\[Serenity’s POV\]
“Are you sure about this?”
Maverick’s voice is filled with distrust as he asks me the question. He was making it clear that he didn’t trust my uncle William, but I did. If there was anyone who would keep not only his secret but even my own, it was him.
“I’m sure.” I respond, giving him a smile.
When our eyes meet, I feel something rush through me, and it makes me look away immediately. Maybe it was from how protective his expression was or something more, but lately, Maverick has been making me feel odd. I wasn’t quite sure what it was I was feeling, but something deep inside told me I shouldn’t be feeling it.
‘Whimp.’ Mahogany chuckles. ‘Too afraid to figure it out.’
Too afraid. Of course, I was afraid, especially when it came to Maverick. Since his arrival in the pack, I felt a connection to him, and through the years, the dynamic of our relationship has changed, but I wasn’t sure just how. It wasn't like before, when I felt responsible for him. It was something more. Something deeper.
These days, he seemed even more overbearing, but was that simply because it was his duty, or was there something more?
“Something wrong?” Maverick asks.
Turning, I prepare to say no, but stop as I find his face so close to mine that his breath tickles my skin. Immediately, something in me comes alive, but I don’t dare to move.
“If you’re tired, we can call it a night here and head back to the dorms.” He continues, completely at ease. It bugs me that he is so okay with our close proximity, but how could I possibly fuss at him for it? “You don’t have to continue with what you planned to do.”
“Too late.”
Letting out a yelp of shock, I jump back and snap my gaze to Uncle William, who stands in the doorway holding two rogue wolves by the scruff of their necks.
“Sorry,” he says, heaving one after another into the room. “Didn’t mean to interrupt you two, but I would suggest avoiding future situations like that.”
At his words, I flinch. That was his way of saying that he didn’t think that Maverick was good enough for me. I didn’t have to take the time to interpret the meaning. He was acting just like my father when it came to such things.
“I don’t know what you mean.” Maverick challenges, straightening himself out to his full six-foot-something height so that he towers over Uncle William. “Could you please explain?”
I wasn’t sure if he was being sarcastic or if he truly didn’t know. Since Maverick had spent many years as a rogue, his ability to understand was quite behind. Sometimes it drove me absolutely crazy, but sometimes I appreciated it.
“Instead of arguing,” I announce as Uncle William opens his mouth. “Could we focus on the situation at hand?”
Growing quiet, I wait as the two men continue to glare each other down. Would they actually back down, or would they continue with how they were acting?
‘Typical alpha male.’ Mahogany huffs, letting her annoyance rush through me. ‘Not willing to look away first.’
‘Who?’ I ask in confusion. Was she sensing something in Maverick?
However, before she can answer, Maverick tsks and slouches, crossing his arms and making it clear that he has surrendered.
“Good,” Uncle William murmurs in satisfaction. “You do have a sense of subordination. Now, Serenity,” he continues, turning his gaze to mine. “What exactly was it that you wanted to show me?”
For a moment, I don’t move as I feel Maverick’s anger over what Uncle William said press against me.
“It’s alright.” I whisper, reaching out and touching his arm.
Instantly, he calms down and gives me a small nod that says he is fine. Smiling, I remove my hand and turn my attention to the two rogues that lay motionless on the ground. Joining them, I kneel and then bring my wrist to my lips so that my canine can tear the skin.
A hiss of shock escapes Uncle William as I bring my now-bleeding wrist to one of the rogue's muzzle.
“What are you doing?” He demands, beginning to move, but stopping as Maverick lets out a growl.
“Just watch.” Maverick huffs in annoyance. “Do you think she would do something that would put her in danger?”
Ignoring the two men, I lift the rogue's muzzle while my blood continues to drip into its mouth, and once I’m sure it has gone down the creature's throat, I move onto the next, repeating the same steps before standing and moving away.
Remaining silent, I watch as the rogues lay motionless. When time seems to tick on with nothing happening, I can’t help but wonder if maybe Tristan was wrong about my blood in the past or if the medicine I was taking to keep the mutation at bay was still too strong in my system, even though it was close to time for me to take the shot.
“Is something supposed to be happening?” Uncle William finally asks, breaking the silence. “Because…”
He doesn’t get to finish his words as the rogues bodies begin to twitch. As they move, their fur begins to fall and their bodies morph, turning from wolf to human—a man and a woman with blonde hair and fair skin.
“What the fuck?” Uncle William gasps, eyeing the two as they remain asleep on the ground. “What the hell is this?”
For a moment, I don’t respond as I continue to stare the two down until the woman stirs and then rises, revealing her scarred torso and bright blue eyes. And when they come to rest on me, a look of wonder fills them. It’s so similar to the same look that Maverick gave me when he woke up on that fateful day six years ago.
“How?” The woman whispers, looking down at her body. “How?”
As the words leave her lips, tears spring from her eyes and start to fall down her cheeks, and before I can even react, she is rushing forward and throwing her arms around me, hugging me so tightly that it becomes hard to breathe.
“That’s enough!” Maverick growls, pulling me free and holding me against his sturdy frame. “Don’t touch her!”
“Who are you?” The woman growls, reaching out and grabbing me. “You should be the one not touching her!”
Eyes widening, I try to make sense of the turn of events as the second rogue stirs and then lifts his gaze, the very same gaze as the woman’s, making it clear that they are twins.
“What’s happening?” He yawns, giving a stretch. “Why is everyone yelling?”
“That’s a damn good question.” Uncle William growls, bringing an end to the commotion that is taking place. “Someone better start talking!”