Chapter 6: The Disclosure

Serena's POV

I slowly looked up at Cole, bracing myself for the worst. But instead of seeing judgment or rejection, I saw something else entirely. Curiosity? Wonder? Protectiveness? I couldn't quite read the complex look in his vivid green eyes, but it definitely wasn't rejection.

Moments seemed to go by before either one of us spoke. He turned to me leaning on the wall by the window.

"Not knowing your wolf... it doesn't matter to me," he said, his voice deep and steady.

"Of course, I wish you could shift and experience a life with your wolf, but if this is the way it's going to be, I'm okay with it.

It could pose a problem physically, like being able to protect yourself or run from danger, but I will be here to protect you. As for your water ability, I see this as a positive rather than something to worry about."

​He stepped closer, the intensity in his green eyes softening.

"You have a unique ability-no one else has this. It should be something to be celebrated, not shunned. The people that used this against you, they were just jealous of you, Serena.

And probably fearful, too. I think it's more because you don't fit into a box; when people can't figure you out, they choose to be cruel. You are strikingly beautiful, you have a lovely personality, and you are powerful. With this ability, you would be an asset to any pack."

​He paused, a proud, commanding smile touching his lips. "And you would definitely be an asset to my pack: the Ice Moon pack."

It seemed, for the first time other than with my mom and grandma, that someone else could truly accept me for who I was.

​This time, I was the one to close the distance. I walked over to him, laced my arms around his neck, and pulled him gently towards me. I kissed him passionately, poured everything into it, and all the years of hurt and worry seemed to melt away in his touch.

Cole seemed surprised at first, but he totally leaned into my kiss, wrapping his powerful arms around me and lifting me up into a passionate embrace.

​"I want you, Serena," he murmured against my lips, his voice thick with emotion. "This is fate. We belong together. You are mine, and I will make you mine," he vowed, his grip tightening just enough to make me feel completely secure.

​Then, his expression darkened, a dangerous glint returning to his gold-lined pupils. "But first things first... you will need to get a divorce from that beast!"

​As though I was feeding directly off Cole's immense power, a sudden, intoxicating spark of fearlessness and strength ignited inside me.

​It was then that Cole's wolf surfaced briefly, his deep voice vibrating through Cole's chest as he growled, "He needs an ass-kicking. Let me loose on him-just say the word."

​Cole laughed softly at his wolf's eager voice, shaking his head. "Tanner, you know very well that's exactly what I'd love to do-give that lunatic an ass-whooping. But we can't just jump in like that. First, he needs to agree to a divorce from Serena."

"I must warn you, I can't see him agreeing to a divorce so easily," I said, a sudden weight settling in my chest.

"He will want me back. He's probably spending his days searching for me right now." I stopped, suddenly feeling trapped by the dark shadow of my past.

​"Well, trust me, when I'm through with that loser, he will have no choice other than to give you a divorce."

​"But what will you do?" I asked, looking up at him.

​"Not many people say no to me, Serena," Cole said smoothly, his eyes flashing with a dangerous promise. "And the ones that do agree with me soon enough."

​I didn't dare question him further. Looking at the sheer determination etched into his strong jaw, I was pretty sure Cole got pretty much anything he wanted.

​I yawned, suddenly realizing just how exhausted I was.

​"I need to get some sleep. I have work tomorrow," I said, my mind drifting to the apple pie I had made earlier.

​"Work?" Cole looked at me incredulously. "No Luna of mine will work. You'll be too busy having my sweet little pups."

​A warm, tender feeling bloomed deep within my chest. I would love to give him pups, I thought secretly, the image sending a thrill through me.

​"I have to work, Cole. I need the money," I reasoned.

​"You are my mate," he said, stepping closer. "I don't think you realize what this truly means yet. You are my Luna. You no longer need to struggle. I've got you, Serena. I will take care of you-allow me that."

​"I know, but I actually enjoy the job," I countered gently. "It gives me something to do to keep my hopes up and keep my mind occupied."

​Cole paused, studying my face before his expression softened. "I understand. You can continue for now if you must, but you don't need to. I'm here. I am the one who will provide for you."

​His words were so comforting, easing a lifetime of burdens. As though he could physically feel all my pent-up anxiety, he stepped behind me, his large, warm hands settling onto my neck and shoulders to give them a gentle massage.

​"Very tight and stiff," he murmured, his thumbs working out the knots before sliding his hands soothingly down my arms. "Don't worry. In no time, I'll have you feeling exactly as you should be."

​He was so gentle, yet so sure and assertive. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had finally met someone I could truly trust.

​"Come on," I said, turning around and grabbing his hand.

"Stay with me. Stay the night. It might not be your beautiful beachfront mansion, but it's warm and cozy."

​Cole shifted his feet, tiredness finally seeming to wear on him too. "I'm sure it's cozy and comfortable, and I will stay, but..."

​I leaned up and kissed away his words. "Come on," I whispered, leading him toward the stairs. "No buts. Let's get some rest."

​When we got to the bedroom, he stripped down to his boxer shorts, revealing his sculpted, powerful physique, and tossed me his phone.

​"Just text Henry and tell him I'm staying the night with you. He's probably already sent someone to watch the house."

​Cole went over to the window, opened it slightly, and looked down into the dark street, sniffing the night air. He popped his head back in and slid the window shut.

​"They are here. Just at the end of the street," he said. A fond smile touched his lips.

"Even when I tell them I'm going away alone for a period of time, they always end up coming."

​He seemed genuinely amused by his pack's fierce affection and loyalty to him.

He took a shower and finally slipped in the bed beside me. We snuggled up close. I felt at peace. moments later my eyes drifted shut while Cole massaged my shoulders.

​

​First thing the next morning, I rolled over only to feel a cold bed. I reached out blindly for Cole, but when I opened my eyes, he was gone. I rubbed my face, my heart sinking.

Was I dreaming? I thought, looking at the empty pillow.

​I shook my head as if to force myself awake, then reached over and checked my phone. There was a message waiting for me from Cole. It simply read:

​I have some work to attend to. Hope you enjoy your day. I will see you later.

Cole.

I was now at work, which was the town's local library. I sat at my desk with piles of books covering the surface. Cole had sent a message earlier stating one of his drivers was waiting outside to take me to work, and would take me home, too. It was so thoughtful of him. I was so excited about seeing him later.

​Julie, my colleague, looked over at me. "You seem to be in such a good mood today."

​"Yes, I am," I said, but I gave nothing else away.

​Towards the end of my shift, I helped Julie with archiving some old books. By the end of it, I was coughing and sputtering from the dust.

I stood outside to get some air and sipped on a plastic cup of water. I noticed a car pull up on the other side of the street; it was Cole's driver waiting for me.

​Julie came to join me outside, lighting a cigarette. "Ooh, lucky you. You're even getting lifts to and from work. You sure you haven't got a sugar daddy tucked away somewhere?"

​We both looked at each other and collapsed into a fit of giggles.

​When I got home, I was beaming. Someone had left a bouquet of roses on my doorstep. They were an absolute dream. I picked them up, inhaling their gorgeous scent.

​I let myself into the house, heading straight into the kitchen to find a vase. I filled it with water and carefully arranged the roses inside.

I immediately got out my phone and texted Cole:

​The flowers are adorable. What time are you coming?

​I started getting some ingredients out to fix myself a quick snack. Within a minute, my phone pinged. I turned to look at the illuminated screen, my smile widening when I saw Cole had texted back.

​Hun, what flowers? I have a few things to settle and then I'll be there around 7-ish.

​I frowned. He didn't know about the flowers? Huh, he must have forgotten, I thought. Who else could they be from?

​I picked up the vase to move it into the lounge. Just as I reached the kitchen door, I noticed a small card lying on the floor. It must have fallen out of the bouquet. I picked it up. It read:

​Your favorite. Enjoy.

Love, your darling husband,

Malcolm.

I quickly placed the vase on the kitchen counter, and rubbed my hands together frantically as though I had just touched poison.

​A cold chill washed over me. I stepped back blindly, my hip crashing hard against the kitchen counter. I winced in pain as a sudden, overpowering scent hit me. I could smell him. I could smell Malcolm.

Terrified, I began throwing cupboard doors open, searching wildly-for what, I didn't even know.

​I grabbed a knife from the block and walked slowly into the lounge. When I stepped inside, everything seemed normal at first... until I noticed the cushions on the sofa. They were the exact cushions I had bought for my old home with Malcolm. What were they doing here?

​He has been here, he has been in my home.

My mind went into a frenzy of panic. What if he's here now? What if he's upstairs? I froze for a second, my throat tightening until I could barely swallow.

Adrenaline kicked in. I made a wild run back to the kitchen, snatched my phone, and fled the house.

​Across the street, my neighbors, Dean and Melissa, were standing on their porch. Dean was pumping up a bicycle tire. Both of them stared in utter shock as I took off running wildly down the road.