Azalea Novel Drama

After Doctor Ronald left, I returned to the kitchen to help Amy with lunch. Abi and Amy were rolling out cookie dough; Abi was making a mess but seemed to be enjoying herself. The other helpers were busy preparing lunch.

"What was that about?" Amy asked as I approached.

"Nothing much. Just some questions about my condition," I replied, unwilling to reveal my lack of wolf-form to the pack members at the inn. Amy nodded. "How can I help?"

"Everything's pretty much covered. Maybe Lemon could use help up front?"

I shook my head. "No, she's fine."

"Then go get some sleep! You look awful. I'll send a plate of food later."

I sighed. "Okay. Let me just check something at the desk, then I'll take a break." She nodded. I went to the front to ensure Lemon had everything under control.

Kol was at the desk; Lemon's desperate flirting was impossible to miss. Rolling my eyes, I approached them.

"Well, good afternoon, little flower," Kol said with a wide smile, noticing me. Lemon glared.

"Good afternoon, Kol. Can I help you?" I asked politely.

"Wait, you know him?" Lemon exclaimed, ignoring her work.

"Not really—" "Kind of—" we both began simultaneously. Kol chuckled. "Not really, but Miss Azalea has been a wonderful help since I checked in."

"Is there anything I can do for you before I leave for the day?" I asked, looking between them.

"Oh no, I think Miss Lemon has me covered. Leaving for the day?" he asked curiously.

"Yes. I'm going home."

"No chance you'd want a cup of coffee with me?" he asked with a smirk.

"I don't think that's a good idea," another voice said from behind Kol. John stood there, his expression grim. For a moment, I thought Kol's eyes flashed black.

"Okay, Lemon, if you're handled, I'm just going to" I trailed off, backing away. I left John and Kol to their strange standoff. Did they know each other? How was that possible?

I exited through the back door and headed to my apartment. Pulling my sweater tighter, I walked through the increasingly cold yard.

"Miss Lea, wait!" someone shouted. I turned to see John running toward me.

"Hi, John. How are you?" I asked, rubbing my arms for warmth against the wind.

"You left me hanging yesterday. I was checking you were okay."

"Oh, yes. It was an old friend. Nothing to worry about."

"You rarely talk about friends, Miss Lea."

I laughed nervously. "I guess not. Anything else? It's quite chilly" I trailed off.

"Just one more thing. How well do you know that man from the lobby?" he asked sternly.

Worry overwhelmed me. "I don't. He checked in a couple of days ago; I've helped him a few times, but I don't know him." John's concern was unsettling.

"Right. Okay. I'll see you later," he said, turning away. I dismissed his odd question and went to my apartment. It was time for my space heater. My apartment lacked adequate heating, so I spent much of the winter at the inn.

I retrieved it, and warm air soon filled the room. I warmed my hands. After warming up, I started the kettle. Just after pouring my tea, my phone dinged. It was a message from Liam. I sighed heavily.

Given Lily's revelations, I couldn't ignore him forever. But I wasn't ready to face him, or what happened. Part of me knew it wasn't entirely his fault, but that didn't change things.

I opened the message:

LIAM | Azalea, we need to talk. I'm so sorry, but it's important we speak. Can I see you?

He wasn't yelling or growling. Progress. I sipped my tea, contemplating a reply. Could I face him?

A knock interrupted my thoughts. I was popular lately. "Who is it?" I called, opening the door. No one was there. Odd. I searched but saw nothing. A chill swept over me. As I turned to close the door, something struck the back of my head. Blackness consumed me.

Liam

I waited an hour to reply before calling; my headache wasn't helping. There was no answer. It went to voicemail. I hung up and tried again five minutes later. Still nothing.

"Azalea, we need to talk. I know you probably want to ignore me, and I deserve it. But I need to see you. I'm coming to the inn," I left on her voicemail. I couldn't delay any longer. This hunter would strike soon. They'd taunted me long enough. Azalea was alone and vulnerable. The hunter would be foolish to miss this opportunity.

I got up. I needed to change, check with Damien and Gwen, then go to her. I showered, changed, and grabbed my jacket, keys, wallet, and phone. I went to Damien's office. I knocked.

"Yes?"

"It's me," I said, opening the door. He nodded curtly. "I'm going to the human town to speak with Azalea. I'll try to bring her back for protection."

"Good. I have plans to lure the hunter out."

"Let me hear them."

"You won't like them. They depend on the situation with Azalea. We can discuss this after she's made a decision." I nodded.

"We won't endanger her, Damien."

"It already was the moment you rejected her, Liam." I left his office. We'd be okay, but he was angry, and I needed to give him space.

I went to the small clinic near the packhouse. Gwen was recovering there. The receptionist smiled. "I'm here to see Gweneth Hale," I said. She led me to a room.

Gwen was in bed, her arm in a sling, her leg in a cast. Her face was bruised and cut, but healing. She was on her phone. I cleared my throat. She glared at me.

"Don't give me that attitude, Gwen," I began.

"I almost died, Liam! All because of that stupid little girl!" she whined.

I growled. "You will not speak like that about her, Gwen. She's your future Luna, and you will respect her. Let's not forget the circumstances of your attack." She pouted. "Your injuries are punishment enough, since you caused no harm, and Azalea is unaware. But heed my warning—you will not harm Azalea Simmons. She will be Luna, and you will respect her. Or you can leave." I stared at her grimly.

"But Liam, we should be mates!"

"No!" I roared. "We're not, and never will be. I love Azalea, and nothing will change that. You need to move on." I left. She'd been warned.

As I reached the clinic entrance, Declan arrived. He stopped.

"Liam, do you have a moment?" he asked. I nodded. We stepped aside for privacy.

"How can I help you, Declan?" I asked flatly.

"I apologize. I was wrong this morning. I was unaware of my daughter's intent and blamed you for her mistakes," he said solemnly.

"It's fine. I'm sorry she was hurt. It was never my intent."

He nodded. "Once she's recovered, her mother and I will send her to her mother's family outside pack life. I failed her, and new circumstances might help."

"Do what you think is best. She'll receive no further punishment from me. But she's been warned never to hurt my mate again. I'm sure you understand."

He nodded. I turned to leave. "Liam," he said. I stopped. "There are things you should know about your mate, and I don't think your father should tell you. I never approved of how he handled her situation. You're doing a good job as Alpha despite your father's influence. My wife and I will accept her as our Luna. If you need help, please call."

"Thanks, Mr. Hale," I said, walking away. I wanted to know what he knew about Azalea and her parents, but getting to her and convincing her to return was more important.