Jaxon’s POV

It wasn't planned, I never expected it. I wasn't even thinking. All I saw was how her mouth moved uncontrollably as she talked about everything but nothing. I didn't know how to stop her again. I had consoled her, tried making her see the positive aspects of what had befallen our pack, but none was working. I watched her talk, but my ears were far from trapping what she was saying. All my attention was on her succulent and very delicate lips. I knew at that moment that it would take great force to pull me back to normal. I was fascinated by, devouring her lips as she rambled about everything. Before I could stop myself, I had captured her lips. The moment I lost control and our lips touched, my adrenaline level rushed up. Everything changed, I couldn't recognize myself again. How I turned from an Alpha in charge of a great pack to a vulnerable man in the arms of a lady, was what amazed me the most. I have been imagining how our first kiss would be, but I never expected it to be like this. Neither did I expect it to be today. I wanted to pull back, to ask for permission before going ahead, but I lacked the strength to even do that. The lips were as tender as I had imagined them to be. Tasting of milk and strawberry shortcakes. Liora welcomed me in, her lips parting as I delved deeper with my tongue into her mouth. I sucked her lower lips as if expecting something to come out of it. She was sweeter than I had imagined. The kiss was entirely different from what I had experienced before, which was more like a formality. My mind flashed back to the memory of Seraphina smooching me. It was the most disgusting thing ever in my life. As ambitious and persistent as she had been, she had forced herself on me, kissing me deeper in an attempt to mark me, but unfortunately for her, no bond was created. It was one of the most horrible moments of my life, and to her disappointment, I freed myself and never kissed her back as she expected. She kept on pushing her luck to get a decent peck from me, and mark me in the process, but her efforts and hope were crushed. I watched her flutter her tender eyes shut as I deepened the kiss. I was lost; I was no more in control, my emotions had taken over. She gave herself completely to me, providing me with access to every part of her body, but I knew better not to cross the boundary. They did not build Roman in a day, so I would take it easy and gentle until we arrive at a stage where we would be even. I wanted more, but I couldn't get it, so as not to provoke her. I had no intentions of crossing boundaries; I respect her a lot and everything about her. Likewise, I could not express how I felt. The right words were not just coming. It was beyond description. There was a yearning in my spirit to devour all of her, but that wasn't possible. My wolf growled in acceptance, giggling at every touch from her. She didn't touch me much, though I would have appreciated it, but the little she did meant a lot to me. If I was never sure of anything in my life, I am certain that I don't want the feeling to ever end. The moment that I treasure with everything in me. The taste of her lips kept bringing different flavors at intervals, from milk to strawberry to wine tastes. Nothing mattered to me again. Not much the threat from Morgath, not even the condition of the pack, not even Rhys' struggle to take her away, not even Kelsey's obsession. I decided to live the moment to the fullest. The moment she parted her lips, stayed calm until our lips met, I tasted something forbidden. If someone had informed me that I would kiss her, even amid the chaos, I would have denied it. If someone had also notified me I would be this vulnerable before, I wouldn't have agreed. The trouble that comes with taking care of the pack was always much. But this was my time away from such stress. Liora was finally my pain reliever. This wasn't just an unprepared kiss, it was life itself. A gasp escaped her mouth, and I knew I had weakened her resolve. But for a second, I feared she would not appreciate it. I was waiting for her to pull back and complain of not being ready, but she never did such. She opened up for me, inviting me in, and with her whole being, welcomed me as I delved deeper with my tongue. I savored every sweetness that her mouth could give, leaving nothing behind. This can never be Seraphina, her tough exterior won't even allow her to be this calm and collected. Hers will always remain forced and unwanted, and I will never permit such ever again. It was a bitter taste, a disgusting sight to behold. Liora kissed me back with a fierceness I never realized existed in her. I knew her to be fierce on the battlefield, but apart from that, she's generally calm and gentle. I melted in her hands, allowing her to get enough of me the way she wanted them. The way she rushed me was a confirmation that she desired the kiss as much as I did. Her lips were so delicate that I feared I might injure her if I continued kissing her, but even at that, I still didn't stop. We continued grinding and feeding on each other's lips like our lives depended on that. Her fragile hands traced their way to my masculine chest, at first, she hesitated, it was as if she was checking me out, but before I could figure out what she was doing, she pressed against me, pressing so hard that my body vibrated at the touch. It was her way of trying to feel me, she needed to feel my being so badly, but she held herself. I noticed she wasn't ready to cross that bridge, so I didn't push it. When her hands returned to my breast again, this time rubbing my nipples in a circular motion, I groaned at the feeling. I was unable to hold back, I let out a loud groan that my wolf growled in excitement inside of me. My heart threatened to escape as my heart pounded non-stop. The energy she threw back was unexpected. She was making me feel like a real man. I gave her my all. Even in her fierceness, I still didn't get enough of her, I needed more, but it's obvious I won't be getting that. I deepened the kiss, eager to take over and make her feel me. I moved my hands to cup her beautiful face; I tilted her head to my side. This was me trying to get a better view of her. I planned to explore her, to leave my mark on her, to make her remember no man but me. This time, as I captured her lips again, I felt intoxicated. Her taste was intoxicating like a drug. She was my addiction, and I wasn't ready to quit. Time stopped, the earth paused, nothing was existing apart from both of us. We were just starting the business of exploring each other's bodies. The pressure of the pack was gone. We were existing in another world of our own. Our surroundings did not matter to us, even pack members close by were not our concern. All we noticed was ourselves. It was a moment of relaxation, a stage I never wanted to end. I crowded my thoughts with the images of her. Her smiles, her worried face, how cute she looks while angry, and the way she looks so vulnerable while pushing me away from her, even though dying to be in my arms. I have been observing every one of her emotions. I knew it was only a matter of time, and she would warm up to me. I understand her reasons for staying so long before accepting me, and I was willing to wait even longer. But here we are today, opening a new phase that I don't want to ever end. I enjoyed how she gasped each time I kissed her a little harder, just a bit of roughness, and she would scream my name in the whole pack. The movement of our lips was rhythmic like a practiced gymnastics. Her skin glowed and radiated in our heated moment. I also noticed something unusual. Her hands glowed uncontrollably. It was similar to the glow she experienced when she healed the warriors after the battle. I tried figuring it out, but I had no idea what it was. She smiled on seeing the glow, and strangely, when she touched me with the glow, I wasn't hurt, rather, I felt warm. This could mean something, it might be a key to getting a solution to our pack. We need answers as soon as possible, and this time, we would consult an elder. There must be a way out. I still craved more, but I can't get it. I was far from satisfied with just what I experienced already. I wanted my mark to remain permanent on her, to explore her, to claim her, to trace every delicate part of her body with my fingers, but I held back. I did not need it at this stage. I might push her away from me. This wasn't just desire. I wasn't planning on hurting her. For the records, she's a queen and would be treated in that manner. I covet to have her for myself, but I won't carry out any move until she is my Luna. I don't just want to have her, I also crave to make her happy, to make amends for the old ignorant days that I hurt her. I had to stop here for now, to show her how much I respect and adore her. We finally pulled back after what felt like an eternity. We were both breathless. Her eyes shone as she held them in pure vulnerability with mine. A softened exterior replaced her gaze which used to be confident and strong. She was everything but stable. Her baby face flushed, and her cheeks turned red. It swelled her lips even in my gentleness. It showed how soft and succulent they were. This was the best stage of my life. I expected this day, but I never knew it would come so fast talk more of being today. 'I'm not leaving you, I don't intend to accept the offer. I will be here with you forever," I whispered sweetly in her ears. I rested my forehead against hers as we stayed calm to enjoy the moment. My breath was still returning to normal. It wasn't steady yet, as the level of adrenaline that rushed out was beyond control. I haven't had such fun in a long while, none of my memories could be compared to this. 'No matter the obstacle that may come our way, no matter how tough things may get, I'm not leaving you. You are my everything." She did not try to say anything. She just listened to my voice as I talked. She broke eye contact with me, sighed and leaned on me while closing her eyes. I needed not to be told again. Her body language said it all. I was enough for her. I felt at peace. Morgath disappeared. For the first time after many days, I had someone to confide in, someone I could call my own. Liora is mine and mine forever. They mated her to me, and I am here to claim everything about her. And nothing, not even my indecisiveness, would force me to lose this last chance to make it right. Liora is mine forever. We would meet the wise elder for guidance. Our union must stand.