Wolves of Enchantment

Chapter 16: Protective Urges

Jax’s Point of View

That was unexpected, and I was more than grateful that Juniper had interrupted the moment. I was a virgin, and as much as I was into kissing and being kissed, I didn’t have much more experience than that. Lilith clearly did, and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself.

So when she looked like she was about to scold my friend for interrupting us, I quickly placed my finger on her lips to silence her, kissed her hand, and teleported away. Now, I was stuck taking an ice-cold shower to calm down my raging hormones.

No one had ever made me feel this way. Lilith's body in my embrace, her intoxicating scent filling my senses. I never intended to kiss her, but it was as if a magnet drew us together. As our lips met, I couldn't resist losing myself in the moment. My inhibitions were thrown out the window as I explored new territory with Lilith. It was a rush, being the object of her desire instead of just chasing after someone else.

Breakfast was going to be awkward. I hoped that I would be able to talk to Juniper to try and figure out what I was supposed to do now. After kissing someone like that, it wasn't as if I could just pretend it hadn't happened.

Juniper’s Point of View

Lilith opened the door, looking dishevelled and flushed. OMG, were they? Did I interrupt? I thought I’d given Jax and Lilith a chance to talk, but it looked like they had done much, much more than that. Wow. I was not expecting that.

I couldn't shake off the feeling of discomfort and an odd sense of jealousy. Why was I feeling this way? I wanted Jax to have a chance to talk to Lilith, especially since his brothers already had an advantage. Even though Jackson might be annoying Lilith at the moment, he had managed to get into her head, and that's usually how all the girls at school started obsessing over him. I furrowed my brow and shook my head, attempting to clear the fog in my mind and gather my scattered thoughts while Lilith stood there, waiting. Why was I here again? Oh, right, the pyjamas.

“Thanks for letting me borrow these,” Lilith said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Ouch. Yeah, I definitely interrupted something.

“Juniper, can I ask you something?” Lilith said as I turned to walk back to my room.

“Sure,” I said cautiously. I didn’t know what she wanted to ask me, making me nervous.

“Is there something going on between you and Jax? I know that you said you were best friends. But, is that code for something more?” Lilith asked.

My mouth dropped open. No one had ever asked me directly before. People gossiped, thinking I wasn’t paying attention, and they made their own assumptions. My eyes grew wide, and I just shook my head, no. I don’t know why I didn’t answer, but it was like I’d lost the ability to speak.

“Are you sure? I kissed him and think I’d like to do it again. But I want to be your friend more. So, I’m going to ask one more time. Is there anything going on between you and Jax?” Lilith asked.

I twisted the ring on my finger and took a deep breath. If I was going to be friends with this girl, I would need to be honest.

“Jax has always been my best friend, and he's completely oblivious when it comes to girls. The poor guy couldn't flirt if his life depended on it. But I don't want anyone to break his heart. He's never been in a serious relationship before,” I confided.

“We've never kissed, but we're super close. I text him all the time, and he's my favorite person ever. Do I have feelings for him? I mean, not really... at least, I don't think so. But in our werewolf culture, we believe in a mate bond. Jax's grandfather has always wondered if we were destined to be together. It's not something I can control or even know until it happens," I explained with a shrug.

“I’m not looking for a relationship right now, but I just want to make sure that pursuing anything with Jax won’t ruin my friendship with you. I’m pretty tired after all of this excitement, so if we’re good, I’m going to crash now,” Lilith said.

I nodded and walked to my room, closing the door. I still felt odd. I wasn’t angry, or sad, just uncomfortable in a very strange way. It didn’t make any sense to me at all.

Eve’s Point of View

The dart landed on the blonde one. He was rather attractive, especially for a jock. According to my research, his name was Jax, and he played football. Apparently, he didn't have a girlfriend and was known for being kind but oblivious when girls showed interest in him. He also owned a motorcycle - something I found intriguing. It's a shame that I'll have to break his heart.

Secretly, I had hoped the dart would land on Axel or Jackson instead. They were the sons of River and Anton, the ones connected to the prophecy. But this was for the best; Jax could be my way in with their family.

Lilith’s Point of View

After Juniper went to her room, I closed my door but didn’t bother to lock it. After all, they could all teleport, so really, what was the point? I appreciated Juniper’s honesty, and she brought up a good point. Werewolf bonds were powerful, and the Moon Goddess selected one’s fated mate. I knew who Dwade was and that among his many powers was knowing the future. If he thought that there was a possibility Jax and Juniper could be fated mates, then it was a strong possibility. Perhaps it was for the best Jax and I had been interrupted, regardless of how much I wanted to finish what we’d started.

An inexplicable desire to protect Jax washed over me, and it felt strange. I couldn't shake this feeling, so I texted Emily for guidance. As Nephilim, we often have an instinctual urge to watch over certain souls, even if we don't fully understand the reason behind it. When these moments occur, it's undeniable.

Lilith: I have this weird feeling that Jax needs protection.

Emily: Did you two hook up?

Lilith: Why does that matter?

Emily: Well, if you did, it could be because you like him. Or maybe there's danger around him.

Lilith: How can we be sure?

Emily: It's just a gut feeling. Our Nephlim instincts kick in when someone needs protection, like how I felt about Sage. And no, we didn't hook up, but I still had to protect her.

Lilith: How do I even go about doing that?

Emily: Get some rest, enjoy breakfast at the Fosters' home, and then when you are ready, come home, and we’ll talk about it.

Emily: Make sure you get Jax’s number before you leave.