Lily’s eyes fluttered open, her vision adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. A moment of confusion washed over her until she registered the warmth pressed against her back.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Zayn was sleeping beside her, his arm draped possessively over her waist. Their bodies fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces. Unlike before, Lily felt safe in Zayn’s arms. She had never felt that way with anyone else before.
Lily began to remember what happened before she lost consciousness. Zayn was carrying her despite his own injuries. She recalled how he’d declared to the pack that she was his Luna. That if they dared cut her, they would have to cut him too.
Lily turned her head slightly, studying his sleeping face. Without the hardened expression he usually wore, he looked younger, almost peaceful. A strand of dark hair had fallen across his forehead. Without thinking, she reached out, her fingers hovering inches from his face.
Her hand trembled as she gently brushed the hair away, her fingertips grazing his cheek. The contact sent a jolt through her body.
Zayn stirred. His piercing blue eyes found hers, momentarily clouded with sleep, before sharpening with recognition.
Panicked, Lily jerked away. She winced, remembering her healing wound, as she attempted to scramble out of bed. She shouldn’t have tried to touch him.
“Don’t,” Zayn’s voice was rough with sleep as his arms tightened around her waist, pulling her back. “Stay.”
Lily froze, her heart hammering in her chest as Zayn leaned down a little. He nuzzled her hair, inhaling deeply.
“Mmmm...,” he murmured, his breath hot against her ear. “Your scent...”
She remained frozen, uncertain how to respond as Zayn held her close. Though his hands wrapped around her waist, he was careful not to put any pressure on her bandaged wound.
“I’m sorry, Lily,” he whispered, his voice uncharacteristically vulnerable. “I failed you. You’re my Luna, and I failed to protect you. I promise I’ll do better.”
The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten. Slowly, she turned in his arms until they were face to face, their noses almost touching. His eyes were filled with remorse.
Lily placed her hand against his chest, right over his heart. She could feel its steady rhythm beneath her fingers. She mouthed the words ‘thank you’, hoping he understood what she couldn’t say—that she didn’t blame him.
Zayn lifted his hand to her face, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear before cupping her chin. The tenderness of the gesture caught her off guard, sending a shiver down her spine.
Time stopped as they gazed at each other. The air between them was charged with unspoken words and rising desire. Lily’s breath quickened when Zayn’s eyes dropped to her lips.
He leaned forward, pressing his lips against hers. It wasn’t rough or void of emotion like before. This kiss was warm and gentle. She didn’t feel forced, like she was given the choice to pull away.
But Lily didn’t want to pull away. Instead, she melted into him, returning his kiss. His arms wrapped around her, drawing her closer until their bodies were pressed against each other.
Zayn’s tongue traced her lips before deepening their kiss. Their tongues met, dancing together in a rhythm that sent sparks through both their bodies.
She felt his hardness pressing against her core, the thin fabric of her nightdress doing little to disguise his arousal. A soft gasp escaped her lips as desire pooled low in her belly. She squeezed her legs together.
Lily’s hands traveled down Zayn’s body. She traced the bandages wrapped around his bare chest. Remembering they were both wounded and still in recovery, Lily pulled back slightly. She glanced down at the bandages covering both their bodies, then looked up at Zayn with uncertainty, pointing at their injuries.
Understanding dawned in his eyes. free.w e bn.ov(e)l(.)com
“We don’t have to do anything,” he said, his voice husky with desire but controlled. “I won’t force you, Lily. Do you want this?”
The question hung between them. Lily felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, but she couldn’t deny the ache growing inside her. Her body yearned for his touch. .com
She nodded slowly, feeling shy yet determined. She wanted this connection between them. She wanted to explore this newfound gentleness together.
Zayn claimed her lips again. This time, it was more insistent but not forceful, as though he was savoring the moment. Serving as their guide, Zayn shifted them carefully until he was above Lily.
He supported his weight on his arms to avoid putting pressure on both of their injuries. His lips traced from her lips to her jawline, down her neck.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered against her skin, his hot breath sending new waves of pleasure through her body.
Zayn’s hands roamed her body. His fingers found the hem of her nightdress. His questioning eyes met hers once more. When she nodded, he slowly pulled the dress up and over her head, revealing her naked form beneath.
The cool air made her nipples hard. Zayn’s gaze traveled the length of her body, lingering at the bandages wrapped around her abdomen. His expression darkened as his fingers hovered over them.
“Does it hurt?” He asked, voice low and husky.
Lily shook her head. She reached for his hand, pulling him to touch the bandages to prove her point. He gently traced the ridges of bandages. Lily shuddered at his touch. Her body betrayed her, a small gasp escaped her lips as goosebumps formed on her skin.
She squeezed her legs together again, aware of the heat rising at her core. She met his eyes, they were darkening with desire.
“I can smell your arousal,” he whispered against her ear, his hot breath sending another shiver down her spine. “You want me?”
Lily’s cheeks flushed beet red with embarrassment. Though it wasn’t the first time they slept together, things were different. She wanted this. Zayn wanted this, and it wasn’t as punishment. She turned her head away, pursing her lips as the intensity of his gaze was too much to bear.
She’d never told someone she wanted them before.
Zayn didn’t allow her to shy away from his question. He gently but firmly cupped her chin, turning her face back to face him. His thumb traced her lower lip as he held her gaze captive.
“I’ll only ask once more,” He warned playfully, “Do you want me?”
Lily thought this was all a dream. Perhaps someone would snap their fingers in the next second, and she would be back in reality. But this was real. Who would have thought the Alpha who rejected her was asking her if she wanted him now?
The realization gave her a confidence boost.
Still holding his gaze, Lily nodded confidently while mouthing the word, ‘yes’.