Finnian’s POV
Jovie and I strolled the short distance from the pack house to the Winslows’ home, continuing a long-standing tradition of welcoming new pups into the pack. It was a duty I took seriously as Alpha-one that reinforced the unity and strength of our people. As we neared the front gate, my gaze lifted just in time to catch sight of Lia Sterling stepping onto the porch, looking as exasperated as she was breathtaking.
My heart clenched involuntarily. Damn, she was stunning.
I wondered fleetingly what had her so frustrated, but she hadn’t noticed me. That gave me a few stolen seconds to drink her in. She was even more beautiful than I remembered-more than I had any right to acknowledge. I quickly tore my gaze away as she descended the steps, heading straight toward us. But when she addressed Jovie and me by our titles, I barely stopped myself from groaning out loud.
Really, Lia?
We had known each other all our lives-had been far more than friends once-and she damn well knew I didn’t want formality between us. Before I could correct her, though, Jovie happily launched into a conversation about the new twin pups, effectively forcing me to let it go.
As we lingered near the gate, I spotted Silas, our Beta and longtime friend, creeping up behind Lia with a mischievous grin. He pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for me not to warn her. My jaw clenched as I watched him grab her from behind, effortlessly lifting her off the ground and spinning her in the air. She shrieked in protest, though it was laced with laughter.
That easy, teasing dynamic had always existed between them, but lately, I’d begun to suspect Silas felt more than just friendship for her.
Before I could dwell on it, a voice I vaguely recognized cut through the air, sharp and laced with fury.
“Why the fuck do you have your hands on my girl?”
The words snapped my attention to the approaching figure. Alpha Liam Ashford. I recognized him from the recent alliance negotiations-though we had yet to meet in person, I’d seen him enough through video calls to know exactly who he was.
His girl?
What the actual fuck was going on?
A low growl rumbled from my chest before I could stop it. Shit. I caught Jovie’s confused glance from the corner of my eye, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. Even though I had found my mate-a bond I had fully accepted-I still bristled at the thought of Lia being claimed by someone else.
I had no right to feel that way, not after how I had handled things. But it didn’t matter. A mate bond didn’t erase history, didn’t magically erase emotions overnight. Most wolves found that the mate pull overshadowed old feelings, dulling them with time.
Not for me.
A year had passed, and my feelings for Lia hadn’t faded. Not one bit. Some part of me had been selfishly hoping she wouldn’t find her mate anytime soon-that I’d have more time to figure things out.
Then, she said something that gave me a sliver of hope.
“First of all, not your girl.”
Her sharp tone and the glare she shot at Liam sent relief rushing through me. If they were truly mates, wouldn’t she be softer with him? More accepting? That was the only thought keeping me grounded as I watched her walk away with him. There was no closeness, no affection that suggested anything beyond acquaintance.
Good.
I needed more time.
I was still staring after them when Jovie sighed, exasperated, and tugged me toward the house.
Liam’s POV
I exhaled, ready to break the tension.
“I’m so-”
“I guess-”
We spoke at the same time, then paused. Lia let out a small chuckle, and I found myself smirking. Well, that was one way to break the ice.
“You first,” I offered.
She hesitated for a beat, then shrugged. “I was just going to say we should probably introduce ourselves properly. Though at this point, it might be redundant.”
“Actually, I think a do-over is in order,” I admitted. “Let’s start fresh. I’m Liam.” I extended a hand.
“Dahlia… but please, just call me Lia.”
The moment her hand slid into mine, everything changed.
A rush of energy shot through me, electrifying yet soothing, exhilarating yet grounding. It was warmth and fire, comfort and desire, all wrapped in an overwhelming sensation that no words could ever fully capture.
My parents had told me what the mate bond felt like. But nothing-nothing-could have prepared me for this.
Lia’s gaze dropped to our joined hands, her expression shifting into something like wonder. She must have felt it too. But the moment she caught me watching her, she pulled away.
“So, what were you going to say?” she asked, her voice steady despite the lingering tension between us.
My brain stuttered. “Huh?” Brilliant response, Liam.
Her lips quirked. “Before we both started talking at the same time-you wanted to say something. What was it?”
Oh. Right.
I cleared my throat. “I… I was going to apologize. For the whole growling thing. Ghost came forward before I could stop him. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
It wasn’t a lie. I didn’t regret reacting-I’d rip apart any man who touched her, mate bond or not-but I hadn’t meant to make a scene in front of her Alpha and Luna.
Her expression softened slightly. “Well, I appreciate the apology. Your wolf’s name is Ghost?”
She sounded genuinely curious. That was… promising.
I nodded. “Yeah. And as you probably noticed, he’s pretty excited to meet you. We’ve been waiting six years for this.”
Would that sound too intense? Too much, too soon?
But instead of pulling away, she smiled. “Nice to meet you too, Ghost! My wolf’s name is Blue.” She leaned forward slightly, as if speaking directly to my wolf.
Ghost stirred in my mind, eager, wanting to be closer. I let him come forward just enough.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Blue.” Our voices blended-mine and Ghost’s-as Lia’s blue eyes flickered black for a brief second.
Her wolf was responding. Another good sign.
“Dahlia and Blue,” I mused. “Those sound Swedish. But I know you’re American-at least on your father’s side.”
She hesitated before answering. “My mother was Swedish. Her name was Elin. Her family immigrated here and settled in the Midnight Moon pack. My father met her while visiting on pack business.”
Her voice turned quiet, laced with something I couldn’t quite place. Grief? Regret?
She mentioned an aunt but didn’t elaborate, and I sensed that pressing further wouldn’t be welcome.
By the time we reached her house, I was reluctant to let our conversation end. She seemed comfortable with me, and that alone left me riding a high that even Ghost was basking in.
As she reached the door, I caught her hand and brushed a kiss across her knuckles.
The contact sent another rush of tingling warmth through me, and it took every ounce of control to let her go.
She took a step inside, then turned unexpectedly, mischief dancing in her blue eyes.
“I enjoyed our talk too, Liam. You seem like an okay guy… at least once you stop growling at people.” She smirked before disappearing inside.
I should have been annoyed.
But all I could think about was that smile.
Lia was already beautiful. But when she smiled like that?
I was done for.