Chapter 73
Nicole sprinted through the dense forest, her heart pounding in her chest, matching the rhythm of her footfalls. Each stride carried her farther away from the familiar into the depths of the unknown. The cool breeze brushed against her skin, the sounds of nature surrounding her like a comforting embrace.
As she ran, her thoughts raced alongside her. The encounter with Liam had left her reeling, emotions swirling within her like a tempest. She couldn't deny the undeniable pull she felt towards him, the way her body responded to his touch. But at the same time, the memory gaps and the fear of the unknown clouded her mind.
Breathing heavily, Nicole slowed her pace and found herself in a clearing bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. She looked up at the celestial body, its ethereal beauty casting a serene ambiance upon her.
She pleaded with the moon goddess for guidance, her voice a whisper carried away by the wind. "Moon Goddess, grant me clarity. Help me understand the depths of this connection. Show me the path I should take."
She hadn't prayed to the moon goddess in a long time. She believed that it was useless. She believed that the moon goddess didn't care for slaves like her.
The moon shone down upon her, casting a soft glow on her as she continued to run. In the solitude of the forest, she sought solace and answers. Every stride brought her closer to a sense of clarity, though it remained elusive.
Her wolf, restless and eager, howled within her, echoing the turmoil in her heart. It longed for the bond with Liam, recognizing him as its rightful mate. The primal instincts tugged at her, aching to reunite with him, to embrace the love they once shared. Nicole, finally coming to a stop in a small clearing bathed in moonlight, gazed up at the luminous orb above, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. The moon seemed to hold the answers she sought, its serene presence offering a glimmer of
reassurance.
"Please, moon goddess, grant me the strength to face the truth," she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of her emotions. "Guide me towards the path that aligns with my heart and my destiny."
The forest around her seemed to respond, the rustling leaves and whispering wind lending an ethereal quality to the moment. Nicole closed her eyes, letting the stillness seep into her soul. In the silence, a newfound sense of calm washed over her. She realized that amidst the confusion and doubts, she held the power to discover her truth. She would embark on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling the layers of her past and embracing who she was meant to be.
Maybe it was time to let go of what hunted her and look forward. She smiled. She knew exactly what to do. There was only one way to test Liam's so-called love.
As soon as Nicole got back to the pack that evening, she went in search of Liam. She found him alone in the guest room the Alpha of Silverwood provided for him. "Hey," she said quietly, and her conscience was eating her up.
"Hey," Liam rasped, the need in his eyes as well as the hurt was evident, and surprisingly, she felt a pang of hurt.
Nicole took a deep breath, gathering her courage as she prepared to share her deepest wounds with Liam.
"We should talk." She said.
Liam swallowed, and she sensed his fear. It was odd to see him so afraid, so vulnerable, and it warmed her heart and hurt her at the same time. "Okay," he said hesitantly.
Nicole sat the farthest she could from him. Admiring his profile. She watched as he sat down, his gaze fixed upon her with a mix of anticipation and concern. "Liam, there's something I need to tell you," Nicole started, her voice laced with vulnerability.
Liam gulped and nodded. Running his hand through his hair. It was like he was prepping himself for the worst.
"Before I came to the Dark Moon, my parents were lone wolves. They sold me to Crimson, where I endured unimaginable horrors. I was manipulated, tortured, and abused..."
Liam's eyes widened with shock, which slowly turned to anger. Nicole's heart skipped several beats as she continued. She told him everything. She told him of her s****l assaults, the beatings, the orgies... everything. Liam's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white as the reality of Nicole's suffering settled within him. His voice was laced with a hint of rage as he spoke, "Nicole, how could they do such a thing? Why... why didn't..." "I'm not done," Nicole cut in.
With a great effort, she stood on her feet and turned her back.
"Nicole. What are you doing?" Liam asked, his fear pooling in the air.
Without saying a word, Nicole pulled off her top and allowed her hidden scars to show.
Liam let out a low and menacing growl. Afraid that he might find her revolting, she hurriedly tried to put the top back on.
"Don't f*****g move," Liam growled and her body trembled. His fear had quickly transformed into anger.
Tears welled up in Nicole's eyes as she nodded, her voice quivering with emotion. "I tried to escape, to fight back, but I was trapped. I was trapped in a world where everyone thought I was the Luna, but I was still a slave to the Alpha's whims." "These scars... They are... they're a mark of their cruelty."
Unable to contain his fury, Liam reached out and gently traced the scars that marred Nicole's delicate skin. His touch was tender yet filled with an underlying rage. "No one should ever have to endure such pain, Nicole. What they did to you... it's unforgivable." Nicole craned her neck, heart clenched, fearing that Liam would be repulsed by the sight of her scars. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something unexpected tenderness. His anger was directed not at her, but at those who had caused her harm. She took a step away, "Liam, I cannot remember what happened or how you claim we are mates. But someone like me... I'm not fit to be the Luna of your pack or your mate. I'm a mess."
She moved further away and he followed. His hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her into him. Her back hit his hard chest in a way that felt familiar. Her breath hitched as shivers ran down her spine.
"Are you comfortable?" He questioned, his breath hovering over her shoulder.
"No." She cried.
He immediately let go and stepped away. She could feel his hurt, but she hid her scars, threw her top back on then turned to face him.
"I'm sorry... I didn't know... if I had known..." He said quietly. She could feel the anger burning within him.
"There's no need to. When I said I wasn't comfortable. I didn't mean in your arms. I meant, sharing it."
Liam nodded, relief flooding his countenance. His gaze softened, and he reached out, cupping her face in his hands. "Nicole, listen to me," Liam said, his voice filled with conviction.
"Those scars do not define you. They are a testament to your strength and your resilience. You are so much more than the pain you have endured."
Nicole felt her walls crumbling, her doubts and resistance dissolving in the face of Liam's unwavering support. At that moment, she knew she had found a love unlike any she had ever known.
And as Liam pulled her into a warm and comforting embrace, their lips met in a passionate kiss, sealing their connection.
In that tender embrace, Nicole felt a profound sense of belonging and acceptance. The weight of her past began to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope for a future filled with love and healing. Liam's love shattered every doubt and every insecurity she had carried within her.
Breaking the kiss, their foreheads touched as they held each other, their breaths intermingling. "Nicole, I love you," Liam whispered, his voice filled with a sincerity that made her heart soar. "Every part of you- the scars and all. You are my mate, and together, we will heal and create a future filled with happiness."
A tear escaped Nicole's eye, but this time, it was a tear of joy. "I love you too, Liam," she replied, her voice filled with newfound strength. "Thank you for seeing me for who I truly am."
Liam pulled her into his arms, his hand shifting away her hair as he found his mark at the back of her neck. His teeth grazed it, and a thousand pleasurable sensations flooded Nicole's body. She let out a low moan.
"I... I want to make love to you," he whispered. A gasp escaped Nicole's lips involuntarily.
"May I?" he asked, his voice tinged with fragility as if he was pleading with her. "I missed you."
Nicole was stunned. How did he not run away from her? She was unable to make a coherent thought as his words made her tremble.
"Yes," she agreed, running her hands along her head.
"I've missed you so damn much, Nicole. So f*****g much."
His words thrilled her. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" He whispered.
She was out of breath, and shivering in his arms. "You're so breathtaking. So sexy, it's sinful, Nicole," he grumbled, "it's like I cannot get enough. How are you so addictive?"
A familiar throbbing sensation between her legs increased. Liam bent his head and captured her lips greedily. Everything about it felt familiar.
Her hands develop a mind of their own. They reached into this shirt, eager to feel him again. His chest was warm, hard and hairy as she remembered it. She traced her fingers as their mouths devoured each other.
He fondled her breasts and groaned into her mouth. "Nicole, you make me lose my mind. You're like a drug, Nicole."
She drew him closer, loving the feel of his body against hers, the brush of his clothes against her skin. She was helpless as he trailed his lips down her b****t, pausing to taste, to taste thoroughly with lips, tongue and teeth. He explored every inch of her mercilessly, having her writhe and moan in pleasure.
He breathed, taking her n****e in his mouth and sucking like he was starved. He found her other b****t and gave it the same attention he gave the first. Her body trembled.
His hands grabbed her a*s up, pressing her against the bed.
"Liam.." she panted. Amazed at the way he savored her hungrily. His mouth raced down to her belly button, licking that hollow before rising again to the opposite b****t, sucking harder now. Devouring. He found his mark and grazed it.
A sob fell out of his throat. "Liam," she gasped.
"It's been damn long," he hummed onto her skin, biting, sucking, teasing.
It was a miracle that he was taking it slow considering that Liam missed her. Yet at the same time, he understood the need to make her feel like the queen of the universe that she was. Her body deserved to be worshipped, even though his d**k was so painfully hard that it felt like it would explode.
"So soft, so sweet," he moaned against her belly, then descended further to her wet centre. He pushed her soaked panties aside and breathed in. She was gorgeous. It excited him. Even his wolf, who was normally in a hurry understood very well what he needed to do.
The first swipe of his tongue core had her clamping her legs together to lock his head in as her eyes rolled back. "Liam," she screamed.
His eyes met hers, and he marveled at how glazed they were.
"Nicole," he grumbled, his voice deeper, making her tremble in anticipation. She raised her hips obediently as he pulled off her panties, loving the look of abject concentration he had.
"So f*****g perfect," he hissed, pressing his lips against her wet folds. In a second, Liam's tongue snaked down slowly through the valley of her slit having her scream out loud, with her eyes popping out and her fingers clawing their way into his hair. "Liam," she cried, lifting her legs and hooking them over his shoulders, "Please, please. Please..."
His forearm came down on her hips, pinning them to the bed, and he growled into that second lick, dragging the tip over her c**t and teasing it.
It was perfect, too perfect. He lavished her swelling c**t with friction and pressure.
"-1"
"Please don't stop, Liam. It's perfect. It's...."
Her thighs began to tremor uncontrollably, and she could see nothing but sparks dancing. He held her waist, pinning her down. Then he slowly slid his shaft into her, angling it in that perfect way as he began pounding pressure onto her G-spot. It was reckless, it was rough. She was screaming vulgarism.
When Nicole climaxed, it was earth-shattering, mind-blowing. And the night was just getting. "You're coming home with me, Nicole. Or I swear I'll tear everything apart." Liam growled. Nicole argued. However, it couldn't hold sway when he was giving her multiple o*****s.