Liam awoke to the most delicious sight: his mate, Azalea, sleeping naked in his arms. He felt utterly complete; her trust in him was absolute. She stirred, and he nuzzled her face. A smile played on her lips, but her eyes remained closed. He kissed her softly, eliciting a giggle.

"Good morning, Little Luna," he murmured.

"Mmm. Good morning, My Alpha," she hummed. He loved it when she called him that.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Great," she replied, finally opening her gorgeous green eyes. Their captivating gaze held him spellbound. How could he ever bear to be away from her?

"Liam?" she said, breaking the reverie.

"Yes, baby?"

"I have an idea about White Moon…"

They were sitting in his office, awaiting Madame Eirlys. Azalea, perched on his lap, fidgeted, lost in thought. He gently stroked her back as they waited. He was genuinely impressed by her morning presentation and agreed that she should present her idea to Madame Eirlys. He knew she was nervous, but he couldn't express how proud he was of the Luna she'd become, seemingly overnight.

A knock announced Damien's arrival with Madame Eirlys. "Come in," Liam said flatly, wanting to avoid any pretense and let Azalea set the tone.

Azalea rose as they entered. Damien positioned himself behind them, and Madame Eirlys sat opposite Liam.

"Well, you summoned me, Alpha?" she asked expectantly.

"Actually, my mate has a solution to your dilemma," Liam said, a bored tone masking a small smile. Madame Eirlys returned a tight smile. Liam stood, pulling Azalea into his chair to assert her authority. He and Damien stood behind her.

"You're sure?" Damien asked.

"She's got this."

Azalea began, "Madame Eirlys, we face an impasse. Your pack is leaderless and suffering from the recent attack. I am the only Alpha lineage remaining from White Moon, but I have no desire to lead White Moon. Honestly, your wish for me to take over seems more desperate than anything else. You know my parents were killed, leaving me an orphan here in Blood Eclipse." She paused. "I propose a solution: White Moon joins Blood Eclipse. We'll merge our packs and welcome White Moon members with open arms. My Alpha and I believe we have the space and resources to unite our packs." Azalea held Madame Eirlys' gaze.

The old woman regarded Azalea skeptically. "An interesting proposition," she said finally. "But are you even capable of offering this, not being the pack's official Luna?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Liam started to growl, but Azalea swiftly responded.

"The delay in my Luna ceremony is Kol's fault, due to his challenge of my mate. I assure you, I will soon be Luna and have the Alpha and Beta's full support. Would we be in the Alpha's office with him present if this were impossible?"

"You're smarter than you appear. Much like your mother," the old woman mused. "I'll discuss this with my pack, under one condition."

"Yes?"

"Tell me your wolf's name."

"You want my wolf's name?" Azalea asked, confused. The old woman nodded. "Clemencia. Her name was Clemencia."

Madame Eirlys' eyes widened. She stared at Azalea in disbelief. Then, the implication of Azalea's words struck her. "Was?"

Azalea smiled and stood. "Please, consult your pack. We'll send someone for your reply."

The old woman, her face a mixture of irritation and awe, departed. Damien spoke first once the door closed.

"Luna, what did you mean by 'was'?"

Azalea remained silent. Liam sensed her embarrassment, though he couldn't see her face. He approached and pulled her close.

"Let me explain later…" he linked. Damien understood.

Azalea

"Luna, what did you mean by 'was'?" Damien asked. She froze. Only Liam knew, and she'd forgotten Damien was present. Tears welled up; she wasn't ready to tell everyone yet.

Liam embraced her, his touch calming her.

A knock sounded. Liam glanced towards the door. "Are you okay?" he linked.

"Yes, I'm okay," she said, brushing away tears.

"May I introduce someone?" he asked.

Confused, she looked at him. "Bring him in," Liam told Damien, who opened the door wider. A man followed him in.

"Azalea, meet Felix. He'll replace Austin as your personal guard," Liam said, giving her a measured look. She nodded and looked at the man.

He was large, as imposing as Damien and Liam, and looked Alpha-blooded. He had full, vibrant gray hair, a scar above his eye bisecting his eyebrow, and a fade haircut. His eyes were a deep brown. He wore a simple black shirt and dark jeans, and his stoic expression made him seem unapproachable. She noticed the mate mark on his neck, partially concealed by his shirt.

"Do I have a choice?" she linked Liam, gazing into his worried blue eyes. He shook his head. She understood; this was necessary, a choice carefully considered by him and Damien.

She circled the desk and approached Felix, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Felix. I'm Azalea, and it seems we're destined to be good friends," she said, smiling. His expression was one of confusion as he shook her hand. "So, tell me, do you like to bake?"

Several days after Madame Eirlys' departure, Liam and Damien awaited her response. Azalea kept busy integrating with the pack. Missy brought friends over one day, and they baked cookies and played games. Some parents were hesitant, but the children's enthusiasm won them over. Explaining Felix proved comical; Missy, unafraid, wanted him on her tug-of-war team.

Felix and Azalea were getting along well. He'd joined Blood Eclipse only two years prior, knowing nothing about her. He'd lost his mate in a rogue attack. Liam's choices, it seemed, were impeccable. Felix was slowly loosening up, though he remained reserved.

Their only discussion about White Moon, after Madame Eirlys left, concerned Azalea's refusal to allow White Moon to train her to use her gift. She explained that she sensed it was a strategic move by White Moon. Though interested in learning control, she preferred to keep it private for now, to avoid targeting and further endangering Liam.

She was in the lounge with Missy and Felix, cleaning up. Felix stood impassively as they laughed and joked. "Alpha!" Missy squealed, spotting Liam. He watched them. Missy ran to him.

"Thank you for letting my friends play here today, Alpha Liam! Luna made us snacks, and we had so much fun!" she exclaimed.

Liam chuckled. "Of course, Missy. Thank you for keeping Luna busy," he said.

Missy's smile widened. "But your mom's here to take me home. Why don't you run along?" She hugged Azalea before leaving. Felix rolled his eyes.

Once she left, Liam embraced Azalea. "Hello, Little Luna," he whispered.

"Hi," she murmured.

"I should warn you, I'm just a messenger," he linked.

She pulled back, confused. He chuckled. "Someone's coming for you. Apparently, your wedding planning assistance is required?"

Lily entered. "There you are!" she exclaimed. "Come on, Alpha. Give her back later. She needs to help me pick out my wedding dress!"

Liam chuckled. "Sorry," he said.

Azalea rolled her eyes as he kissed her. Lily pulled her away. Their dress shopping trip had been delayed; Lily was done waiting.

"Come on, if I have to do this with Mrs. Hale, I need backup!" she said. They headed for the door.

"Can I grab my bag and coat?" Azalea asked.

"Already got it," Lily replied.

"Of course you did." Another friend stood at the door with their bags and coat. They loaded into the cars.

Lily, her mother Andrea, Damien's mother (Mrs. Hale), and two friends (Katy and Betty) accompanied them. Lily, Mrs. Hale, Felix, and Azalea rode together. Lily had insisted Felix join them, but Liam wouldn't budge. Felix drove; Lily sat beside him. Azalea didn't mind; Mrs. Hale was kind and one of the few older pack members who accepted her.

They soon arrived at the bridal boutique. Felix remained in a corner as they went to the fitting area. Lily tried on dresses her mother, then Katy and Betty, had chosen, but disliked them all. Mrs. Hale kept asking questions, trying to help, but Lily grew frustrated.

After about 25 dresses, Lily was upset. Azalea browsed, when Mrs. Hale approached with a dress.

"Here," she said. "Suggest this. I think it's perfect."

"Why don't you show her?" Azalea asked.

"She won't like it from me, but I have a feeling," Mrs. Hale said, smiling thoughtfully. Azalea took the dress to Lily.

Lily reluctantly tried it on but emerged awestruck. Mrs. Hale was right; it was perfect. The dress hugged Lily's curves beautifully, accentuating her figure without sacrificing femininity. The simple, girlish details weren't overdone. They were stunned.

Azalea looked at Mrs. Hale, who admired her future daughter-in-law with a loving smile. Azalea felt a pang of sadness; she'd never have that kind of motherly love.

"Azalea, where did you find this?"

Azalea shook her head. "Lily, I'd love the credit, but it was all Mrs. Hale," she said, smiling.

Lily looked at Mrs. Hale, shocked. Mrs. Hale smiled. "I didn't mean to annoy you, darling. I hoped to find the details you wanted," she said, pausing. "You make my son so happy. You're better than Declan and I could have wished for. I just wanted to help you find a dress that made you feel as beautiful on the outside as we know you are inside."

Lily's eyes welled, and she hugged Mrs. Hale. Lily's mother smiled.

They quickly took measurements and purchased the dress; it fit almost perfectly. On their way back, Lily and Mrs. Hale excitedly discussed wedding plans. Azalea sat quietly, watching their bond. Felix kept glancing at her in the rearview mirror, looking away when she noticed.

Damien and Liam waited. Lily rushed into Damien's arms. After saying goodbye to their mothers, they disappeared. Liam and Felix had a silent conversation before Liam and Azalea went to their room.

"I made you dinner," Liam said as they climbed the stairs.

"You did?" she asked, smiling.

"Damien helped, but yes. We figured you girls might not have eaten. It's upstairs, ready," he said, smiling, though his eyes held a hint of caution.

"You two are so sweet," she said. They were wonderfully thoughtful mates. In their room, she hung up her coat and joined Liam on the sofa. He eyed her carefully. "So, what's for dinner?" she asked, ignoring his gaze.

He revealed a beautifully grilled fish with braised vegetables. "This looks amazing, Liam! Where did you learn to cook this?" she asked, amazed.

He smiled. "That bear of a Beta has hidden talents. He helped," Liam explained. She took a bite.

"Mmm," she moaned. "This is amazing!" They ate.

"So, how was dress shopping? I assume she found one, given her happiness?"

"It was great. And yes, Mrs. Hale picked the winner," she said.

"I bet she wasn't happy about that," he said.

"Actually, I think they bonded," she said, smiling. He gave her another odd look. She set down her plate. "Alright. Tell me. What is it? Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

"No… It's nothing…" he tried.

"What did Felix say?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

He looked nervous, setting down his plate. He brushed her hair behind her ear and looked into her eyes, sadness evident. "He said you seemed sad watching Lily with her mom and Mrs. Hale…." he sighed. Her face fell. "I was worried you might be upset. With your parents gone and mine… less than welcoming… I was worried…" He cupped her face.

She covered his hand. "I'm okay. I was a little sad. I won't lie, it crossed my mind that I'd never have a mom to do that with. And like you said, your parents don't care for me. I can't imagine them accepting an invitation if we decide to get married."

"I'm so sorry, baby. I wish I could make them see how amazing you are. You don't deserve their hostility."

"It's okay. Liam, you're enough for me," she said, reassuring him. He embraced her.