Azalea

"Your wolf took control?" I asked Liam, not understanding. He nodded, his eyes wary. I thought a wolf could only take control during a shift; I didn't know they could control our bodies while human. Apparently, there was more to being a werewolf than I knew—I'd never paid much attention to our school lessons. I never felt the need after my wolf left me.

Finally, I asked, "Can I meet him?"

Liam's mouth dropped open. I'd obviously shocked him. I was still on edge from the note, but my curiosity overwhelmed me. I was getting to know Liam better, but knew nothing about his wolf.

"Uh I don't Maybe that's not a good idea right now" he stammered. I nodded. Maybe it was personal. "He's a little on edge after earlier, and he'd never intentionally hurt you, but I don't want to take the chance right now," he continued.

"Okay," I said, releasing his arm. This was all too much for one night; I wanted to sleep.

As if reading my mind, Liam said, "Let's go to sleep and talk in the morning, okay?" I smiled and nodded. I didn't want to discuss this now. He stood and went to the couch, where I saw a pillow and blanket.

"Wait" I said, confused. He turned. "Why?" I asked, pointing to the couch.

"You were so afraid I didn't want to force you to be with me if you didn't want to" he said sadly.

"No, please don't leave me" I whispered. Though frightened of his wolf, I was more afraid of whoever sent the note. Liam made me feel safe, and I wanted to be near him.

He smiled. "Are you sure?" I nodded. He walked back, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. He lifted me; I wrapped my legs around him, clinging to him. He held me tight, burying his nose in my neck.

We stood there, finding comfort. After a while, he pulled back, brushing my hair from my face. "Let's get ready for bed," he said. I loosened my grip, and he slowly lowered me.

"Did you pack pajamas?" he asked.

"Yeah, they're in my bag in the car" I said, realizing I hadn't brought it in.

"Nope, it's in here," he said, moving toward the closet. I followed him into a large walk-in closet with dressers, a bench, and clothing rods. My suitcase sat on a bench. I opened it.

"We can unpack tomorrow," he said, going to his own bag.

"Okay," I said. I guess we were staying awhile. I pulled out pajamas and my toiletry bag, then turned to Liam. "I'm going to change," I said.

He smirked and nodded. I went to the bathroom. I couldn't undress in front of him without dying of embarrassment. I quickly changed into pajamas, brushed my teeth, and braided my hair. I applied lotion to reduce the puffiness from crying.

I looked in the mirror, taking a deep breath. I needed to be stronger. I might not be a strong wolf, but I was intelligent. We'd figure out who did this, and Liam would handle them. I tried to convince myself I didn't need to be afraid—Liam is an Alpha, and his pack is one of the strongest in the country. I put away my things and left the bathroom.

Back in the bedroom, I didn't see Liam. I checked the closet, but he wasn't there either. Nervousness swept over me. Where did he go?

"Liam?" I called, walking back out. I sat on the bed. He wouldn't have left; I was only in the bathroom for a few minutes. I rubbed my arms, trying to calm down. Liam soon appeared, carrying two bowls.

"Good, you're ready. Since dinner was interrupted, you might be hungry," he said, holding up the bowls. I'd forgotten about dinner. "I wrapped up the leftovers and got us some cereal. I hope you like Cheerios," he said.

I smiled. "Yes, I do. Thank you," I said. He sat beside me, handing me a bowl. He immediately dug in. I giggled.

"What's so funny?" he asked, swallowing a mouthful.

"You," I said, taking a bite. I smiled as I chewed. He looked confused, then went back to his cereal. We quickly finished. Liam put the bowls on the dressing table, then sat beside me, leaning over to kiss me softly.

"I'm so glad I found you," he whispered.

"Me too," I said, smiling. I kissed him; he kissed me back, his tongue probing my lip. I opened my mouth, and he deepened the kiss, scooting us closer to the pillows. I lay back as he hovered over me, one forearm supporting his weight, his other hand cupping my face, pulling me closer.

His tongue explored my mouth. The more he kissed me, the more I wanted him. My fear of our unknown enemy faded, replaced by desire. He pulled away, leaving me breathless and wanting more. I realized I could feel his erection against my hip.

I grabbed his face and kissed him again. He growled in approval and kissed me back with equal fervor. He nipped my lip, making me gasp. He then kissed down my jawline and neck, sucking hard.

"Oh, Liam!" I gasped. It felt like fireworks. I squirmed, enjoying the sensation. His hand moved to my hip, rubbing circles over my pants. His mouth finally left my neck, leaving me breathless.

Feeling brave, I reached for his waistband. His eyes widened as my fingers slipped under.

"Be careful, kitten," he warned. I smiled, licking my lips. I found his hard manhood and wrapped my hand around him. His eyes darkened; I felt him grow harder. I kissed him again as I began to stroke him.

He growled as I stroked him. He kissed me more enthusiastically, his grip tightening on my hip.

Breaking away, he whispered, "If you don't stop, I'm going to cum, kitten," but I didn't stop. He growled seductively before flipping us over, so I was on top of him. My hand left his shorts and landed on his chest.

"No fair," I said, sitting up slightly, straddling him. He chuckled.

"Kitten, don't start things you can't finish," he said, smirking.

"Who said I couldn't?" I smirked back.

"Oh, really?" he said, sitting up. I felt his erection against my backside. His face was close to mine. He kissed my neck again, then his hands went to the hem of my shirt. He pulled it over my head, then his hands moved over my body, kissing and sucking on my neck. My head fell back, enjoying his touch.

He quickly unclasped my bra, exposing my breasts. His mouth returned to mine as his hands went to my breasts. My hands went to the hem of his shirt, and he let me pull it off. I admired his physique. My hands roamed his chest as he kissed me again.

Liam pinched and twisted my nipples. I bit his lip, not expecting the strange pleasure. I must have bitten too hard because Liam pulled away, wiping blood from his lip.

"Oh my god, Liam, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed. He looked up, his eyes impossibly black, his erection pressing against me painfully. "Are you okay?" I asked warily.

Liam stared at me.

"Liam?" I asked again, unsure what was happening. His hands went to his face, his eyes closing.

"Liam?" I said again, nervousness creeping into my voice. He shook his head but said nothing. I started to back away, looking for my shirt. I fastened my bra, trying to get dressed. This was a bad idea.

Liam

Azalea bit hard on my lip as I pinched her nipple. Suddenly, I felt Gavin surfacing; I couldn't stop him. I couldn't trust him not to mate Azalea against her will.

He wiped the blood from my lip, then looked at her. I heard her apologizing, thinking she'd hurt me. I needed control back.

"Are you okay?" Azalea asked. He looked into her eyes.

"Don't do it. Give me back control now!" I shouted.

"Why? You'll never mate her!"

"You'll hurt her! She'll be afraid of us!"

"But she'll be safe. We'll be stronger, and we'll always feel her!"

"And if she rejects us after you do that?"

"It won't matter; she'll be marked!"

We argued as Azalea slid off my lap, getting dressed. Finally, I pushed Gavin back and retook control. I removed my hands from my face as she hurriedly pulled on her shirt.

"Hey, hey, I'm okay. Sorry if I worried you," I said, calming her.

"What was that?" she asked nervously. I pulled her back to me.

"Nothing. Don't worry. But maybe we should take a break tonight?" I said. She nodded. I kissed her chastely.

"Don't think I won't remember what you started, though," I whispered teasingly. She blushed. I chuckled, pulling her toward the pillows, grabbing the blankets. I lay back as she settled on my chest.

"Good night, kitten," I said as her breathing evened out.

"Good night, Liam," she whispered. Within minutes, she was asleep.

That was too close. I needed to call my uncle in the morning. Gavin had never been like this. I knew he didn't want to hurt our mate, but he disregarded the impact of mating and marking her before she was ready. After everything, I didn't think I should go for a run.