Liam’s POV
Her lips were soft, warm, and alluring. The way they fit against mine made my heart race so fast that it blocked out all other thoughts. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, allowing it to stay with me.
But as swiftly as I slipped into the kiss, reality slammed me like a cold wave.
I retreated abruptly, my voice hoarse and wobbly. “I… I’m sorry.”
“Liam…” she started, her tone unsure, but I couldn’t let her finish.
“I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know what came over me,” I murmured, retreating before she could answer. I needed to get away, needed space to think. My chest felt heavy, remorse combining with the lingering warmth of her kiss.
What was I thinking? How could I let my emotions get the best of me?
*****
Steven’s POV
I awoke to an empty bed. Strange. Luna never gets up before me.
I stretched and stood up, noticing her on the couch, laptop poised on her knees, eyes fixed on the screen.
“What are you doing?” I inquired, my voice hoarse from sleep.
Without looking up, she said, “The agreement we reached. Remember? I have two days to build a great line of women’s apparel that will impress you. I don’t want to waste a single second.”
I nodded and crossed my arms. “Make sure it’s okay. “I will not tolerate mediocrity.”
Her lips trembled, but she did not react. I left her there, still focused on her job, and went to the washroom.
Freya was already at the dining table when I arrived, but her plate remained untouched.
When she spotted me, she stood up and prepared to leave, but I gently held her arm.
“Freya,” I replied firmly, “I was only trying to protect you.”
She turned with burning eyes. “By trying to kill everyone who so much as looks at me wrong?!”
“She has injured you, Freya! “How can you be upset with me for defending you?”
“This isn’t about Maya,” she said abruptly, her voice rising. “I want her gone just as much as you do.” But this is about you not letting me fight my own battles. Steven, you are always interfering and exaggerating things.
“Because I care about you!” I yelled, my patience becoming thin.
“Well, if this is your version of care, I don’t want it,” she replied.
Her words wounded deeply, but I didn’t let it show.
She relaxed slightly. “Steven, Owen’s death was not your responsibility. He chose to fight with you. He made a decision. Stop harming yourself by attempting to protect me from the world. I don’t need you to protect me like a helpless child.”
The very mention of Owen made me tense. “Freya, I should have stopped him. I should have stayed at his side. “If I had, he’d still be alive.” My voice cracked, revealing the guilt I carried.
Her facial expression softened. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t save me if I need it, Steven. But I need to fight my own fights, at least the minor ones. Okay, trust me to handle those.
I pondered before reluctantly nodding.
Freja stepped in, her tone diffusing the tension. “What’s with the emotional atmosphere? Did I forget something? She plucked an apple off the table, unconcerned.
Freya gave a frown. “Where were you yesterday? You almost disappeared.”
Freja simply shrugged. “Tough day. I’d rather not discuss it.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Did someone hurt you?”
She smirked. “Why? So you can go all protective like you always do with Freya?”
I rolled my eyes and walked away, muttering, “You’re all so ungrateful.”
—
The rest of the day, I trained with Liam and the wolves, letting my frustration out in the form of raw power. By the time I returned to the mansion, night had fallen.
When I entered my room, Luna was exactly where I left her-still seated on the couch, her hair a mess, dark circles under her eyes, and her fingers flying across the keyboard.
“You’ve been here all day?” I asked, crossing my arms.
She looked up, startled, then groaned. “Oh no, is it night already? I’ve only got one day left to finish this design.”
I frowned. “Have you even eaten?”
She shook her head. “No time. I’m starving, but your precious deadline can’t wait.”
I stared at her for a moment, confusion and something unfamiliar twisting in my chest. Why was she working so hard for me when I’d given her every reason to hate me?
Without a word, I walked to the kitchen.
“Alpha,” one of the staff greeted nervously. “Do you need something?”
“Is there any food left?”
“Yes, we still have some macaroni and cheese.”
“Good. Dish some out.”
With the plate in hand, I returned to my room and set it in front of Luna.
She blinked up at me, her expression skeptical. “You brought food? For me? Or is this some kind of cruel joke?”
“Just eat,” I said, my tone gruff.
Her eyes widened. “For me?”
“Forget it,” I snapped, reaching for the plate, but she grabbed my wrist.
“Not so fast, big wolf. You can’t take it back now,” she said, pulling the plate closer and digging in.
I watched her devour the food, her hair falling into her face. She looked utterly disheveled but oddly determined.
“Slow down,” I muttered. “You’re going to choke… or eat your hair.”
She waved me off, her mouth full. “Help me tie it back. Hairband’s on the table.”
I stared at her, thinking I’d misheard. “You want me to tie your hair?”
She looked up with a smirk. “Oh, come on, big bad Alpha. Don’t tell me you’re scared of a little hair.”
Grumbling, I grabbed the hairband and stood behind her.
“Careful,” she said as I tugged her hair back. “You’re pulling too hard.”
“One more word, and I’ll pull harder,” I warned.
“Fine,” she muttered.
Her hair was soft and silky in my hands. I tied it into a neat ponytail, but for a brief moment, I hesitated, reluctant to let go.
What the hell is happening to me?