I woke up in the firm embrace of my handsome mate. I smiled at his sweet face, patiently waiting. "What time is it?" I asked.

He chuckled. "About thirty minutes after your first summons of the day." His nose nuzzled my neck as his hands roamed my body.

"What does that mean?" I asked, becoming distracted.

"Lily's been up for almost an hour and, apparently, being away from Damien last night has her worked up. She linked me thirty minutes ago to get me to send you down to her," he explained.

"Is she okay?"

"Mmm. I'm sure she'll be okay for the next ten or twenty minutes" he said, kissing my neck. I giggled at his attentions. He shifted my shirt, accessing my collarbone, and kissed it. I hummed in appreciation.

Before things could become more heated, we heard banging on the door. Liam paused, then continued. The banging persisted. "Arghhhh," he finally groaned, lifting his head.

I giggled. "I guess she won't be okay," I said, still laughing. He gave me a dangerous look.

"Come on, Alpha Boy! Give me the Luna, or no one gets hurt!" Lily's voice boomed through the door.

He grumbled, "You know, she's the only person in this whole pack house who gets away with talking to me like that."

I smiled. "Awww, don't kid yourself. You're a big softy, my Alpha." His eyes darkened. "No, no, no. No funny business. The bridesmaids are doing her makeup while I do her hair. And we need to steam the dress." Liam pouted.

Lily yelled again, pounding on the door, "Liam, open the door! Let her go, or I'll kick your butt!"

He grumbled, rolling off me and grabbing a shirt, "I could take her" I got up and slipped on sweatpants. He headed for the door as I pulled my messy waves into a floppy bun.

Opening the door, he said to an irritable Lily, "You could have given me ten more minutes. She's MY mate."

Lily crossed her arms. "And it's MY wedding day. Blushing, best-friend bride beats mate today," she said, sticking out her tongue. I laughed from behind Liam.

I said from behind Liam, "Alright, you two. I love you both. Now let's get along." He turned to me, pouting like a puppy.

He stuck out his lip, wrapping his arms around me. I looked up into his clear blue eyes.

"Aww. My mighty Alpha, it's time to leave me. I'm sure Felix is already on his way. You should go do whatever the groomsmen are doing until the wedding. I'll see you at the ceremony," I said, pecking his pouty mouth.

"Fine," he said, his head drooping before perking up. He showered me with kisses before releasing me, leaving me smiling at his sweetness.

Lily called as he left, "The suits are already in our room, and Damien's waiting. Austin should be coming any time." She rushed in and hugged me. "Thank you so much for helping this week and today. I've been going absolutely crazy. I'm so excited and nervous," she said. Katy, Betty, and Felix stood in the doorway, waiting.

"Of course, Lil. Where else would I be?" I said. She broke away and turned to them.

The girls and I used Liam and my room to get ready; the boys were in Damien and Lily's. Katy was the Maid of Honor; Betty, the only other bridesmaid. I wasn't a bridesmaid because we lacked the time to get a dress or another groomsman to match. Lily, Liam, and Damien hadn't told me Jacob had flatly refused to be the third groomsman if paired with me. I'd overheard Damien, Liam, and Jacob arguing about it outside Liam's office one day. Felix gave me a sad look as we stood outside the door. I didn't mind; I'd be sitting with the parents in the front row.

We pampered Lily before getting ready. Lily's mother had sent someone to do her nails. Once that was done, the girls worked on her makeup, and I did her hair. I wasn't a professional, but she'd asked me. She said my hair always looked "effortlessly elegant," which made me giggle. Once Lily was finished, I helped the other girls. Felix sat near the door, per Liam's request, I'm sure. He would join me at the wedding until after the ceremony.

Once Lily and her bridal party were ready, Lily and I helped Katy and Betty into their dresses. Felix left. They were gorgeous light blue dresses with silver swirling on the busts. They had one strap, skirts that flowed to knee-length in the front and floor-length in the back, and matching silver heels.

I left Katy and Betty to help Lily into her dress and quickly got ready. I chose the long-sleeved wrap dress Lily had gotten me. It was silver with sequin designs on the skirt. I was thankful for the sleeves.

Liam linked me. "How are you doing, sweetheart?" I smiled.

"We're almost ready. I miss you," I linked back.

"I'd be happy to come save you."

"No, stay down there. I won't actually get dressed if you come up."

"But that's how I like it." I could hear the lust even through the link.

"Can you send Austin up soon? Felix should get ready too," I asked sweetly.

"Fine," he said.

I got dressed quickly and did my hair. A photographer was coming for before-ceremony pictures in thirty minutes. I emerged to find Lily's mother and Mrs. Hale with everyone.

Mrs. Hale said, "Oh Azalea, there you are! Darling, that dress is beautiful!" I smiled warmly.

"Well, Lily picked it out, so all credit goes to her," I said.

"Liam will love it," she said warmly, making me blush.

"I just need to slip into the bathroom for a minute to do my hair," I said.

Austin entered, winking at me as I escaped to the bathroom. The photographer arrived, took many photos, and left with Felix and Austin. The mothers left with them. Lily fidgeted nervously.

"You okay?" I asked, coming up behind her.

She said quietly, "Yeah, just nervous."

"What are you nervous about?"

She sighed. "Before Damien and I found each other, no one ever looked at me twice. I had a few close friends, but I never held anyone's attention for long. I guess some part of me is waiting for him to forget about me, too."

I told her, "Oh, Lil. That will never happen. Every time you're in a room with Damien, his eyes are on you. When you walk in, his attention goes to you instantly. You have him wrapped around your finger, and nothing has ever made him happier. He told Liam he hopes the pup is a girl who looks exactly like her mom. Damien is your forever, and you shouldn't worry about it."

Her eyes teared up. She hugged me tight. "Thank you," she whispered.

Felix entered. "Luna, it's time to go down," he said flatly.

"One day he'll loosen up," Lily laughed as we separated.

"You ready now?" I asked, smiling.

"Yeah," she said, smiling radiantly. "Let's go."

Lily, Katy, and Betty followed Felix and me downstairs. They waited in the hall while Felix and I took our seats. Someone behind us grumbled about the wall. I giggled, noticing Felix blush. Damien, Liam, and Austin entered and stood before the altar. Liam looked handsome. He winked at me, and I blushed. I hope I never stop feeling this way around him.

The music started. Katy and Betty entered. Everyone stood, waiting for Lily. Lily entered, and while everyone looked at her, I turned to Damien. I'd never seen him so happy and amazed. His eyes were brimming with tears of joy.

After the ceremony, the bridal party left for photos. I stayed with Felix while the hall was converted for the reception. I helped Lily's mother and Mrs. Hale but was interrupted by Felix.

"Miss Lily is asking for you," he said.

"Oh, okay. Let's go," I said.

He led me to the back terrace. It was cold, but Liam was by my side immediately. "Lily wanted pictures with both of us," he said, smiling.

"Of course," I said, smiling at him.

"I missed you," he said, smiling down at me.

"I missed you, too."

"You look incredible, sweetheart." I smiled. I tilted my face up, and his came down for a tender kiss.

Lily and the photographer positioned us for multiple pictures. Everyone else went inside. Some pictures were of the four of us; some, of Lily and me. Finally, Lily asked for a few of Liam and me. We complied, changing positions.

As the photographer snapped pictures, Liam moved. I looked at him; he was kneeling, facing me. "What are you doing?" I asked quietly. He smiled sweetly.

"Azalea, you're the love of my life. You challenge me to be a better man and Alpha. You amaze and surprise me. Things haven't been the best for us, and I still have much to make up for. I hope you'll give me that opportunity by marrying me," he said, producing a ring box.

My hands covered my mouth in shock. I saw Damien with his arms around Lily, smiling knowingly. They'd helped him plan this. I looked back at Liam. He opened the box, revealing a beautiful diamond ring. "Liam…" I said breathlessly.

He smiled. "What do you say, baby? Will you be my Luna?"

Words wouldn't form. Tears welled in my eyes. I nodded enthusiastically. He smiled wider, scooping me into a hug and swinging me around. He kissed me fervently. When we broke apart, I realized the photographer had captured everything. He set me down and removed the ring. I held out my hand as he slipped it on my finger.

"I love you so much, Azalea," he whispered, kissing me again.

"I love you too, Liam," I said. I wrapped my arms around his neck and melted into his embrace.

He said, pulling away, "As much as I want to disappear to our room with my fiancée, we should probably head in. It's cold, and everyone's waiting."

I smiled and nodded. He wrapped his arm around me as Damien and Lily joined us. We entered the hall while Damien and Lily waited to be announced. We sat at our table facing everyone. Liam stood to announce the bridal party. Once everyone was seated, we began dinner.

After dinner, it was time for speeches. Damien stood. "Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. I couldn't be happier to marry the love of my life. Before toasts, I need to congratulate someone else. It's my pleasure to inform everyone that my best friend and Alpha has proposed to his mate, and she's accepted. Everyone, put your hands together for the future Mr. and Mrs. Liam Blackfur!" My cheeks flamed. Liam stood and pulled me up, wrapping his arms around me.

Everyone clapped and cheered. I was shocked. Even the former Alpha and Luna clapped. Liam leaned over and kissed me, earning more cheers. He smiled, and I smiled back.

Liam and the Maid of Honor made toasts, followed by their parents. After toasts, Damien and Lily had their first dance. The cake was cut and served, and everyone mingled. Liam took me to the dance floor, and we danced. He was graceful, making me look good.

We were stopped by people congratulating us and talking to Liam about pack business. I stood by his side. Finally, I needed the restroom.

I linked him, "Liam, I need to run to the restroom."

He linked back, "Okay, I'll take you."

"No, stay here and talk. You're better at this than I am."

"Are you sure? I don't like you being alone. If you can wait a minute, I'll get Austin or Felix."

"No, no, no. Don't bother them. I'm not leaving the pack house. I'll be back in a few minutes." I smiled. He pecked my lips before letting me go.

I went to the bathrooms. Luckily, no one stopped me. The bathroom was empty when I entered. Gwen entered. I blanched.

She said nastily, "If it isn't the newly engaged Luna-to-be."

"Gwen, please, I don't want to do this," I said quietly. She stood between me and the exit.

"Oh, but I do. You're not only a wolf-less traitor, but you also became Luna, and Liam proposed to you. How did you convince Liam and the pack you aren't a traitor?"

I shook my head. "Please stop…"

"No, I won't! Liam is supposed to be mine! I'm a Beta's daughter! He's an Alpha! It makes sense! We should have been mates. I should be on his arm. He should be proposing to me!" She advanced. "But no, the Moon Goddess fated me to a loser who rejected me! Then she gives my mate to a worthless hag like you! And I get sent away by Daddy because I disagree! You're lucky that hunter caught me before I got to you that night. But your time has run out."

She held a knife. "Liam, help," I tried to link.

"G-Gwen, you r-really d-don't want t-to do this…"

"That's just it; I really do. I've wanted to do this for a while."

"Think about this b-before you c-can't take it back. L-Liam is my m-mate… I n-never wanted t-to hurt y-you…" There was pounding on the door.

I grabbed for the knife, but my hand was sliced. "Ah!" I yelped, clutching my hand. The cut burned. Her attention returned to me; she smirked.

"I wonder how long it will take him to get through that door? I didn't know if I'd get this chance after yesterday. I'm surprised he left you alone. Does he really think you could do anything against me?"

I heard Liam's muffled shouts. The pounding grew harder. My hand burned, and the cut oozed blood.

"It was dumb luck, too. I guessed he'd have a guard on you. Not like an Alpha has time to babysit. It must have crossed his mind how weak a Luna you are needing a guard unable to defend yourself even from a little knife…" She slashed at me. I brought up my arm, catching the blade instead of my face. My arm burned and bled. A scream escaped my lips. The banging grew louder.

"I was just going to take care of you last night. Especially after watching you play nice with my parents. What did you think? You could waltz into my pack and take my mate and family?"

"Please, Gwen…" My arm burned.

The door burst open, and Gwen lunged at me. I ducked, but the knife caught me across my shoulder. I fell, scrambling away. Four bodies were over us instantly. I felt warmth as I opened my eyes to Liam pulling me to him. Austin stood between us and Gwen. Felix and Damien held Gwen down.

Liam shouted, "Get her out of here now! Restrain her!" Austin helped Felix and Damien. They pulled a kicking, screaming Gwen to her feet and out of the room. Liam's attention turned to me. "Show me the cuts," he said quickly. "We need to get these looked at," he said somberly. Everything still burned, but I didn't want to move.

"Wait," I said. "Just hold me for a minute," I said. I held onto Liam as his arms wrapped around me. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the cuts. A warm sensation flowed through me, and the burning subsided. After a couple of minutes, there was almost no pain. I opened my eyes and examined my palm. The cut was almost completely healed.

Liam asked, baffled, "Did you just…"

"I think so…" I said, surprised. "I didn't know if it would work. But something told me to hold onto you and try it…"

"You really are full of surprises…" he said, burying his face in my neck. "I was so worried when you called for help. Then I felt her cut you. Azalea, I thought I was going to die if I couldn't get to you."

"But you did. You always do…" He lifted his head and kissed me tenderly.

He asked, once we broke apart, "I have to deal with Gwen. Do you want Felix to take you upstairs?"

"Does this have to be done now? The wedding…" I didn't want to ruin Damien's night.

"Yes, baby, it does. She attempted to take your life. I heard what she said. She's troubled and a danger to you and this pack. She can't go unpunished this time," he said.

"What do you mean by 'this time'? And what did she mean by 'the hunter got to her'?" I asked.

He sighed. "She tried to get to you before, when we were apart. Before I could apologize and beg you to come back, she went after you. The hunter got to her first. He left her half-dead at our borders. She was found in time. I warned her to never come near you or try anything again. Declan sent her away after that. That's where she's been since before you got kidnapped by Kol," he explained.

"Oh," I said.

"I need to take care of this now. Do you want to stay with me or go upstairs with Felix?"

"Can I stay with you?"

He smiled. "I think I might prefer that." He scooped me into his arms. We left the bathroom, and Felix appeared. "She's been restrained in your office," he said gruffly. He eyed me in Liam's arms.

"She's okay," Liam said. He nodded and looked forward. We reached Liam's office door, and I stopped him.

"Wait," I said. "Let me walk," I asked.

He looked at me concerned. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "It's not like you or Felix are going to let me fall." I wanted to walk in and show her she didn't get to me. I wanted to show her I was stronger than she thought. Liam set me on my feet. After a moment, I got my bearings and nodded to him.

This revised text maintains the original's storytelling while improving grammar, punctuation, and word choice for clarity and flow. I have also removed the censored words, as their inclusion doesn't significantly impact the narrative's clarity. If you want these words reinstated, let me know and I can add them back in.