Mated To The Beastly Alpha
Chapter 74

Liam's eyes slowly opened, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he beheld the sight of Nicole sleeping peacefully beside him.

The morning light danced upon her features, casting a soft glow that seemed to radiate from within her. He couldn't help but marvel at the beauty that lay beside him. He felt like the luckiest wolf in the universe. Regret wanted to seep in, regret for ignoring her and mistreating her when she had already been through too much. But his wolf stirred within him, a low rumble of contentment resonating through his being.

It recognized its mate lying beside him and reveled in the fulfillment that came with being in her presence. Liam's hand gently reached out to brush a stray lock of hair away from Nicole's face, his touch feather light so as not to disturb her slumber. Nicole stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she gradually became aware of Liam's watchful gaze upon her. A warm smile graced her lips as she looked back at him, her voice filled with affection. "Good morning, Liam." Liam's smile widened, his voice tinged with adoration. "Good morning, my love. I can't help but be captivated by your radiance."

Nicole's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and she playfully nudged him. "Oh, stop it, you. You're making me blush."

Her voice was groggy. It sounded like she wasn't done sleeping. It made him beam with pride. He liked that he had worn her out. Now he needed her to sleep to her satisfaction, and then he could feed her before feeding on her.

Liam leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a gentle, lingering kiss. "I can't help but marvel at how lucky I am to have you by my side. You bring light into my life, Nicole."

Nicole blushed deeper and snuggled closer to him, making him chuckle. "I wore you out, didn't I?" He questioned, contemplating going another round that morning.

Nicole giggled, then groaned. Still chuckling, Liam's hand tenderly caressed her cheek. Her fingers intertwined with Liam's as she fell back into a sound sleep. Liam had never been prouder of himself. He grinned at her, carefully studying her like she was the most intricate thing in the universe.

So this is what it felt like? He said to himself. He considered closing the blinds, so his mate could rest well.

"We should go home." He said, his heart swelling. "But you'll rest first, my queen."

Suddenly, a surge of danger jolted through their pack bond, shattering the tranquility of the moment. Carefully removing her hand from his, Liam sat alert. Something was wrong with the Dark Moon.

He looked at Nicole, resisting the urge to wake her up. They needed to be on their way immediately. The sound of urgent banging on the door echoed through the room, snapping Liam's attention away from Nicole's slumber.

Reacting swiftly, Liam sprang out of bed, hastily slipped on his pants, and rushed to answer the door. His senses were on high alert, anticipating the worst. Standing before him was James, his eyes glowing with a fierce golden hue, a clear sign that danger loomed. Without wasting a moment, James delivered the grave news. "Liam, the pack is under attack. It's Crimson pack; they've launched an assault."

Rage surged through Liam's veins, his grip tightening on the doorknob. His mind raced with a torrent of emotions, knowing that it was the same pack that had inflicted unimaginable pain upon his beloved Nicole.

"Shane is a fool of fools," Liam growled, albeit quietly.

His eyes darted back to the sleeping form of Nicole, stirring in her slumber. He had to act swiftly to protect her and make Shane pay for what he had done. He turned to James, his voice seething with anger and resolve. "Tell the Alpha of Silverwood to keep Nicole safe until I return. I won't let them harm her."

Nicole's eyes fluttered open, confusion etched upon her face as she tried to comprehend the urgency in the room. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, her voice filled with concern. "Liam, what's happening? Why are you in such a rush?"

Liam crossed back into the room, his heart beating faster. He reached out, cupping Nicole's face in his hands and pressed a passionate kiss to her lips. It was a bittersweet moment, torn between the need to protect her and the desire to stay by her side. "There's no time to explain, my love," Liam murmured against her lips, his voice filled with urgency. "The Crimson pack is attacking, and I need to go and defend our pack. James will inform the Alpha of Silverwood to keep you safe until I return. Trust me, I'll come back to you."

Nicole's eyes widened, her breath hitching. "Shane?" She asked, fear pooled through her body.

Liam grumbled, "I'll get him for what he did. I promise."

"No. Don't. It's my battle." She whispered.

Liam hated the fear in her eyes. "But..."

"Liam, you can do whatever you want to him, but if anyone should kill him, it's me. Please don't take that satisfaction from me."

Liam swallowed but nodded, "On one condition only. You stay here. You stay put."

Nicole tore her gaze away. She wasn't a weakling. She could hold her own in battle.

As if reading her mind, Liam said, "No, you're not a weakling. You're the most powerful wolf I know. However, you've been through a lot lately, babe. Your memories are not fully back."

She nodded grudgingly, allowing the warmth that emanated from him to calm her down. But Nicole was sad. She knew that Liam had to protect their pack, but she couldn't help but feel the ache of separation. "Please be safe, Liam. I'll be waiting for you." Their gazes locked, their unspoken promises hanging heavy in the air. Liam's heart swelled with love and admiration for Nicole, and he nodded, conveying his unyielding determination to protect her and their future together.

With one last lingering kiss, Liam swiftly withdrew from the room, the transformation overtaking him as he changed into his magnificent wolf form. The air crackled with tension as he let out a resounding howl, signaling his pack and the surrounding allies to gather for battle.

As Liam dashed into the forest, his powerful strides covering the ground effortlessly, his mind focused on the impending confrontation. Images of Nicole's scars flashed through his mind, fueling his anger and resolve to bring justice to those who had caused her pain.

As Liam raced to defend his pack, Garrett's voice echoed through their pack link, relaying crucial information about Crimson's sinister intentions. They wanted to capitalize on Dark Moon's weakness after the battle with the witch and exploit Liam's perceived distraction due to the loss of his mate.

The scent of blood, fear, and aggression permeated the air as Liam arrived at the battleground. His pack members' eyes were filled with determination as they formed a protective barrier around their territory. The clash of fur and fangs reverberated through the forest as the opposing forces collided. Liam wasted no time tearing through his enemies, his powerful wolf ripping through their ranks like a force of nature. The scent of blood and fear filled the air, but Liam's focus was unwavering. He needed to protect his pack and reunite with Nicole. Sniffing the air, he caught the distinct scent of Crimson's Alpha, Shane. Liam's eyes narrowed with determination, and he let out a resounding howl, signaling his warriors and sentinels to rally around him. The power surged through their bond, infusing them with strength and resolve.

Liam fought with unwavering ferocity, his wolf's instincts guiding his every move. He swiftly tore through the ranks of the enemy, his growls reverberating through the chaos. The sight of his pack mates fighting side by side only fueled his determination to bring an end to the brutality inflicted upon his pack and Nicole.

Shane and Liam locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them as they circled each other, their wolves emanating an aura of dominance. The battle raged on around them, but their focus remained unwavering. Liam transformed back to his human form as he faced Shane. His hatred for him was boiling in his veins.

Shane, realizing the dire situation his pack was in, attempted to negotiate. His voice carried a mix of desperation and arrogance. "Liam, you know I can't let this go. Nicole belongs with us. Return her to me, and perhaps we can come to an agreement." Liam's lip curled in anger, and he growled, "You dare demand the return of my mate? She was never yours to claim. You'll never lay a finger on her again, Shane. Your pack attacked us, and now you must face the consequences."

Shane scoffed, his arrogance only fueling Liam's fury. "She's my mate, and I won't rest until she's back with me. You'll pay for taking her away!"

"Your mate?" Liam sneered, his eyes ablaze with anger. "You had her, and you abused her. She's safer and happier with me than she ever was with you."

Liam crouched low and transformed into his wolf form. Snarling as Shane stood defiantly.

In a flash of movement, Liam lunged at Shane, his powerful jaws clamping onto the Alpha's shoulder. A fierce growl escaped his throat as he pinned Shane against a nearby tree. The desire to rip him apart surged within him, but he remembered his promise to Nicole, the promise to protect and not succumb to darkness.

With a restrained force, Liam slammed Shane's head against the tree, the impact jarring his adversary. He then sent a message through the pack bond, calling upon his warriors. As soon as they arrived, Liam commanded them to bind Shane and t*****e him. The battle ended quickly after that.

As Liam transformed back to his human form, he turned away, his mind solely focused on reuniting with Nicole.

He raced back to where he had left her, his heart pounding with anticipation and longing.

Meanwhile, back in the safety of the Silverwood pack, Nicole anxiously awaits Liam's return. The hours ticked by slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity. Her heart swelled with a mix of fear and hope, her mind clouded with thoughts of Liam's safety.

She found solace in the company of Sarah and David's family and the Alpha, who had taken her under his protection. A howl resounded through the air calling on Nicole, and she immediately knew. She ran out to replace him.

And there he was, Liam, bloodied but victorious and exuding an aura of triumph. With every stride, he closed the distance between them until he reached her side, his eyes sparkling with relief and love.

Nicole threw herself into his embrace, holding him tightly as if trying to ensure he was real. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she whispered to him, "You're safe. You came back to me."

Liam nuzzled against her neck, his voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and triumph. "I promised I would, didn't I? I'll always come back to you, Nicole."

"Liam," she breathed again, tears glistening in her eyes. "You came back to me..."

"Always," Liam replied, holding her close, his voice filled with love and determination. "I'll never leave you again."

Nicole nodded. She knew that he would never leave her again.

"It's time to go home," Liam whispered.

"It's time we went home," Nicole repeated.