Azalea

A hand touched my shoulder, shaking me awake. I looked around, remembering where I was. John stood over me.

"Wake up, Miss Lea. You should change for dinner. He sent up some clothes," John said, then left me alone. I had little choice, so I got up and grabbed the bag of clothes he'd left on the table. I went to the bathroom to change.

Inside was a pretty green dress with short sleeves and some short heels. It fit well, but I was too numb to care. I let my hair down, finger-combing it into gentle curls. I brushed my teeth before returning to the bedroom. I sat on the bed, hands in my lap, absentmindedly rubbing the remaining bruises on my wrists.

A few minutes later, there was a knock. I looked up, expecting the door to open, but it didn't. Another knock sounded.

"C-come in…" I said hesitantly. The door opened, and Kol stood there, smiling. He resembled Liam so much it hurt. Every time I saw him, my heart ached for Liam.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Thanks…" I whispered.

"Are you ready?" he asked. I nodded. He offered his hand, but I didn't take it. I stood and stepped toward him. "Okay, let's go," he said, dropping his hand. I followed him downstairs to a small dining room, instead of his office. Kol led me to a chair, pulling it out for me. I sat down, keeping my eyes down, avoiding his gaze. Kol sat opposite me.

Someone brought out our salads. I felt his eyes on me. "Eat, little flower," he said softly. I didn't move. I stared at my lap as he ate. What felt like an eternity later, the salads were removed, and another course was served. I continued to stare at my hands. This was excruciating; every minute intensified my longing for Liam.

Kol's chair scraped against the floor. I felt his hand under my chin, lifting my face. He knelt beside me. His eyes, full of concern, bore into mine. His other hand gently grasped mine, his thumb softly rubbing the bruises on my wrist.

"Please eat something. We don't have to talk. Just please eat for me," he pleaded. I swallowed hard. I considered my options. He wasn't aggressive or hostile; he seemed simply to want to share a meal. For now, I would play along. I nodded slightly. His face lit up with a handsome smile. "That's my girl," he said softly. He returned to his chair and waited expectantly.

I looked at my plate. There was chicken and roasted vegetables. I hesitantly picked up my fork; Kol watched intently. I took a small piece of broccoli and ate it. He relaxed once I began to chew. The meal continued similarly; I ate small bites while Kol watched quietly.

He finished his plate. I put down my utensils, signaling I was finished. "That's all you'll eat, little flower?" he asked somberly. I nodded. He sighed. "I'll take you back to your room. Come," he said, standing and offering his hand. I didn't take it but stood to follow him.

He opened my door and stepped aside. I walked in, stopping by the bed. I felt him linger in the doorway but didn't turn. He approached me.

"There are nightclothes in the bathroom. I'll be gone in the morning, but I'd be ecstatic if you'd join me for lunch tomorrow," he said steadily. I remained still, giving no indication of my intentions. I just wanted him to leave.

He did, locking the door behind him. I slipped off my heels and got into bed, pulling the comforter around me. I felt cold and tired. My body missed Liam, and a slight anxious energy made me even more tired. I curled into a ball and let sleep claim me.

Liam

Sleep was nearly impossible. A growing ache filled my chest. He might not be hurting Azalea, but she was far from okay. I needed to get to her. Even if she didn't want me, I needed her safe.

In the wee hours of the morning, I stood on the back patio with a cup of coffee—almost the only thing I'd consumed for days. I looked out over the woods, waiting for sunrise.

"You need to sleep, Liam. What will you do if we find her and you're too exhausted?" Lily linked me. I felt her presence behind me.

"I let her down," I said quietly. "I'll sleep when I know she's safe."

She sighed. "We got something…" she said softly.

I turned quickly. "Why didn't you start with that?" I asked frantically. "What is it?" She held up a small envelope addressed to me. I opened it; inside was a note and a Polaroid photo. I looked at the picture first. My breath hitched; it showed a girl curled up on a large bed, her fiery hair a mess. Visible bruises encircled her wrists. "Azalea…" Her name escaped me in a strangled sob. I opened the note:

You did not take care of this little flower. Now she will be mine. I will be waiting, Alpha…

A set of coordinates was at the bottom. I looked at Lily. She nodded. "Yes, Liam. We think he's told you where they are. If this picture is recent, she's okay." She looked at me cautiously. "Damien sent wolves to scout the area. We won't know much until they return."

I nodded, barely registering her words. My mind was fixed on the photo.

"Mate…" Gavin whined in my head.

"No. You don't get to do that," I said icily. He growled. "No, Gavin. You're the entire reason she was taken! You did this; you hurt her worse than anyone! She ran from us, making her vulnerable!" He didn't deserve pity. He'd taken Azalea's choice away as she begged him to stop.

"I did what you wouldn't!" he weakly argued.

"I would have! I wanted to the moment I saw her again! But it couldn't be like that! Now she's in the hands of someone trying to take my pack! Don't you see what you did?" He was quiet for a minute. I replayed the painful images of Azalea that night at the Lake House, forcing him to watch. Gavin whimpered.

"I didn't want to hurt mate…" he whined.

"You did! She wasn't ready! Her mating should have been slow and sweet. We should have taken care of her!"

"You are right. I failed mate…" he finally admitted.

Lily waved her hands in front of me. Gavin retreated from my mind. I snapped my eyes to Lily.

"Sorry," I said. Damien walked out. I looked at him.

"Scouts have been sent to the coordinates. They left about 20 minutes ago," he said. I nodded. "Liam, you need to sleep. We won't know anything for hours." He looked as rough as I felt. I hadn't realized how hard he'd been working to help me find Azalea, a girl he held no loyalty towards until he learned she was my mate.

He handed me a small bottle. "I spoke with your uncle. These are a mild sedative to help you sleep. I know asking you to take them willingly isn't ideal, but I won't force you."

"Damien, have the Delta watch and wait for the scouts. You and Lily should rest too," I said, taking the bottle. "I'll take these and sleep. I need your help to get my mate back." He nodded and looked at Lily; she smiled, moving into his embrace. They went inside.

"And Damien…" I began. He paused. "I'm really sorry I let this happen. I'll never hurt her or allow Gavin to hurt her again."

He paused, then linked me. "Your wolf's actions were a punishable offense. If you ever hurt her again, Liam, I won't hesitate to act. Whether or not she's my Luna, she didn't deserve that."

"I expect nothing less." They disappeared inside. I sighed, realizing I'd not only hurt Azalea but also compromised my best friend's morals. We'd dealt with forced matings before, though not often. Punishments were always severe. I'd gotten off easy.

I looked at the photo again. My poor mate needed me. "Hang in there, Azalea. I'm coming, baby…" I whispered.