HIRAM’S POV
The full moon is a risky and complicated time for both humans and werewolves. While werewolves are seen as stronger and more dangerous, the full moon makes them lose control of their instincts, which can make them unpredictable and even vulnerable. In a way, their greatest strength becomes a weakness during this time.
“Come on, Hiram. You’ve got to cut him some slack,” Alex says with a sigh, folding her arms and leaning back against the couch.
Winston stands silently by the fireplace, his head bowed as he waits for my judgment.
“Cut him some slack?” My voice rises as I glare at her, frustration bubbling over. Alex raises her eyebrows at me, but I do not back down. “He almost killed her last night, Alex! What would we-”
“He didn’t kill her,” she interrupts sharply, rolling her eyes like I’m being unreasonable. “And you’re not blameless, Hiram. Who brings a human into their house during a full moon?” She tries to stare me down.
I clench my fists as I feel the heat bubbling in my chest heighten. Winston remains silent. I hate scolding him like this because he’s almost twice my age. But last night keeps playing in my head. The thought of Juniper being hurt doesn’t seem to leave my mind.
“She was sick,” I say through gritted teeth, struggling to keep my voice at a low level. “I wasn’t thinking clearly. She needed me.”
“And Winston can’t stop being a wolf when the full moon hits. You think I enjoy getting woken up in the middle of the night to wipe her memory? No! But I still do it, and I am not complaining,” Alex retorts, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “The only reason you didn’t rip her apart is because she’s your mate, Hiram. Her scent keeps your wolf in check. You can’t hurt her, even if you tried.”
She’s right. As much as I hate to admit it, Juniper being my mate is the only thing that saved her last night.
Before I can respond, Juniper’s scent reaches me. I freeze, turning toward the stairs.
“Hiram? Are you even listening?” Alex snaps, clearly annoyed. I hold up a hand, silencing her.
“She’s coming,” I mumble. My voice feels steady for the first time all day, though tension lingers in my chest. Alex exhales, sinking into the couch.
Juniper’s soft voice echoes from upstairs as she calls out to me. Without thinking, I move toward the stairs, meeting her at the first landing. The sight of her calms the storm raging inside me. Her eyes look beautiful as ever, and the look of terror is gone. She looks at me, rubbing her eyes gently with the side of her right index finger.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, and I nod, forcing a smile on my lips.
“But… but I heard voices,” she says, peeping behind me to find Alex on the couch.
“Alex,” she mouths, and I sigh, turning around to see Alex with a cocky smile on her face.
“June. I was wondering when Hiram would finally introduce us,” she says, getting to her feet as Juniper waves at her shyly. “Come on, do not be shy. I have heard a lot about you, and I hope we could vibe sometime,” she says, and I glare at her with my brows drawn down.
“I am not going to steal her from you, Hiram. I have manners.”
I scoff, grabbing Juniper’s hand as Alex winks at her, then she lets out a chuckle. Without looking back, I take June back to my room.
“I like Alex,” she says, walking to the bed to sit, but I do nothing but stare at her as I wonder how to break the news to her.
“What?” she asks, and I take a deep breath.
“How is your fever? Better, I hope?” I question, and she nods heartily.
“Good. Good,” I say, slipping a hand in my pocket as I walk toward her, sitting beside her.
I hold her hands in mine, exhaling deeply.
“I have to make an impromptu trip, and I do not think leaving you here all by yourself is a good idea.” Her face falls as I say this.
I bring her hand to my lips, planting a kiss on it, then she withdraws it, remaining silent.
“Are you okay?” I ask, and she gets to her feet, smiling at me. “It’s only for a day, and I will be back tomorrow evening. You can see me in the evening, but no sleepovers because you have school the next day.” She nods at me.
“I should go take a bath since I’ll be leaving soon,” she says without looking at me, but I grab her hands before she can walk away. Gently, I pull her onto my lap, and she lets out a sigh.
“Why do I feel you are trying to avoid me? Does Alex not like me?” she asks, and I shake my head. “I mean, you guys were shouting, and when I…”
I kiss her lips before she can finish, causing her body to relax into mine.
“Even if everyone I know doesn’t like you, I wouldn’t give a damn. I love you, and that is what matters.”
She gives a cheeky smile, leaning into me, allowing me to taste her lips. Her lips taste like temptation, soft and maddening as I claim them with mine. My hands grip her waist, pulling her tightly against me as though there was any more space left to occupy. She gasps softly, and the sound sends a spark straight through me. My lips trail down her neck, grazing her delicate skin, which causes her body to shudder against mine.
“Juniper,” I murmur against her throat.
Her fingers tangle in my hair, tugging me slightly as she rolls her hips against my lap. Our heartbeats race in sync as my hands slide under her shirt, desperate to feel more of her.
But then, her palms press against my chest, and she pulls back, her cheeks flushed, lips swollen, and a playful smirk tugging at her mouth. Her eyes gleam with mischief. She brings her lips close to my ear, causing bumps to sprout over my skin.
“I’m saving it for the hot tub,” she whispers in a low tone before slipping from my lap and sauntering toward the bathroom. She glances over her shoulder as my eyes helplessly follow the sway of her hips.
I exhale sharply, dragging a hand through my hair as I realize she’s going to be the death of me.