Liora's POV

I didn't realize when a soft smile escaped my lips, tugging cutely at one corner, as I imagined him defending me. Now I perceive his affection was genuine as he claimed. It wasn't a love of convenience. He proved he could stick with me in both the good and ugly times. Mira, continually seeking an opportunity to tease me, noticed me grinning to myself and raised an eyebrow. 'What got my girl beaming so cutely, hmm?" I covered my face shyly. 'It's my Jaxon. He has been all shades of support this season. His calm spirit is something to be studied, constantly supporting and encouraging me. Even with a considerable offer, he still stayed with me." Mira chuckled at my answer. It wasn't what she expected, but she was pleased I was warming up to Jaxon. 'Well, Alpha Jaxon has always been your Jaxon, just that you were yet to acknowledge that. From the look of things, it seems the Alpha still got a soft spot, even in his warrior spirit. I'm happy for you, girl. It's a good sign, Liora, at least, someone cares for you like I do. And that's all you need during this period, support, and tenderness." I blushed, the talk was making my mood lighter and helping me to forget my worries. For a minute, I concentrated on the beautiful memories I created with Jaxon while still in denial of my affection for him. I allowed our time together to crowd my thoughts, and it helped in clearing the heat of the moment. 'I never expected him to stand with me. As usual, I was expecting a rejection story, which wouldn't have hurt me because I already know him. I am glad he's standing with me, after all, even with a solution before him. Or doesn't that send a message?" Mira smiled mischievously." it surely means something. It's everything you need this season." Jaxon's POV I could sense it in her blue eyes. It was too obvious; the doubt of not being able to fulfill what she deemed as her duty to the pack, the frustration of trying and failing repeatedly, the pain of watching the pack suffer. Liora sat beside me, her shoulders dropped from guilt at not helping. This is the part of her I never wanted to see. I had told her countless times that she owes no one, no explanation. She could have helped the pack before, but it's not compulsory that she should do the same now. Even at her own lowest moment, did anyone from the pack bother to know how she was faring? Everyone was busy with their lives, but when it reached their turn, she carried it on her head. 'Liora," I said sweetly and softly, as I moved closer to her. 'You shouldn't feel lonely in this battle. You're never alone, not even for once. Be rest assured that we will figure out something." She stared at me, her eyes filled with much pain and frustration. There was uncertainty about what she could do, and it made me sad. 'But what if it never worked, Jaxon? What if, with all our best, we never identify a solution, no measure of breaking the barrier, and the pack remains tortured forever?" I came down from my chair, knelt beside her, looking straight into her beautiful blue eyes. I took her hands into mine and gripped it. 'You will find a way. I know you, and I believe in your abilities, Liora. You're a powerful lady, stronger than you ever imagined. And I have no intention of leaving. You are my priority, even as I search for solutions. The offer can't shake me. Seraphina's sweet coated words cannot lure me. I am here with you until the very end." Her cute eyes held mine as she searched for any sign of deceit. I know she would spot it difficult to accept, recurring what had happened before, but this was a new me. I meant every word that I said. 'You believe in me even when I find it challenging to do so for myself?" She asked with her melodious voice, and I nodded with a smile. Smiling and still holding a gaze with her. 'Of course I do and will always do. You're Liora, and you are everything that I would describe as the strongest, most courageous, if not the greatest warrior alive. Don't ever lose faith in yourself, and every time you feel alone in this task, look by your side and you will see me. I am going nowhere. I am here with you until the very end." For a moment, we just stared at each other, and none of us were eager to blink, then I noticed something, a shift in our mood and composure. I lingered my gaze on her lips. I watched as she smiled for the first time in forever. I knew it had lifted the heavy weight off her shoulders. She opened her mouth to speak. I did not know whether there were positive or negative words, so I gave her no chance to say them out. Before I could stop myself, I leaned in, and our lips met. Liora's POV I have been overthinking things lately, quick to talk before processing them. I was frustrated because of my inability to heal the pack, I allowed doubt to crowd my sense of reasoning. I had no control over the way I spilled words out of my mouth, but suddenly, Jaxon surfaced just a few inches away from me. He was there by my side, encouraging and pushing me to be my better version. His eyes were fixed nowhere but on my lips. I could feel tension building up as he gave me no room to breathe freely. The gaze was intense. I had been talking too much, complaining to him about how enough I wanted to help. Drained of consoling me, distressed by listening to me, he captured my lips. Everything remained still, the world stayed calm! This wasn't close to my imaginations of kisses. This was far from real, and it tasted raw. I couldn't hold myself. I melted on his grip as the warmth of his mouth against mine ignited a current that fired a shockwave over my whole soul. Feeling his skin on mine assigned a tingling sensation on my body. I could not express how I felt. My heart raced, and for once in a long while, I gave no chance to think. I stayed calm and didn't pull away. I had no time to question whether or not we were doing the right thing. I just flowed at the moment. My hold on him remained tight, his arms welcomed me, pulling me even deeper into himself. Nothing was important again, all I saw was the perfect way he kissed me. The rhythmic movement of our lips on each other was heavenly. Nothing mattered again, this was the stage I have been missing, this was him completing me. I noticed something familiar, something that I knew before. Yes, I had witnessed this before, at the moon ceremony, when our eyes held each other passionately. The feeling was different. It was all strange to me, but still felt good. I never wanted it to end, but then, he rejected me. Right here and now, I could feel the same way again. We have been holding back for so long, and I don't mind him devouring my entire being so far as it gives me the calmness I truly deserve. My body vibrated, I breathe was hitched, I got weak, feeble, no more in control of my body, but I still loved it. I never wanted it to stop. I could sense my power coming to live again. I could feel its current flowing and electrifying my body. My wolf growled uncontrollably, unable to hide her excitement. This was the best experience ever. I wished it never ended. I never restricted him, I let him in completely, following his move at his pace as he guided me. He savored the sweetness of my lips at his pace. I loved it all, we reveled in it all, my wolf and I enjoyed him. From the tenderness of his lips, to its sweetness, his carriage, his gentle moves in handling my lips, he was an expert. There was nothing rough, no rush, everything was done calmly. I was certain that this was what I wanted at that moment. I welcomed him with all in me. For the very first time in ages, I wasn't guilty, I wasn't struggling with my emotions, I wasn't lost. I didn't give self-doubt any room to break me. I was just Liora, the strongest of her type, the bravest I'd known. I finally gave myself the credit I really deserve. This was me loosening up to new adventures. Then the kiss ended, and on opening my eyes, I caught Jaxon staring lustfully at me. His eyes were hungry for more, he was ready to devour me, to claim me for himself. He said nothing, but maintained his gaze on me. He was lost, and I could hear his heart. Jaxon was a finished man. My hold on him was too much. He leaned in again, but this time, he rested his forehead against mine. His whole body was filled with sweat, but I don't mind, I loved the experience of it all. The warmth from his nostrils washed over my forehead as he continued breathing hard. This was it, the great Alpha in love. I felt a bond being formed. It wasn't like the first; it was stronger; it was more intense. I was glad at the excitement bubbling inside of me, and how my wolf welcomed everything. I was ready to give it yet another shot. I was worn of thinking, tired of holding back, I would give love a chance again. I deserve to be happy. He spoke nothing after the kiss, but his hungry eyes said them all. From his willingness to support until the end, to how his heart longs for no one but me. The tenderness in his gaze softened my resolve. It melted the walls I built over the surrounding months. I had to follow his examples, to believe wholly in myself and my abilities. And who knows, maybe, just perhaps, I could give him a chance again. I could allow him to love me the right way.