Beneath the Alpha's Moon

Mai~

The lake shimmered under the fading afternoon light as I sat beside Liam, pretending not to notice the cautious glances he kept casting my way. His burn scars peeked out from beneath his blond hair, reminders of a history I’d rather forget—or at least pretend didn’t exist.

I couldn’t believe this moment was actually happening, I was sitting down beside Liam and not watching him from behind a tree or something. And he was talking to me. That made my stupid heart leap in a way I absolutely hated.

"So," Liam began, breaking the silence, "if you really want my help, it’s not going to be easy."

I rolled my eyes, leaning back on my hands. "Is this the part where you try to scare me off? Save your breath, Rivers. I’m not going anywhere. And besides," I scoffed. "You and Ollie act like I committed a crime."

Liam gave me a long, unreadable look, then arched a brow. "Didn’t you?"

I instantly caught myself, realizing how my words might have come across to him. So, I bit back what I really wanted to say and just rolled my eyes. "Alright, maybe I screwed up, or maybe a bunch of times. But I’m not backing down. So, what’s your plan?"

A flicker of amusement crossed his face before he smothered it. "Alright, tough girl. Here’s the deal. I do little tasks around the pack every day—helping elders, pups, injured wolves, that kind of thing."

I raised a brow, my tone dripping with skepticism. "You want me to be your... assistant?"

He didn’t flinch. "More like an apprentice. If you’re serious about becoming a better person, you’re going to have to prove it. Starting tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?" I repeated, horrified. "It’s Saturday!"