LIAM

All too soon, other packs began arriving for the summit. Azalea had done a fantastic job with the preparations. I never doubted her, but I’d tried to avoid adding to her workload. I was glad she stepped in, though, because I couldn't have managed it alone, especially without my Beta.

Damien still slept, though my uncle reported improvement. Lily claimed he’d gripped her hand the other day, but my uncle thought it involuntary. I wasn't sure who wanted him awake more, Lily or Delilah. I was completely surprised when Delilah confronted me at dinner, punching me in the stomach for not protecting her father. I knew she was upset and struggling to cope, but it still hurt.

Langston and Emma had already arrived with their warriors, ready to help us welcome and settle everyone. Summit participants would begin arriving within the hour; a welcome dinner was scheduled for this evening, followed by discussions tomorrow. The closer it got, the more nervous I became.

“My Alpha,” Azalea’s singsong voice echoed in my mind.

“Yes, Little Luna?”

“Would you join me in our room for a minute?”

Confused, I left my office and went upstairs. Gavin had been agitated for a couple of days, suspicious of these unfamiliar packs. He was convinced our pups were in danger with so many strangers around.

Entering the bedroom, Azalea emerged from the bathroom, shaking out her gingery curls. She looked beautiful, sophisticated, and powerful. She was effortlessly perfect, always leaving me speechless.

“Let me fix you,” she said, approaching me. She took my wrists and rolled up my dress shirt cuffs. “Still business, but now also, ‘I take care of business.’ ” She smiled brightly.

“Where are Azly and the boys?” I asked.

“Your mother came to collect them. She’ll watch Azly tonight, and your father is taking the boys to the city for dinner and a movie,” she explained.

“Good,” I said. Gavin became even more anxious with our pups away.

When she finished, she gently pushed my chest, indicating I should move back. “Sit,” she commanded as we reached the bed. I sat, bringing myself to her eye level. “Let me talk to Gavin, please,” she requested.

“Little Luna, what are you up to?” I asked.

“Liam, please,” she said, placing a hand on her hip and giving me an expectant look.

“Okay, okay,” I relented. I let Gavin come forward; he needed no encouragement.

“Little Mate,” he growled.

“Gavin, we need to talk about the next couple of days,” Azalea said. He nodded.

“Our pups will be with people I trust to keep them safe,” she continued. Gavin frowned. “I can’t very well ensure everything goes smoothly if I’m chasing after two boys and tending to a baby, can I?”

When Gavin didn’t respond, she stepped between us, wrapping her arms around our necks. “I promise to stay with Azeron or Felix all weekend.”

“Stay in my sight,” he demanded.

“I’ll do my best, deal?” she countered. Gavin studied her face for a moment before nodding. She smiled sweetly before leaning in to kiss him. I reasserted control, not wanting Gavin to push it, as she was still recovering from Azly’s birth.

“And how do you feel now?” she asked, pulling away.

“A little better,” I admitted.

“Great,” she said. “Let’s get downstairs. You have guests to greet.”

The access points worked well. While there was some frustration waiting to enter our territory, many Alphas understood the security needs. Maddox, Felix, Sean, and several other warriors escorted each arriving group to the packhouse, where Azalea and I greeted them before Abigail, Emma, and Missy took them to their accommodations. Guests going to Langston’s pack traveled there in groups with Langston’s Beta and his mate.

The representatives were a diverse group. Among the first to arrive were the Alpha and Beta from Timber Ridges Pack. Jett Huxley, the Alpha, offered his regrets that his Luna couldn't attend due to prior commitments. He seemed odd, avoiding eye contact, unlike other Alphas I’d met. His Beta, Lance, was quiet.

Azalea was captivated by the Luna of Stary Pack. Quinn was a sweet woman with vibrant blue hair and a freckled face framed by large, square glasses. Her mate, Alpha Michael Johnson, was reserved but capable, with extensive knowledge of defensive tactics, according to our research. The pair were an unusual but well-suited couple.

One pack sent only their Luna and a warrior. Luna Jessalyn explained her mate had to stay behind at the last minute, but she was fully capable of representing her pack. While unconventional, we welcomed her. She was of moderate height with a strong build, though she appeared to have recently lost weight. She had deep olive skin and long, wavy light brown hair, as if she’d just come from the beach. I was disappointed her mate hadn't come; I’d hoped he would help train and lead the united force I envisioned.

The least likable Alpha was from Midnight Shadow Pack. Located in a major urban area, I expected them to be different, but not arrogant. Alpha Aidan Lombardi was pompous from the moment he arrived, barely deigning to be present. His Beta, a female named Meadow, seemed more like a secretary than a Beta. I didn’t miss her eye-rolling and exasperated expressions.

I was surprised to meet the Alphas of Twin Thorns Pack, Andris and Karsyn. We lacked information on them, as they were located northwest along the coast. They were mates, both fulfilling the Alpha role. It was a unique dynamic. Azalea found them sweet; I worried about convincing two Alphas to join my cause.

The oddest arrival was the Twilight Dawn Pack. They arrived in wolf form, except for one member, who rode on another’s back. Felix was skeptical from the moment he collected them. The only unshifted member, Salali (or Lala), explained their pack’s deep-rooted traditions and infrequent shifting. She acted as translator. She introduced the chestnut brown wolf as Diwali (Alpha), the light brown wolf with white socks as Adsila (Luna), and the black and grey wolf as Mohe (Beta). Their unconventional arrival attracted attention, but Salali was courteous and friendly. They refused indoor lodging, preferring to sleep under the Goddess’s eye.

AZALEA

The arrivals went almost flawlessly. Everyone performed their duties well, and Liam and I greeted each guest. There were many interesting characters, but I was confident Liam could persuade many to help us.

I tried to leave Liam to check on Miss Marci and her kitchen volunteers, but Gavin insisted on Liam staying within his sight. Fortunately, Missy and Maddox returned and offered to check on the welcome dinner preparations.

“I’m sure everything’s fine,” Liam assured me as we headed for the back lawn. “We need to mingle.”

“I know,” I said. The back lawn was the only space large enough to accommodate everyone. We had tables and tents set up, providing covered seating. While the next two days’ discussions and meetings were closed to regular pack members, they would also be held outdoors.

“Missy says the food is on track,” Liam told me.

“Good,” I said. It was a relief, but now came my least favorite part.

As we approached, many guests had already arrived and were mingling. Emma and Langston were speaking with Alpha Jett and Beta Lance. Alpha Jett seemed distracted, his eyes repeatedly scanning the crowd. We made eye contact, and a strange look crossed his face before he quickly looked away.

Liam led us to Alphas Andris and Karsyn, who were chatting with Alpha Michael and others. “Good evening,” Liam said.

“Alpha Liam, I was impressed with the inn. The staff was excellent, and the town was lovely,” Alpha Michael said.

“That praise belongs to my Luna. She owns and operates the Blue Moon Inn and is a vital part of that town,” Liam said, smiling at me. I blushed as I nodded.

“Luna Azalea, you have a top-notch staff,” Alpha Michael continued.

“It’s like a second home, and I owe much of it to Lemon,” I said.

“Do you and your mate have children?” Alpha Karsyn asked. Alpha Andris protectively put his arm around Karsyn’s waist.

“Yes. You met my eldest today; Missy is our oldest, and the others are with their grandparents,” Liam explained.

“The lovely young lady with the warrior boy who had googly eyes?” Alpha Karsyn asked.

“Your eldest is a girl?” Alpha Michael asked.

“That’s quite uncommon,” Alpha Andris added.

“Yes, Missy is our eldest, and Maddox is her mate. They recently turned seventeen,” Liam said.

“How beautiful,” Alpha Karsyn said. “It took me years to find Andris.”

“My mate and I knew each other before mating age,” Michael smiled.

“Where’s Luna Quinn?” I asked.

“Oh, she’s wandering around, probably scribbling in her notebook,” Michael said, unconcerned. I searched for her blue hair. I spotted her near the trees, furiously writing.

“I’ll be right back,” I told Liam through the link. He initially wouldn’t let go of my waist.

“Where are you going?” he asked, nervously.

“Just over there. Azeron will come with me,” I reassured him. He reluctantly released me, and I excused myself. I heard someone chuckle about Azeron following me.

I approached Luna Quinn, noticing she was too close to the prison entrance. It was best to keep people away from it.

“Hello,” I said.

“Oh, Luna Azalea,” she said, looking up.

“I hope everything’s okay,” I said.

“Oh yes! Your pack land is beautiful, and everyone is so interesting!” she exclaimed.

“Yes,” I laughed. “It’s a diverse crowd. May I ask what you were writing?”

“Oh, this?” she asked, pointing to her notebook. “It’s a bit silly, really.”

“I’m sure it’s not,” I assured her.

“Humans think werewolves are fiction unless they’re mated to one. I’m an author who writes ‘fiction’ about werewolves,” she said, using air quotes.

“So you write about actual werewolves and sell it as fiction? Isn’t that dangerous? It reveals information about us.” I asked.

“Oh,” she laughed. “I change details and add other things to throw them off our trail.”

“Luna, dinner’s about to begin,” Azeron said quietly.

“Well, you’re more interesting than I thought. How about we head to dinner?”

“I love food. Please,” she said, smiling.