Mated To The Beastly Alpha
Chapter 48

Nicole lay beside Liam, the warmth of his body enveloping her. She woke up the next morning, her eyes fluttering open to replace him still peacefully asleep. A mixture of contentment and fear washed over her.

As the remnants of her dreams faded away, her past traumas clawed their way back into her consciousness. The memories of Crimson, the abuse she endured, surged forward like a relentless tide. It was a part of her she couldn't shake off, no matter how much she wished she could. Guilt gnawed at Nicole's heart as she admitted to herself the truth she had been avoiding-she was attracted to Liam. In the depths of her being, she felt an undeniable pull towards him.

But that same attraction sparked her fears, igniting a fire of doubt within her. How could she trust him? How could she let herself be vulnerable again?

The memories of their previous encounters still haunted her. Liam had been distant, even cold, unaware of the torment she had endured in Crimson.

His initial treatment of her had been a painful reminder of the abuse she had suffered. The wounds inflicted upon her heart had not fully healed, and she feared that history would repeat itself.

Nicole's emotions waged war against her. She yearned for the love and affection Liam offered, yet her fear whispered cautionary tales.

The scars of her past etched deeply into her soul, creating an impenetrable barrier between her and the rest of the world. She couldn't bear the thought of exposing herself to more pain.

Seeking solace, she withdrew from Liam, distancing herself emotionally. Walls rose around her heart, shielding her from the vulnerability she feared. She retreated into the shadows, isolating herself from everyone, especially him. It was a defense mechanism, a survival instinct she had honed over time.

But now, he was her mate. What a twisted fate. She had thought that whatever pull she had on him would be severed when her wolf awoke. Instead, they were fated mates. She was still trying to wrap her head around it as she tried to adjust her position.

The moment she moved, Liam's grip around her tightened instinctively. He emitted a soft snore, a sound that brought a tender smile to her lips. His wolf was present, even in his sleep, ready to protect and guard her. It was a small gesture, but it warmed her heart immeasurably.

She closed her eyes and tried to relax and bask in the feeling that spread through her body as remnants of their passionate night together lingered in her thoughts.

Sleep had left her, so she surveyed Liam's room, which was bathed in soft morning light, casting a gentle glow over the intimate space they shared.

Her body buzzed for more. Her wolf was ready to wake him up and continue from where they stopped. She looked at Liam and was captivated by his peaceful expression. Then she sighed.

How could she allow herself to be so attracted to him after everything she had endured? How were they supposed to be mates? She wanted freedom, but being his mate meant she was attached to Dark Moon for life.

Liam stirred in his sleep, emitting a light snore that made her smile. As if he was reading her mind, his arms tightened around her instinctively, as if he couldn't bear to let her go. She loved it, and at the same time, she was wary of herself.

The warmth and protectiveness in his touch were what she had ached for all her life. It was what she wanted from Shane. She had wanted him to touch her with care. It would have succeeded in eroding some if not all of her doubts and fears.

Tired of staying in one position, she shifted slightly in his embrace, attempting to replace a more comfortable position. Her movement roused him from his slumber.

His eyes fluttered open, revealing a mix of sleepy confusion and sharp focus. In an instant, his wolf instincts took over, his gaze scanning the room for any signs of danger. When he realized it was her, a tender smile graced his lips.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. "Are you alright?"

Nicole met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat. "Yes, I'm fine," she replied softly, her voice betraying the underlying emotions swirling within her. "Just adjusting."

Liam's eyes softened, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. "You don't have to be afraid anymore, Nicole," he reassured her, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'm here, and I'll protect you with everything I have."

His words resonated deep within her, melting away some of the barriers she had erected around her heart. A small part of her longed to believe in his promises, to trust that he had changed and truly saw her for who she was. Another emotion overwhelmed her. It was the desire to be with her mate.

Their faces drew closer, their lips some inches apart, and a sudden knock on the door interrupted the fragile moment they shared. Garrett's voice followed, muffled but urgent.

"Alpha, I apologize for the interruption, but we have an urgent matter to discuss," Garrett said through the closed door.

Liam sighed, torn between his responsibilities as an alpha and the budding connection between him and Nicole. Reluctantly, he released her from his embrace and climbed out of bed.

His movements are fluid and purposeful. Nicole couldn't help the pang of disappointment that washed over her as the intimacy of the moment was abruptly severed. Her wolf growled haughtily. It wanted its mate and it wanted it immediately. "Wait here, Nicole," Liam instructed gently, his eyes filled with regret. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Nicole nodded, her heart heavy with a mixture of longing and uncertainty. She watched as Liam slipped on a shirt and made his way to the door, leaving her alone in his room. The emptiness that enveloped her felt suffocating, and she fought against the rising tide of doubt threatening to consume her.

He was her mate, so what next? Would his pack even accept her? They didn't have any choice when an Alpha like Liam was concerned.

Would he accept her? She remembered clearly how he wanted to rid himself of the mark; she knew he had been trying to show her affection lately, but did it mean he wanted her as a mate?

Minutes turned into what felt like an eternity, and Nicole paced the room restlessly. The weight of her past bore down on her, the memories of pain and mistreatment etched deeply into her psyche.

She wondered if she would ever truly escape the shadows that haunted her, if she would ever replace solace and acceptance within the confines of a pack. She should leave, she wanted to leave but she couldn't.

Just as her anxiety reached its peak, the door swung open, and Liam reentered the room. His eyes searched for hers, an intensity burning within them.

"I'm sorry it took longer than I expected," he apologized, a hint of regret colouring his words. "But I'm here now. I hope you can forgive me."

Nicole studied him for a moment, her gaze tracing the lines of sincerity etched upon his face. In that instant, she made a choice- to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of a future with Liam. With a hesitant smile, she stepped closer to him. "There's nothing to forgive," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's nothing."

Instead of the smirk she was accustomed to, he looked longingly at her. "It's not nothing, Nicole. Nothing about you, is nothing okay?"

Her heart skipped several beats at once. "Okay."

Relief washed over Liam's features, his eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. Without a word, he closed the distance between them, his hands cradling her face tenderly.

"Mate," he growled softly, his wolf making itself known.

Nicole's heart fluttered as her wolf purred. She was suddenly shy as a shiver ran down her spine.

Liam smirked, then pulled her closer. They leaned in for their anticipated kiss when another knock hit the door. Frustration creased Liam's brow, his desire for privacy momentarily overshadowed by the intrusion.

"I'll be right back," Liam murmured, his voice laced with annoyance. He planted a quick but tender kiss on Nicole's forehead before making his way toward the door.

Garrett stood on the other side, his expression grave and tense. The moment Liam swung the door open and let out a growl. Garrett wasted no time in delivering his report, his voice laced with urgency. "Alpha, we have a problem," Garrett began, "I apologize for the interruption, but Nicole is missing again."

Liam's voice, laced with irritation, snapped back, "She isn't missing. She's right here with me."

Startled by the conversation, Nicole couldn't resist the temptation to peer out and observe the exchange between Liam and Garrett. She gently pushed the door open, just enough to catch a glimpse of the two men. "Why would you think she's missing?" Liam retorted, his tone edged with irritation.

Nicole's presence caught Garrett off guard. His eyes widened in surprise, his brows furrowing as he assessed the situation before him.

The weird look in his eyes did not escape Nicole's notice; it was a blend of astonishment and something she had yet to understand. It was clear that her presence had caught him off guard and left him less than pleased.

Clearing his throat, Garrett quickly regained his composure and refocused his attention on Liam. "Apologies, Alpha. I must have been mistaken. It's just that we couldn't replace her," he explained, a touch of exasperation coloring his words. "Asha said she ran off into the forest in a strange manner, and we thought she needed some time alone, but when we didn't see her, even after dark, we panicked."

Liam's expression softened, his concern evident in his voice. "She was with me, Garrett. It's safer this way."

Garrett nodded, but the tension in his shoulders didn't fully dissipate. "Understood, Alpha. I'll make sure to keep a closer eye on things in the future."

Before Liam could respond, Garrett continued his report, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "That's not all, Alpha. Lilian has demanded to return to her former pack."

Liam's shock was visible, his eyes narrowing as he processed the gravity of the situation. He knew too well the dangers that awaited Lilian if she were to return to her former pack. The witch could attack again.

Nicole stared wide-eyed at both of them as she wondered what Lilian thought.

"No, that's not happening," Liam declared firmly, his voice laced with determination. "It's not safe for her there."

Garrett nodded, his voice filled with concern. "I tried to reason with her, but she insisted on going back. She believes she can handle the situation, but I fear it's too risky."

Liam growled as he raked his head, "What the hell is wrong with all of you today," he grumbled.

His wolf was pissed. It wanted to stay with its mate. Liam needed to stay with her to assure her that he wanted to be with her. From the bond they shared, he could feel the doubts seeping in.

Liam's jaw clenched, his mind racing with the complexities of the predicament. He needed to ensure the safety of both Nicole and his sister while maintaining peace within his own pack. Why was Lilian always being bitchy in times like this?

Liam finally replied, his tone resolute. "Make it clear that Lilian is to remain within the pack's territory until further notice. I don't want any risks taken. I'll go and see her now."

Garrett nodded, his eyes flicking at Nicole again before returning his gaze to Liam. "Understood, Alpha. I'll relay your message immediately."

As Garrett turned to leave, Nicole couldn't help but feel a mixture of unease and curiosity. Something was amiss, and she sensed that Garrett's reaction held more significance than what was apparent on the surface. "Wait," Liam called out suddenly, "I'll do it myself."

His eyes turned golden as he relayed the information. As soon as he was done, he turned his attention back to Nicole, who stood in the doorway, her presence undeniable. His voice softened, tinged with a mixture of protectiveness and concern. "Nicole, stay here in my chambers," he instructed firmly, his eyes locked with hers. "Avoid any contact with Lilian until I can resolve the situation. Your safety is my priority."

Nicole nodded, her heart quickening at the intensity of his gaze. The fear in his eyes made her curious. She had never seen Liam as vulnerable as he was with her. She understood the gravity of the situation and trusted Liam's judgment. "I'll stay put," she assured him, her voice steady.

Liam's lips twitched into a half-smile, he was worried but undeniably grateful. "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice filled with unspoken appreciation.

As soon as Liam left, Garrett pinned her with a stare.

"What's going on?"