\[Maverick’s POV\]
I sit, watching silently as Serenity works on her homework for the day. However, it is clear that she isn’t focused on that at all. Since beginning to watch over her, I grew accustomed to the subtle changes in her expression, posture, and even breathing when she was hyper-focusing on something. In a way, she was almost like an extension of myself, but the side that I wasn’t fully in control of.
“If you continue to furrow your brows like that, you’re going to get wrinkles.” I point out after the fifth or maybe sixth sigh. “What’s wrong?”
Although I knew that she would deny that anything was actually wrong, I knew better.
“Nothing.” We both say together.
Laughing, I watch as she gives me a look that screams annoyance.
“You’ve been daydreaming.” I point out as she just watches me. “You’ve been distracted since earlier; does it involve the imp?”
She didn’t need to say that was the issue; I already knew it was since we both watched what went down in the cafeteria earlier on. For someone so tiny, that imp was feisty and strong to boot. And despite being nervous about some random person getting close to my charge, I heard the whole exchange between her and that Vanessa.
“Do you think she is okay?” Serenity asks, joining my wavelength. “Uncle William can be pretty harsh at times.”
For a moment, I don’t speak as an odd emotion flashes through me. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.
“He may be harsh, but he won’t hurt her.” I point out.
William was a powerful man, the leader of Crystal Fang, who came here to be principal purely to keep an eye on Serenity while she studied. It was a favor he was asked by her father, Rosco, who was Alpha of Emerald Moon. Although I was sure Rosco would rather come himself, his wife, and Luna, Denali wouldn’t allow it. So instead of him, William came to be the temp until Serenity graduated.
From the stories I heard, William was once an easygoing and kind man, but all that changed when he lost Serenity’s aunt Elise. From that point on, he became cold and unfeeling, which, in retrospect, caused him to be a harsh ruler who didn’t take any shit.
“Maybe I’m wrong.” I murmur, remembering this.
At my words, Serenity’s expression shifts, and before I can stop her, she is jumping to her feet and moving.
“What are you doing?” I demand, rushing forward and placing a hand on the door before she can pull it open.
Instantly, our bodies are meshed together, and I can feel her warmth seeping into me. It is a delicious feeling, but one I wasn’t accustomed to.
Since I spent many years as a rogue, I had all but forgotten what the warmth of another felt. Well, I forgot more than that, but that’s neither here nor there.
I didn’t know where I was born, who I was, or how I became the way I was before Serenity’s blood saved me. Due to that, it took a few years to get her father to trust me enough to become her guard. Since I knew her secret, I was the best choice. Of course, I wasn’t picked due to that since only me and Serenity’s childhood friend Tristan knew the truth about her blood. I was simply picked because I refused to leave her side.
“Maverick,” Serenity breathes as I continue to stay in place. “What are you doing?”
Remaining silent, I listen to her heartbeat kick up. Something about it speaks to me, and before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m snaking my other arm around her so I can press my hand against her chest.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask, letting the skin beneath my pads vibrate rapidly. “Are you that worried about the imp?”
Growing quiet, I wait as Serenity remains silent. When a growl of annoyance escapes here, I feel a wave of confusion rush through me.
“That isn’t it.” She snaps, jabbing an elbow into my gut, so I move. “Jeez, Maverick, you don’t know a thing about a woman’s heart at all.”
As I watch in confusion, she begins to move, rushing out of the room while being sure to keep her face straight ahead. Remaining in place, I watch as she disappears while a feeling of loss moves through me.
Shaking it off, I begin to move, following Serenity toward William’s office, where we find the imp exiting with a look of annoyance on her face.
“Hey!” Serenity calls out, drawing the imps attention toward us.
“Can I help you?” The imp asks, eyeing Serenity curiously.
“I…” Serenity begins, seeming to search for the exact words to say. “I wanted to apologize for what happened earlier.”
At her words, the imps expression shifts, and she cocks her head to the side.
“I’m not sure I’m following.” She says. “What do you need to apologize for?”
“Vanessa singled you out because of me.” Serenity explains. “She and her clansmen have been out to make my life a living hell since I denied their invitation to join their ranks. Because of that, they came after you for approaching me.”
“Does it look like I care about such things?” The imp asks, taking me by surprise. “Girls like her are annoying and easy punching bags.” She continues with a grin. “Anyway, you didn’t have anything to do with what I did, but if you feel responsible, you can make it up to me.”
“Make it up?” Serenity repeats, confusion dripping from her words. “I don’t…”
“Will… I mean, Principal Torres has made me join the disciplinary committee with the rest of the delinquents at this academy. You can join with me so that I have a familiar face with me; what do you say?”
I wait as Serenity considers the imp’s proposition. Would she agree or wouldn’t she, and why the hell was I so anxious about what she said?
You’re jealous. The small voice in the back of my head says. She won’t be only yours anymore.
Jealous. Why the hell would I feel such an emotion over my charge? Who she hung out with and associated herself with wasn’t any of my business. I was only here to make sure that no one figured out her secret—nothing more, nothing less.
“Well?” The imp pushes.
“Alright.” Serenity says slowly. “I’ll do it.”
“Great!” The imp grins happily. “It’ll be fun.”
Fun. I didn’t know if that was the right word to use when it came to the disciplinary committee. What was fun about hassling people to follow the rules of the dorms? If anything, it was boring, but I had no say in this.
“See you tomorrow, then.” The imp announces, lifting a hand and waving. “Let’s become great friends in the process, shall we?”
Once again, I feel that flare of emotion and realize that maybe my subconscious was onto something.
“Sure.” Serenity says softly. “We’ll do that.”
Instantly, something awakens in me—an annoying nagging that makes me want to end this whole exchange, but I don’t act on it since I have no place to. This was a good thing; she was finally making a friend, and that should have made me happy, but it didn’t.