\[Serenity’s POV\]
I stand with Maverick while Tyrone and Trinity stare at us curiously. In the moment, I almost wish that I could be the twins since they’re not involved in any of this mess aside from being wolves who are now humans because of me.
“Mates, huh.” Uncle William chuckles, drawing my gaze to him. “Got to say that I’m surprised.”
Frowning, I examine his features, which hold a hint of disbelief. Of course, he would have a hard time believing that Maverick and I were mates since he was the one who kept a close eye on us for the past three years due to my father’s request.
“Since when?” He pushes.
“The new moon.” I respond immediately. “After I turned eighteen.”
Every wolf was able to find their mates after they turned eighteen, and a single new moon had passed since my eighteenth birthday. Would it be so farfetched to say that I found my mate on my very first try, while other wolves sometimes search for months, years, or even decades before finding theirs?
“I guess your meeting was destiny.” Uncle William says as a flash of sorrow appears in his eyes. “To have your mate come to you under such circumstances.”
“Yeah.” I respond slowly, shooting Maverick a look. “I guess you could say that we were destined.”
I don’t know why, but the words cause my heart to flutter and my stomach to erupt with butterflies.
Get it together, Serenity. I huff, realizing that I was getting carried away. This was an act! An act! Nothing more, nothing less.
However, I couldn’t deny that when I looked at Maverick, I didn’t feel something, but was it because he was so damn good-looking and I was finally reaching that age when my instincts screamed at me to find my mate?
That had to be it. It made the most sense anyway. Especially since all these odd things I was feeling appeared after I turned eighteen.
‘Delusional.’ Mahogany huffs, causing a wave of annoyance to slam into me. ‘Just admit you’re starting to like him.’
‘I don’t have that luxury.’ I counter. ‘Not when he sees me as his charge and his savior.’
Feeling my heart squeeze painfully, I look to Maverick once again and nearly jump out of my skin when I find that he is watching me.
“Something wrong?” He asks when I don’t speak.
Opening my mouth, I prepare to tell him that he was the problem, but stop as I remember that we aren’t alone.
“Nothing.”
At my words, a giggle reaches me, and when I turn, I find Eleanor making her way back into the room with my mother in tow.
“How is she?” I ask thankful for a distraction. “Is her wound any better?”
“As good as it can be.” My mother responds, giving Eleanor a look of worry.
“I’m fine.” Eleanor counters, plopping down in a chair and kicking her feet up onto my coffee table. “All of you are making a big deal out of nothing.”
Remaining silent, I try to ignore everything in me that screams that things aren’t okay. Until we knew more about these rogues and how they came to be, we couldn’t ignore any possibility.
Sighing, I prepare to argue, but stop as my father returns with Tristan in tow. The poor guy's complexion is pale, and it is clear that my father gave him a good scolding from the fear that is now shining in his eyes.
“Serenity,” my father says, drawing my attention to him. “For the time being, you will be staying here under a condition.”
“Condition?” I repeat, shock rushing through me over the turning of events. “What’s that?”
“Your mother and I will be staying as well.”
At his words, I feel my eyes grow wide with both shock and fear.
“You... and mom?” I squeak, unable to believe what I’m hearing.
“Do you have an issue with this?” My father demands. “Would you prefer that I drag you back kicking and screaming to Emerald Moon?”
“NO!” I gasp, true fear rushing through me. “No, I’m sorry. I just…” swallowing I try to come up with something. “I didn’t think that both of you would be able to leave.”
“Charlie is more than capable of handling things while I’m gone.” My father counters. “And he...” he continues, pulling Tristan forward. “Will be staying here too. Since he will be needed for a bit to do a thorough investigation into these wolves that are suddenly appearing.”
Nodding, I shoot Tristan a look of apology, as it is clear from the look he is giving that he wants to escape from my father, but instead of being given freedom, he is being made to stay too.
“Since that is settled, I think it is best that everyone go to their separate areas for the time being.” My father continues.
Not needing anymore encouragement, Trinity and Tyrone jump up and quickly scurry out of my dorm while Uncle William and Eleanor stay in their places.
“What do you think you’re doing?” My father asks, turning his gaze to Eleanor as she yawns lazily. “Didn’t I just say that everyone should leave?”
“You did.” Eleanor confirms, giving my father a look. “But I’m not quite ready yet.”
Eyes widening, I snap my gaze from Eleanor and fix it on my father to find that his anger is spiking, but despite the angry look on his face, Eleanor seems ill-at-ease.
“Are you disobeying an order from an alpha?” He demands. “I said that everyone should leave.”
“You did,” Eleanor repeats, “but you’ve got one thing wrong.”
Standing, she gives a stretch and begins to slowly walk toward my father. When she reaches, she lifts her large blue gaze to meet his as a look of defiance flashes across her features.
“You’re not my alpha.” Giving a smile, she reaches up and pats my father’s arm before sauntering past him, and when she reaches my uncle William, she stops and waits until his gaze meets hers. “Walk with me?” She asks, being even more bold. “After all, the big mean alpha said leave.”
“You,” my father growls, but stops as mom reaches out and touches him.
“Leave it be.” She sighs, though I don’t miss the look of happiness in her eyes. “She’s just a kid anyway.”
Fighting the urge to laugh, I look to Maverick, who is still watching me with the same expression that he wore previously.
‘What?’ I ask through mindlink, unable to handle it any longer. ‘Why are you looking at me like that?’
‘Like what?’ Maverick challenges, taking me by surprise. ‘Isn’t this the way a mate should be?’
At his words, my heart flutters once more and my cheeks heat with what I’m sure is a blush, and I realize too late that maybe I said what I said because somewhere deep down in me I hoped that was how things would come to be.