him apart even now, ten years after her death.
And I realized that the wound she left behind had never healed.