Alpha Liam's Escort: Second Chance Mate

By Scarlett Orion

"You're disgusting!" Celeste screamed.
"How could you do this to me? Both of you!" Tears fell from her eyes once more. "You were my best friend, and you..." Her gaze shifted to Amara, who cowered behind Julian. Then, Celeste snapped back to Julian and stepped closer to him.
"I, Celeste Foster, reject you, Julian Cross of the Shadow Pack, as my mate."
After experiencing the double betrayal of her mate and friend, Celeste thought her life couldn't get any worse, until she woke up naked next to Liam Blackwell, Alpha of the Nightfall Pack...
Liam never thought he would have a one night stand with Celeste. Everything happened too suddenly, and when the heartbroken Celeste approached him and whispered "I want you," Liam knew he couldn't refuse such an offer.
As Liam is irresistibly drawn to Celeste, he begins to notice that she seems close to someone he never thought he would encounter: first Julian, the Alpha heir of the Shadow Pack, and now Nathaniel Stone, the Alpha heir of The Obsidian Pack.
Was Celeste hiding a big secret about who she was?

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Jun 26, 2023

Book preview

CHAPTER 51 You're Awake

Celeste's POV

I felt the sickness rise within me as the sound of Evelyn's hissing insipid voice came from Amara's body. She really would stop at nothing to torture me and now she had taken to the apparant possession of my best friend.

We killed you! I exclaimed as the memory of Evelyn's foul demonic form returned back into my memory. I hadn't known exactly how long I had been in a comatose state exactly, but the events of that night still remain fresh in my mind. I could still remember the scent of burning flesh from that very evening. These were memories I hoped I would forget in a hurry

It will take more than that my dear Celeste, Evelyn hissed which followed by a low cackle I won't back down that easily, I worked incredibly hard to get here today,

Amara's stance hung limp like a puppet on a string. Her arms awkwardly rigid by her side after contorting by Evelyn's will. I felt pain for Amara, how she must be feeling inside with Evelyn consuming her body and soul to the point of complete control. I wondered if Amara could actually feel or see what was going on inside her mind. The thought of Amara's torment made me feel nauseous. 

I felt alarmingly awake and healed considering I had recently woken from a coma. Thankfully my enhanced healing abilities would have restored my body impossibly faster than that of the average human body. I felt thankful in this moment for this gift, as it appeared another fight would be on our hands.

What are we going to do Liam? I asked as I tried to keep my voice as low as I could. My eyes still fixed on Amara. and I noticed the slight dancing of flames around her body, much like the ones which encased Evelyn in her monstrous form.

Liam also kept his voice low I have a plan, I just need…

His words were stopped by the door opening and Nathaniel sped through. His sapphire eyes clocked me first and I noticed panic filled him. He tried to attempt a smile, relieved to see me awake, but his face fell pale with anguish.

Celeste! He called You're awake! Are you okay? His attention quickly took to the unusual form in the centre of the room. 

The flames surrounding Amara began to ignite and flicker larger as Evelyn's anger grew Get out of here Nathaniel. Mother is busy, her voice simmered a low growl as her fury built within.

Mother? Nathaniel asked, his face twisting with disgust as he recognised Evelyn's voice The fuck are you doing here? I thought I was finally rid of your incessant nagging,

Amara's body spun on her foot as she turned to face Nathaniel. Her breathing crackled as she exhaled loudly, each breath stronger the more anger burned within her You were always my least favourite child you little cockroach, she screamed, getting prepared to lunge toward Nathaniel

As she went for the attack, Amara's arms were forced outstretched through Evelyn's control and she made an attempt to grab Nathaniel, who cunningly dodged her wicked grip.

Liam leapt from my bedside and lunged toward Amara Restrain her! He barked the orders at Nathaniel who quickly reached for Amara as she became distracted by Liam's movement. He gripped her wrists and pulled them behind her body, tightening his grip around Amara, ensuring she couldnt move. 

Liam landed in front of Amara, and fumbling inside his inner jacket pocket, panic struck his face, as though he had lost what he imagined was safe inside his clothing shit, he grumbled in a fluster.

Hurry up Liam, Nathaniel growled, I could tell by the redness of his straining face he was using his entire power to keep Amara restrained I cant keep her held like this for much longer, she's strong! 

Yes! Liam rejoiced, seemingly finding the item he was searching for. I watched as he pulled what appeared to be a pendant on a string from his inside pocket. Liam's movements were far too quick for me to study any details of the jewellery, but he pushed the pendant piece onto Amara's forehead. Liam began to speak words in a raised voice, words I couldn't recognise.

Unable to make out the language the Alpha spoke, it sounded extremely foreign to me and I wondered if it was a language that even existed. What was Liam doing? Had he finally lost his mind?

My eyes kept locked onto Liam and as he spoke the strange words, the pendant began to illuminate, it shone a bright blue through his fingers and Amara began to struggle harder beneath Nathaniel's gradually weakening grip.

Nathaniel was knocked backwards by some kind of invisible force and Amara began to scream. It was no scream like I had ever heard before, a near deafening screech which began to rattle the windows of the room. A glass shook off my bedside table and smashed onto the ground. 

It was as though a Banshee scream had launched from Amara now and I found myself having to push my fingers into my ears. I couldn't bear the pressure in my ears. The sensation felt like my head was about to explode. 

Liam remained strong in his stance as he pushed the pendant against Amara's head still, the chants were now muffled from my deafness as I protected my hearing.

All of a sudden Amara fell silent and a red smoke began to seep from her body, quickly winding into the air. I watched as the smoke circled Amara's body, as though it attempted another route inside her, but she was closed off now. The red smoke, tortured by whatever Liam has placed upon Amara, made its way to the window and disappeared outside as it filtered through the slightly open space.

Amara's eyes returned to her normal caramel colour and her body relaxed to its natural state. She took her gaze to Liam before falling limply toward the ground. Liam caught her and manoeuvred her over to the bed where I remained, still feeling weak. I made some room for my friend so Liam could place her comfortably next to me.

Amara? I asked, positioning myself closer to her. As I ran my fingers through her tightly curled hair I noticed the remnant of a burning mark which had been seared on her skin from the pendant. Luckily the mark began to fade gradually, within seconds it vanished.

Honey, are you alright? My eyes studied her face for any hint of an irregularity. I knew my best friend more than anyone, and I would be able to tell if Evelyn still resided inside her.

I think so, Amara blinked, her eyes met my gaze Celeste! she beamed You're awake!

Amara looked at me as though this was the first time she had seen me, and her surprised reaction to me waking from a coma became incredibly suspicious to me. How long had Evelyn been inside her head?

CHAPTER 52 Traumatic Past

Liam's POV

Have you been feeling out of sorts recently? I asked Amara, tucking the amulet back into my inside pocket. Amara's eyes watched the piece before it disappeared from her view. Her eyes seemed almost hypnotised by the pendant and as soon as it was taken from her sight, her eyes brightened up their caramel shimmer.

Since... Amara paused, trying to recall when her state of mind had started to feel unusual I assumed Before the baby was born, probably toward the end of my pregnancy, Her hands ran across her stomach as she spoke, as though she still carried a child inside her I just figured it was the pregnancy messing me up, she laughed nervously, her gaze broken from mine I felt as though she struggled to make eye contact with me.

Can you describe how you felt? I asked, my tone gentle as I spoke I mean, different from how you would usually feel, I tried not to push Amara too far with wanting information, she had been through enough to have me on her case with the pressure its okay if you don't want to talk about it right now though,

Amara blinked and took her gaze to Celeste It's hard to explain, she paused to take a breath I just didn't feel like myself. My mind started to fill with thoughts I would never want to think, she took Celeste's hand and squeezed it Thoughts about you Celeste, dark and cruel ideas of your death. And her voice in my head constantly. It was like a poison filling my mind. Sometimes I had blacked out and had lost hours after not remembering what I had been doing,

I noticed tears began to well in Amara's eyes, I could tell these ideas that Evelyn had forced into her mind were upsetting for her. Celeste wrapped her arm around Amara and she gently placed her forehead against Amara's.

Take is easy, I reassured her We're here for you, there's no pressure to talk right now,

She's gone now Amara, Celeste smiled Evelyn cant wont hurt you again, well make sure of it, she kissed Amara gently on the forehead and I felt my stomach flutter at the sight. Celeste's tender heart was something incredibly attractive to me.

Clearing my throat I spoke again I think it's best that Julian takes you home, I placed my hand on Amara's shoulder As Celeste says, you're safe with us now. She cant hurt you, A smiled down at her and my words were genuine You need all the rest you can get, spend some time with Julian and your little girl,

Amara sniffled but a smile formed on her lips Okay, she glanced at Celeste You've got a good one here girl, don't let him go,

Julian had come to take Amara home. I had a quiet word with Julian and filled him in on the events that had taken place while he made a safe escape with the baby. I knew we would catch up when everything had been settled.

Nathaniel eventually left to head back home to update his Father on the return on Evelyn, but would check in on Celeste. He assured us he would keep us in the loop if anything else unusual happened in the meantime.

I stayed with Celeste, at her bedside as I had done for the past year. She was propped upright and appeared unexpectedly chipper after the traumatic experience she had just witnessed. 

It was at this moment I really did understand the strength of Celeste's heart and soul. Everything she had gone through in life, but her optimistic outlook still remained. I admired her strength greatly.

There were still some things about Celeste's past I was curious about though, and I felt like now was a perfect opportunity to try and get to know about her history.

Celeste, I spoke her name, enjoying the sound of it from my lips If you're feeling comfortable, could you share some parts of your childhood with me? I'd like you know about your past and share your experiences,

Celeste's green eyes glanced at me, at first I was unsure of her reaction. I tried to read the expression on her face but she seemed torn between many emotions. Eventually a smile played on her lips Of course I don't mind Liam. I want you to know all of me, the good and the bad,

Celeste positioned herself upright in bed and I helped reposition her pillows to ensure she was as comfortable as possible. I took my seat back at her side and held her hand, my fingers entwined with hers. A gesture to show I was there for her, no matter what.

My Mother passed away when I was young, if I recall I was ten years old. My Father remarried quickly after Mother's passing, I had never seen him grieve her death. It wasn't anything we spoke about together, and I felt alone in the process, she paused and her eyes had dropped to the blanket over her lap. Her fingers played with the bobbles of the crocheted texture Then Evelyn became part of the family, with her two children Savannah and Nathaniel,

I nodded, already well aware of her siblings. They were complete opposites, Savannah had taken her Mothers cruel and jealous personality, but Nathaniel, despite his hatred toward me at first was actually warming to me and I could see his tender heart. I squeezed Celeste's hand as a signal for her to continue.

Celeste took in a breath And then after a year or so of cruelty toward me, Evelyn had thrown me out of the family home to fend for myself. My Father allowed this, not making any effort to restrain her. He chose Evelyn and her children over me,

Celeste's voice began to crack I ended up finding shelter inside an Orphanage, which didn't allow me the thriving childhood any child deserves, she paused as a few stray tears rolled down her cheeks as the traumatic memories flooded back to her.

Celeste, I whispered It's okay, we can stop, I took a tissue from the holder on the bedside table and passed it to her If it hurts too much, I don't want want you to live the pain again,

Celeste smiled as she looked at me through her beautifully shimmered green eyes. Wiping her tears she appeared to compose herself quickly. Reaching out for my hand, she entwined her fingers within mine once more No, I want to be open and honest with you now. There are things you need to know about me, as it could affect your future,

CHAPTER 53 A Hard Question

Celeste's POV

Opening up to Liam had felt both comforting and terrifying. I enjoyed that I could feel so comfortable with the Alpha that I wished to reveal everything about my past to him. Things I hadn't told anyone else, not even my best friend Amara.

But a part of me was fearful that when Liam found out certain things about my past, it could affect his own life and how people may treat me. But I had to be strong and push through these fears, once Liam knew about how I really am, he could make his own decision on what was best for him.

It's okay Celeste, Liam said reassuringly, his fingers squeezed mine once more I'm here for you, whatever,

I felt my stomach flip as the sensation of the warm feelings I had for Liam flourished. How was this man so perfect? I had been so quick to judge him with how he had been unable to control his urges, but his heart was golden. And that was worth everything to me.

After my Mother passed, I had become looked down upon within my pack, Speaking these words caused bile to rise in my throat. I couldn't bear to look at Liam at this moment After much deliberation, the decision had been made and I was cast away from the Pack. I had been left Motherless and without a family by my side. I had no social status behind me and I was left to fend for myself, I tried to control the tears again, but focused on the sensation of Liam's hands on mine I was not only disowned by my family, but also the pack I had been raised into. So I was forced to go rogue,

My eyes glanced at Liam and I noticed his complexion had turned slightly pale. He blinked, his blue eyes dropping as he focused on the blanket over my lap. I was eagerly anticipating any words from him, wanting his reaction to what I had just revealed.

Eventually Liam's lips began to move and he locked his eyes with mine Celeste, that's awful. I have no words for how sorry I am this happened to you, his fingers squeezed tighter around mine Cast away from two of the important nurturing parts of your childhood, and even your life, I noticed tears began to form in Liam's eyes now, but he managed to blink them away nearly instantly I really appreciate you opening up to me Celeste, and I still want you to know Im here for you, whenever, okay?

I nodded and smiled, pushing a piece of my blonde hair away from my face. The relief I felt now after revealing this awful part of my past was a sensation I had never realised would feel so cathartic. I don't know what I had expected from Liam''s reaction, but it wasn't this. He seemed so accepting of the fact I was cast out and had become a rogue wolf. I hadn't been interested in finding another pack to join, feeling hurt and stabbed in the back by the group I thought I could trust. As a child it didn't really affect me as much as it had in my adult life, the more I came to understand the actions of others and how they had purposely hurt me.

But it encouraged me to want to carry on and tell Liam more about myself.

From then on, I grew up in the orphanage, Feeling more confident, I dried my eyes and embraced my past, as hurtful as it was to relive the memories

The other children were cruel, especially finding out I had been rejected from my family. As a child in that environment it was probably easier if you had lost both parents to death it seemed. They were more accepting that way,

Liam sighed and I felt his finger stroke over my skin gently "Celeste you deserved none