Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Liam Pov
My heart shattered seeing Haylie so sad. I wanted her to know she wasn't alone, that even though her parents were gone, I was here for her. She was my family now, and my wolf wholeheartedly agreed.
She carried so much pain inside, and I hadn't realized the depth of it until now. Losing her parents and living with aunts who weren't even blood-related was heartbreaking.
We made our way to the kitchen, which was on the far side of the house. It wasn't an ordinary kitchen—it was massive, with a huge island in the center and a double sink. We even had a personal chef and staff who ensured every meal was fresh and perfectly prepared.
Haylie trailed behind me, her eyes wide as she took in the space. I walked up to the double-door fridge, seamlessly built into the kitchen wall, and opened it.
"What do you want to drink?" I asked her over my shoulder.
She was too busy gazing around the kitchen to respond at first, her amazement evident. I greeted the chef, who smiled warmly at me.
"Is that my boy Liam raiding the fridge again?" called Grand Any, her familiar tone filled with affection.
I grabbed two sodas, closed the fridge, and turned to walk back toward Haylie. "Grand Any," I said with a grin, "I want you to meet my girlfriend, Haylie."
Grand Any's eyes widened in delight. She wiped her hands quickly on her apron and walked over to Haylie. "Are you the young lady Liam can't stop talking about?" she asked with a knowing smile.
I felt my cheeks heat up as I let out a small, embarrassed smirk. My wolf chuckled in the back of my mind. She's right—you're always talking about her.
Haylie glanced at me, an amused look on her face. "I hope it's all good things," she said, her voice teasing yet soft.
My heart skipped a beat, and I could feel myself start to panic. Grand Any looked like she was about to say something more, and I wasn't sure Haylie needed to hear all the stories she had stored away.
"Grand, Haylie and I won't join for supper tonight," I quickly interjected. "We're having a movie night in the living room."
Grand Any raised an eyebrow but nodded knowingly. "Enjoy your evening, you two," she said with a smile, stepping back toward the stove.
I handed Haylie a soda, gently brushing her hand in the process, and nodded toward the door. "Come on," I said softly. "Let's get comfy and start our movie night."
Our house was massive, with nine bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and a kitchen to rival a professional chef's.
The living room was at the far end of the hallway, separated by two wooden sliding doors. As we approached, I slid the doors open, gesturing for Haylie to step inside first.
Switching on the lights, I watched her face light up with awe as the room came into view.
"My dad loves a proper movie night," I explained as the built-in screen on one wall came into focus.
Surround sound speakers were seamlessly embedded into the walls, creating a cinematic experience just like a real theater.
In the middle of the room was a massive sectional sofa covered in oversized cushions that practically begged you to sink into them. To one side was our personal mini-bar, stocked with candy, popcorn, and an array of snacks.
Haylie glanced around, her eyes wide as she took it all in. "If you have a room like this," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief, "why would you ever bother going to a movie theater?"
I grinned at her question, walking over to the sofa. As I sank into its plush comfort, the cushions seemed to swallow me, offering an almost ridiculous level of luxury. "Good question," I said with a smirk.
Haylie sank into the sofa beside me, letting out a soft sigh of relief as the plush cushions seemed to envelop her. I couldn't help but smile at the way she relaxed, taking it all in.
"This is so good," she murmured, her voice full of contentment.
I smirked, nodding in agreement. "My dad sure knows how to pick the perfect sofa," I said, cracking open my soda and taking a long sip.
The cool, fizzy drink slid down my throat, refreshing and satisfying. Setting the can down in the built-in cup holder, I glanced back at Haylie, who had gone unusually quiet.
What I saw made me chuckle. She was already stretched out on her back, her head resting on one of the oversized cushions, a peaceful smile playing on her lips as she hugged the pillow to her chest.
Walking over to her, I teased, "Is there room for me to lie down with you? It looks way too comfortable to resist."
A smile tugged at her lips, and without opening her eyes, she murmured, "You can lie down behind me."
Taking her up on the invitation, I climbed onto the sofa and settled in behind her, pulling her close.
Her warmth melted into me as I wrapped my arms around her, holding her snugly. Leaning in, I nestled my nose into the soft waves of her hair, catching the gentle scent of daisies. It was a scent that felt like home, comforting and soothing all at once.
"This feels so good," Haylie whispered, her voice barely audible.
I tightened my arms around her, letting the calm of the moment wash over us. "I couldn't agree more," I said softly, pressing closer, the steady rhythm of her breathing lulling me into a sense of peace.
The soothing rhythm of Haylie's heartbeat and gentle breathing filled the room, creating a sense of serenity that quieted my wolf.
It was like a comforting blanket, wrapping around me, drawing my eyelids heavy with the weight of peace. Before I knew it, I drifted into a deep sleep, holding her securely in my arms.
I stirred awake to the faint buzzing of my phone vibrating in the pocket of my jeans. Careful not to disturb Haylie, who was still fast asleep, I gently slipped my arm from under her and retrieved the phone. It was the pizza delivery guy, waiting at the door.
"Be right there," I whispered into the phone before hanging up. My gaze shifted back to Haylie. She looked so peaceful; her face soft in the dim light. I didn't want to wake her.
Grateful for the agility my wolf granted me, I used my enhanced speed to remove myself from the sofa without so much as a rustle.
In a flash, I was at the front door, handing the delivery guy a generous tip and taking the pizza boxes from him. Within seconds, I was back in the room, placing the pizzas on the large table in the center of the plush sofas.
Haylie was still curled up, clutching the cushion like a lifeline. A smile tugged at my lips as I watched her. She looked so innocent, so at ease. I couldn't resist capturing the moment.
Pulling out my phone, I opened the camera and silently took a picture of her as she slept, her arms wrapped around the cushion. The soft rise and fall of her chest and the way the light fell across her face made her look radiant.
Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I sat down quietly, letting her sleep a little longer. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind of peace that only came from moments like this—when everything felt right in the world.
Mathew POV
After a long day of work, there's nothing better than a warm shower to wash away the day's worries. I stepped out of the steamy bathroom, wrapping a fluffy towel around my waist. The heat from the shower still lingered on my skin as I made my way to the sink, where my wife, Gleo, was brushing her teeth.
I reached for my toothbrush, but just as I grabbed it, a sharp pulse from my mind link interrupted my thoughts. One of the gate guards was reaching out.
"Sir Alpha, there's been an attack by rogue wolves. We suspect they might return," the guard informed me through the link.
I let out a heavy sigh, placing my toothbrush back on the counter. The last thing I needed tonight was trouble. "Was anyone hurt?" I asked, my voice stern in my thoughts.
"Not yet, Sir Alpha. Everyone's safe for now," the guard responded.
Gleo must have noticed my change in demeanor because she looked at me, concern softening her expression. "Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Taking a deep breath, I picked up my toothbrush again, squeezing toothpaste onto the bristles. "The guards reported an attack near the gate," I said, trying to keep my tone even.
"Was it rogue wolves again?" Gleo asked quietly.
I nodded, brushing my teeth methodically, the bristles scraping away the day's residue. I turned on the tap, rinsed my mouth, and grabbed a face towel to pat my face dry.
"They think the rogues might come back," I said, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "But if they do, I'll be ready."
Worry filled Gleo's eyes as I met her gaze in the mirror's reflection. "What do they want?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with unease.
I placed the face towel back on the shelf and took a deep breath before replying. "Only one thing—to finish what they started last time," I said, my voice low but firm.
My heart skipped a beat as the thought of the rogue wolves coursed through my mind. The very mention of their name made my veins burn and my blood boil. My wolf stirred restlessly in my head, pacing and growling, ready for a fight.
I left the bathroom, walking over to the cupboard to grab a pair of boxers and sweatpants. I dressed quickly, my mind racing, as Gleo followed me into the room.
"I thought they'd stop after Olivia's death," she said hesitantly. "I thought they'd move on."
Once dressed, I turned to face her, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on my chest. "They won't rest, Gleo," I said, worry threading through my tone. "As long as Haylie is alive, they'll keep coming. She's Olivia and Kayson's daughter.
The rogues don't just forget what happened. They can't let go of the grudge."
The room grew thick with tension, and my stomach churned as the memories and implications weighed on me.
I walked over to the bed and sat down, crossing my legs as I tried to calm the storm brewing inside. Gleo joined me, her presence grounding but equally tense.
"Do you think they're still holding a grudge over their parents' and brother's deaths?" Gleo asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I exhaled heavily, running my fingers over my brows as I wrestled with the memories. "Their parents' deaths were brutal, but there was no choice," I began, my voice thick with remorse.
"Their father, Alex, was once my father's closest friend," I continued. "But he became consumed by evil, and their mother fell under the grip of black magic. My father had no choice but to stop them. They were building an army of darkness, using black magic to destroy everything we knew."
I looked at Gleo, my expression somber. "If my father hadn't acted, the world we know would've been gone. He didn't want to kill them, but he had to. There was no other way."
The air between us was heavy, the gravity of the past entwined with the looming threat of the present. Gleo reached out, her hand resting gently on mine, her touch a small comfort in the storm of emotions.
Her touch was so warm and I could a little ease left from the tension in me "If they come we will be ready for them "say Gleo. Her words were so full of promise and I could not help to feel a little better to know that my wife was by my side.
Haylie POV
I woke from my deep sleep, my eyes fluttering open to see Liam lounging comfortably on the sofa, engrossed in his phone. Noticing I was awake, he set his phone aside and greeted me with a friendly smile.
"Hello, sleepyhead," he said warmly.
Pushing myself into an upright position, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, still feeling groggy. "How long was I asleep?" I asked, my voice heavy with the remnants of rest.
My gaze shifted to the coffee table, where a large pizza box sat, its savory aroma wafting toward me. My stomach rumbled loudly, betraying my hunger.
"You weren't asleep for that long," Liam replied casually. Then, gesturing toward the box, he added, "If you're hungry, the pizza's here. Help yourself."
My stomach answered before I could, and I nodded eagerly. Rising from the sofa, I joined him. Liam handed me a plate, then opened the pizza box, revealing an array of delicious, cheesy slices.
"They look divine," I said, my mouth practically watering at the sight.
Liam chuckled, amused by my enthusiasm. "Go ahead, dig in."
Without wasting a moment, I grabbed a slice—no, two slices—and placed them on my plate. Liam followed suit, taking a couple for himself.
The room fell silent as we both took bites of our pizza, savoring the flavors in comfortable quiet. Next to me, Liam broke the silence, speaking through a mouthful of pizza.
"You're right—this is amazing," he said with enthusiasm.
I nodded in agreement, too busy enjoying my slice to respond verbally. Taking another bite, I relished the burst of flavors dancing on my taste buds. It was like my mouth was singing with joy.
After a moment, Liam spoke again. "So, what do you want to watch tonight?"
He wiped his hands with a white napkin before grabbing the long black remote from the coffee table. I reached for a napkin as well, cleaning my hands and mouth before answering.
"That depends on what you have," I replied, glancing at him.
Our eyes met, and Liam gave me a playful smirk. "Well," he said, leaning back, "we could check out what's new and watch one of the latest movies."
I couldn't help but smile as I placed my plate down after finishing my last bite. The screen on the wall suddenly came to life, making my eyes widen in surprise as the display moved and shifted.
"Wait, this isn't like any normal TV," I said, noticing the array of icons appearing on the screen.
Liam chuckled. "It's way better than normal TV. We've got all kinds of apps here with different movies to choose from," he explained.
I noticed he had finished his pizza as well, and I scooted closer to him. He threw an arm around my shoulder, pulling me snugly against him. I watched as he navigated to one of the icons on the screen, scrolling through the options with ease.
"So," Liam began, glancing at me, "what are you in the mood for—comedy, romance, or drama?"
I took a deep breath, a small laugh escaping as I remembered our first date when he insisted, we watch a horror movie. Not tonight, I thought.
"Let's go with something comedy," I suggested with a grin.
I took a deep breath, a small laugh escaping as I remembered our first date when Liam had insisted we watch a horror movie. Not tonight, I thought.
"Let's go with something funny—comedy," I suggested with a grin.
Liam smiled and started working his magic with the remote. It wasn't long before the screen filled with a selection of movies, rows upon rows of comedies waiting to be chosen.
"So, what kind?" Liam asked, still scrolling through the options.
I squinted at the screen, trying to focus. Truth be told, I didn't know much about movies—I didn't even have a TV back at home.
"Well…" I trailed off, tapping a finger against my lips in thought. "How about something old-school? Classic comedy."
Liam nodded and continued scrolling, eventually stopping on one movie. "This one's a classic," he said with a smile, selecting it. "It's an oldie but a real icon. Perfect for a chill night."
I snuggled closer under his arm, resting my head on his shoulder as the movie began to play. His warmth, the soft glow of the screen, and the cheerful opening music of the movie created a comforting, perfect moment.
We sat together, me cuddled up next to Liam, as we watched the movie. There were plenty of funny moments, and we laughed together, enjoying the lightheartedness. I lost track of time, but by the look of the windows and the sliding glass door leading outside, it seemed to be six or seven in the evening.
"Are you up for ice cream?" Liam asked as the credits began to roll.
"Do you have ice cream?" I asked back, surprised and intrigued. Ice cream was a rare treat for me—I wished we had it at my house.
Liam smirked knowingly. "All kinds. And yes, we even have your favorite—chocolate."
My eyes widened with excitement. Chocolate ice cream was my absolute favorite, and I couldn't resist. "Then I'll take the chocolate!" I said, smiling brightly.
Liam rose from the sofa, and I followed. I watched him walk over to a mini candy bar, where he opened a cupboard and pulled out two white bowls.
Wow, they really thought of everything when they designed this place, I thought, impressed by the setup.
While Liam was busy, I wandered over to the large glass windows. Outside was a stunning garden, and beyond that, the woods stretched into the distance.
The dark night sky was dotted with stars, and a big, luminous moon hung overhead, casting a serene glow. It was breathtaking—a perfect night.
I didn't have long to admire it before I felt Liam's presence next to me. I turned to see him holding two bowls of ice cream, offering one to me.
"Here you go," he said with a smile.
"Thank you," I replied, taking the bowl from him.
Looking down, I noticed he'd gone the extra mile—my ice cream was topped with chocolate sprinkles and little chocolate dips.
I couldn't help but smile at the thoughtful touch. Taking a spoonful, I tasted it, and my eyes widened with delight. The ice cream was rich and creamy, the flavor decadent.
"This is amazing!" I said, my words slightly muffled by the spoon still in my mouth.
Liam chuckled, amused. I glanced at his bowl and noticed his ice cream was blue—probably cotton candy or bubblegum flavor.
But my attention was drawn back to the moonlit garden outside. I turned to Liam with a sudden idea. "Can we sit outside while we eat our ice cream?" I asked, hopeful.
My eyes were glued to the beautiful night outside the window.
"Sure, why not?" Liam said as he slid open the large glass door. He stepped outside, and I followed closely behind.
The coolness of the night air greeted me as I stepped out, along with the fresh, sweet scent of blooming flowers. "It's amazing out here," I said, taking a deep breath.
Liam smiled at me and said, "Come on. I know the perfect spot where we can sit and watch the stars and the moon."
I nodded, trusting him. He lived here and had clearly done this before. As we walked through the garden, I noticed fireflies dancing around, their tiny lights flickering in the dark.
The gentle sound of crickets filled the air, accompanied by the soft rustle of a cool breeze brushing against my skin.
I should have brought my jacket, I thought, shivering slightly as the wind kissed my bare arms.
After a short walk, we arrived at a spot with a cluster of rocks. From here, the view was breathtaking.
The entire town of Crescent Moon sparkled in the distance, a sea of twinkling lights, and above us, the night sky stretched wide and open. The moon loomed larger here, casting a soft glow over everything.
"Wow, this is incredible," I said, my voice filled with awe as I took in the view—the glittering town below and the stars scattered like diamonds across the sky.
"I come here a lot when I need to clear my mind," Liam said softly, standing beside me.
I could see why. This place was perfect—a sanctuary of peace and beauty. Liam sat down on one of the rocks and started eating his ice cream.
I joined him, settling on a nearby rock, and took another spoonful of my chocolate ice cream. The cold sweetness melted on my tongue as I glanced back at the moon and stars.
It felt like the world had paused, leaving just the two of us in this serene moment.
The ice cream was perfect, and as I savored each bite, I gazed out at the breathtaking view before us. "I'd come out here a lot if I were you," I said, my words slightly muffled by a mouthful of ice cream. "It's like having your own live TV."
Liam chuckled softly and replied, "After running through the woods with my wolf, I usually come here to sit for a while before heading home."
I turned to look at him, a smile forming as our eyes met. There was something comforting in his presence, and I felt my cheeks warm despite the chilly evening air. Returning to my ice cream, I focused on finishing it, savoring the last few bites.
When I was done, Liam broke the silence. "Do you want to head back inside?" he asked, his voice gentle.
The idea sounded perfect as the cold began to seep into my skin. "Yeah," I replied, rubbing my arms. "It's starting to get chilly out here."
We both stood, brushing off any stray crumbs from the rock we'd been sitting on, and started our walk back to the cabin.
The night was alive with soft sounds—crickets chirping, the rustling of leaves—and the fresh air felt invigorating. The warm glow from the cabin grew closer as we approached the sliding door.
Stepping inside, the warmth of the room enveloped me like a comforting blanket. Liam slid the door shut behind us and turned to me. "Hand me your bowl, and I'll set it on the bar," he offered.
I handed him the bowl, giving a soft thanks before making my way to the large, plush sofa in the living room.
Sinking into its softness, I couldn't help but marvel again at how luxurious it felt. This was a kind of comfort I could definitely get used to.
Liam soon joined me, settling beside me on the couch. "So," he began with a curious smile, "what do you want to watch?"
"How about cartoons?" I suggested, nostalgia creeping into my voice.
I thought of the classic shows I used to watch with Uncle Jacob, memories that felt warm and familiar.
Liam chuckled. "Cartoons it is, then." Picking up the remote, he began scrolling through the options.
"I like Bugs Bunny," I said, smiling sheepishly. "He's funny." I hesitated, hoping he wouldn't think I was being childish.
Liam glanced at me, his grin widening. "Bugs Bunny it is," he said with a playful nod, and I felt a wave of relief and happiness as the opening credits of a classic cartoon flickered onto the screen.
As the screen lit up with the familiar opening of an old classic cartoon, my eyes widened with excitement. This had been my favorite show as a kid, one that I used to watch until I fell asleep on the couch. Nostalgia washed over me as the cheerful theme song played.
I felt Liam's arm drape over my shoulder, and I instinctively cuddled closer to him, finding comfort in his warmth. "I didn't know you liked Bugs Bunny," Liam remarked, his tone light and curious.
I glanced up at him with a small smile. "I used to watch it with my Uncle when I was little," I explained. "It was our thing.
Somehow, I still love it." Resting my head on his shoulder, I turned my attention back to the screen, feeling a deep sense of contentment in the moment.
Being here, in his arms, watching my favorite childhood show—it was the definition of comfort.
As the cartoon carried on, Liam spoke up again, his voice breaking the quiet hum of the TV. "If you want, I could pull out the sofa so we can lie down and watch."
I sat up slightly, frowning in confusion. "You mean the sofa can do that?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
A mischievous smirk spread across his face. Without a word, he leaned over and tugged on a hidden lever at the side of the sofa.
To my amazement, the sofa extended, raising our feet and transforming into a cozy bed-like space.
"See?" he said with a proud grin. "Now we can really relax."
I stared at him, a mix of surprise and delight lighting up my face. "This is incredible," I said, laughing softly. "It's like the sofa turned into a bed!"
Liam chuckled at my reaction and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer. I snuggled into him, resting my head on his chest, and let out a contented sigh.
The gentle rise and fall of his breathing, combined with the familiar laughter of the cartoon on screen, made the moment feel absolutely perfect. This wasn't just comfort—it felt like home.