Puppy Love – Chapter 18

~Liam~

The run felt like pure magic. I had never experienced anything quite like it before. Instead of hunting creatures, we simply revelled in the soft glow of the moon and listened to the sounds of the woodland creatures around us, shielded by the protective canopy of trees. It was a truly beautiful and serene experience. At that moment, all my troubles seemed to fade away, and I found mvself no longer consumed with worry about Sophia.

Somehow. I had discovered a sense of peace.

to make our way back to the settlement rather than return to the picnic

getting along remarkably well, and no one seemed to suspect anything. I wondered if I was exceptionally skilled at hiding my feelings, or perhaps people

the precedent set during our first dinner together. Everything seemed perfectly normal.

ng our time together.

way out, and she seemed to be in high spirits.

heard Uncle Max and Kyle are back,” she said,

case would be a welcomed re

tin seemed to walk faster than the rest.

pleased, already there. Uncle Theo, Uncle Marcel, Alpha Devin, and Lord Alexei were also present, waiting for us.

help but wonder if the expansion was necessary, but given how comfortably we all fit inside, it seemed like a wise decision on his part.

n before. It saddened me to think that a few careless words had caused a rift between us. She was truly enjoyable to be around, much like Harper, who held a special place in my heart, m

e composed herself.

e,” Uncle

in, and I smiled, movin

ll here today because you’re set to depart for Grizlo the day after to

tian needs t

s on his current task. They’ve declared Mike a wanted man, and Christian intends to concentrate his resources on catching him.

eld onto the hope that our efforts wouldn’t be in vain, despite the time that had passed.

last time she spoke to you?” My father inquired, and I shook my head in respon

rning his attention to Max.

came up. I doubt they’ll be forthcoming with information;

x explained

i stated, looking directly at Josephine. She nodded, smiling. I knew there was a possibility that her father had linked her on the matter.

e we resumed our positions, our belongings would be sent there as well.

ed beside me and reached out to hold my hand, causing me to come to a stop.

I restrained myself. As she was about to release my hand, I held on tightly, surprising both of us. She then surprised me even more by hugging me, resting her head against my chest. I wasn’t sure how to touch her or respond to the gesture.

r mother,” she said, breaking away with a smile.

check. Her comforting presence meant a lot to me in that moment.

lly parted ways, each heading to our respective rooms. Once I entered my room, I noticed Oliver was already packing.

question.

you mean, Oliver?” I replied, trying to play it off, but he had a knowing lo

ophia in a while until today’s meeting,” he said, pointing out the obvious. How much longer could I hide this?

time figuring it out. Are you crushing on her too? Are you trying to be her friend out of guilt for what she heard us saying about her, or is there something more going on?” Oliver pressed, a

l I could manage to say, but Oliver shook his h

ng today’s meeting. Have you changed your mind about Sophia, or are you just confused?” he asked with genuine concern, and I found myself staring at him.

seemed concerned that I might unintentionally hurt her, and I could see it in his eyes. Our close friendship meant I couldn’t deceive him.

that. The way she looks at you, blushes, and giggles -it’s all so apparent. I’m worried that when Sophia is found, Josephine might end up hurt,” he confessed, expressing his genuine concern. While I hadn’t viewed the situation from that angle, I realised that Oliver deserved to know the truth so that he wouldn’t worry any longer.

ment.

e, not even Elaine,” I requested, and his curiosity peaked

se,” he assured me, and I knew he was being truthf

ed, but she doesn’t know it,

inute before a stream of expletives escaped his

” he exclaimed, and I felt a bit embarra

concern for our friend, and I had no answer.

asked her out,”I replied, and he moved to sit beside me.

he asked, sounding worried.

Joe and see how it goes,” I said,

when all I can think about is Joe,” I admitte

it so soon? Isn’t she supposed to be of age before you find out?” he asked, and I nodded i

time,” I replied, feeling a tinge of sorrow.

rse of action.

ow the connection we build before she finds out,” I explained, though I could sense he didn’t fully agree with my decision. However, I feared

ng I’ve done and said was solely driven by the bond, and our relationship wouldn’t feel genuine to her anymore.

aspect of the potential match. However, at that moment, my mind couldn’t fully grasp the implications of such a union.

anticipating the meal. It was a chance to sit beside Josephine and savour her company. The upcoming journey to Grizlo promised to be a grand adventure, especially wh