Liam

After retrieving her bag from the car and quickly patrolling the property, I returned to the master bedroom where Azalea lay peacefully curled on the massive bed. Her petite form looked so adorable. I had intended to work, but I couldn't resist joining her. I removed my shirt and climbed into bed beside her. Pulling her soft body close, I held her, inhaling her delicious scent.

"We need to mate her," Gavin urged in my mind.

"She isn't ready," I replied.

"We'll be stronger once we complete the mate bond and mark her. Then we can protect her even better," he reasoned. His insistence felt unnatural.

"She's protected. She's here with me, and at least eight wolves patrol this property constantly. Almost no one knows where we are."

"I have a bad feeling; I sense danger nearby," Gavin warned.

"I feel it too," I agreed.

"Mate her, or I will," Gavin declared.

One thing was certain: I wouldn't let him near Azalea. She wasn't ready for me, let alone him. For now, I'd nap with my wonderful mate held close.

I felt light sparks ignite in small circles on my chest. Awakening from my nap, I kept my eyes closed, savoring the exquisite feeling of Azalea's fingers tracing my skin. Moments later, my arousal was undeniable, a gentle growl rumbling in my chest.

A sweet giggle prompted me to open my eyes. Azalea's vibrant green eyes met mine. Her pale skin glowed in the soft sunset light filtering through the windows overlooking the lake. Her radiant smile filled me with joy. We were still cuddled, but now her body faced mine.

"Mmm, careful, kitten," I teased. Her eyes widened, darting downwards. The blanket covered my waist, but it didn't hide my erection, which was growing under her innocent touch. I chuckled at her naiveté. "I'm just teasing. I'd never do anything you didn't want, baby," I reassured her.

She smiled, then lifted her face to mine, kissing my cheek softly. "I know," she whispered, settling back down. She rested her head on my chest, her fingers continuing their playful exploration of my bare chest as I held her close. I basked in the feeling for a few moments.

Reaching for my phone on the side table, I checked the time. "Wow, it's dinner time already. Are you hungry, baby?" I asked, looking down at her.

"Yes, actually," she replied.

"Want to make dinner with me?" I asked.

She giggled. "Is it because you only know how to make macaroni and cheese?"

She wasn't entirely wrong. "I can cook a few other things. But I thought it might be fun. Plus, I like having you in sight at all times," I said. I rolled her onto her back, positioning myself above her. I nuzzled her neck and shoulder, breathing in her delicate scent. "You really do smell amazing."

"What do I smell like?" she asked.

"Mmm… flowers and cinnamon. It's the most intoxicating scent I've ever smelled," I told her. Her smile widened. "We should go cook, or I'll never let you leave this bed," I said, smiling back. She nodded. With a quick kiss on her nose, I got out of bed and retrieved my shirt. After dressing, I turned to find her sitting on the edge of the bed, her legs dangling.

"Shall we?" I asked. She nodded, hopping off the bed.

Azalea

We went downstairs to the kitchen. "So, what are you hungry for?" I asked Liam.

"Mmm, depends… what's on the menu?" he replied with a seductive grin. For a split second, his blue eyes flashed dark with lust.

"Ummm," I began.

"Sorry. I'm just teasing," he said with a half-smile. He walked to the refrigerator and opened it. "How about tacos?"

"Sure. Got any flour? I could make some fresh tortillas," I said nervously. Something about the look in his eyes made me uneasy.

"I think we can manage that," he said, smiling. He directed me to the pantry as he began gathering ingredients from the refrigerator. I searched the pantry for baking supplies. Luckily, everything we needed was there. I began making dough on the kitchen island while Liam worked on the meat on the stove.

"That smells good," I commented as the meat sizzled. I felt arms wrap around my waist as I rolled out the dough.

"Not as good as you," he murmured seductively in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. His lips brushed my ear, making me squirm.

"Oh…" I gasped.

"Haha. I'll stop teasing," he laughed, returning to the stove. His shifts in mood were making my head spin.

As I finished rolling the tortillas, my mind raced. Last night had felt amazing and right, but I wasn't sure we should rush things. I hadn't had a moment to breathe since Liam entered my life. My heart yearned for him, but my head cautioned me against getting too comfortable.

"Got room for these?" I asked, turning to the stove and Liam. He smiled warmly, all traces of his teasing gone.

"Yes, ma'am. Right there," he said, indicating the warmed pan.

I smiled. "Perfect," I said, placing the tortillas on the pan. I needed to take things one step at a time, and hopefully, Liam would understand. He was breaking down the walls I'd built for protection, and it scared me. "Need any help?" I asked.

"Sure. Could you chop the vegetables?" he said, pointing to the tomatoes, lettuce, and avocados.

"Easy," I said. While the tortillas cooked, I prepped the vegetables.

"Why don't we finish this up and take it to the bedroom? We could watch a movie and eat in bed?" he suggested.

"Sure," I said, smiling. Even with today's nap, the stress of being back in wolf territory and my anxieties about Liam and me had left me exhausted.

Liam finished the meat as I finished the vegetables. We made our plates. "Why don't you take these upstairs, and I'll grab some drinks and meet you there," he said, handing me the plates.

"Sure," I said, taking them.

"See you in a minute," he said. A loud bang from the front door startled me, but I managed to keep the food from spilling. I looked back at Liam; we weren't expecting anyone. His eyes were dark as he stared towards the front of the house, confirming my apprehension. Rage filled his face, igniting fear in my stomach.

"What was that…" I began.

"Go upstairs. Now. Don't come down," Liam growled, his voice much lower and harsher than moments before; he sounded like a different person.

"L-Liam…" I stammered, terrified.

He turned his gaze to me. "Now, Azalea," he commanded. His eyes were dark, midnight blue. His face was hard and unforgiving.

I fled the kitchen, racing back to the bedroom. I burst through the door, slamming it shut. An envelope on the bed caught my eye. Had it been there before?

I approached it. In elegant handwriting, it read, 'Azalea.' With trembling hands, I turned it over. A wax seal depicting a pink azalea flower adorned the back. Whoever left this did so deliberately. I opened the envelope and removed the letter.

YOUR PARENTS MADE A DEAL. AND SOON, YOU WILL BE MINE, LITTLE FLOWER.

I dropped the letter and stumbled backward. Tears welled in my eyes as fear consumed me. What did it mean? What deal had my parents made? Who left this here? My back hit something solid.

As my mind raced with unanswered questions, a loud, angry wolf growl echoed from downstairs. I recognized it instantly. I searched frantically for a hiding place, rushing into the bathroom. I opened the shower door, hoping the frosted glass would conceal me. I curled into a ball in the corner, trying to make myself as small as possible. Silent tears streamed down my face as I squeezed my eyes shut.