"Stay right here," I said quietly to Azalea. Walking to my door, I opened it to find a worried Lily. "What's going on?" I asked quickly.

"Someone's here to see you. They said it concerns Azalea and Kol," Lily said, her worry evident.

"Where are my father and Damien?"

"Declan calmed your father and took him to your mother. But they're expecting you, too. I don't know how long he'll wait. Damien's in your office with our visitor."

"Did he say who he is?"

"He said he's Azalea's uncle."

I stood stunned. Azalea's uncle? I turned to Azalea; her eyes were wide. She'd heard everything. I looked at Lily. "Will you stay with her?"

"No!" Azalea exclaimed, standing by the bed. She looked at me.

"Liam, I don't think she wants you to leave her. Think about everything that's happened," Lily said telepathically.

I went to her. She raised her eyes to mine. "Do you want me to stay?" I asked softly.

"Please," she replied. I nodded. Looking down, I realized she needed clothes; my shirt wouldn't do.

"Lily, can we get her something to wear?" I asked, keeping my eyes on Azalea.

"Of course. Let's go to our room, then down to your office. I'll link Damien."

She nodded. "Let's go," I said, taking her hand. We left my room.

Lily helped Azalea choose clothes. I waited outside, nervous about what awaited us in my office. The girls emerged. Azalea wore jeans and a cream-colored sweater; her coppery hair, loose from its ponytail, looked far more comfortable. She held my coat. She came to my side and offered it to me. I shook my head.

"Keep it, just in case," I told her. I took her hand, and led them to my office. We paused at the door. I checked on Azalea; she was nervous but trying to be brave. My heart swelled with pride; she would be an amazing Luna.

We entered. Damien, behind my desk, looked surprised.

"Are you sure she should be here?" he linked. I nodded.

"Her scent is masked by Lily's clothes and me. Hopefully, he won't recognize her." Our guest, a man of average height but strong build, turned to face us. He was as tall as me, with lean shoulders, short reddish-brown hair, and dark brown eyes.

"Good evening. I am Alpha Liam Blackfur. Who are you?" I said flatly.

"Isaac Eirlys, Alpha of White Moon," the man replied in a deep voice. Azalea clutched my hand tighter. I'd heard of the White Moon pack but dismissed the rumors about their alleged powers.

"Please sit," I said, moving around the desk to Damien. I sat, pulling Azalea onto my lap. Lily joined Damien beside us.

"Is it necessary for the women to be here? Can't we discuss this like men?" Isaac said irritably.

Damien growled. Lily stood taller, refusing to be disrespected.

"My Beta and I share leadership with our mates. If they wish to be present, they will be. I understand you have something to discuss concerning a threat to my pack?" I said authoritatively.

He looked at us before speaking. "As you wish. I have two reasons. First, I've dealt with Kol Blackfur's challenge to your title."

"And what do you mean by 'dealt with'?"

"I've sent elite warriors to end his antics."

"Why? How does a challenge to my title affect White Moon?"

"Because it wasn't just your pack. Kol threatened me."

"Why would he threaten you? We have no association."

"Our next leader resides in your pack." Azalea stiffened. To avoid suspicion, I put my hand on her lower back. He had no reason to suspect my mate was present. I'd never publicly announced her.

"Elaborate," I said coolly.

"Before becoming Alpha, my twin sister, Ivy, found her mate. While twins traditionally share the title, our pack doesn't follow that. My sister left White Moon with her mate, coming here to Blood Eclipse. Later, I heard she had a child." He paused. "After becoming Alpha, I found my mate, but she couldn't bear children. My sister kept her daughter from us, knowing she was the rightful heir. My niece is in this pack: Azalea Simmons."

I nodded. "Kol wants Azalea as his mate. He's after both our packs." His presence made sense.

"Kol will be dealt with, nullifying his challenge. In return, I'll take my niece to White Moon. She'll train to become Luna, and her mate Alpha. Our bloodline will continue to rule White Moon." Azalea gripped my leg. I rubbed circles on her back to calm her.

"Bold assumption," I stated.

"I assume nothing. Azalea is my next of kin and rightful leader. As she has a mate, she'll be Luna, and her mate Alpha. Our bloodline will rule White Moon."

"She's a member of my pack. Your claims are unverified and hold no legitimacy. She has no responsibility to White Moon." I lifted Azalea and stood. "Out of respect, I offer you accommodations. My Beta and I will discuss your claims." I nodded at Damien. Lily moved to Azalea's side, Damien to Isaac. "My Beta will show you to a guest room. Dinner will be sent if you wish."

He growled. "You won't deny me. Azalea will come with me. You hid her well. I expect her tomorrow morning. Proof of Kol's demise should arrive then," he said angrily, exiting. Damien followed.

As the door closed, I turned to Azalea. Lily held her shaking hand. I pulled Azalea to me; Lily left us alone. I sat, pulling her close. I lifted her face, searching her eyes.

"Baby?" I whispered.

"I-I'm n-not Liam, I-I can't" she stuttered, tears falling.

"It's okay. He's not taking you. No one can force you, okay?" She blinked. Her body was tense. I leaned her forehead against mine. "You're my mate, Azalea. I failed you with Kol, but that won't happen again. Even if you're White Moon's heir, I won't let him take you if you don't want to go."

She took a breath. I wiped her tears; she relaxed. Before she could speak, the door slammed open. My father stormed in, my mother behind him. Azalea jumped away; I pulled her behind me.

Anger radiated from my father. My mother looked disgusted. I stared them down. It was time to end this.

(Azalea's POV)

I stood behind Liam, terrified. Everything was happening at once! The drug coma, Liam's father, the Alpha, and now his parents.

"Yes?" Liam said dangerously.

"You know why we're here, son," said Alpha Robert.

"How could you?" Luna Lyssa said, her voice laced with anger, disgust, and disappointment.

"For this precise reason, Mother," Liam said, unwavering. My heart warmed as he stood up for me. They stared at each other.

"She won't be your mate. She's unfit to be a Luna!" his mother said. I grabbed his shirt.

"She'll be a far better Luna than you were, Mother! She'd never treat an orphaned girl like a servant!" he yelled.

"Don't speak to your mother like that!" his father growled.

"She won't insult my mate!" Liam breathed hard.

"Choose. Her or your pack and family. You can't have both," Alpha Robert said menacingly.

"Why choose? I'm Alpha. You don't make the rules anymore, Father. If you don't accept my mate, leave."

My eyes widened. He was telling them to leave. He was choosing me. When he found out we were mates, he hid me away. Luna Lyssa looked slapped.

"Liam, how could you choose her over your family?"

"Because she's my mate. My other half. I won't reject her again. She deserves better than she's gotten from this pack, and I'll make that happen," Liam said confidently. My heart melted.

"It doesn't matter who your mate is. Only who'll make the strongest Luna," his father said.

"Just because Azalea didn't grow up like Mother doesn't mean she's unworthy," Liam growled.

"Your mother isn't my mate. My mate was weak and unfit to lead. I rejected her. Your mother is my chosen mate, the fittest," Alpha Robert said.

"WHAT!" Liam roared. "Years of lectures about the Moon Goddess giving me a perfect mate! This means you lied about finding each other!" He was seething, almost shaking. His mother looked ashamed. His father stared him down.

"Leave my office. Treat Azalea with respect. Recognize her as the future Luna of Blood Eclipse, or leave this pack. No further discussion," Liam said calmly, his Alpha authority evident.

Luna Lyssa gasped, covering her mouth. She looked at me venomously. Liam and his father stared each other down. Finally, Alpha Robert turned, grabbing his wife, and stormed out. Silence fell.

Liam didn't move. I was afraid to move or speak. I never wanted to cause him problems. After what felt like ages, Liam turned to me slowly. His eyes were wild, then softened.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently, cupping my face. He wiped away my tears. I stared into his face. So much had happened. Every minute since I woke up, Liam had shown me how much he cared. He'd told his parents to leave for me. He was protecting me.

I kissed him with everything I had. He froze, then wrapped his arms around me. I wrapped my legs around his waist. I poured all my love into the kiss. Warmth spread through me.

We pulled apart, breathless. I leaned my forehead against his, catching my breath. When I could speak, I whispered, "I love you, Liam."

(Liam's POV)

She launched herself at me, kissing me. I was stunned, then reacted, wrapping my arms around her, pulling her close. Pleasurable sparks erupted. I kissed her passionately, letting her lead.

We pulled apart, breathless. She leaned against me. A smile spread across my lips.

"I love you, Liam," she whispered. My heart stopped. It was the most amazing thing I'd ever heard. I never thought she'd say it again.

"Oh, Azalea, I love you too," I said, kissing her again. I basked in her kiss, her body against mine. Before things went too far, I pulled away. We gasped for air.

A beautiful smile was on her lips. I brushed her hair back. "We should go to bed. It's been a long day," I said softly. She nodded. She unwrapped her legs, and I reluctantly let her go. We straightened our clothes before I took her hand and led her to my room.

Reaching the bedroom, I linked the wolf guarding our door. Lily had left pajamas for Azalea. I handed them to her.

"Want to change?" She grabbed them and nodded, a blush on her cheeks.

(Azalea's POV)

In the bathroom, I shut the door. My heart raced since I'd attacked him. Liam seemed so happy and light after I said I loved him; our kiss made me happy and light.

I placed my clothes on the counter and went to Liam's shower. I turned the water hot and undressed. I stepped under the steamy water, feeling the stress wash away. After a few minutes, I washed and decided not to wash my hair; I was tired.

I exited the shower, dried off, and got dressed in the pajamas Lily left. They were soft, light cotton shorts and a tank top – comfortable but not warm. I looked in the mirror; I was pale, but some color was returning.

I exited to find Liam by the bed, looking at his phone. He wore a shirt and sweatpants, hanging low on his hips in a sexy way. I tried to dismiss my thoughts and walked to him.

"Ready for bed?"

I smiled. "Yeah," I said quietly. He pulled back the covers. I laid down, my head on his pillow, and he pulled the covers over me. He went to the couch.

I sat up, confused. He turned, looking at me. "What's wrong?" he asked quickly.

"I just thought…" I started, trailing off. His eyes widened.

"Are you sure?" he asked carefully. I nodded. More than anything, I wanted to be in his arms.

He got under the covers. I shifted, lying next to him. He turned to face me, his arm around my waist. I sighed contentedly and shifted closer, my face moving to the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent.

A strange pull came over me. Something told me to let Liam mark me. It felt right, even if my better judgment said no.

"Mark me," I whispered, as if my mouth had a mind of its own. Liam stilled, surprised.

"We don't have to…" he said quietly, cuddling into my neck. His mouth near my marking spot sent tingles across my skin.

"Please, Liam, mark me," I said again. I was begging him. I didn't know what I was doing.

"Azalea," he groaned. "Baby, I can't mark you just because my uncle said…"

"It's not that," I said, looking up at him. "You saved me. You did everything to get me away from Kol. You risked your title and life. You defended me. You masked my scent. You told your parents to leave if they couldn't accept me. You didn't let them cast me out. When I woke up, I saw it all on your face. I mean it, Liam, I love you. I can't promise I'll ever get over what happened, but I love you, and I want to try. I feel incomplete, and something in my mind says 'mark me.' So please, mark me. Make me yours completely." I finished quietly, searching his eyes.

His eyes poured into me – large, round, and the clearest blue. Before I knew it, he was kissing me again – loving but hungry. His arms pulled me close; a moan escaped my lips. He pulled away, leaving me breathless.

"Are you sure, baby?" he asked quietly, searching my eyes for doubt. I had none. I nodded, biting my lip. He kissed me again. I closed my eyes, savoring the kiss. He left my lips and trailed his lips down my jaw. His mouth hovered over my ear. "This will hurt at first, but then it will feel good, okay? Just breathe, kitten," he said quietly. A shiver ran through me.

Liam moved so I was on my back, and he was over me. He kissed down my jaw and neck. Everywhere his lips touched, there were tiny, pleasurable sparks. He sucked and kissed my marking spot, causing me to moan. I felt him raise slightly, and I knew he was letting out his canines. I gripped his shirt.

Nothing prepared me for what followed. Liam sunk his teeth into my neck, and white-hot, searing pain erupted. My body arched into him; my hands gripped his shirt. My eyes shot open, and I screamed.

He removed his canines after a moment and licked the spot. As his tongue swept over the wound, my screaming subsided, and my eyes rolled back. I heard Liam's worried calls as I lost consciousness.

(Azalea's POV)

I felt light and weightless, like I was in the clouds. I tried to remember what happened but couldn't. I opened my eyes. I was in nothingness, a soft light all around, but no objects or people. I didn't feel panicked; I felt calm.

"Hello, Azalea," a voice said. I looked around, seeing nothing. "Would you feel more comfortable if I took a physical form? Very well." A large crimson wolf slowly appeared. She had striking green eyes.

"Who are you?" I asked.

She laughed, a full, robust laugh. "I am your wolf, Clemencia."

"Why am I here? What happened?"

"You are here so we can talk. This has been long overdue, but your circumstances prevented our meeting."

"Talk about what?"

"Your gifts."

"My gifts?" I was confused.

"Yes, Azalea. You are very special. You are of a special bloodline of wolves, descendants of the gods. Your bloodline can be granted special abilities if your wolf finds you worthy."

"So, I am worthy? How?"

"Because you have endured far more than your share of tragedy and hardship. I did my best to protect you when I was first realized, but my power wasn't great enough. I was only able to relinquish my first gift to you."

"First gift?"

"Yes," she explained. "Your first gift is the gift of forgiveness and mercy. I saw this appropriate as the direction of your fate as Luna. Azalea, your heart holds an overwhelming capacity for forgiveness. Liam is the prime example."

I nodded. Amy did say I was too nice and forgiving. "So, I've had this since you first came to me?"

"Yes, and now it's time for me to bestow your next gift."

"What is it? And why now?" What had changed?

"I'm doing this now because I'm afraid this will be our only meeting. I'm simply not strong enough to provide your gifts and be a part of you. It's an unfortunate side effect of your adolescence. Now that Liam has marked you, I was able to draw enough strength from his wolf to appear to you now," she said.

"Wait, you drew on Gavin?"

"Correct. And I must apologize. I hold the blame for the incident between you and Liam's wolf. I knew my time was running out and was using my power to push Gavin and Liam to mate and mark you so we could have this talk. Gavin was unaware of my ministrations and succumbed to them in the worst possible way."

My mouth dropped open. "So, you basically brainwashed him, making him need to mate with me, and that's why he went off the rails?"

"I'm afraid so. I didn't intend for things to turn out this way. Liam's honor was too much of a factor to consider. I am truly sorry for what happened. I know Gavin feels the same although he cannot really explain his actions. But now that you are marked, I can bestow another gift upon you before I depart."

My hand reached up to my neck. There were two small bumps. Now I remembered! Liam marked me, and I passed out. "Wait, you're departing? Leaving?"

"Again, you are correct, Azalea," she said, her eyes wistful. "I'm using the last of my strength and energy to give you this gift. You will be of werewolf blood but unable to shift like others."