I ran my hands through my hair, looking down at the files on my desk. I couldn't make heads or tails of these reports. The Alpha of the neighboring pack would be here soon to discuss our mutual hunter problem.

Gavin had been a complete jerk all day since I'd left Azalea alone in her apartment. Apparently, he thought being with her was more important than the pack's safety. Part of me wanted to admit I felt the same way, but I had responsibilities as Alpha that I couldn't ignore.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in," I growled. Gwen opened the door and strutted in.

"Not now, Gwen. Alpha Langston will be here momentarily, and we have important business," I said.

"Oh, Liam, you don't have time for me?" she said, circling my desk. I turned my chair toward her.

"Not right now, Gwen. You'll have to find someone else to entertain you tonight."

"But Liam, I thought you were going to be my second chance. You know I'm a fun time," she said, running her hands up and down my chest.

I didn't like the feeling. "No, Gwen, I'm not," I said.

"Just give me a minute, Liam. I bet you could use a little stress reliever."

She leaned over, kissing me, and pushing her tongue into my mouth. I pushed her away. She stumbled and fell.

"Gwen, I said no! Now get out!" I shouted. At that moment, my office door swung open, and Damien and Alpha Langston stood in the doorway. I looked at them, then back at Gwen. She stood up and stomped out.

"Again, man? She isn't going to quit, is she?" Damien asked.

"No. Think your dad or Lily could talk to her?"

"I can try, but no promises."

"Ahem. I believe we have a meeting," Alpha Langston interrupted. "Unless you treat these hunters as a joke? I certainly don't treat the fact that three of my pack members were hunted down just two days ago lightly."

"No, no, no. Sorry, Alpha. Just some personal business that won't resolve itself. Please have a seat," I said.

We spent four hours discussing and arguing about ways to handle the hunter situation. At one point, Damien left to manage other pack business. We got nowhere and resolved to meet again in a few days. I sighed as I closed the door behind Alpha Langston. If we weren't careful, my pack members would start dying.

I sat back down at my desk and looked at my clock. It was already 7:30. Why hadn't Azalea called? I checked my office phone and cell phone; there were no messages from the Inn. I realized I didn't even have her number. I'd given her mine, and she'd called the packhouse the other day.

I decided to wait before worrying. I busied myself with patrol reports. When I finished, it was 9:30 pm. My heart raced. Had she forgotten about me? Did she not want to be around me now that she knew about the mate bond? Was she okay? I finally called the Inn.

"Hello, Blue Moon Inn. How can I help you?" I heard her voice. I sighed with relief.

"Hi, Azalea," I said.

She paused. "Hi, Liam."

"I was a little worried because you never called," I said.

"Oh, Liam, I'm sorry. We had a pipe burst this morning and a whole mess of last-minute bookings. I've been crazy busy today."

"That's okay. I just needed to make sure you're okay," I said.

"You aren't mad at me?" she asked.

"No, Azalea, I couldn't be mad at you for working," I said. "You just had me a little worried." I paused. She was making me nervous.

"So, did your uncle find anything out?" she asked hesitantly. My heart sank. She wanted answers so she could be done with me. But I wasn't ready to give up on her.

"No, nothing yet. He said he would need a few days to do some research," I said.

"Oh, okay," she said.

"In the meantime, maybe we could spend some time together? Maybe if we got to know each other better, it might encourage your wolf to come out."

"Sure!" she said enthusiastically. "That sounds nice. Just one thing."

"Anything," I replied.

"No driving, please?" she said. This made me laugh.

"Okay, deal. I think I can live with that," I said, laughing.

"I really don't see how that was funny," she said stubbornly.

"It's not funny; it's cute. So, what about tomorrow?"

"I think I could take off after lunch," she said.

"Great. Why don't I pick you up at three?" I said.

"You know where I'll be!" she said happily.

"Good night, Azalea. See you tomorrow."

"Good night, Liam," she said.

We hung up, and I couldn't have been happier. We were going on a date. I was going to have a chance to make her fall for me. And she sounded excited.

Soon I'd have to tell Damien why I'd been neglecting pack duties, but I wanted to keep this to myself for now.

Azalea:

After Liam left me in my apartment, I felt relaxed. I knew he wasn't going to hurt me. He wasn't forcing me back to the pack. He was just trying to spend time with me on my terms. For now, I would enjoy this, even if it couldn't last forever. I could pretend I was getting my happily-ever-after for a little while.

I felt butterflies. Liam would be here in about two hours. I was nervous. Part of me was happy to be spending time with him. At the same time, another part of me wondered what would happen when he was done with me. For now, the happy part was winning.

I went to the kitchen for some tea before getting ready. Amy was making sandwiches as guests arrived for lunch.

"Well, don't you look chipper? Didn't see you for breakfast," she said.

"I snuck in early and grabbed a muffin. I wanted to get started early today. I have something to do this afternoon," I said.

"Would that 'something to do' be a certain Tall, Dark, and Handsome?" she said suggestively.

"He has a name, Amy. And yes, I will be doing something with Liam this afternoon," I said with a smile.

"Does my little Azalea have a crush?" she teased.

"That I will not answer!" I said, grabbing my tea. "Now, I'll be in the back getting ready! Try not to need me!" I said, leaving.

I went back to my apartment and sipped my tea before going to my closet. It was nice out, but it could get cool, so I should bring a sweater.

I picked out a floral tea-length dress. It accentuated my curves nicely while still being modest. I had a dark green cardigan to match.

I showered, then dried and styled my wavy hair into a half-ponytail with a ribbon. I grabbed my dress and got ready.

After getting dressed, I grabbed my clutch, placing my wallet and keys inside. I put on some lip gloss and found some flats.

There was a knock at the door. It was only 2:30 pm. Liam was early. "Coming!" I said, grabbing my cardigan and clutch. I paused; I thought I might be overdressed. Another knock came.

"Sorry, I—" I started, seeing John. "Oh, hi. What are you doing here?"

"Well, I was hoping to catch you before I left town for work. Shouldn't be gone long. But Amy said you were busy, so I thought I'd drop by."

"That's thoughtful. But you don't have to tell me every time you leave town!"

"Well, Miss Lea, that hurts me. I thought I was your best customer!" he said jokingly.

I realized he was at the Inn almost every day. "Oh no! I didn't mean it like that! I just wouldn't want to bother you, John!" I said.

"You aren't a bother, Miss Lea. Quite the opposite, actually—" he was cut off by a growl. I saw Liam standing there, angry.

"Liam—" I started.

"I'm sorry, but Azalea is busy right now. You'll have to talk to her another time," he said in a low voice.

"My bad. Didn't know you were busy. I guess I'll take my leave. I'll see you in a couple of days, Miss Lea," John said, smiling and looking Liam up and down before leaving.

"What was he doing here?" Liam asked.

"I-I don't know. I was getting ready, and he knocked. I thought it was y-you," I said, panicking. We hadn't even left, and I was making him angry. Maybe I shouldn't be letting my guard down so easily.

He blanched and shook his head. "I'm sorry. It's not your fault. I shouldn't take it out on you," he said. "Here, I brought you these," he said, handing me a beautiful bouquet of pink and white azaleas.

"Oh, my goddess, thank you!" I said. "Come in; I should put these in water!"

He followed me inside and stood in the doorway as I found a tall cup to use as a vase. I filled it with water and plant food, then put the flowers inside. They smelled heavenly. I put them on the windowsill before turning to Liam.

"Thank you. No one has ever gotten me flowers before. I love them," I said.

"It's my pleasure, Azalea," he said, smiling. He looked so good in his dark jeans and black shirt. His eyes were the clearest blue I'd ever seen. His hair was pushed back messily. He was definitely attractive.

"Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm. I grabbed my cardigan and clutch and took his arm. Hopefully, his anger over John was forgotten. This was already the best date I'd ever been on.