Chapter Twenty: The First Kiss

Charlie stood at the end of the bed, her heart pounding in her chest, the soft fabric of Luther’s oversized t-shirt brushing against her skin. Her mind was spinning with conflicting emotions—nerves, uncertainty, and something else entirely—something new and exhilarating that she couldn’t quite name. She watched as Liam took slow, measured steps toward her, his every movement purposeful, deliberate. Her eyes followed him, unable to tear away from the magnetic pull that seemed to draw her to him.

She had spent her entire life avoiding attention, trying to stay invisible, fearing the cruel touch of the pack members who had tormented her for so long. But this was different. She wanted him closer—wanted to feel the warmth of his body, wanted to feel the safety she had only ever known in the brief moments when Liam or Luther had been at her side.

It wasn’t just a desire for comfort or protection, though. It was something more primal, more intimate. For the first time in her life, she wanted someone to kiss her. And not just anyone. She wanted Liam.

The realization hit her like a wave, her breath catching in her throat as she watched him close the distance between them. Her pulse quickened, the heat rising in her cheeks as her body responded to the unspoken tension in the air. Her lips parted slightly, and she found herself standing frozen in place, anticipation thrumming through her veins.

Liam seemed to sense the change in her, as if something in her eyes had given away the secret desire she was too afraid to voice. Or maybe it was the scent of her desire that coursed through her veins. He paused for a brief moment, his gaze flicking over her face as though searching for permission. When he saw no resistance—only the faintest glimmer of hope—his expression softened, and he took the final step that brought him right in front of her.

His presence was overwhelming in the best way, his scent warm and familiar, his proximity sending shivers down her spine. Charlie looked up at him, her breath shallow as she fought to keep her emotions in check. But it was impossible to ignore the electricity crackling in the air between them..

“Charlie,” Liam whispered, his voice low and gentle, filled with a warmth that made her heart ache. His hand reached up slowly, hesitantly, as if giving her a chance to stop him. But she didn’t move. She didn’t want to.

His fingertips brushed lightly against her cheek, the touch so soft that it sent a fluttering sensation through her stomach that rivaled the intoxicating tingles from the feel of his skin against hers. She shivered at the contact, her lips parting slightly as she stared up at him, her heart pounding in her chest.

Liam’s eyes darkened with something she recognized as desire, his thumb grazing her skin with gentle precision. His hand moved down, cradling her jaw as he stepped even closer, his body heat enveloping her like a protective cocoon. He was careful, deliberate in every move he made, as if afraid of scaring her away.

“Are you sure?” he whispered, his voice hushed as if the question was meant only for her.

Charlie’s breath hitched in her throat as she processed his words. He was giving her a choice, a way out if she wasn’t ready. But as her heart raced and her blood boiled with a newfound heat, she knew with a certainty she hadn’t felt before that she didn’t want out. She wanted this. She wanted him.

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes.”

Liam’s eyes flickered with something intense, his breath catching as he leaned in closer, his forehead gently resting against hers for a brief moment. The gesture was so tender, so intimate, that it made Charlie’s heart swell. She could feel his breath on her lips, warm and inviting, and for the first time in her life, she felt something stir inside her that wasn’t fear or uncertainty.

It was longing.

And then, slowly, with a gentleness that sent shivers through her entire body, Liam closed the distance between them and kissed her.

The sensation was unlike anything Charlie had ever experienced before. His lips were soft, warm, and his kiss was careful, almost reverent, as if he was afraid of pushing too far too soon. But it was everything she hadn’t known she was longing for—the warmth, the connection, the feeling of being wanted, of being seen.

For a moment, the rest of the world fell away. There was no pack, no pain, no lingering fear. There was only Liam—his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer to him as if he couldn’t bear to be apart from her for even a second longer. And Charlie found herself leaning into him, her hands moving up to his chest, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

She felt safe in his arms. She felt cherished.

Liam deepened the kiss slightly, his hand sliding up her back to cradle her head, his fingers tangling gently in her hair. The warmth of his body pressed against hers was intoxicating, and Charlie couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh of contentment. Her nerves, her uncertainty—all of it faded into the background as her body responded to the heat of his touch.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them breathless, Liam rested his forehead against hers again, his eyes still closed as he let out a long, slow breath. His grip on her remained firm, his body still pressed against hers as if he was afraid to let go.

Charlie felt the warmth of his breath against her lips, her own breathing still uneven as she tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. She hadn’t expected this—not the kiss, not the intensity of her feelings, not the way her body had responded so naturally to him. But she couldn’t deny that it had felt right.

Liam opened his eyes slowly, his gaze searching hers as though looking for any sign of discomfort or regret. But Charlie met his eyes with a small, shy smile, her heart still pounding but steady now. She saw the relief in his expression, the warmth in his eyes as he realized that she wasn’t pulling away.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a while,” Liam admitted softly, his voice rough with emotion. His hand gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek.

Charlie bit her lip, a warmth blooming in her chest at his confession. “Me too,” she whispered, the words coming out softer than she had intended, but filled with truth. “Can we do that again?” She asked, her voice coming out in a shy whisper.

A devilish grin appeared on Liam’s face. “Absolutely!” He pulled her in closer to his body and crushed her lips with his in a kiss that contained far more passion and need than the soft kiss that he gifted her a moment ago.