I woke to sunlight streaming through my window and the sound of loud snoring. It took a moment to remember where I was. Glancing over, I saw Damien asleep, his head lolled back. He snored loudly, his chest rising and falling; I sat up quietly. My whole body ached.

Memories of the previous night flooded back. I gasped, pulling back the sleeves of Lily's sweater to reveal dark bruises around my wrists. My thoughts turned to Liam. He looked so distraught as I left the lake house. He couldn't expect me to stay after what he'd allowed Gavin to do. I looked around my tiny apartment. My suitcase sat by the door. The flowers Liam had given me on our date were dry and dead on the windowsill. My home felt lonely.

Trying to be quiet, I got up and went to my closet. I grabbed some clothes and went to the bathroom, careful not to wake Damien. I turned on the shower to warm up as I undressed. Folding Lily's sweater, I placed it on the counter and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Besides the dark bruises around my wrists, a dark handprint and small claw marks marred my waist. Gavin must have pierced my skin with his nails while holding me down. I turned away, unable to bear the sight.

In the shower, I let the warm water wash over me. I grabbed my body wash and scrubbed myself thoroughly. The more I washed, the dirtier I felt. It felt as if a layer coated my skin, impossible to remove. My breath grew shallow, my heart raced as I scrubbed harder. A sob escaped as I gasped for air.

A pounding on the door made me jump. "Azalea, are you okay?" I heard Liam call. I needed to calm down. I'd been scrubbing for at least twenty minutes. I turned off the now lukewarm water, forgoing shampoo. No matter how I felt, I wasn't dirty anymore.

More urgent pounding came at the door. It had to be Damien. "I-I'm okay," I managed to stutter. The pounding stopped. I wondered how he'd known I was panicking.

Liam

Damien driving away with my mate nearly killed me. Now that we'd mated, our bond was undeniable. Gavin was right; I felt much stronger than before, but also so much pain.

Mates can feel each other's emotions and sense each other's location. It's a unique tracking ability wolves possess to ensure their mates' safety. Being separated from your mate for too long is detrimental to a wolf. Besides my guilt, I felt Azalea's terror and despair. Her emotions weighed heavily on my chest.

After a run in my wolf form, I lay awake most of the night, trying to decide what to do. She'd left me, and rightfully so. I couldn't protect her from my own wolf. Gavin hadn't spoken to me since I regained control—complete silence. I should have told her what was happening instead of arguing. If I'd been honest when she first asked, we would have been in the living room when that wave of heat hit her.

It was early morning, and the first sun rays peeked through the window. I wanted to go to her, but how could I apologize? What could I say to make up for what I'd allowed to happen? Nothing. I'd let Gavin mate her against her will, disregarding her needs. Now we were linked. If I didn't mark her, she could easily go into heat again, and far worse.

As I thought of her, my despair eased, replaced by apprehension, which quickly blossomed into panic. I leaped out of bed, searching for my phone. Damien said he'd stay with her until he could arrange something. I grabbed my phone and dialed her number. It rang unanswered.

"Damien, what's wrong with Azalea?" I linked him.

"What do you mean?" he linked back after a moment.

"She's panicking. Something's wrong. Where is she? Aren't you with her?"

"I think she's in the shower. Must have woken up already…"

"Make sure she's okay!"

Damien was silent for an agonizing moment. Feeling her distress without knowing what was happening was unbearable.

"She said she's okay. Calm down. I'm here; I've got her. Just go back to the packhouse and work. She'll need time," he said, cutting the link. He was still angry with me.

He was right. I needed to block out her emotions. I should go back to the packhouse. I got out of bed, showered, and packed my things.

Lily was in the kitchen sipping coffee as I came downstairs. Her bloodshot eyes showed she hadn't slept well. Her mixed emotions were evident. She cared for me as a friend, but was disappointed about Azalea.

"I'm going back to the packhouse," I said, avoiding eye contact. She nodded, and an awkward silence fell. I turned to leave.

"I don't hate you," she said quietly. "But you messed up, Liam. She'll never be the same, and the worst part is she doesn't know she has no choice now." She stood and went out the back door to sit on the porch.

When wolves mate, we mate for life. Once coupled, there's no rejecting your mate. You're bound forever. Azalea and I couldn't live apart. I could probably cope better than her, due to my strength and size, but the effects of our separation would soon weigh heavily on her. I sighed, trying not to dwell on the gravity of the situation. I grabbed my bags and left for my car. For today, I'd bury myself in work.

It was almost 10 p.m. as I sat in my office, surrounded by papers. I'd worked all day, not even stopping to eat. A tray of untouched food sat on the coffee table.

I'd nearly caught up on neglected work, but it brought no relief. I was exhausted from lack of sleep, weakening my ability to block the mate link. As I stared at my work, my chest ached. I felt her anguish. Tears slipped from my eyes as I thought of her alone. Damien told me she'd sent him away.

She wouldn't want wolves around as reminders, but it left her vulnerable. Other wolves and creatures could smell me on her, even without my mark. Damien hadn't returned yet; he was keeping an eye on her from a distance. He and Lily were looking for a discreet pack member to watch over her.

Wiping my eyes, I pushed away from my desk. This happened because I wasn't strong enough. I couldn't control my wolf, and he hurt her. Now the bastard was hiding. I left my office for the training room. I wouldn't be weak again.

Azalea

It had been a long day. The old man pestered me, interrogating me about what happened. Wolves were still at the Inn, and Amy was visiting her parents. Damien stayed until lunchtime, when I asked him to return to the pack and Lily. He didn't argue, but I knew he didn't want to leave me alone. I also asked him to remove the other pack members. He promised they'd be gone within the week. He never explained what he'd wanted to say.

I sat cross-legged on the couch, sipping tea, wrapped in a throw blanket. Since leaving the lake house, I'd felt cold inside and out. I was avoiding processing yesterday's events.

My body still hurt, but the bruises on my wrists were lighter. A helper had started a fire before leaving. The Inn was always busier in late fall and winter, and we were booming. We had only one vacant room, and received a call a few hours ago. The room was ready, and I waited for the guest's arrival.

I stared into the fire, trying to numb myself. I didn't want to feel. I wanted to forget Liam and the pack. Pretend I'd never gone to the lake house, never fallen in love. As tears silently fell, I knew it was impossible; I would always love him, even if he'd hurt me.

The bell over the door dinged. I quickly wiped away my tears, plastering on a smile. "Welcome," I said as the guest turned.

I paused, taken aback. He looked so much like Liam—similar size, broad build, beautiful blue eyes. The only difference was his ginger curls instead of Liam's dark hair. He gave me a charming smile.

"I called about a room?" he said in a velvety voice. I swallowed, hoping he hadn't noticed my distress.

"Yes, yes. Hi, I'm Azalea. Let me get your paperwork," I said. Leaving my blanket and tea, I went to the desk. I felt his eyes on me. "Okay, I just need your credit card, Mr?"

"You can call me Kol. That's a beautiful name. May I ask where you're from?" he asked sweetly.

"Oh, a small place nearby. But I've lived here for about three years. This place is home," I said, maintaining my smile. I couldn't admit my home didn't feel like home anymore; Liam felt like home.

"Cozy place to call home," he replied, handing me his credit card. After processing his booking, I gave him his key.

"Here you go," I said. "Do you need help with anything? I can show you to your room or help with your bags."

He laughed. I looked confused. "Sorry, Miss Azalea, but it's funny that someone as small as you would need to carry the bags of a large guy like me. But I would appreciate you showing me my room," he said, still laughing.

"No problem," I said, going around the counter. I led him to his room. "Breakfast is served at seven in the dining room, complimentary. Lunch and dinner are served throughout the day. If you need anything, call the number by the phone."

"If you're up all hours helping customers, what do you do during the day?" he asked.

"Take care of the Inn. I live out back so I can be here all the time."

"Sounds like you work a little too much for such a pretty girl," he said. I blushed.

"No, not at all. I just returned from a short vacation. Anyway, I'll let you settle in. Good night," I said, wanting to leave. I walked back to the front. I could feel his eyes on me.

I jotted down some notes before heading outside. Walking across the lawn, I felt watched. I hugged myself, feeling cold. I quickened my pace, hurrying to my door.

With trembling hands, I unlocked my door and went inside, quickly shutting it. I tried to calm my heart, telling myself there was nothing out there. I put the kettle on, preparing my tea. My mind wandered to Kol. Why did he look so much like Liam?

The kettle whistled. I made my tea, took my mug to bed, and crawled under the blankets. I sipped my tea, trying to warm myself. It was futile; my body felt like a cold, empty pit.