Liam watched Azalea leave, then turned to Damien. "We need to arrange a permanent guard for her. I can't keep her constantly in my sight, and I think she'll eventually want some freedom," he said.

Damien replied, "That's a good idea. How do you want to proceed?"

"We should start by considering our most skilled warriors. Maybe those who've joined in the last couple of years, so they have no preconceived notions about her. Give her a fresh start, if possible. Also, no unmated warriors," Liam concluded.

Damien smiled. "I'll look into it. Until then, should we continue using Austin and Jacob?"

Liam said, unconvinced, "Let's see how they do today." Jacob hadn't seemed to like his orders concerning Azalea.

"Before he arrived, did we verify any of his claims from our last meeting?" Damien asked.

"He is definitely the Alpha of White Moon, and I found no evidence to contradict his claim that Azalea's mother is his sister. Therefore, Azalea is his niece and has a claim to the Alpha position of White Moon," Liam confirmed, nodding.

A knock came at the door. "Come in," Liam said. It was Alpha Isaac. Damien moved to stand behind Liam as Isaac entered, and Liam gestured for him to sit. Isaac sat opposite Liam, looking expectant.

"Good morning, Alpha Isaac. Thank you for your patience these past few days. I appreciate you not interrupting while I was with my mate," Liam said.

Isaac responded, "A precarious situation. Your mate is a she-wolf, is she not? I'm curious what ailment caused your disappearance for so long."

"That's a personal matter, I'm afraid. But rest assured, she's fully recovered. I appreciate your concern," Liam said coldly.

Isaac smirked. "So, where is my niece?"

"You know I wouldn't forcibly hand over a member of my pack."

Isaac challenged, "You corroborated my claims, didn't you?"

"Yes. It appears you have a niece in my pack. The problem you overlook is that while she has a claim to your pack, she doesn't want your title."

Isaac growled, "I don't care about her wishes. She has a responsibility to her blood. She will come to White Moon."

Liam challenged, "It's interesting you haven't inquired about your sister and her mate."

Isaac's rage flared. "You think I'm unaware of my sister's foolish actions? I know she followed her mate and his plans to usurp your father. I know she died, leaving Azalea to grow up knowing nothing of her heritage."

Liam pressed, "Then why didn't you claim Azalea? Why let her grow up an orphan? Surely, growing up with her Alpha uncle would have been better."

Isaac growled and stood. "I won't take judgment from a baby Alpha."

Liam stood, meeting his glare. "From my perspective, it doesn't matter. You failed her as a child, and you won't dictate her future now. You'll have to find another successor. You won't be taking anyone from my pack, Alpha Isaac."

Isaac shouted, "You owe me! I dealt with the threat to your title, and this is how you repay me?"

Liam remained dangerously calm. "I never asked for your assistance. You've also provided no proof that Kol's threat is neutralized. As far as we know, Kol's whereabouts are unknown."

Isaac growled, "I assure you, my people wouldn't have let him escape."

"And you still have no evidence. We have nothing left to discuss. I expect you to leave my lands by morning. I have other obligations," Liam said, turning to Damien, who nodded. They walked past Isaac and left the office.

"Do you think he'll accept your decision?" Damien asked.

"I'll give him no choice. He's not taking Azalea. She's just beginning to adjust to being Luna; there's no chance she wants to lead an entire pack."

They headed towards the packhouse doors.

"I'm going back to my office. I should also check on Lily. She contacted me about your credit card number during that meeting," Damien linked.

"Oh, Goddess," Liam muttered. Damien chuckled as he left. Liam went to the clinic. It was a crisp autumn day. He should have brought Azalea a sweater. Hopefully, his uncle was finished with her; he wanted some time with his mate.

He smiled at the receptionist. "Good morning, Alpha. How can I help you?" she asked flirtatiously.

"I just need to speak to my uncle briefly. He should be with someone I sent in?" Liam said.

"Oh yes, that shy one. Austin and Jacob took her back there. You can go right back," she replied. Liam thanked her and headed back.

He heard Austin's voice, "What the f*** is your problem? You've had an attitude since Liam asked us to do this!" Liam stopped out of sight to listen.

Jacob ranted, "Are you kidding me? You know who she is! And Liam's just going to blindly accept her as his mate? Something's not right. She was still in the pack on his birthday. Why didn't he know then? And where has she been? Why is she back now?"

Austin replied, "Does it matter? It's none of your business, and she's his mate!"

Their argument continued, with Jacob questioning Azalea's motives and Austin defending her. Liam was impressed by Austin's loyalty. He walked in, interrupting them. Jacob avoided his gaze.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I assume my mate is still with the doctor?" Liam asked.

Austin replied, "Yes, she's still in there."

Liam addressed Jacob, "Is there a problem?"

Jacob said, "No, Alpha. No issue."

Liam stated flatly, "Good, because if you have an issue with my mate, you'll address it to me."

Jacob nodded stoically. Azalea emerged from the office, freezing at the sight of them all.

Austin asked, "All good in there, Luna?" Azalea smiled and nodded, her eyes meeting Liam's. A sweet smile spread across her face.

Liam asked, "Ready, baby?" Ignoring Jacob, he took Azalea's hand. "Want to go somewhere with me?" She nodded. "Austin, Jacob, you're dismissed."

They left, and Liam wrapped his arm around Azalea as they stepped outside.

"What did my uncle say?" he asked.

Azalea smiled, "Just some questions about when you marked me. Can I assume you called him when I didn't wake up?"

"YesI was worried" Liam admitted.

"Thank you," she said. "For worrying."

"I'll always worry about you," he said, kissing her forehead.

"So, what are we doing?" she asked.

"I wanted to take my beautiful mate on a picnic," he said, grinning. She nodded eagerly. He chuckled and linked Lily. "Hey, how long will that project take?"

"We should be done by morning! Can you stay away tonight?"

"Yes, got it. Can you send a sweater to the kitchen for me now? And some clothes for tonight later?"

"Sure, I'll send someone down right away."

"Thanks, Lily."

Azalea walked with Liam to the kitchen. Being out in the packhouse made her nervous, but Liam's presence eased her anxiety. A young girl was packing a picnic basket.

"Oh, Alpha Liam! Everything's ready!" she exclaimed. She was a cute girl, no older than nine.

Liam knelt, "Thank you, Missy!" She hugged him. "Why don't you make some popcorn and watch a movie in the lounge? And enjoy these," he said, producing a box of M&Ms. She squealed with delight.

"Really?"

"Absolutely. You deserve a reward for your hard work," he said, smiling.

"Alpha Liam, it was just sandwiches!" she giggled.

"I still appreciate it. Now go on," he said. She ran off. He turned to Azalea. "Ready?"

Azalea asked, "Who was that?"

"That's Missy," he replied.

"Why's she in the kitchen? She's eight or nine?"

"She's nine. Her father was a warrior; he died last year, and her mother struggles. Missy comes to the packhouse often and asked if she could earn money. We give her easy tasks and pay her. Sometimes, I give her special tasks with a tangible reward." He blushed slightly.

Azalea's eyes welled up. "Oh, Liam," she whispered, trying to hold back tears.

Liam moved closer, concerned. "Hey, hey, what's wrong? Did I do something?" She shook her head, hugging him. He ran his hand through her hair. "Baby, why are you upset?"

After a moment, she pulled away. "I couldn't let a little girl like that end up like you. I couldn't let her hurt. I converted some omega bedrooms into kids' rooms—bunk beds, toys, games, books. Everything they might need."

Tears streamed down Azalea's face. "I love you," she whispered. He kissed her gently.

"I love you, too. We should eat," he said softly. She nodded. He wrapped her in one of his sweatshirts. "Here, it's cold."