Alethea
“I’ll have to take you back to the pack,” Liam says firmly.
I raise my hand to my chin, pretending to think over his condition, but in reality, my mind is elsewhere. I had planned to go into town today before making this trip to Gaita’s home.
Now? Everything has changed.
Gaita steps into view, her gaze locking with mine. She walks toward me, holding out a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid.
“This will help with your weakness,” she says, pressing it into my palm. “But it’s only temporary. You need to get your mate to mark you, Alethea. You can’t avoid it forever.”
I swallow hard, as I shove the vial into my purse. As if that’s even an option.
For once, I wish I could believe Asher would mark me. That he’d see me as his and claim me the way a mate should. But I know better. He isn’t ready, and I can’t bring myself to ask him why.
I glance at Liam. He’s watching me with an unreadable expression, his jaw tight, his blue eyes dark with something I can’t quite place.
Is he thinking of taking the potion from me?
I clutch my purse tighter.
With a small exhale, I force a smile and turn to him. “I think I’ll take you up on that offer.”
His face remains stony, his mood unmistakably foul. He glares at Gaita like he could snap her neck in an instant.
What the hell happened between them?
I don’t press. Instead, I grab Liam’s arm and tug him toward the door. “Let’s go.”
Relief floods me when I step outside and spot his car parked just a few meters away.
Liam strides ahead and pulls the door open for me, with stiff movements.
I glance at him with a teasing smirk. “Wow. I didn’t know you were a gentleman.”
His lips press into a tight line, and he says nothing.
Liam shakes his head, placing a hand on his chest in mock offense. “You wound my heart, Ally,” he says dramatically, then grins. “But don’t worry, I’ll survive.”
I slide into the seat, fastening my seatbelt as he shuts the door behind me.
With that, he turns on his heel and slips into the driver’s seat, his broad smile still on his face as he starts the engine.
He fiddles with the radio, searching for a station that fits his mood, but nothing seems to catch his interest. A small frown tugs at his lips.
I don’t know much about Liam, but I trust him to some extent. He’s been there for Asher through everything, standing by him during his worst moments. That has to count for something.
“First, let’s make a stop at the ice cream parlor,” he announces casually.
At the mention of ice cream, my eyes light up with excitement before I can stop myself. I quickly school my features, I don’t want him to see just how much that simple gesture affects me.
Liam drives through the city with ease, weaving through the streets until he pulls up in front of a cozy little ice cream shop.
He steps out first, moving around the car to open my door like a proper gentleman.
“Thank you,” I murmur as I climb out, my voice softer than I intended.
Liam simply nods, falling into step behind me as we head toward the shop. His presence is solid, almost like a bodyguard.
Or maybe… something more.
I glance around, taking in the cozy and colorful atmosphere of the ice cream parlor.
The sweet aroma of freshly made waffle cones blends with the lively chatter of other customers. The shop is decorated with antique ice cream scoops, giving it a charming, nostalgic feel.
But the true highlight is the impressive array of ice cream flavors displayed in a glass case, each tub bursting with color and promise.
Liam gently guides me to a booth, a perfect little corner tucked away from the crowd. He stands before me, waiting.
“What do you want?” he asks.
“Spiced apple cider, please,” I say, still admiring the ambiance.
He nods and heads toward the counter. A few minutes later, I see him making his way back, carrying my order and a bourbon vanilla for himself.
He settles into the booth, sliding my cup toward me. My eyes light up like a child’s as I take a deep breath, inhaling the warm, cinnamon-laced scent of my treat.
I take a scoop and let the cold, creamy sweetness melt on my tongue, I sigh in contentment. I let out a small moan at the sheer perfection of the flavor.
Liam chuckles.
I open my eyes to find him staring at me, amusement dancing in his gaze.
“What?” I ask, scooping another bite.
“You’re such a child,” he teases.
“And you don’t like that?” I raise an eyebrow, pointing my spoon at him.
His lips twitch into a smirk. “It’s cool, Ally. I like seeing this part of you.”
His voice is softer now, his gaze drifting, lost in thought.
I narrow my eyes. “Spill it, Liam. What’s on your mind?”
He opens his mouth as if to say something but hesitates, snapping it shut just as quickly.
I let out a small smile, taking another bite of my ice cream before saying the one name I know is clouding his thoughts.
“It’s Gaita, isn’t it?”
Liam suddenly averts his gaze, staring off into the distance as if weighing whether he can trust me.
“Have I ever given you a reason to doubt me?” I ask softly.
His head snaps back to me. “No, no, Ally. It’s not like that.” He exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “It’s just… she’s my mate. And I don’t know why the Moon Goddess paired me with someone who hates werewolves with a passion.”
I blink in surprise. “She hates werewolves? Then why did she even help me?”
“She hates the idea of a werewolf being her mate,” Liam explains, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his ice cream cup. “Her father was a werewolf. She blames him for her mother’s death-said he should’ve saved her. But he just stood there while she burned at the stake for a crime she didn’t commit.”
I watch as he lifts the spoon to his lips, licking the ice cream absently, lost in thought.
“Do you even want her as your mate?” I ask, curious. With these men, it’s impossible to tell what they truly want.
Liam lets out a hollow chuckle. “Of course, Ally. I’ve dreamed of finding my mate for so long.” He glances at me, something unreadable in his eyes.
“I didn’t even know you were Asher’s mate at first. The moment he told me, I lost any will to resent you.” He pauses, exhaling. “Mates are sacred. A gift from the Moon Goddess. And I feel the bond with her. But she refuses to acknowledge it.”
I shake my head. “Then do more than complain. Woo her, Liam. I saw the sparks between you two, whether you want to admit it or not. And from what I can tell… she wants you too.”
Liam suddenly looks up at me, his blue eyes searching mine. “You really think so?”
I smile knowingly. “I don’t think, Liam-I know. So instead of sitting here whining like a child, why don’t you make a move? Show her you actually want to be her mate.”
He stares at me for a moment, processing my words. Then, just as we’re getting lost in conversation, he suddenly stands up, his body tensing. His expression hardens, and I realize he must have just received a mind link.
“What is it?” I ask, watching his face carefully.
His jaw clenches, and he exhales sharply before turning to me. “We need to go. Now.”