Her eyes widened. I cupped her face. "Hey, it's okay. You know I won't let anyone hurt you. Maybe they're here with answers," I said, trying to ease her anxiety. Damien had said they weren't being forthcoming about their purpose. We couldn't be sure if they'd come because of the message we sent, as they refused to speak to anyone until Azalea arrived.

She leaned into my touch, her anxiety easing slightly. I felt closer to her every day, but I couldn't read her thoughts. I didn't need the mate bond to know she was scared.

She took a deep breath. "Let's go," she said.

I got out of the car, and she waited for me to open her door. She never questioned me about these things, and I liked that. I helped her out and held her hand as we walked into the pack house. She squeezed my hand tighter as we approached Damien's office. We stopped outside the door.

"They don't know who you are, and we can keep it secret as long as you like. We don't need to tell them right away. We can see if they'll talk to us as Alpha and Luna before revealing your identity," I linked her. She nodded. I felt her unease. I kissed her softly before opening the door and striding inside. Azalea followed close behind, still holding my hand.

An old woman sat across from Damien, who stood as we entered. I walked around his desk.

"Madame Eirlys, this is my Alpha, Liam Blackfur, and his mate," Damien said, introducing us.

I stood beside Damien. Azalea stood behind me. The woman was very old, her face a network of wrinkles. Her pale skin suggested a colder climate. She wore many layers of dark clothing, and her green eyes stood out against her pale skin and gray hair. Her eyes were exactly like Azalea's. Her gaze swept over me before settling on Azalea. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Azalea…" she whispered. I paused.

"Excuse me, but before you speak to a member of my pack, you'll need to state your business," I said.

"Seeing as you're trying to hide the fact that the person I'm looking for is your mate, I think we can dispense with the charade, Alpha," she said calmly.

"And how are you so sure?"

"Because, despite her father's features, she has my eyes and hair," she said with a nostalgic smile. Azalea stepped beside me. I looked down at her. She looked up at me.

"It's okay. Let's hear what she has to say," she said through our link. I nodded and looked back at the woman.

"Azalea, you're even more beautiful than I imagined," she said warmly.

"Thank you," Azalea replied quietly. There was a pause. "Madame Eirlys, why are you here?" Her voice didn't waver, though I felt her nervousness.

"Straight to the point, like your mother. I'm here, Azalea, because your pack needs you. You have a responsibility to your birthright, and we need an Alpha," she said calmly.

"No offense, but Blood Eclipse is my pack. And you have an Alpha," Azalea said. Her voice was calm, but I felt her fear, unease, and anger.

"Ah, but they haven't accepted you as Luna yet," the woman said knowingly.

"Our pack's affairs are none of your concern. Azalea is my mate and Luna," I growled. I felt her hand on my arm, calming me.

"I'm sorry, but I have no interest in joining White Moon. It doesn't change the fact that Alpha Isaac is currently in charge," she said calmly.

"So, you don't know?" the old woman asked. She sighed. "My son was foolish to think he could stop the threat to both your title and his with only a few warriors. Kol retaliated after he killed those my son sent to stop him. Kol and his followers infiltrated our pack and killed my son. Many pack members were slaughtered. I'm here because we'll fail without a new Alpha soon. My husband died years ago, and I'm too old to lead the pack."

Azalea covered her mouth. Guilt filled me. "I'm sorry to hear that, Madame. But as Azalea said, she's not interested in White Moon," I said.

"But who will teach her to control her gifts?" she asked. Azalea looked at me wide-eyed. "Let me see. You seem too slight to have great power. Maybe you have your mother's gift but no, you'd be affecting the whole room Unless you have no gift?" she said inquisitively.

"This conversation is over. You won't bully or threaten my mate to save your pack. Perhaps your Alpha shouldn't have underestimated Kol. Damien will find you accommodations. Now, if you'll excuse us," I said. I took Azalea's hand and led her from the room.

"Liam, slow down!" Azalea panted halfway back to our room. I stopped, realizing I'd been practically running in anger.

"I'm sorry, baby," I said guiltily.

"It's okay. Let's just go to bed," she said softly. I led her to our room, more slowly this time. I sat on the bed, running my hands over my face. Azalea came to stand before me. I pulled her close, resting my head on her chest.

"I'm sorry about all this. We had such a great night," I told her.

"It's okay," she said, hugging me. Her fingers played with my hair.

"Mmmm," I hummed. She giggled. "I don't like interruptions during mate time…" I grumbled.

"Oh, My Alpha," she cooed.

I smirked. "Little Luna, don't play dangerous games," I warned. Gavin purred in my head.

I scooped her up, surprising her. Her legs wrapped around my waist. I kissed her fiercely. She kissed me back, granting me access.

(The following section contains sexually explicit content and has been omitted from this cleaned-up version. If you would like a version with this section restored, please let me know and I will provide it with appropriate warnings.)