Sweet Creature

//Julianne//

The thought of becoming immortal has been lurking in my mind for what feels like ages now. The days are ticking by fast, and with every new sunrise I become more afraid of what the future will or will not hold for me. Harry always pushes away any chance of us having a conversation about it. With the slightest mention of it, he either suddenly snaps - if someone else says it - or he immediately brings up something random, if I happen to bring it up.

His violence towards me has decreased tremendously. We don't fight as much as we used to, we barely argue about anything anymore. It's quite boring at times, the entertainment factor is the only thing I miss. He gets very hostile around the family at times, for no reason at all. I think it's the pressure of everything weighing down on his shoulders. He has me to worry about - and the addition of all my complaining and my questions and whatnot, I'm sure that doesn't help at all - he has his pack, and his family, and his own personal hunting and strength to maintain. We have our cabin, our relationship, our wedding plans, everything. It's taking a toll on everyone else as well, not just him.

Other than the idea of Harry changing me, not much circles my mind these days. I haven't thought about my father in quite some time. I stopped zoning out and getting lost in the terrible memories. I hate to say it, but I don't think about my mother a lot either. I guess there's no point in it - my praying and my hope won't bring her back to me. The best thing for me to do is move on. That worry and depression I start to have when I think about my childhood only make things harder on my relationship with Harry, and being happy with him is more important to me than anything else.

Harry... Things are going well, for the most part. Our intimacy has eased the tension we use to share, and it's made us both equally comfortable with each other in all aspects of life. He's everything I never realized I'd need, and I'm beyond grateful for him. Some days I don't even notice the ring on my finger, but that doesn't mean I love him any less. We'll get married one day.. then I'll probably continue to look past the diamond, and instead focus on the feelings. I love him with all of my heart. Yet, I'm growing impatient with him. I've waited months.. and he still won't tell me when he's going to change me.


Today is just another day. There's nothing special to celebrate, nothing fun to discuss with Harry, absolutely nothing to do but sit on the couch and wait for him to wake up. Most of the time I'm the one who sleeps late, but he was with the guys last night and they had a few drinks. He came in late, about three in the morning, and fell asleep as soon as his pretty face hit the pillow. After Sophia left, I tried to wake him up but he was sleeping hard. I decided not to bother him. I slept without his arms around me last night, and now I'm pacing downstairs trying to occupy myself with useless tasks to pass the time. I wish he'd wake up already.

I wish he would take me out more, let me see what's beyond these walls. We haven't went on an actual date in months. He hasn't brought it up and I don't plan on saying anything myself. Sitting here gets boring, going over to see everyone else gets boring, being in the pond, or walking in the woods, or staying up and watching movies.. it's boring. The last time we went somewhere alone was in January to have a late dinner celebration for our engagement. We've been out a few times with some of the others, but it's September now. I'm tired of the same old stuff.

"G'mornin', princess."

I jump at the sound of his raspy voice, he nearly gave me a heart attack. I look over my shoulder to see him reaching the last stair, a smile tugging on his lips. He trails over to the couch where I'm sitting and gladly takes the spot beside me, his arm sliding around the small of my back to guide me closer.

"Good morning." I mumble back, not putting a lot of effort into it.

"I missed you last night.. Shoulda stayed home with you." Harry drags me on top of him, forcing me to get comfortable on his lap.

I slide an arm around his neck, pulling myself closer just so his lips could begin to place kisses along my jaw bone, "I agree."

"Mmm.. I love you."

"I love you." I twist my fingers in his hair, pulling slightly since I know that he likes that feeling.

He hums against my cheek, planting sloppy kisses on my face just seconds later. I'm trying my best to pull myself out of the dumps. I don't want him to suspect anything's wrong, and I definitely don't want him to notice my mood. His teeth sink into the spot below my ear lobe and I let out a breathy moan. He does insane things to me, I swear.

"Love bitin' on my girl.. turns me on." Harry chuckles into my hair, hiding his face entirely now.

"You're always biting on me.. 'fraid you might eat me for dinner one night." A smile grows on my face as I let out the corny statement. My words cause Harry to lean back, not surprised by the look on his face.

He's smirking, as usual, "I would love to eat you for dinner.. You always taste so good, doll."

"Not in that way," I roll my eyes, there's no need to ask or think about it - I know what he meant, "..you're so dirty."

"Just for you, suga'."

The wink he gives me sends tingles to my core, he's too good at being bad. I tear my fingers from his hair and remove myself from his lap. He grunts in protest, grabbing my wrist tightly to try and prevent me from leaving him. I tug a little, trying to break free, but it's not working. Harry's strong beyond what I could ever use words to describe - I'm a feather compared to him.

"Where're y'going?" Harry mumbles, yanking me right back to the position I was just in.

I sigh heavily, annoyed that he's overpowered me yet again, "I don't want you to keep biting me." I decide on a lie, it's easier that way. The less he knows and has to worry about, the better.

"Oh, c'mon." Harry smiles, slight humor in his deep tone. "I'll stop, princess."

We readjust ourselves - my arm goes around his neck and his around my back, my fingers don't hesitate to lace into his hair again. Our lips connect, and it's almost like I never got up to begin with.

After a few minutes of being caught up in each other's mouths, we part ways so our eyes can lock. Harry lifts the corner of his mouth just slightly, his scarred cheek displaying his dimple. I massage his scalp thoroughly, he always seems to enjoy that. The relieved sigh he releases assures me that he's still just as much in love with what I'm doing as he's always been.

"Have I gained weight?"

My sudden blurt out has nearly drained all the color from Harry's face. His eyebrows lift on his forehead, causing a few lines in his skin to become evident. I gulp, trying to tame the lump forming in my throat. I'm terrified of what he'll say in response. Have I asked something stupid? Will he be too honest, or not truthful enough?

"What?"

Aside from appearing clueless, he becomes speechless. I can see the confusion growing on his face, effecting his expression. His mouth is slightly agape - I don't even know if he's breathing properly or not.

"Have... I.. g-gain-gained-"

"I heard what you said." He cuts me off sternly, probably feeling bad because of my nervousness. I shouldn't have said a word.

"Well.. have I?" I bite down on the inside of my cheek, my heart has deflated in my chest.

Harry and I have talked deeply about a lot of stuff, but we've never actually covered the topic of how I feel about my weight. He always tells me I'm beautiful and perfect - and I try my best to retain that, and to remember it, but it's so damn hard. I just want to look my best for him, I want to make him proud. When we go out in public I want to feel superior to everyone else - I have always been worried that his eyes might fall on someone else. Imprinted or not.. he could leave me if he really wanted to. To me, and based on the image in the mirror, I believe I've gained weight..

"Julianne.." He breathes out my name, instead of one of his cute pet names - this is warning me that he's serious right now, he's not trying to be cute or flirty. He's about to say something truthful and honest. Part of me, well most of me, wishes I had never opened my stupid mouth. Regret is suffocating me. "You are perfect. Every inch of you." Harry's hand squeezes my waist, but that doesn't help at all.

"That's.. not what I asked you."

His brows lower at my words, I can't tell if he's irritated with me or just being apologetic. His other hand touches against my cheek, the warmth from his skin is comforting. I close my eyes, appreciating the feeling, the connection. Everything. I love him with everything that I am, every fiber of my being, my entire heart - everything. I just want to make him proud in every way possible. If he isn't okay with how I look, how could I ever be?

"There is no need for questions like that, darlin'. You are beautiful, no matter what." He pauses himself, worry starts to grow in my mind. He exhales deeply, then continues on. "You're not a pile of bones, but I don't ever want you to be. I love every single millimeter of you. Every piece, every inch, every pound."

Harry drops his hand to my neck, and leans a little closer to my face so that we're only a few inches apart now. I hold my breath in my lungs, not wanting to disturb this moment in any way.

"I have never had a problem with how you look. I have always loved you, all of you." His fingertips slide underneath my shirt, ticking my skin faintly.

I let out a light giggle, he knows I'm very ticklish. He smiles at how I react to his touch, he knows how to make me feel better even in the smallest ways.

"But if you want me to be honest.." Harry raises his eyebrows just a bit, a sign that he's being truthful, "..no, baby girl, you haven't gained any weight. At least, nothing I can notice."

Still, I can't form a reply. I just smile at him, hoping he knows that I'm grateful for everything. I believe him, even when it's hard to think it's true, I do believe him. He wouldn't lie to me.

"Now.. I don't want to ever hear you ask me that again, okay?"

"I won't." I whisper quietly, trying to gain more strength. He doesn't deserve silence, not after all he's done for me.

As I look at his handsome face, my eyes roaming over his gorgeous features, a thought pops into my head. It's something I've been meaning to bring up but I keep forgetting. I believe now's a good time to say something.

"Let's go somewhere."

Harry grins at me, "Where do you want to go? The bedroom? That seems like a pretty nice idea to me."

I ignore the smirk he displays along with his cheeky comment. I roll my eyes, remembering to give him a laugh just to lower any speculations.

"No, Harry.. Like.. let's go on a date or somethin', I don't know.. just.. get out of the house." Anyone would be able to hear the begging in my voice. I just want to get out of here for a while, just a few hours at least.

"I don't know, baby girl.. It's a dangerous world out there." The small lift of his lips gives me some hope, maybe he's just teasing me for a little bit - then he'll grant my wishes.

"Harry." I whine, making sure he catches my dramatic eye roll.

"Julie." He mocks me, pouting out his lips just a moment later.

I slap his mouth playfully, causing a chuckle to roll past his lips, "You're getting rough these days, babe."

"Shut up.." I groan, not in the mood to listen to his cheeky comments, not everything relates to sex.

"Why are you being so grouchy?"

"Because, Harry," I huff, cross my arms over my chest angrily. He snickers at me, but when I start to stare at him coldly he understands that I'm not joking.

"Baby, why do you wanna go somewhere? Aren't you happy here? I'm here." He releases a long exhale.

"Because I'm tired of sitting and doing the same boring stuff every day. I wanna go somewhere. Just a ride, if that's all I can get. I'm bored."

Even when I get off the couch and start to walk away, he hasn't fully comprehended what's wrong with me. He remains seated as I go towards the stairs. I'm tired of being on the couch, I'm tired of begging him to do things that I shouldn't have to ask for. Zayn and Perrie always go out, at least once a week. Niall even takes Sara to the park or to lunch or to a movie quite often. Why can't I get that attention?

When I come into the bedroom, I see my discarded clothes from last night. I huff, not wanting to remember what occurred in here hours ago - mainly because it didn't involve Harry. My clothes are there because that's where I was standing when I changed. Harry didn't come home until late last night.. Left me all alone.

I grab the hem of the shirt I'm wearing and yank it over my head. I just let it drop out of my grasp as I walk towards the dresser. I pull open one of the drawers and grab a bra, then another to take out a clean shirt. I usually try to be comfortable while we're home but I have a plan - and that requires a bra and proper clothing of my lower half. I take the jean shorts and other stuff to the bathroom so I can freshen up.

Five minutes was all it took for me to brush my hair, brush my teeth, put on some deodorant and perfume, and change into my clean clothes. I take once last glimpse in the mirror before going back down stairs. I hope Harry has realized things by now, it isn't that hard to figure out.

When I reach the living room, I see that he's still sitting in the same spot. He must have heard me because his head shifts in my direction.

"Why are you wearing a bra?" He questions, truthfully confused by my appearance. He's not even used to me wearing one, that's should explain how I dress most of the time at home.

"I want to go see Sophia."

It was partly true. I enjoy Sophia's company. But for the most part, I just want to get out of the house. I'm bored and tired of sitting and doing absolutely nothing.

"Sophia's gone to town.. groceries."

"And how do you know that?" I pout, irritated that this is happening right now.

Harry points to his head with his finger, indicating the obvious. Right, they can sense shit or whatever. Fun and exciting - I guess. I wouldn't know, I'm still a stupid little human.

"We aren't leaving."

"Why not!" I raise my voice some, slightly annoyed at him, and he deserves to know that.

"Because I said so." He shrugs, standing up from the couch.

Without a word, he goes into the kitchen - leaving me quite shocked. Did he really pull that card out on me? The whole "I'm the Alpha, you abide by my rules" crap. I'm so sick of that ego.

I follow him quietly, not sure how long I will remain silent though. When I get to the kitchen I see him pouring some orange juice into a glass. He faces me now, the rim on his lips as he takes a sip. He lifts a brow, being a little cocky if you ask me.

"I'll go by myself."

"Oh, yeah? How're you gonna do that?" He smirks, sitting the glass down after guzzling it all.

I glance down at the table, where I know Harry sits his truck keys most of the time. Ah, bingo! There they are. I snatch them up and squeeze my fist closed, just to make sure he won't try and take them from me.

"I'll just take the truck."

He chuckles lowly, "You don't know how to drive, darlin'."

"Can't be that hard."

"Julianne," He laughs again, "I said no. Now.. go watch the tv or-"

"Harry!" I yell out, making his eyes widen in shock. "I am so fuckin' tired of being in this house! Please, please, please take me somewhere! I'm begging you, please!"

He stands there, mute. I am trying to regulate my breathing pattern after my little outburst. It's hard, because all I want to do is scream in his face until he answers me. I throw the keys back on the table, watching them slide across the top until they almost fall off the edge. My eyes return to Harry's face, and he's still just staring at me with a blank expression. Why is he being this way? Is he thinking, or is he ignoring me?

Suddenly, almost as if he had heard my thoughts, he sighs, "Alright."

I run to him and throw my arms around his neck, mumbling into his ear about how happy I am. He chuckles gently against my neck, his hands squeezing my waist as he sways us from side to side. I let my arms relax, and my hands slide down his toned chest. He leans back, his pretty eyes meeting mine, a smile fixed on his lips.

"Just for a few hours.. Sophia wants us over for dinner tonight." He tells me, kissing my forehead a handful of times.

"That's fine, as long as I get to go out."

"You're gorgeous, y'know?" Harry's tongue darts out to lick his lips, while his eyes are giving me that look - his sex look.

"No sir." I mumble, pushing my lips against the end of his scar. I know he finds it comforting when I touch or kiss it, so I try to do it as often as I can - especially times when he's angry or upset.

"Please.. just once." He sighs, fingertips massaging my hips.

"No, Harry. I don't wanna."

"But we didn't get the chance to-"

"Maybe tonight.. but.. not now."

He huffs, irritated only slightly by my protest. We've agreed that we will only partake in that if we both want to. His rule used to be when ever I wanted to, but I knew that was very unfair. So, after a lot of talking and convincing, he finally saw my point and we agreed on our current deal. And, just so happens, I don't want to do it right now.

"Go get ready, then. I know some things we can do." Harry smirks, patting my backside for encouragement.

I squeal, he always does that when I never expect it, "Stop!"

He just laughs at me as I spin around and head towards our room. I'm very happy that he caved in, I know how to get what I want. I'm sure he's aware of that as well, but oh well - I knew I'd win this time.


---


Sophia's eyebrows lift in shock as I tell her about a recent sexual encounter I had with Harry. I wasn't going into detail, I was just telling her about the odd question he proposed to me right after we were finished. She sighs heavily, fingers rubbing her temples as she tries to comprehend it. I wasn't this composed when I heard him say it, I'm glad some of us can cope with things.

"I'm surprised.. He doesn't seem to be one of those guys." She shakes her head lightly, unable to believe what I had told her.

"Trust me, I never thought he'd say that." I run a hand through my hair to push it away from my forehead, beads of sweat are forming on my skin just at the mention of it.

"What did you say?"

Quickly, I take a drink of my water, trying to clear my throat. "I told him that I'd think about it. That was two weeks ago.. I still haven't agreed to it, or disagreed."

"Has he said anything else about it?" She asks very curiously. I don't doubt her, it's quite interesting.

"Only one thing. That next morning.. before he got up to go fix breakfast.. he leaned into my ear and whispered 'don't forget to think about it'."

Sophia's hand slapped against her cheek, "That's insane. I.. Gosh. My view of him has changed."

"You can't tell him, Soph, you can't!" My stare is intense and stern in an attempt to show some power.

She just laughs it off and says, "Don't worry, I won't say a word to anyone."

Just as I was about to reply to her, a familiar scent filled my nose. Harry's cologne. My head snaps up in time to see Harry entering the room, a smirk written across his pink lips. He comes over to me, slides an arm around my waist and guides me closer, despite Sophia being right here. He usually doesn't get too touchy when someone else is around, unless he's drunk. I take in a quick whiff - he doesn't smell like alcohol, so that's a good thing.

"What are we talking about?" He asks me in a mumble, his lips falling to touch mine faintly.

"We were talking about something.. What do you want, hm?" I smile against him when his other hand slides to my butt. He doesn't hesitate to give the left side a good squeeze.

He backs me up against the counter, squishing his hand between my butt and the drawer, "You, always."

"I'm serious, Hare.." I sigh, my eyes looking up at his. Not a surprise - he gives me that annoyed glare that I only ever see when I call him that name, he hates it so much, yet loves to hear me say it.

"Can I talk to you privately?" He asks quietly, even though the three of us know Sophia can easily hear him. She snickers behind us, clearly amused by this little show he's displaying. "Please. It's urgent."

"Okay, but then I'm coming back. Got it?"

"Yes ma'am."

He removes his hands from my body, unfortunately, and takes my hand in his. He gives me a tight grip before saying a quick goodbye to Sophia - who's still gigging in the same spot. I don't know if she was entertained by his odd behavior, or if the thought of what I had previously told her lurked in her mind. Either way, she got a good laugh out today.

Harry leads me down the hallway I know like the back of my hand, and strangely takes me into the bathroom. When the door shuts, I don't even have a second to ponder anything because he snatches me off the floor and sits me on the counter, his hands glued to my waist.

"Harry." I gasp, not sure what's going on right now. Is he okay?

"Baby," He breathes out, leaning his forehead against mine, "we've got a problem."

"What do you mean?" I ask, furrowing my brows as I lift my hands. I let one fall into his hair, his favorite thing on earth, and the other sits on his shoulder - I give it a squeeze while I wait for his answer.

"My dick."

"Harry." I huff, disapproving of his use of poor vocabulary - he knows I despise that word. There are better things to say than that.

"Please, I.. I need to." He leans back only slightly so that our eyes meet. I can see the begging drawn on his face, the desperation in his eyes. "I'm about to fuckin' explode."

He glances down towards his crotch and I can't stop my own gaze from drifting that way. When my eyes land on the destination, I realize why he was being so clingy in the kitchen. It's odd to me, though, I didn't feel it back there. Perhaps he just didn't have himself pressed against me as much as I had thought.

"Harry, no. Not here."

"The bedroom?" He lifts a hopeful brow.

I roll my eyes, "No, not here at all. You know I don't feel comfortable doing it here."

"Just this once, baby, please."

"No, because once will turn into twice then that'll end up being every time we're here. I said no, Harry." My hand leaves his head and I grab onto one of his wrists, trying my best to pull his grip away.

"I'm not letting you go."

I shake my head, "Harry, no. I don't feel like it." I try my hardest to remain serious, but the begging look in his eyes isn't helping at all. I huff out, he'll win this in the end I just know it. He always wins me over with those soft eyes.

"Baby, please. I'm burning inside, I need you so bad."

Harry's hands drop to my hips and he swiftly pulls down the shorts I'm wearing. I groan in objection, but that doesn't stop him. I give him my unspoken permission to remove my underwear as well. He throws the items down on the floor and quickly pulls my shirt over my head. When he sees that the bra I'm wearing is his favorite color - red - he gives me a cheeky smirk.

"I'll be quick." He promises, kissing my cheek a few times as his fingers work behind my back to unclasp my bra.

"Do I have to be completely naked?" I mumble in his ear, giving his lobe a playful nibble. That'll drive him a little closer to the edge. He looses all control when I start biting and sucking on his skin.

"Mmhm, it'll make it easier." Harry leaves a kiss on my shoulder, the feeling lingers as he steps back to remove his own clothes. In a matter of thirty seconds, he's naked before me - his length sticking out proudly. Just as he approaches me, a thought enters my mind.

I exhale sharply, "Harry, the door."

He curses to himself before sprinting to the door and quickly locks it. He returns to me, hands immediately finding places to rest on my body. His lips connect with mine and his tongue slides smoothly between my lips. I let him kiss me for a minute or two before I allow reality to settle in my head, hoping not to forget it again.

Harry grunts as I tear away from him, pressing my palm to his scarred cheek, "You said it'd be quick. They'll suspect something, so hurry, please." I place a motivating, sloppy kiss to his plump lips. That seems to do the trick.

He grabs onto my hips and slides me to the edge of the counter. Instinctively, I sit a hand down behind me on the counter to steady myself. Harry wastes no time in spreading my knees with his hand and getting a quick glimpse at what I have to offer between my legs. He lifts his hand up to his mouth, ready to prepare me for him but I don't want him to do that - at least, no this way. I grab his hand and shove it away.

He looks puzzled, "What're you-"

My hands tangle in his hair and I use all of my force to push his head down, he should get the gist by now. He chuckles against my inner thigh, making my entire body tingle from the vibrations. I release his hair and rest my hand on my own thigh as I wait for him to do this. It's one of my favorite things and he happens to enjoy it just as much..

"Thought you want it quick?" He smugly grins at me.
I groan, "Just do it, Harry."

It didn't take any more arguing, he got started right away.


---


//Harry//

Her scent floats up the stairs before she does, making a smile form over my lips. My beautiful girl is on her way to our bedroom where I've been waiting for quite some time. It's been half an hour since I said my goodbyes downstairs and made an exit. After we ate dinner at the family home, we invited them over to ours for a game night. Gemma stayed home with the younger girls, we all agreed that they didn't need to be around us while we were being competitive. Our loud banter and harsh language wouldn't have set good examples for them.

Julianne, for some odd reason tonight, didn't want to be a rude hostess, so she insisted on staying down for a few more minutes - which sadly turned into thirty. Sophia was the last to leave. The inner dialogues have disappeared, silence taking over both my head and the entire house.

"What... a... night." Julianne yawns out, stretching her arms high above her head as she strolls over to the dresser in the corner.

I watch in utter awe, as I normally do, as she discards her shirt, throwing it in the hamper with more items to follow. She reaches behind her back to unhook her bra, then unsnaps the button of her jean shorts. The final thing to leave her body is the navy blue underwear. I bite my lip as she bends over to pick them up, tossing them with the other clothes just as she leans upwards. My rather explicit thoughts vanish as she pulls her hair up into a bundle on top of her head, exposing the bruised and scratched flesh over her back.

It has been a few days since we had sex in the entirety (which included the beforehand teasing, then the afterward cuddling) and it was too rough, yet she wouldn't let me stop. I'll never be able to fully control myself, never be able to not harm her while being intimate. How can something that's meant to be so beautiful, gentle and pure become so difficult, harsh, and violent for the two of us? When will we catch a break?

"I need to jump into the shower and wash up.. do you want to come along?" She asks me, glancing over her shoulder as she fishes her hand into a drawer to grab her something to sleep in.

"M'fine.. take your time, baby."

She nods lightly, blushing cheeks lifting as she passes me a smile. It doesn't take her but a moment to gather her sleeping attire and close the bathroom door. Once I hear the water start running, I bring myself up to lean against the cool headboard, my eyes shutting as heavy thoughts invade my mind.


It's been a handful of months since I proposed to Julianne. Our future marriage has caused more fights within the family than anything else. Perrie and Gemma insist on a lavish reception and a breath taking ceremony. While Sophia and Julianne think a simple display of vows, ring exchange, and a kiss is all that needs to happen - with a slice of cake afterwards. Perrie wants to throw a crazy party - incredible decorations, a live band, and an array of food. Sophia suggests a glass of wine to celebrate and a nice getaway for Julianne and I.

In the end, I will allow whatever Julianne wants to happen. No more, no less. If she doesn't want a big reception and tons of guests, then it won't happen. That's something some people don't seem to comprehend - this is our wedding, our marriage - not theirs. It isn't my fault that no one else has a ring on their finger, aside from Sophia - who hasn't once thought about a wedding since the day she got the diamond. Some things aren't considered a major priority for certain people.

Julianne, I know for a fact, doesn't want anything grand, she wants to keep things simple. She doesn't desire the fancy wedding that many want. Julianne isn't that sort of girl. She just wants to have my name, to be tied to me in a marriage. She wants the love, the happiness, the peace - not the party, or the dancing, or the elegant decor. And I happen to agree with her.. Simple is better.

On top of the girls' consistent bickering, I have the burden of this attack sitting on my shoulders. I've made up several plans, strategies for how we will handle this - yet I feel clueless. I don't know when it's coming, I'm constantly on the edge. I hardly sleep at night, I barely want to leave the safety of this home or the one my pack stays in. Protecting my girl is the only thing I strive to do everyday, and not being aware of what's going to happen is frightening.

"That wasn't very long."

Julianne's eyes dart my way as she comes out of the bathroom, water droplets rolling down her exposed skin. Her shower only lasted about six minutes.

"Told you.. I was just jumping in to wash up." She smiles at me again, melting my heart instantly.

Her hands drop the towel, revealing the rest of her to my eager eyes. Her hair's still up on her head, slightly disturbed though. I sit quietly as I observe the way she yanks the bottle of lotion off the bedside table and hikes her leg onto the nightstand, starting with her thighs and going down to her toes. The way her delicate hands massage the lotion into her pale skin has always surprised me. She digs her fingertips deep into her skin, rubbing over her muscles that I'm sure are sore from the day.

"Who's out there tonight?" Julianne's head turns towards the window as a howl breaks into the night air.

I believe she heard it before I even did, "Zayn and Louis."

She doesn't know why they're out there - the protection plan is something very important to us all. And I don't want to disturb her mental peace by telling her that a pack of werewolves is going to try and kill her..

But, it makes me proud to know she's so aware of things, especially now. She doesn't know about the letter, and she won't for as long as possible. Julianne pays attention, she asks questions - I've always viewed that as such a valuable thing. She isn't afraid to wonder, to be curious.

"And that was..?" She shifts her focus back to me for a few seconds just to catch my reply.

"Zayn."

Julianne gives me a nod as she carries on covering her soft skin with the lotion. She moves on to her stomach, which she never spends much time on. I know it's because I'm watching, it bothers her. She's gotten so comfortable with being undressed around me, with allowing me to view her in all her glory - yet, her insecurities about her weight haven't went anywhere. She gained comfort, not confidence.

Her hands quickly glide over her chest, then down her arms and as much of her shoulders as she could reach. Well aware that this is the time I need to step in, I move over on the bed, throwing my legs off the side with a pat of my hands against my thighs. She grins, rolling her eyes playfully.

"Just a second." She mumbles, grabbing her clean underwear off the edge of the bed.

"You don't have to." I sigh, watching her anyways - my complaining never seems to stop her.

"But I am." She shrugs, turning around so that her back is facing me.

i reach up and grab her waist, bringing her precious body down onto my legs. She squeals as I squeeze her, arms tight around her stomach. I feel her fingernails slightly clawing at my wrists, trying to break free of my grasp.

"We don't have all night." She laughs out just as I drop my arms.

Things grow quiet between us as I grab the lotion and fill my palm. I rub my hands together to transfer some of it and I soon begin to coat her milky skin. Highly I assume tonight will end in no special way whatsoever. Of course I appreciate every moment I get to spend with Julianne, but it won't go beyond kissing tonight. She's too tired, I can easily tell, and I'm quite sleepy myself. I'm sure we'll pick up where we left off last night in a few days' time.

"Can you rub right here.. hard?" Julianne softly asks me, her hand reaching back to touch the small of her back.

I fix my hand over the location she pointed out and i begin to deeply massage her skin. My actions pull a pleased sigh out of her mouth.

"You're the best, honey."

"I know." I press a kiss against her left shoulder blade, my affection always makes her feel better - so I try my best to give it to her as much as I possibly can. "I love you, darlin'."

"I love you." She replies, I can hear the sweet smile in her words.

My unoccupied hand finds its way to her stomach, where she gladly takes a hold of my fingers. She pulls my hand up to her chest, placing it directly over her breast. I can feel her heart pounding against my palm, the soft movements of her chest as she takes in and lets out air. Such a beautiful person, so perfect.

"Jus'.. touch me.. I'm sore." She informs me just as I secure a grip on her breast.

"Getting close to time?"

"Sadly." She huffs out, referring to that time of the month.

I start to grope her, my fingertips digging deep circles into her skin. My poor girl, she starts aching everywhere during the days ahead of her period. I hate knowing she goes through so much pain, i wish I could take it away - I would gladly do so if I could.

"Sophia heard us, by the way." I smile at the thought. She had approached me with second hand embarrassed cheeks and admitted that she wasn't the only one but I decided to save Julianne from every detail.

"All your fault." She giggles back.

I didn't argue, she was partially correct. Little does she realize, she's the reason I couldn't keep it together. So, sort of, it's all her fault. I would never say that to her face, though, I think I'll spare us both that fight.

Notes

welcome to the sequel :)

- I hope it's noticeable -- I've changed the layout of the content, I think it's nicer this way. I've always tried to improve on some vocab here and there. And, as you probably saw, the chapter titles will be structured the same way as before as will the quotes - but I will not be including them at the tops of the chapters.

- I will try my very best to keep regular updates coming! Holidays will be the only exceptions.

- feedback always welcome, of course. I decided to start with a longer chapter to give you guys a lot because you deserve it. :) Chapter lengths will vary and except even more POV options than before!!!!

- I hope you enjoy this, I've worked long and hard hours on outlines, timelines for the plot, etc. It's a lot, and I'm very excited for you to finally have it! xxxx love you lots xxx B