Winning hazel over

Over the next few days, Liam and Hazel grew closer, and spent more time in each other’s company.

Liam came over to see Hazel at their normal meeting spot at the mansion’s garden.

“Hey.” Liam smiled at Hazel as he made his way to the bench which she sat on.

“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” He said, taking a sit beside her.

“It’s no big deal though. I was actually enjoying the scenery.” Hazel said, still smiling at him.

“Really?” He raised a brow at her. “I’m sorry though, I got occupied with something.” He apologized.

“I got you something.” He put his hand into the pocket in his jacket.

“Oh really, what’s that.” She asked.

“Remember we talked about you not sleeping well the other day.” He brought out a tiny bag from his pocket and handed over to her.

“I got to come across the herb tea I told you about. It’ll help you sleep well and void of any kind of nightmare.”

She got it from his hand and examined it.

“You’ll take a tea bag before you go to bed, it’s more effective that way.” Liam explained.

“Oh, nice. Thank you.” She appreciated, putting it into her pocket.

“So what have you been up to?” Liam asked, looking around the beautiful garden.

“Nothing new actually, just the normal routine of daily and more strenuous training since I’m now done with school.” Hazel shrugged.

“Quick question yeah?” Liam started, awaiting a go ahead from Hazel, as he turned over to look at her.

“Yeah.” Hazel nodded.

“If you had the power to choose what you want, would you still choose this life you have right now, with the fact you always have to be cautious and always look over your shoulder for threats, as you’re also trying to protect your people, or a quiet life, void of all this but a really peaceful life, with probably your mate or the man you love and your pups around, with everything you ever want and no one would have any reason to be scared for danger sake. Which would you choose?” Liam asked, studying her intently.

“Hmmm, that’s a tricky one.” Hazel said, her eyes roaming around. “As much as the second option seems really inviting and tempting, I think all I’ve ever wanted is to be able to protect my pack, I believe that’s what will give me eternal bliss, no matter what it has to take.” Hazel said, after giving much thought to the topic.

“Don’t you feel the burden gets too much for you to carry?” Liam asked.

“It does but, I’d rather die trying, than live and watch my people suffer.” Hazel sighed out.

“You speak like a true Luna already. He’ll be lucky to have you as a mate.” Liam gave a sad smile.

“I’m not interested in becoming the Luna.” Hazel deadpanned.

“What do you mean by that?” Liam asked, seeming confused.

“Being a Luna will restrict me from doing a lot, I’ve always had the urge to protect the pack from the front line and not from the confinement of a protected place. Being a beta to whoever the alpha would be, would help me achieve that.” Hazel explained.

“Ohh,” Liam nodded in understanding.

“So what will you do, if you’re in deed mates with who becomes alpha?”

“I’ll reject him.”

“Ohh.” Liam widen his eyes in shock. He hadn’t expected her to come out strong on it.

“Seems like your mind is decided already.”

“I think it’ll be the best for both of us.” She said, concealing the sadness in her voice.

“Hmmm.” Liam sighed, taking her hands in his.

“Any decision you make, remember you have a friend here who believes in you.”

“Thank you so much.” She smiled at him.

“It’s getting chilly here.” Hazel pulled her hand from his and rubbed her exposed arms. They were close to winter season and it was getting really chilly already.

“You should get inside. I’ll be on my way.” He said, taking to his feet, before stretching his hand at her, to help pull her up.

“Won’t you join me inside for a while? Probably show me how to go about the tea?” Hazel asked.

“Alright then, after you.” Liam smiled.

****

Ives quickly took on his heels as he heard both of them get to their feet.

He didn’t want them walking up on him eavesdropping at their conversation.

He was actually walking across the garden when he smelled her. He walked to the direction her scent came from and was about approaching her when Liam suddenly showed up.

He had missed her so much and he was sick of not being able to freely be with her just so he could keep deceiving his mother and keeping Hazel safe.

He was going to explain things to her and plead for her forgiveness. But Liam beat him to it.

He wanted walking away, but curiousity got the best of him, so he decided to eavesdrop to their conversation, which he regretted instantly.

Ives couldn’t believe that Hazel despised him so much that she wouldn’t mind rejecting him if the moon goddess actually makes them mate.

The thought of that made his heart sink so bad, he felt like he couldn’t breathe.

He wasn’t going to give her up that easily without a fight. He decided that no matter what it took, he’d win her back.

He quickly walked off, before they’d reach or know he was there in the first place.

****

Hazel led Liam to the mansion’s kitchen, so he’d show her how to go about making the tea.

“Can I sit here?” Liam asked, pointed at the chair close to where she stood.

“Yes sure.” She said, turning on the kettle to boil the water she filled in it.

“Just like this right?” She asked, placing the tea bag into a mug and kept it on the table where he sat.

“So we wait for the water to get boiled.” She wiggled her brow, laughing alongside him.

“You’re cute.” He smiled, as she brought her face to the table, supporting it with her hand which was in the table.

“Really?” She asked, smiling at him, as they stared intently at themselves.

“Uhm. I think your water is boiled.” He cleared his throat, breaking off the gaze.

“Ye..ah, yeah, sure.” She stuttered, quickly taking herself from the table and turned off the switch as the kettle whistled, bringing steam off the opening.

She picked up the kettle and poured the hot water into the mug that contained the tea bag.

“That’s enough.” Liam held her hand which held the kettle handle, from pouring in more.

“Oh yeah.” She said, retracting her hand and kettle from it, dropping it back on it’s stand.

“Let me help.” Liam stood to his feet and got the mug from her.

“Teaspoon please.” He stretched his hand to her.

“Here.” She handed over a teaspoon yo him.

He stirred and pressed in the content from the teabag more into the hot water in the mug.

“Your tea is ready miss.” Liam did a courtesy bow as he handed the mug to her.

“Thank you mi good sire.” Hazel played along, getting the mug from his hand as she courtesied to him.

They both stared at each other for a short moment before bursting out in laughter.

“You’re really something.” She laughed, sipping on her tea.

“So are you.” He laughed, taking back his seat behind the table.

“How is it?” He asked, gesturing at the mug in her hand.

“Surprisingly good.” She nodded, as she took in more sips of the tea.

“I’m glad you like it.” He said.

“I really enjoy your company you know.” Liam smiled at her.

“Same here. Same here. I hate to admit, but I’m glad I bumped into you that day.” She chuckled.

“I’m glad too.” He nodded.

“Damn.” Hazel yawned. “I don’t know why, but I suddenly feel really sleepy.” She stretched out.

“You’ve been working so hard, it’ll be normal that you get stressed and your body needs rest.” Liam said.

“That’s true.” She placed the empty mug in the washing sink.

“You look like you’ll fall on the floor soon.” Liam teased. “Should I help you up?” He asked.

“Okay.” Hazel slurred, as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

“Hey easy.” Liam said, supporting her, as he led her to her room.

“There you go.” Liam said, as he succeeded in tucking her in her bed.

“Sleep safe princess.” He smiled, as he got from the bed, about to go when she held his hand.

“Thank you for today.” She slowly said, with her eyes already closed.

“You’re welcome.” He smiled at her sleeping form, as her hand dropped back to the bed.

“Sweet dreams.” He chuckled, making his way out of her room.

“What were you doing in her room?!” Ives suddenly came from nowhere and stood before Liam who got out of her flat door.

“And how’s that any of your business?” Liam raised a questioning brow at him.

“Bastard!” Ives threw a punch at his face, pushing him down on the ground as he held on his now bleeding nose.

“Ives stop!” Betty ran towards them, and bent down to help Liam up.

“This is my cousin, Ives.” Betty looked accusingly at Ives.

“Still doesn’t give him the right to go into Hazel’s room as he pleases.” Ives huffed out angrily.

Liam shook his head at Ives, as Betty helped him up to his feet.

“Damn. You’re bleeding.” Betty said, examine his nose.

“Let me get you an ice pack.” She ran toward the kitchen, leaving them both glaring at each other.

“Who do you think you are?” Ives glared at him. “What do you want with her?” He asked.

“I’m just a friend.” Liam defended.

“Whatever you’re planing with her, just know it’s never going to work!” Ives said.

“You say?” Liam laughed out loud, agitating Ives the more.

“Not everyone is a loser like you, Ives.” Liam said, glaring back at him.

“You’re just pathetic.”

“What did you just say?” Ives snarled.

“Go ahead. Hit me again and prove to her how messed up you are.” Liam challenged.

“Argghh.” Ives growled, closing his eyes as he tightly clenched his fist, keeping it in place at his side.

“Tsk. Pathetic.” Liam said, with a smirk playing on his lips.

“Here.” Betty arrived back with the ice pack, wrapped in a towel, handing it over to Liam, who placed it on his nose, still smiling at Ives who looked like he’d burst anytime.

“You’re just a lucky bastard. You’re just not worth it.” Ives said calmly. “I don’t want to see you anywhere close to her anymore.” Ives warned.

“Or else?” Liam raised a brow, and waited a moment without getting any response from him.

“Exactly. You have no say to who she’ll choose. So long Ives.” Liam winked at him and walked off.

“I just want to... arghhhh.” Ives growled clenching both his hands.

“You need to calm down Ives. You’ll blow your cover if you keep reacting this way.” Betty warned.

“You shouldn’t mind my cousin. He’s that way sometimes, he just likes playing around people’s minds.” Betty explained.

“You know what Betty,” Ives stared sternly at her. “Fuck this. Fuck whatever is this we are both doing.” He moved his hand between both of them.

“Fuck your cousin. Fuck our parents and fuck you. I’m not doing this again. I’m done. I’m going after Hazel from now on.” He turned over and left Betty standing dumbfounded in the middle of the hallway.

“Well, that’s a whole lot of fucks.” Betty shook her head and made her way out too.

Ryan came out of the shadows where he stood listening to all that had transpired.

He contemplated going into Hazel’s room to see how she was doing, but he thought against it and made his way back to his room instead.

“May the best man win.”