Azalea

I hung up the phone, relieved that Liam was alright. I grabbed a long sweater and headed to the inn, putting my new phone in my pocket in case he called again. I wasn't sure I wanted to talk to him; I didn't want to get involved in pack matters. I might not be a rogue, but I wasn't really part of the pack. Growing up, it was made clear I didn't belong. The thought made my stomach churn.

Things were going well with Liam, though. He was amazing and made me feel safe—a feeling I never knew was possible, especially with him. He was so patient and thoughtful. But it wouldn't last. Eventually, he'd want me to join the pack, and I didn't know if I could do that. I couldn't voluntarily return to a place where I wasn't wanted.

Tears welled up as I began freshening the rooms for our late-arriving guests. I no longer wanted to dwell on my solitary existence. I wanted to be with Liam, to be happy with him. But could I be a Luna? I couldn't even shift; how could I possibly care for an entire pack? They'd never accept or respect a Luna with "traitor blood" and no wolf.

I dashed away the tears, finishing the room preparations. Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself and headed downstairs; the guests would arrive soon.

I waited at the desk, reviewing check-ins and check-outs for the next day, as well as the plumber's work order. The door opened, and I looked up to greet the guests.

All the blood drained from my face when I saw Gwen walking in with a man. Her prissy expression clearly indicated she didn't want to be there. Why was she here? Would she recognize me?

I quickly lowered my gaze to the papers. "Welcome," I murmured.

"We called earlier. Checking in for two nights," the man said politely.

"Yes, your rooms are ready. I just need a credit card," I replied, keeping my voice low and avoiding their gaze. He handed me his card, and I processed the payment. I glanced up at Gwen; a questioning look was etched on her face, her eyes boring into mine. Please, Goddess, don't let her recognize me. I didn't want any trouble.

After the card cleared, I returned it. "Here are your keys. The rooms are the third and fourth doors on the left; the numbers are on the keys. Please keep the noise down; it's late, and we have other guests. Complimentary breakfast is served at 7 a.m.," I said, handing over the keys. "Welcome to the Blue Moon Inn, and I hope you enjoy your stay."

I offered a small smile. Even if I didn't want her here, Gwen was a customer, and this was my job. "Thank you, ma'am. We'll go straight to bed. Good night," the man said, turning toward his room. He paused, waiting for Gwen. She continued to stare at me.

"Gwen, let's go," he whispered. She finally reacted, nodding. Scowling, she grabbed her bag, and they headed upstairs.

I let out a breath. I'd have to be invisible for the next two days. Luckily, Lemon was working tomorrow. She could handle the desk, allowing me to stay out of sight.

As long as Gwen didn't recognize me, she had no reason to bother me. Staying out of her way would hopefully keep me off her radar. She didn't seem happy to be here, so maybe she'd stay in her room.

I finished organizing the paperwork before locking up and heading to my cottage. I wanted to sleep before tomorrow. Part of me wished Liam were waiting for me.

As I walked across the dewy grass, my phone dinged. I stopped and pulled it out, turning it on to see a text from Liam. Why wasn't he asleep?

LIAM | Couldn't sleep until I knew you were safe in bed. Just needed to know you were okay.

His text made my heart race. I was falling for him fast.

ME | You didn't have to wait up. That was sweet. I'm heading to bed now.

As I approached my door, my phone dinged again. A smile spread across my face. But before I could read his message, I heard rustling in the bushes about thirty feet away, near the forest line. Fear surged through me. I quickly opened my door, slipped inside, and locked it.

I needed to calm down. It was probably a raccoon. Why was I so scared? Taking a deep breath, I tried to slow my racing heart. My phone dinged again; it was Liam.

LIAM | You're always on my mind, Azalea. I wouldn't know what to do if something happened to you. | If you ever need me, I'll always be there. No matter the time of day or night. You just have to ask, beautiful. I was really happy you called me last night when you needed someone. I want to be the person you rely on.

I finally calmed down. I was just on edge after last night. Nothing ever happened around here. I reread Liam's messages. He was practically inviting me to call him, and it was tempting, but I knew it would be too fast.

ME | You really know how to make a girl swoon, Liam. I was happy I called you too. I'm getting into bed now, and we should both get some sleep. I'll be excitedly waiting for dinner tomorrow. Sweet dreams.

I turned off my phone and climbed into bed, snuggling into my pillow, which still smelled faintly of him, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke in a cheerful mood. I was excited to see Liam and had everything ready to bake a peanut butter fudge cake that afternoon. I showered, wrapped my hair in a towel, chose a pair of capris and a flowy top, and styled my hair in a Dutch braid with a ribbon.

Before leaving, I turned on my phone to find a text from Liam.

LIAM | Good morning, beautiful. I should be at the inn by 4:30 this afternoon. Can't wait to see you.

This further boosted my good mood. I grabbed my MP3 player and headphones and headed to the inn. Amy was busy preparing breakfast trays in the kitchen.

"Good morning," I chirped, heading toward the coffee machine.

"Yeah, it will be if you help me get these trays to the dining room," she said.

"Uh, no. As soon as Lemon gets here, I need to start cleaning rooms," I replied, avoiding an explanation about Gwen. I grabbed a yogurt from the fridge, added some blueberries, and left the kitchen with my coffee.

"Why do you hate me?" Amy called after me. I giggled as I went to the front desk and sat down to eat my yogurt. It was almost 7 a.m.; Lemon should arrive soon.

After breakfast, I made a to-do list for Lemon and myself while sipping my coffee. Just as I finished, the front door opened, and Lemon rushed in, her black hair flying.

"Sorry, Lea!" she said, hurrying behind the desk.

"No worries. I've been having coffee and getting us organized. Can you handle cleaning the lobby and sitting areas while I tackle the rooms and laundry? The plumber is coming later, but he only needs a room key."

"Yeah, totally. How many check-ins today?" she asked, removing her coat.

"Four check-outs and three check-ins. Two or three should leave after breakfast," I replied.

"Easy day," she said, smiling. "Hey, can I grab breakfast before you leave me? I was out late and slept in."

"Sure. I'll ask Amy to bring you a plate. I need more coffee anyway," I suggested.

"You're so awesome, Lea. Thanks!" she said. I hung up her jacket and went to the kitchen.

"Hey Amy, make Lemon a plate. She was out late and missed breakfast," I said, entering the kitchen. I stopped short, seeing an angry Amy furiously cooking. "Whoa, what's going on?"

"Some skank is complaining about the food! The nerve! It's a complimentary buffet, not a five-star restaurant!" she fumed.

"Just breathe. She probably didn't sleep well. It's probably nothing to do with your cooking," I reassured her. She could get very emotional about food complaints.

"Yes, and I'll bring a plate to the front desk after I remake a meal for that lousy whiner!" she thundered. I knew to leave her alone. Sometimes, she just needed to vent.

I left my coffee cup in the sink and went to the laundry room. I couldn't clean rooms until check-out. I put on my MP3 player and started washing and folding linens. I was determined to have a good day, ending with dinner with Liam, even with Gwen at the inn.