We pulled into the pack house driveway. It was snowing heavily. Winter had officially arrived. Dinner had been manageable; I'd had to subtly calm Liam a few times by rubbing his leg under the table, but overall, it went well.

He was quiet on the drive home, simply holding my hand. I didn't pressure him to talk; I knew he needed time to himself. When we parked, he remained still for a moment. I turned to him, curious.

"Thank you for tonight," he finally said.

"Of course, Liam. I didn't do much," I replied.

"But you did. My father and I have had a strained relationship for a long time, even before I knew you were my mate. Tonight, you brought us together, despite being a previous point of contention," he said, brushing my hair from my face. "You displayed more elegance as Luna tonight than my mother ever has. I'm so proud of you."

I blushed. "I just want everyone to get along. I hate seeing you upset after fighting with your father," I told him.

"Thank you, baby. You showed him how amazing you are," he said, smiling.

"Liam, what were you upset about earlier? Was it White Moon?" I asked.

He sighed. "Let's go upstairs and talk. We shouldn't stay in the car all night," he said. I nodded. He got out and opened my door, holding my hand tightly as we walked up the snowy path.

Upstairs, after changing, he sat on the couch. I curled up beside him, letting him drape his arm over me. "Are you ready to talk?" I asked softly. He sighed.

"I guess," he said, pausing. "We sent a messenger to White Moon to inform them we were holding their Delta until they released any wolves who wished to join us, along with the Delta's mate and pup. They were given three days before we would consider them enemies."

I nodded. "Okay, that seems reasonable…"

Liam closed his eyes and rubbed his temple. "They sent his head back this morning…"

I gasped. Liam looked at me. "I didn't want to tell you, but there was a note saying they were coming for you…"

"Why am I so important? I don't understand…" I whispered.

"I don't know why they want you, baby," he said, pulling me closer. "But they won't get you. Tomorrow, I'm leading warriors to White Moon." I looked into his eyes; I could see his reluctance.

"Is there nothing else we can do?" I whispered. He shook his head. "Promise you'll come back to me?" I asked, burying my face in his neck.

"Always," he murmured into my hair. He held me for a moment. "I need you to stay with Felix while I'm gone. I've arranged for him to protect you. I know it'll be annoying, but can you handle that?"

I nodded. His concern for my safety worried me about his own. He shifted me onto his lap. "I'm sorry about all this, Azalea."

I shook my head. "It isn't your fault."

"I'm always afraid something will break you. I don't know why I doubt you," he said, running his fingers through my hair. He kissed me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he pulled me closer.

He lifted me, carrying me to the bed. He lay down, pulling me on top of him. "I just want to hold you tonight," he whispered.

I cuddled closer. That's all I wanted, too.

Three days had passed since Liam left. I hoped he'd return soon, but we'd heard nothing. Our link seemed to have a distance limit. The day after he left, I saw Damien and Lily off to their honeymoon. Austin and I were managing the pack.

For two days, I kept busy. I helped around the pack house and with pack members. Mrs. Hale invited me to lunch. It was pleasant; I assured her I was fine after everything with Gwen. She introduced me to her book club friends. We spent hours discussing books and authors; they invited me to their next meeting.

My busy schedule only masked my sadness. By the third day, I was heartbroken and didn't want to leave bed. I spent much of the day staring listlessly at a book I couldn't read. Missy came up after dinner and asked for help making brownies. I was in the kitchen, chopping chocolate and frosting.

"Do you think Delta Austin will like these?" Missy asked excitedly.

I giggled. Felix cracked a small smile. "Yes, he will. He loves everything you make!"

After finishing, I helped Missy plate the brownies and watched her take them to Austin. I cleaned up while Felix helped with the dishes.

"One of these days, I'll get you to speak in more than one-word answers," I said, glancing at him. He smirked and nodded.

"Want a brownie? I saved some…" I offered. He shrugged and turned, but I knew he'd eat one later. Austin entered, hand-in-hand with a smiling Missy, holding an empty plate. I gave him a knowing look.

"Someone made me eat every bite," he said happily.

"I'm sure it was a sacrifice," I said sarcastically.

"Someone has to do the hard jobs," he replied playfully. I laughed; Missy looked confused. "I need to get back to Abigail; she wasn't feeling well."

I nodded, glancing at the clock. He gave Missy a hug before leaving. I looked at Missy. "Is your mom coming? It's late."

Her cheeks flushed. "I don't know, Luna. She didn't come home last night, so I came to the pack house, like Alpha Liam said I could," she whispered. I knelt.

"Missy, would you like to stay tonight? I can call your mom tomorrow?" I asked. She nodded shyly. "You're always welcome here. You can call me, Alpha Liam, Delta Austin, or even grumpy Felix if your mom doesn't come home." She looked at Felix, who nodded. She smiled.

"Thanks, Luna," she said, hugging me. I took her hand.

"Let's get you some pajamas," I said, leading her to a spare room.

Two days passed caring for Missy. I didn't mind; it kept me busy while waiting for Liam. But I was worried. I'd tried contacting her mother with no luck. Austin sent a patrol wolf to her house; no one was there. I'd just put Missy to bed and was in my bathroom when the door opened. It wasn't Felix; the scent of fresh forest filled the air. My heart stopped.

"Hi, Little Luna," Liam said, his voice a husky drawl. I ran to him, launching myself into his arms. He spun me around. Feeling him again eased my tension. "Did you miss me?" he murmured into my neck.

He set me down, and I looked into his blue eyes. He wiped away tears from my cheeks. "Don't cry, Little Luna. I'm back, and I'm okay," he whispered.

"I missed you and Gavin so much," I said. He rested his forehead against mine.

"We missed you even more," he said.

"Have you eaten? Need a shower?" I asked.

"That can wait. Right now, I need you in my arms," he said, smiling.

"I'd like that," I replied. He kissed me, picking me up. I wrapped my arms around him. Warmth spread through me as his kiss ignited sparks. He carried me to the bed.

When he finally broke the kiss, I saw one of his eyes was a normal bright blue, the other a dark, lustful blue – Gavin's influence. My concern must have shown.

"It's okay. Gavin wanted to see you, too. We can both be present for short periods," he said, nuzzling my nose.

"Wow, that's amazing," I whispered.

"No, Little Mate, you are amazing," he said, kissing me again.

Hours later, we lay in bed, cuddling. I listened to his heartbeat.

"How did it go?" I asked. He'd been quiet and thoughtful.

"Better than expected," he said.

"What do you mean?"

"Jacob and Felix should be finished, but we have about thirty new pack members," he said, smiling.

I sat up. "How? They declared war…" I couldn't articulate my shock, even though this was accepted in wolf culture.

"When we arrived, the Delta was mostly truthful. The pack was almost destroyed. The 'leaders' were terrible. Every adult and child was slaving away, repairing homes. We found about fifty people. They were given scraps of food twice a day. We managed to get a teenage girl to cooperate. She helped us inform those who wanted to leave. We saved thirty; the rest fought, and we did what we had to."

"And my grandmother?" I asked.

"She fought until the end…" he said, shaking his head.

"And the Delta's family?"

"We rescued them. They'll be reunited soon. I came ahead to see you."

"And the warriors?"

"Minor injuries. They'll be fine by tomorrow," he said, smiling.

"Oh, Liam," I said, hugging him.

"Once I saw what was happening, I knew I couldn't let you down. They needed help," he said into my hair.

"I wish I could have helped, but I'm glad you saved some…"

"A couple are injured, but they'll heal with food and rest."

I sat up again. "Can I help?"