I managed to avoid Gwen all day and completed my to-do list, baked a decadent peanut butter cake with fudge icing, and even caught up on some of the Old Man's paperwork. Around 4 p.m., I was back in my apartment freshening up before dinner. I planned to meet Liam at the front desk of the inn, and my stomach was full of nervous butterflies.

A knock came at my door. I opened it to find John, grinning widely.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," he chirped.

"Hi, John. How are you?" I replied.

"Much better now, Miss Lea. I was wondering if you might join me for dinner. I've missed seeing you these past few days and would love to catch up."

"Oh, John, I'm so sorry. I have a dinner guest."

"It's not that fellow, is it?" he asked, his tone serious. He straightened, as if Liam angered him.

"Uh, if you mean the man you've met a few times, yes, actually…" I said nervously.

"Miss Lea, I have to be honest. I don't like that guy. I'm good at judging people, and I don't like what I see in him."

"Well, John, that's unfortunate. Liam is a wonderful man, and it's unfair to judge him without knowing him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready and return to the inn," I said, a little angry. His first impression of Liam hadn't been great, but he had no right to judge him.

"I'm sorry, Miss Lea. Forgive me. I'll see you later, okay?" he said.

"Sure," I replied curtly, closing the door in his face.

I gathered my things, checked the window to ensure John was gone, and headed back to the inn.

Liam

It had been a long day, but luckily, Azalea stayed at the inn. Damien relieved me so I could sleep for a few hours. I was now heading to the inn in my SUV. It was a little early, but I hoped she wouldn't be upset. Gavin was restless, and I needed to see her.

I parked, noticing one of the pack's cars. Good—there were still wolves at the inn. Hopefully, they'd be discreet this evening.

I went inside and approached the front desk. The same black-haired girl who had flirted with Damien and me at lunch was there.

"Hello, welcome to the Blue Moon Inn. Checking in or dining?" she asked sweetly.

"I'm meeting someone for dinner. I'll wait here," I said.

"I can seat you in the dining room," she offered, batting her eyelashes. I resisted rolling my eyes.

"That's alright. I'm a bit early. She'll be here soon," I said, hoping she'd drop it.

"Alright. My name is Lemon. If you need anything, don't hesitate," she said with a wink. I gave her a tight smile and went to the sitting area near the dining room, hoping Azalea would arrive soon.

"Liam?" I heard a voice. I turned to see Gwen descending the staircase. What the hell? Why would Damien send Gwen? He knows how she feels about me!

"Gwen, what are you doing here?" I hissed, approaching her.

"Lily needed wolves to watch the humans, so she sent me. Brandon's here too. What are you doing here?" she asked, running her hand up my chest. I grabbed her hand, stopping her.

"Stop, Gwen. I'm not here for that. I'm, uh, here on business," I lied.

"Liam, I know when you're lying. We grew up together. Why are you really here?" she said, pulling away.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Goddess, why did Lily send Gwen? Couldn't she find anyone else?

Before I could answer, I heard a small "Ahem," and saw Azalea standing by the dining room. "Shit," I breathed, looking from Gwen to Azalea. She looked scared and hurt. I'd planned to tell her everything on our next date. I hadn't thought she'd recognize anyone sent here, and the patrols were told to be discreet.

"Liam, is that—" Gwen started, but I cut her off with a growl.

"Go now. Don't speak to either of us and keep your questions to yourself." I mentally linked her. She scowled and went back upstairs. I looked at Azalea, who was trembling. I reached out to touch her face.

"Azalea, I can explain…" I said quietly. She swallowed, silent. "Look, things have gotten complicated with the pack. I was going to explain, just not tonight. I had no idea she'd be here. I would never have sent Gwen…" I said, looking into her green eyes.

She shook her head, composing herself. She took a deep breath and said quietly, "It's okay. It isn't my business. She's a guest."

I lifted her gaze to mine; tears brimmed in her eyes. "Azalea, she won't do anything to you, I promise. I won't let her near you. I won't let her tell anyone who or where you are. I promise, baby. I'm so sorry." She nodded and stepped closer, hugging me.

"How about we go somewhere else for dinner? We don't have to stay here with Gwen," I suggested.

She pulled away. "Are you sure that's okay?"

"Of course. If it scares you, we won't stay."

"Thank you," she said, smiling.

"Do you need anything before we go?" I asked.

Her eyes widened. "Wait right here!" She darted to the kitchen. I waited. I'd need to link Damien about Gwen. I saw Lemon giving me a sour look. I chuckled. I guess she didn't think Azalea would be competition.

Azalea returned a few minutes later. "Ready?" I asked. She nodded, smiling. I held out my hand, and she took it. I felt a pleasant spark from her touch. I turned to leave, ignoring Gwen's glare.

"Where the f**k are you going with her?" Gwen mentally linked me. I blocked her out and focused on Azalea.

"So, anywhere in town you'd like to go?" I asked. This town was small.

"There's an Italian restaurant a couple of blocks that way," she said, pointing.

"Italian sounds great," I said, smiling. She seemed to relax the farther we got from the inn.

We went to the restaurant, ordered dinner, and fell into easy conversation. She talked animatedly about the inn and books she'd read. I was captivated.

We were lost in our own world until we finished dinner. The waitress brought coffee; we showed no signs of leaving. I planned a large tip. Then, John Henry approached.

"Well, fancy this, Miss Lea. We meet again," he said to Azalea, ignoring me. I growled low enough that he couldn't hear it with human hearing. I saw his ear twitch slightly.

"Hi, John," she said coolly.

"Oh, I don't mean to interrupt. Just grabbing takeout," he said. Turning to me, he continued, "I don't believe we've met. I'm John Henry, a friend of Miss Lea's." He offered his hand.

I looked at his hand. If he was her friend, I should be nice. But something was off. Taking his hand, I said, "Nice to meet you. Liam Blackfur."

"Pleasure. How do you know our sweet little flower?" he asked. She looked at me curiously.

"We were childhood acquaintances. Now, if you don't mind, we're leaving," I said, standing. I paid, leaving more than enough. I held out my hand to Azalea. "Shall we, beautiful?"

She smiled and took my hand. I put my arm around her waist and steered her toward the door, nodding at John. As we left, Gavin mentally yelled at me to go back and attack John for looking at our mate.

Azalea

"I'm so sorry about that," I said quietly to Liam, embarrassed about John interrupting.

"It's not your fault. I just don't like the way he looks at you," he said. I didn't blame him. John had been acting odd since Liam arrived. He intertwined his fingers with mine. I moved closer to him; it was getting colder. I gripped his arm with my other hand. He smiled.

"So, what now?" he asked.

"Well, I set aside some dessert for us back at the inn. The dining room should be clear now," I said, hoping he'd come back with me. I wanted him to try the cake.

His face lit up. "You made dessert especially for me?" he asked excitedly.

I nodded, blushing. "Do I get to know what it is?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No, it should be a surprise," I said, smiling.

"Let's get a move on then!" He quickened his pace; I was almost jogging. He seemed to be strolling. After a few minutes, I had to slow him down.

"Uh, Liam, can we stop running?" I asked, breathless.

"Oh goddess, I'm sorry, Azalea. I forgot you're smaller than me," he said, slowing down.

"Thank you," I said, catching my breath. He chuckled. Soon, we were back at the inn. He opened the door for me and bowed. I giggled and led the way inside. We heard a voice.

"Liam, why in the f**k are you flaunting around with a traitor?"