Azalea awoke to sunlight streaming through her cottage curtains. She was lying on something warm and solid. Last night's events flooded back, and she blushed, remembering Liam. She stretched carefully, trying not to disturb him beneath her. A low growl rumbled through his chest as his arms tightened around her waist.

She giggled. "Good morning," she said. His eyes remained closed, as if feigning sleep. "You can't pretend to be asleep all day," she teased.

He opened one eye. "You're chipper this morning," he smirked.

"I slept great," she replied, smiling. He chuckled. She wiggled, trying to escape his hold. "Time to get up!"

"Mmm. Kitten, stop wiggling, or I won't be able to control myself," he said seductively. He shifted slightly, and her eyes widened as she felt his erection. He laughed at her reaction. Leaning up, he kissed her quickly, then released her waist. She scrambled off the bed and onto the floor.

"You just gonna leave me like that?" he asked, feigning a pout.

"Yes, because I have work to do. And if we don't get moving, we'll miss breakfast."

"What if I want you for breakfast?" he smirked. Her cheeks flushed. He giggled. "I'm just kidding, baby. But you do look scrumptious," he winked. "And you don't have any work today; I already took care of everything."

"What do you mean?" she asked, confused. "Amy, Lemon, and I are the only staff at the inn, besides the waiters."

"The old man's a wolf and understood when we explained we needed to take you somewhere safe. We found replacements while you're gone. Don't worry; the inn is in good hands," he explained.

She fell silent. She hadn't forgotten about going to the Alpha Family Lake House, but had hoped to postpone it. Liam stood and came to her.

"I know this is terrifying, but I won't leave your side, okay? You're my whole world, Azalea, and I won't let anyone hurt you," he said earnestly. She nodded.

"So, when do we leave?" she asked quietly.

"We have time," he said. "It's ready whenever we are."

She nodded. The thought of returning to wolf territory made her queasy—almost worse than the thought of hunters pursuing Liam. Hunters hunted and killed supernatural creatures like them. They especially targeted leaders—Alphas, Sires, etc., often taking their heads as trophies. She didn't realize she was shaking until Liam wrapped his arms around her.

"Please try not to be scared, baby," he consoled her. She relaxed in his embrace, breathing deeply. "I have an idea," he said, attempting to lighten the mood.

"What is it?"

"Ever had cake for breakfast?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

"No," she giggled.

"Well, I want to try that amazing cake you made me, and we need breakfast. Two birds, one stone," he grinned.

"You're a child," she giggled.

"Oh, kitten, you just wait, and I'll show you how much of a man I am," he said, his voice laced with lust.

"Oh my," she whispered, turning before he could see her blush. She went to her kitchenette for plates, cut them some cake (giving him a larger piece), and they sat on the floor by the bed.

He ate immediately, moaning with delight. "Goddess Azalea, this is the best cake I've ever had. What is it?"

"It's a peanut butter cake with a chocolate ganache filling, fudge icing, peanut butter fudge roses, and peanut butter icing."

"You're a gift from the moon," he said, shoving more cake in his mouth. She smiled, taking a small bite. She still felt queasy about what was to come.

After he finished, she cleaned their plates. Then, she decided to get ready.

"I'm going to get dressed," she said, heading to her closet. She found capri pants and a plum button-down shirt, and pulled her hair into a bun. She found him dressed and typing on his phone. He smiled at her, and she returned the smile before heading to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth, she made tea to calm her nerves.

Liam wrapped his arms around her waist. His embrace warmed and calmed her. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling.

"You look gorgeous," he murmured. She smiled.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"We should pack. No rush, but it'll take five hours to reach the Lake House."

"Why so long?"

"It's thirty minutes from the packhouse, but I figured you wouldn't want to go near there. We'll take a longer route."

She nodded, relieved. Her nerves eased slightly.

"Need help packing?" he asked.

"No, I've got it. How long will we be gone?"

"At least a week…"

"Okay," she said.

"You're amazing," he said, kissing her head. She turned, and he kissed her lips. "I need to run out for a few minutes. Can you stay here and pack?"

"Yes," she smiled. She wanted him to stay, but thought better of asking.

"Okay. Call if anything happens. I'll be back soon, I promise," he said, kissing her again. He left her alone in her apartment.

She sighed. After making her tea, she got her suitcase and began packing. She was retrieving a book when there was a knock.

"That was quick—" she began, opening the door. It wasn't Liam, but John. "Oh, hi. What are you doing here, John?"

"Good morning. I came to apologize. Miss Amy said you were still here," he said, glancing into her apartment. "Are you taking a trip, Miss Lea?" His gaze fell on her open suitcase.

"Oh, uh, sort of. Apologize for what?" she said, redirecting his attention.

"About how I acted toward your…gentleman friend. I judged him. Truth is, Miss Lea, I care about you," he said.

"Oh," she replied.

"It's jealousy, I guess," he said, scratching his neck. "But as long as you're happy, I am," he finished.

"Oh, John, that's flattering…" she said, slightly speechless. Why was he telling her this now?

"Don't worry. I can handle rejection. Have fun on your trip, Miss Lea. I hope he keeps you safe," he said. With a nod, he left. That was strange. She closed the door and returned to packing, deciding to put it aside for now. She had bigger concerns.

Liam

He was relieved the town pharmacy had what he needed. He shoved the bag in his SUV's glove compartment before exiting. Damien had confirmed the Lake House was ready. Hopefully, Azalea would be ready soon.

He walked toward her cottage. To his dismay, John Henry was leaving.

"It seems we keep running into each other," John said, looking dark.

"What are you doing here?" Liam questioned.

"Checking on Azalea. She's a pretty little thing, and no one's here to protect her," John said smugly.

"You don't need to concern yourself with her safety anymore," Liam said threateningly.

"Don't be so sure," John said. "Have a safe trip," he said, walking away.

Liam's mind raced. How did John know about the trip? Did Azalea tell him? Where they were going? Discretion was crucial. The more people who knew, the greater the risk of the hunters finding out. They hadn't even told the old man their exact destination.

He rushed to Azalea's door, knocking rapidly. She opened it cautiously.

"Hi," she said, smiling faintly.

"Did you tell anyone where we're going?" he asked directly.

"No," she said, questioning his tone.

"Then how does John Henry know we're leaving?"

"He saw my suitcase. It's no secret I rarely leave the inn except for errands," she explained.

"Hmph," he responded. He believed her, but people knowing she was leaving wasn't ideal.

"He's not a gossip," she said, stepping back into her apartment. He followed. Her packed suitcase sat on the bed.

"It's important no one knows where we're going. I didn't even tell the old man. Only Damien and Lily know in the pack. The patrols sent to the Lake House don't know you're there."

"Patrols?" she asked nervously.

"Yes, warriors will patrol the area to ensure nothing sneaks up on us."

"Oh," she said timidly.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing… it's just… what if they see me and recognize me? Gwen isn't the only one who'd be upset to find out we're mates."

He walked to her. She looked into his eyes. "Azalea, if the other pack members can't forgive you for something that happened fifteen years ago, and you weren't even involved, they don't deserve to be in the pack. You're my mate, and I hope you'll be my Luna one day. When we decide to tell the pack, they'll either accept it or not. I won't let them hurt you. The Moon Goddess made you my mate and their Luna for a reason."

She nodded, wrapping herself in his arms. He felt her acceptance growing with each moment of comfort she sought. They stood like that for a few minutes before he broke the silence.

"Need anything else before we go?" he asked.

"I want to say goodbye to Amy and Abigail. I shouldn't tell her I'm leaving, but she's my friend, and she'll worry. Plus, I'll miss little Abi."

"Alright. I'll take your things to the car, and you go to the kitchen. I'll get you in a sec?"

"Sure," she smiled.

He grabbed her bag. "Anything else?"

"No," she said, holding a small purse. They left her apartment. She locked the door as he took her bag to his SUV.

Azalea

She found Amy preparing lunch and Abigail in her highchair. She went to Abi, who reached for her.

"Hey, cutie!" Azalea said, picking her up.

"Ayla!" Abi yelled. Her nickname was adorable.

"How are you today?" Azalea said, hugging her. "What are you drawing?" Abi giggled. "It's beautiful, Abi girl. You're a master artist," she praised the toddler. She returned Abi to her highchair and turned to Amy, who looked scowling.

"So, where have you been, and why are you glowing?" Amy asked.

"I don't know what you mean," Azalea said airily.

"Oh my God, did you do it last night? Was it Liam? How was it?" Amy questioned excitedly.

"No, Ames, we didn't have sex!" Azalea exclaimed. "But I need to tell you something."

"You're so not fun. Okay, what is it?"

"I'm leaving for a bit. Going on a trip."

"That's sudden and not like you. Is something wrong?"

"No, just being spontaneous," she lied.

"Wait, are you going with Liam?"

"Uh, yeah, actually."

"What? Oh my gosh, this is so fast! My sweet little Lea is going on vacation with a boy!" Amy yelled. "Where is he taking you?"

Azalea hesitated. "It's… a surprise," she said. "But please don't tell everyone I went somewhere with him. It's new, and I want to keep it close to home for a bit."

"Fine, but you're giving me a play-by-play when you get back. You have my number, right?"

"Yeah, you programmed it yesterday!"

"Good. Promise you'll text when anything exciting happens?"

"Yeah. Send me pictures of my best girl while I'm gone?" she said, looking at Abi.

"Oh, she'll be all over that," Amy said, smiling at her daughter. She hugged Azalea. "Don't be gone too long, okay? Nothing works the same without you. Plus, I think the Old Geezer will burst an artery over the new hires," she giggled. Azalea laughed. Amy was referring to Liam's replacements.

Kissing Abi's head, Azalea headed to the front. Liam was talking to someone at the desk. She tapped him, and he turned, smiling.

"Ready to go, beautiful?"

"Yes," she smiled back.

"Great!" he said excitedly. He took her hand and led her to the door. She glanced at the person he'd been talking to—a tall brunette who seemed curious. She couldn't place her but assumed she was from the pack. She quickly turned away, hoping she wasn't recognized. Liam pulled her outside to his SUV.

She groaned. She hadn't realized the long drive ahead. She could already feel the cake churning in her stomach.

"Don't worry, I solved that problem," Liam said knowingly. He opened the passenger door, scooped her up, and placed her in the seat. She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes.

"Just because I don't like car rides doesn't mean I was going to run away!"

He laughed. "No, kitten, I'm just excited. Plus, you're very light," he winked, opening the glove box. He pulled out a small bag and a box. "And I want to show you this." It was a small box.

"What is it?"

"Motion sickness cure. Sea-Bands. You put them on your wrist, and they put pressure on the nerves to prevent sickness!"

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah," he said, smiling genuinely. Her heart melted. He'd thought of everything. He knew she wouldn't tolerate a five-hour car ride. "I also got you medicine, but the pharmacist said it might make you drowsy, so we'll only use it if the bands don't work," he added.

She smiled brightly. "Thank you," she said.

"Of course, baby. I don't want you to be sick every time we get in a car." He adjusted the bands on her wrists. "Alright, you're all set. Try not to move them. Ready to go?"

"Yep," she said, leaning forward. The SUV was tall enough that she was at eye level with him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him quickly. He pulled her closer, kissing her back.

Pulling away, he said, "Mmm, as much as I enjoy this, kitten, we should hit the road." She nodded. He stepped away, letting her swing her legs into the car. He closed her door and got in himself.

She was excited to be alone with Liam. She had a good feeling about their time together.