Once Liam calmed down, we went outside for lunch. Before reaching the back door, Azeron joined us, and I sensed a silent exchange between him and Liam, likely related to Felix's perceived threat. Outside, Maddox and Missy were arguing quietly; Robert was absent.
Liam led us to our table, avoiding conversation. We weren't unnoticed for long. Alphas and Betas from various packs approached, seeking details Liam supposedly omitted. One even demanded proof we weren't hiding Damien; Liam firmly refused to parade them through the pack clinic.
Langston and Emma arrived later, confirming the evidence of Warwick's latest message was ready for the reconvened meeting. Liam announced a brief recess to address everyone's concerns.
Austin, Jacob, and Gentry joined us, followed by Felix. "We should all be on the same page before we begin," Langston stated. Liam nodded.
He pulled me aside. "Just a moment with my mate," he said, kissing me softly. Out of earshot, he pulled me close and whispered, "Please keep Azeron close."
"Liam, what's worrying you and Felix?" I asked.
He shook his head. "It's a feeling, but I need these packs' help. I can't defeat Warwick with only Langston. I owe it to Damien, and I won't succeed without their assistance."
"I'll keep Azeron close, but where's Felix?"
"He suspects Warwick sent someone after me. He'll watch from the crowd. He also followed my father home."
"You really think someone would attack you openly?"
"It seems unlikely, but Warwick might want to make a statement," he explained.
"But there are no vampires here. We checked everyone," I argued, growing worried.
"Stay with Azeron. You and Emma should stay in the background. If either of us is attacked, we don't want you involved. Maddox is keeping Missy at the back, out of sight." He kissed me softly before rejoining the group. Emma joined me.
"Overprotective men worrying about our safety when things heat up?" she smiled.
I chuckled. "They do that, don't they?"
"Alphas," she said, rolling her eyes. We laughed.
"I'll get lemonade. We barely ate. Want to come?" I asked. Things were escalating, but if Liam wanted me away, I could spare a few minutes. I was hungry.
"Sure," Emma agreed. "Langston was busy; we barely ate either." We headed towards the kitchen.
Halfway to the packhouse, someone called, "Excuse me, Luna?" Emma and I stopped. Azeron moved closer. Alpha Jett and Beta Lance approached.
"Yes?" I asked.
"We need your help," Jett said.
"An issue in our room," Lance explained, looking sweaty. "We couldn't speak with you earlier."
"I'm sorry. What's wrong?"
"Best to show you," Jett said, glancing at Azeron.
"Tell my Luna and return to the discussions," Azeron said lowly.
"Showing her is easiest," Jett insisted. "It'll only take a minute, Luna Azalea."
"Tell her," Azeron repeated. I felt uneasy. Lance looked at us strangely.
"I insist she comes with me," Jett said, lunging. Azeron pulled me back; I stumbled as he engaged Jett.
I heard a shriek; Lance had Emma. "Don't hurt her!" I yelled. Azeron fought Jett, struggling. "Luna, run!" he shouted. A sharp pain shot up my leg. "Liam!"
MISSY
"No, Maddox, I won't hide! If Felix thinks someone's attacking my parents, we're staying to help!" I argued.
"Missy, please, your dad told me to take you back. If anything happens, go to your grandparents!" Maddox pleaded.
"No," I hissed, stamping my foot. We stood aside. My father and others were in a circle.
"Argh," he grumbled. "Why can't you listen? Do you want your dad and Felix mad at me?"
"I don't 'just listen.' Two extra wolves are better than one," I retorted. Maddox rubbed his face.
"She has a point," Holland said.
"You're not taking his side," I said.
"So what if I am?" Holland argued. "Tom would feel better if we followed directions."
I rolled my eyes. Maddox looked towards the front, checking for our presence. "Where's Luna and Azeron? They were here," he said, scanning the crowd.
"Emma's gone too," I said, confused.
"Where did they go?" Maddox asked.
"I don't know. I thought they'd stay with Liam and Langston…" I felt uneasy.
"Shit," Maddox said, meeting Felix's gaze. "Stay here. I'll be back." He approached Felix. I watched them whisper.
"I'll check on Lea and Emma; they went to the packhouse. I'll make sure Lea's okay," I linked Maddox, but he didn't reply.
Instead of going around, I went through the crowd. As I neared the packhouse, I heard a shriek and ran. I saw Azeron fighting; the other man held Emma.
"Let go of her!" I screamed.
"Luna, run!" Azeron yelled.
"Maddox, get my dad!" I linked, charging the man holding Emma. I slid into his legs, knocking him down. He loosened his grip; Emma escaped. I punched him; Emma moved to Lea. I focused on the man, vaguely aware of Azeron's fight. He tried to grab me. "Little bitch," he growled.
I swung again, missed, then kneed him. He lunged; I fell, but pushed him off. Felix and Maddox arrived. Felix tackled the man; Maddox reached me.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
"Lea!" I said. Liam held the man Azeron fought. Maddox pointed to Emma helping my mother.
"Missy!" my mother said.
"Mom, are you okay? Emma?" I asked. Maddox examined me.
"Who sent you?" Liam shouted. Felix had the other man pinned, unconscious.
"Please," the man gasped. "My mate."
ROBERT
I slammed the door. "Robert?" Lyssa called, irritated.
"Yeah," I called, heading to my office. She appeared, holding Azly.
"Azly's asleep," she hissed. "What are you doing here? I thought you'd be at the summit?"
I ignored her and entered my office. Lyssa followed, hands on her hips.
"What's the problem now?" she asked.
"We raised a weak, stupid boy who made a mistake marrying that weak, wolfless girl. We gave him choices, but here we are," I said.
"Not this again, Robert," she said, shaking her head. I growled. "No!" she said. "This needs to stop. Azalea may not be a strong wolf, but she's an adequate Luna, she gave us three strong grandchildren, and she's good to your son. She's never wronged this pack or your son."
"So? My son's an idiot around her," I argued.
"And you think we had no part in that?" Lyssa asked, raising her eyebrows.
I was stunned. Was she blaming us for Azalea's perceived weakness?
"It's hard to admit, but we played a part. If she was treated better, she might not be so 'weak'."
"How dare you accuse me—"
"Accuse? Robert, it's undeniable. It's a miracle she allows us near our son and grandchildren after everything. She shouldn't forgive us or her mate. Just because Azalea and Liam aren't your ideal Alpha and Luna doesn't mean they're doing a poor job."
I glared, but she held my gaze. "When you're done, the boys and I will be outside while Azly naps." She left, leaving me stunned.