Chapter 1: My First Kiss with A Stranger
Maeve's POV
My first kiss happened today. Not with someone I loved. Not after a romantic date. But with a complete stranger, in a hallway, out of pure impulse and anger.
Growing up watching my parents, I've been captivated by the magic of true love. Their hands always find each other without looking—it's like they share one heart beating in two bodies.
I've spent countless nights imagining my own first kiss, wondering if I'd feel that same rush of certainty, that moment when my wolf would howl in recognition of her destined mate.
The day I arrived at Morpheus Crescent Academy, I scanned every face in the crowd, secretly hoping one would trigger that legendary connection. I wanted to experience that breathtaking moment my mother described—when the entire world fades away and only that one person remains in focus.
For the past few months, I've been trying to convince myself that Louie could be that person. Although we've never gone beyond holding hands, even that simple contact lacks the spark I'm searching for.
Still, I hold onto a sliver of hope that when I finally shift into my wolf at eighteen, something might change. Perhaps my wolf will see something in him that my human heart has missed. Perhaps she'll recognize him as mine.
But the Moon Goddess had other plans.
After my first Art History class on Thursday, I decided to find Louie. We had agreed to go to our next Illustration class together. But he told me he needed to finish a group project first and would meet me there later, so I thought I'd go ahead and save us seats.
When I reached the floor where our Illustration class was held, I heard strange sounds coming from the dance studio near the stairwell. My class was at the far end of this hallway, but curiosity got the better of me.
As I approached the partially open door, the sounds became clearer—low pants and muffled moans. My werewolf hearing, already much sharper than a normal human's even though I hadn't gained my full shifting abilities yet, picked up every detail with uncomfortable clarity.
I hesitated, then gently pushed open the half-closed door to the dance studio.
At first, in the dim light, I could only make out two intertwined figures, a male and female, half-undressed against the practice barre.
Heat rushed to my face immediately, my cheeks burning with embarrassment at witnessing such an intimate moment. I knew I should look away, but something kept me frozen in place.
"You're so good. Please harder," the female voice moaned, her tone full of pleasure.
"So wet," he answered, his voice rough with desire. "I love it. Get ready to take me."
When they shifted positions, the light illuminated their faces. Louie and Juniper. My boyfriend and the rich girl who always gave me cold looks. They hadn't noticed me at the door, completely lost in each other's bodies.
My blood seemed to freeze. My stomach churned, and my throat tightened. Tears were already silently streaming down my cheeks before I realized it. These weren't tears of heartbreak—I was surprised to find I wasn't truly heartbroken—but of pure disappointment and humiliation.
I backed away quietly, ready to leave this suffocating scene, when I collided with someone walking hurriedly past. The impact made me stumble, creating a noise.
"Sorry," the person muttered before striding away.
The unexpected sound drew the attention of the couple inside. Louie turned his head, and when he recognized me, the color drained from his face.
"Maeve!" he exclaimed, frantically pushing Juniper away and fumbling with his pants. "This isn't what it looks like!"
I turned and ran, not wanting to see any more. Tears blurred my vision, but all I wanted was to escape as quickly as possible. I heard Louie's frantic footsteps behind me.
He caught up to me at the corridor corner, grabbing my wrist and forcing me to stop. "Maeve, please, let me explain. It was just an accident..."
I yanked my hand from his grip, my eyes burning with fury. "We're done, Louie, and remember—I'm the one dumping you," I hissed through clenched teeth, my voice trembling with anger. "And don't think for a second I can't find someone who actually wants me and only me."
Just then, I noticed an incredibly tall man with a powerful build walking from the other end of the corridor.
His brown wavy hair fell slightly messy over his forehead, and he had the kind of chiseled features that belonged in fashion magazines. Striking blue eyes completed his devastatingly handsome face. His fitted gray T-shirt stretched tight across his chest, looking like it might burst at the seams from his muscular arms and perfect abs beneath.
When he walked past me, his scent hit me - pine and leather with a wild, untamed edge that made my breath catch.
I didn't recognize him, but now, he was exactly what I needed.
Before Louie could say anything more, I strode toward the stranger with determined steps.
In one fluid motion, I reached up, slid my hands behind his neck, and pulled his face down to mine. His blue eyes widened in surprise, but before he could react, I pressed my lips firmly against his, closing my eyes.
His lips were surprisingly soft yet firm, sending tingles down my spine. Though his lips remained still, I could feel his entire body tense. His hands hovered in midair, seemingly unsure what to do, while mine wrapped firmly around his neck.
My heart raced in my chest, almost leaping out. I didn't know what I was doing, just wanting to hurt Louie, to make him feel my anger and pain. But at the same time, a strange tingling sensation spread from my lips throughout my body, almost making me dizzy.
When I finally pulled away, I looked up breathlessly into his blue eyes. As he stared at me, they grew darker, almost turning red. His expression was unreadable, but I detected shock and... anger? Confusion? Perhaps something else.
My cheeks burned as I suddenly realized what I'd just done. That was my very first kiss, and I'd given it to a complete stranger.
"I need to get to class," he said, his tone low, almost hoarse, with a hint of something nearly dangerous. That was the first thing he said to me.
I just nodded, too shocked by my own actions to even ask his name, while I could feel Louie still standing there, staring openmouthed at the entire scene.
Without another glance at Louie, I turned and walked away, heading toward the main office of the academy. I needed to change my schedule—I never wanted to see Louie or any of his classes again.
Even as I walked away, I could feel the stranger's gaze on my back, burning like a physical thing. For a moment, I almost felt a strange connection, like an electric touch, but I quickly dismissed the ridiculous thought.