Melody POV
My breath hitched in my throat as I watched Liam battle fiercely against the rogue wolf and my brother, Kyle. Fear tightened its grip on my chest. Liam's movements, though powerful, were slowing, and the blood soaking his side was a stark reminder of his injury.
His healing was taking too long, and the crimson stains on the floor only deepened my panic. If he kept this up, the consequences could be dire.
I forced myself to focus, pushing past the rising tide of fear. I had to do something—fast. My magic surged within me, a familiar yet powerful force I rarely relied on. I couldn't let Liam continue fighting like this. My mind raced, and an idea formed. If I could teleport Kyle and the rogue wolf away, Liam could rest and heal properly.
Drawing a deep breath, I whispered the ancient words under my breath, my voice barely audible amidst the chaos.
The spell hummed in the air, and in the blink of an eye, Kyle and the other rogue wolf vanished, transported to the woods far from here.
The sudden stillness that followed was almost jarring. Before I could catch my breath, Liam was at my side, his strong hands gripping my arms firmly, his face etched with worry.
"Haylie, are you okay?" he asked, his deep voice laced with concern, his brows furrowed as he scanned me for injuries.
I looked up into his intense gaze, my heart aching at the sight of the pain in his eyes. "I'm okay," I replied softly, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions within me. "But I'm worried about you." My eyes dropped to his side, where the blood still flowed. "Liam, you're bleeding."
He glanced down, as if only now noticing the severity of his wound. "It's nothing," he said gruffly, his tone dismissive, but his wince betrayed the truth.
I placed my hand gently on his chest, meeting his gaze again. "It's not nothing, Liam. You need to rest and heal."
He hesitated, his protective instincts warring with the logic in my words. Finally, he sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I'll heal fast enough," he muttered, though his stance softened, allowing me to guide him away from the blood-stained floor.
"Let me take care of you," I said firmly, determined to help him recover. For once, he didn't argue, and listening to me.
I quickly slid Liam's arm over my shoulder, letting as much of his weight as possible rest on me. He was heavy, his muscular frame sagging slightly as he leaned into me, but I pushed on. I had to get him to safety—a place where I could tend to his wounds and stop the bleeding.
Never mind the fact that he was completely naked, his athletic body and, yes, his hot buttocks on full display. Now wasn't the time to get distracted.
Step by step, we shuffled down the hallway, Liam's breath ragged and warm against my ear. The blood dripping from his ribs left a trail on the floor behind us, and the sight made my stomach tighten with worry.
Finally, after what felt like forever, I spotted a door slightly ajar. As I peeked inside, relief washed over me. It was the school's medical room, complete with a bed and basic supplies.
"Almost there," I muttered, more to myself than to Liam, as I guided him through the door and closed it firmly behind us. The room was mercifully empty. I helped Liam to the bed, easing him down until he was seated, his legs dangling over the edge.
"Haylie, I'll heal," Liam said, his voice rough but steady, though his pale face and labored breathing told a different story.
I shot him a firm look, crossing my arms. "I know, but you need to rest and let me clean this up first. No arguments."
A weak smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and he leaned back slightly, giving in.
I quickly moved to the cupboards, rummaging through the sparse supplies until I found some gauze and a bottle of sterile alcohol. My hands shook slightly as I grabbed what I needed, but I forced myself to focus.
Returning to Liam's side, I wet the gauze with the alcohol and looked at him apologetically. "This is going to hurt a little," I warned softly, my voice gentle as I pressed the damp gauze against the wound.
Liam hissed through his teeth, his body tensing under my touch, but he didn't pull away. I worked quickly yet carefully, wiping away the blood and dirt that clung to his side.
The wound was deep, but not as bad as I had feared—it looked like his natural healing was already trying to kick in, albeit slowly.
"You're stubborn, you know that?" I said, trying to keep the mood light as I dabbed at his ribs.
Liam chuckled weakly, his eyes half-lidded but warm as they met mine. "You're one to talk," he murmured, a ghost of his usual smirk gracing his lips.
I rolled my eyes, but the tension in my chest eased a little at his humor. "Just stay still and let me take care of you," I said, focusing on cleaning the last of the blood.
For a moment, the world outside faded away. It was just Liam and me in that quiet room, the bond between us stronger than ever.
Haylie POV
I wasn't sure how long I had been sitting there, staring into the flames that danced in the fireplace. The warmth on my face was the only comfort I had, but even that felt faint compared to the aching cold inside me.
My knees were pulled tightly to my chest, my arms wrapped around them, and I traced my hands up and down my arms over the jacket I wore.
This wasn't home. I was so far from Crescent Moon Town, so far from everything I knew. The emptiness gnawed at me, a weight that grew heavier with every passing moment. I missed Liam—his touch, his voice, the way his presence alone could make me feel safe.
Loneliness pressed in on me, sharp and relentless, filling the silence of the room. Only the soft crackling of the fire breaking apart the logs offered any solace, and even that felt like a reminder of how far away I was from what I loved.
I hadn't seen JC for a while. He'd mentioned earlier that he'd be in the kitchen if I needed him, but I hadn't sought him out.
I wasn't sure I even wanted to. What would I say? The words felt too heavy to speak, and I didn't want to burden him.
Instead, I stayed curled up in front of the fire, letting my mind wander back to Crescent Moon. It had always been my world, the only place I ever thought I'd be. But here I was, miles away in a place that felt alien and cold. Greenland. The name alone felt wrong—there was nothing green about it, only this biting chill that seemed to seep into my very bones.
I exhaled slowly, watching the fire flicker and crack. The flames seemed alive, dancing and swaying, almost mocking my stillness.
My chest tightened as memories of Liam flooded my mind. I wished he were here, his arms wrapped around me, his voice low and soothing, telling me everything would be okay.
But he wasn't, and I was here—alone.
My heart felt like it was on the verge of shattering into a million pieces. Tears tugged at the corners of my eyes, stubbornly refusing to fall as I fought to keep them at bay. The storm of emotions building inside me was too much, a pressure that begged for release.
Before I could let myself break and cry, a presence beside me pulled me out of my turmoil.
I dared to glance to my side, and to my surprise, there stood JC. He held two bowls in his hands, steam rising gently from them. I blinked up at him, unable to find the words to speak.
"I made us some warm soup," he said softly, his voice calm and steady as he held one of the bowls out toward me.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, and turned my gaze back to the fire. The flames flickered in my eyes, and for a moment, I thought about ignoring him, retreating back into my quiet sorrow.
"You have to eat, Haylie," his voice broke through again, gentle but firm.
I hesitated, the weight of his words pressing on me. He was trying, I could see that much. Slowly, I reached out and took the bowl from his hand, my fingers brushing against his. The warmth of the bowl seeped into my palms, grounding me slightly, though I kept my eyes on the fire.
"Thank you," I whispered, barely audible, but enough for him to hear.
JC didn't say anything right away, simply sitting down beside me, his presence solid and reassuring. For the first time in hours, I felt a small flicker of comfort amid the ache in my chest.
We ate our soup in silence, and to my surprise, it wasn't bad at all. I wondered where JC had learned to cook. I could barely manage the basics, while my Aunt Camelia was always the excellent cook in the family.
When I finished my bowl of soup, I glanced at JC. "Thank you. The soup was really good," I said, offering him a half-smile.
His face lit up just a little, and I heard him say, "If you'd like, I've prepared the water for the house. There's warm water if you want to take a bath."
The thought of a bath made me realize just how long it had been since my last one. I was sure I'd feel much better after soaking in some warm water. After all, I couldn't exactly return home—not with the wolves out there.
"Maybe I should take that bath," I said quietly.
JC rose from his seat and reached out to take my empty bowl. "There are clean towels in the bathroom, and the water should be nice and warm now," he said.
I looked up at him, and for a moment, our eyes met. His lips curved into a small smile before he turned and walked away.
I let out a deep breath, gathering my strength, then stood and headed off to take the warm bath he'd prepared.
Liam POV
I watched as Haylie gently cleaned the blood off my skin. Her touch was so careful, like she was afraid I might break. My eyes stayed on her, and I couldn't help but think about how attractive she looked, playing nurse with me.
I didn't want to tell her, but I was already feeling better—the pain was completely gone. My wolf healing worked fast, and as a future Alpha, my ability to heal was even faster than a regular wolf's.
I had a feeling she noticed, though. By the time she was tending to me, most of the blood on my skin had already dried.
The fact that I was completely naked was... another story entirely. I couldn't help but shift uncomfortably, moving my free hand to cover myself as best I could while she worked. Sitting bare naked on the school nurse's bed, my cheeks burned red with embarrassment at the realization of my situation.
My wolf, Ace, was unusually quiet. It was as if he'd decided to step back and leave me to handle this awkward moment on my own.
My eyes stayed on Haylie as I noticed the pile of blood-soaked cotton beside me. It was stained deep red with my blood. I was surprised by how much I'd bled—grateful for my wolf blood and its healing powers. If I were human, I'd likely be dead by now.
"I think that's all done," Haylie said, tossing the last cotton ball into the trash.
"Thank you," I replied, our eyes meeting as she turned back to me. She stepped closer, her body brushing lightly against my legs. "You didn't have to, but… thank you," I said softly.
A smile appeared on her lips, and she glanced at me. "You know," she said with a teasing tone, "we should probably get you dressed."
Her eyes briefly flickered over me, and I couldn't help but blush even more. What caught me off guard, though, was that Haylie wasn't blushing at all. The Haylie I used to know would've been bright red in a situation like this. It was strange, but I pushed the thought aside.
Instead, I reached out and gently grabbed her arms, pulling her closer to me. She stood between my legs now, and I couldn't look away from her. Those green eyes of hers—damn, they could pull me in and leave me utterly lost.
Reaching up, I brushed a stray strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear.
Slowly, I leaned in, my lips brushing against hers. The warmth of her lips sent a rush of heat through my body, and in that moment, she was irresistible. I couldn't fight it anymore.
I leaned in further, deepening the kiss, letting myself get lost in her touch.
Her taste was intoxicating, like heaven itself, and the warmth of her mouth ignited something primal within me.
As our tongues danced together, I couldn't help but pull her closer, pressing her body firmly against mine as our kiss deepened.
She melted into my touch, her resistance giving way to the moment. Overcome with desire, I trailed my lips down her jawline, leaving a path of soft kisses. When I reached her neck, I felt her breath hitch, followed by a quiet, trembling moan that sent a shiver through me.
My hands, which had been resting on her upper arms, slid down to her waist. My fingers found the hem of her black shorts, gripping them just enough to let her know what I wanted—what my body craved.
Slowly, I worked my way to the button of her shorts. With deliberate care, I unbuttoned them, the zipper following, the sound sharp in the quiet room.
In one swift motion, I tugged her shorts down, taking her panties with them. A soft moan escaped her lips, and my name followed in a whisper: "Liam."
Her voice, breathy and laced with vulnerability, stopped me in my tracks. I lifted my gaze to meet hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause. Her green eyes, usually so confident, now looked at me with a mixture of nervousness and full of life and hunger.
I could feel her warmth, the unspoken tension between us confirming she wanted this just as much as I did.
Leaning in, I cupped her face in my hands, pulling her closer and kissing her with a fiery passion. The intensity of the moment surged through me, unlike anything I'd ever felt before—a need so overwhelming it was almost painful.
Without wasting another moment, I slid her top off, followed by her bra, leaving her bare before me.
She stood there, radiant and vulnerable, her skin glowing in the dim light. Between my legs, she was perfection, and my hunger for her only grew.
The woman I loved, the one my body and soul craved, was here with me now. Driven by the heat of the moment, I broke our kiss, gently guiding her onto the small bed. She climbed up, her movements graceful, and once she was settled, I moved over her, capturing her lips again in a deep kiss.
Her naked body brushed against mine, the sensation sending waves of desire through me.
My body responded instinctively, the ache of wanting her becoming almost unbearable. She was beautiful—her flawless skin, her warmth, her every movement—it was everything I'd ever wanted.
Though the bed was small, it didn't matter. She was perfect, and nothing else existed but us. Our kiss deepened, the intensity building as I trailed my lips down her jawline, searching for that sensitive spot on her neck. When I found it, I playfully nibbled, earning a soft giggle from her.
The sound brought a smile to my lips, and I continued my path of kisses down her body.
I paused at her chest, my gaze lingering on her soft, bare skin. Gently, I cupped her breast in my hand, bringing my lips to her nipple. Slowly, I began to suck, savoring the moment and the way her body responded to my touch.
Her body was warm beneath mine, her heat only fueling my desire. As I kissed my way down her stomach, my lips barely brushing against her soft skin, I felt her body responding to every touch.
Each kiss drew a shiver or a quiet gasp, her reactions like a melody that guided me. It was as though I was tracing a map across her skin, a journey meant only for us.
When I reached the space between her thighs, I paused, taking in the sight of her. Her legs were parted, her vulnerability a testament to her trust in me. She was like clay in my hands, pliable and perfect, and the depth of my desire for her was unlike anything I'd ever experienced.
Leaning forward, my lips found the beginning of her folds, and my finger followed soon after, tracing gently along her wetness. She was warm and ready, her arousal evident in the way her body responded to me.
The scent of her filled the air, intoxicating and primal, stirring something deep within me.
I glanced up at her, catching the way she bit her bottom lip, her green eyes fixed on me with a mixture of nervousness and longing. Her quiet moans were enough to make my own body ache with need, hard and throbbing in anticipation.
But even in the rush of the moment, I knew this was more than just passion. This was her first time, and it meant everything to me that she felt safe and cherished.
I let my finger trail over her wetness again, slower this time, watching her face closely for any sign of discomfort. "Haylie," I whispered softly, my voice low and full of emotion. "Are you sure? I need to know that you're comfortable with this."
Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, the world felt still.
Her trust, her innocence, and the love shining in her gaze made me want to protect her, even from myself. Whatever happened next, it had to be about her—her comfort, her desires, her choice.
She gave me a slight nod, her teeth grazing her bottom lip as her green eyes met mine. That simple gesture was enough to confirm her trust in me, and I promised myself I'd be as gentle as I could.
Slowly, I let her grow accustomed to my touch, moving with care as I explored the warmth of her.
When I let my finger slip inside her, the heat and softness of her body wrapped around me. She was wet, her arousal unmistakable, and the way her body responded to my movements sent a rush of longing through me. Yet, as I continued, a flicker of surprise crossed my mind—it wasn't quite as I imagined.
Pushing the thought aside, I focused on her, adding another finger and watching the way her expression softened with pleasure. The gentle movements of my fingers elicited quiet moans from her, the sound stirring something primal within me.
Her body relaxed further, molding into my touch, and I realized how much I wanted to make this moment about her.
Despite the nagging thought in the back of my mind, I reminded myself that this was Haylie—the woman I loved and cherished. I wanted this moment to be about us, free from doubt.
As I pulled my fingers from her warmth, I brought them to my lips, savoring her essence and the connection we shared. Our eyes locked, and I could see her trust and affection mirrored in her gaze.
I leaned over her, letting my body rest gently against hers. My hand traced the soft curves of her frame, mapping the delicate lines of her body as if committing them to memory.
With care, I positioned myself, ensuring she was comfortable and watching her closely for any signs of hesitation.
Her lips parted, her breaths shallow as I brushed against her, the warmth of her body welcoming me. Slowly, I guided myself to her, allowing us both to adjust to the new closeness.
Her warmth enveloped me as I pressed closer to her, but something gnawed at the back of my mind.
This didn't feel like how I imagined it would with Haylie—the woman I loved, who had always been untouched by anyone else. A wave of confusion washed over me, tightening my chest as my wolf stirred, his voice breaking into my thoughts.
"She is no Haylie, you fool," my wolf growled, his tone edged with warning.
A deep frown creased my forehead, and she noticed my distress. Her voice, soft but laced with concern, pulled me from my spiraling thoughts.
"Liam, are you okay?" she asked, her green eyes searching mine.
I hesitated, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "Have you... done this before?" I asked gently, unsure if I truly wanted the answer.
Her brows knit together, a flicker of confusion passing over her face. "No. Why would you ask me that?" she replied, her voice steady, but something in her tone made it hard to tell if she was being honest.
The Haylie I knew would have been different—nervous, shy, perhaps hesitant—but this felt off.
Yet, when I looked into her eyes, I saw no deceit. Desperate to quiet the storm in my mind, I leaned in and kissed her again, pouring my emotions into the connection, trying to rekindle the certainty I once felt.
But the doubt refused to leave me. My wolf was relentless, his growls and warnings echoing in my mind, making it impossible to ignore. "This isn't her," he snarled, his voice almost a growl.
I clenched my jaw, determined to block him out, to trust her, to trust us. But the unease was like a shadow, growing darker with each passing moment.