LIAM

I held Jett by the throat, seeing red. How dare he try to hurt Azalea on my territory? Gavin urged me on, wanting to kill him.

"Who sent you?" I shouted, demanding answers.

"Please," he gasped, struggling against my grip. "My mate!"

"She isn't your mate!" I yelled.

"Sir, we're attracting a crowd," Azeron said, rising. Jett had put up a good fight, but Azeron kept him away from Azalea—the important thing.

"Please," Jett gasped again.

"Where is my mate?" I demanded.

"She's right here," Langston said. "She and Emma are fine. Just a sprained ankle."

"I fell, Liam. I'm okay," Azalea's voice came from behind me.

"I want answers," I said, turning to Jett.

"Let him give them in front of everyone," Azeron said, glaring at the struggling Jett. Felix, hovering over his Beta, Lance, nodded in agreement. I wanted to break Jett's neck, but I nodded.

I loosened my grip slightly, allowing him to breathe, then dragged him to the center of the stage. Felix followed, carrying Lance. The small crowd that had gathered backed away as we approached. Most people abandoned their seats to watch.

"While you debate a race war's impact on your little corner of the world, my Luna was attacked!" I shouted. The hushed conversations ceased. "Explain before I kill you for entering my territory and harming my mate!"

"He took her! He took my mate and threatened my son! The vampire has her and will only return her if I give him yours!" Jett cried, trembling. A gasp rippled through the crowd.

"Warwick took your mate?" Azalea said from behind me.

I spun around. Azeron and Langston helped her toward me. "Stay back," I warned.

"Yes, he has her!" Jett said, glancing at Azalea.

"How do we know you're not lying?" Emma asked.

"The vampire took my sister three days ago and sent photos. He's been following my nephew at college," Lance said from the floor.

"Sister?" I asked.

Jett nodded. "My mate, my Luna, is my Beta's younger sister. We have a nineteen-year-old son in college. He'll be Alpha after graduation," he explained.

"Austin!" I yelled, needing verification. I wasn't sure I could trust anyone but Langston and my pack.

"I think he's telling the truth," Austin said, joining me. "We knew he had a mate and son. He didn't RSVP with her, though."

"I was going to leave her home," Jett said. "For her safety!"

I stared at the pathetic man. "Liam, if his mate was really taken…" Azalea began softly. I shook my head; I couldn't listen.

"How?" I growled.

"Our patrol picked up a strange scent. I left late at night to help; we searched our entire packland. We're smaller than this pack, but we searched everywhere. The scent was everywhere but led nowhere," he said, his eyes pleading. "When I returned, she was gone. Photos of my son were on my desk, a note from the vampire. He said he'd keep her, and I could trade her—Luna for Luna—for your Luna. We only got your invitation two days ago. I knew nothing of you or your mate. Please, I'd do anything to save my mate. You clearly would do anything to protect yours, assigning two guards!" He gestured to Azeron and Felix.

"Alpha, if I may," Salali said. I turned. "My Alpha vouches for Alpha Huxley. He's reasonable and honorable, and he wouldn't attack you or your Luna without provocation." Her trio of wolves stood proudly.

"Alpha, may I add something?" Luna Jessalyn said, rising. She'd been quiet all day.

"Yes, Luna?"

"This threat affects every Alpha here," she said. Surprised, I watched her walk to the stage. "If I may?" I helped her onto the stage.

"We were also visited by a vampire after receiving the invitation. My mate and I disagreed; I wanted to hear the wolves of Blood Eclipse out before choosing sides, while he wanted to stay out of it," she explained. "Our night patrol also detected strange scents. I investigated; in my pack, the warriors answer to me. We searched before an intruder alert. My mate was dead on the lawn. A note was under him, naming the responsible party."

Luna Jessalyn turned to Jett. "If he kidnapped your mate, I understand why you attacked Alpha Liam. I haven't spoken yet because I haven't told my allies about my mate's death. My son and daughter are in college, and I fear for them." She offered Jett her hand. He took it, but I growled. I felt Azalea's hand on my back.

"Alpha Blackfur, I'm sorry. I had no choice. Please, I need my mate. I'm sure you understand. I'll help you fight the vampire if you help me get my Luna back," Jett pleaded.

"My warriors will help fight the vampires. They'll want revenge," Luna Jessalyn said.

"My Alpha agrees to help," Salali said. I looked at the crowd.

"While we don't condone his actions, we understand why they happened," Alpha Karsyn said.

"We'll help," Alpha Andris said. "We'll help get your mate back."

"So will we," Alpha Michael said. "If anyone threatened Quinn, they wouldn't live. But you're lucky you weren't killed. I won't tolerate such dishonorable behavior." Others nodded.

Murmurs of assent and cooperation spread. I was shocked the crowd was turning in my favor.

"See, Liam, they just needed a reason," Azalea said softly. Azeron supported her. I looked at Langston, holding Emma close. Even Langston was weaker than he used to be.

My mate looked relieved, not scared or worried. I still wanted to kill Jett, and Gavin agreed, but I understood his actions. I would have gone after the vampire myself, but not all Alphas are like me.

"I'll be fine, My Alpha," Azalea said. I put my arm around her waist, signaling Azeron to move. "No one was seriously hurt, except maybe Lance and Jett. I just need ice. He's worried about his Luna, and if anyone understands that, it's you. You were frantic until you reached us. Let's help him."

"You're too forgiving," I said.

"It's understanding, My Alpha," she smiled. "Go on. Address them. Azeron can take me inside, and we'll call your uncle." She patted my chest. I sighed and looked at the crowd, then at Austin and Felix.

"Let's adjourn. I'll take Azalea inside. I want to speak with the Alphas who agreed to help. Everyone else can leave tonight," I mentally linked them; they nodded.

I turned to Langston, who nodded. "I'll take Emma inside," he said.

MISSY

After Austin dispersed the crowd and Langston and Liam left with Emma and Azalea, Maddox pulled me aside. His eyes were wild.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Maddox, I promise," I said. He kissed me deeply.

"I heard you say 'get your dad,' and I was worried," he said, breathless.

"I saw him attacking Emma. I just reacted," I said.

"I can't believe you took down a Beta," Maddox said proudly.

I nodded, still disbelieving myself. I'd only been thinking about protecting Emma and Lea. "You're incredible, darling," Maddox said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "But maybe we should work on your fighting skills?"

"Yeah," I said. "Maybe you or Felix could teach me."

"Wait, you want to train with us?" Maddox asked, excited.

"Yeah," I said. "I had no idea what I was doing."

Maddox ran his hands up my arms; sparks erupted. I realized I was shaking. "It's the adrenaline," Maddox said. "Let's get you some food." He wrapped his arm around me as we went to the kitchen.

Emma and Langston were at the island with Miss Marci.

"Maddox, Missy," Miss Marci greeted us. "Luna Emma told me what happened. Are you alright, dear? Doctor Ronald's on his way; he can check you too."

"Just lemonade and an apple, please?" Maddox said.

"Of course," Miss Marci said, disappearing into the kitchen.

"Missy, dear, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude," Langston said, standing.

"No, I just did what anyone would do," I said.

"No, dear," Emma said, grabbing my hand. "You were amazing and brave. They could have easily taken me instead of Azalea, and I couldn't get free. I'm afraid what might have happened if you hadn't noticed us."

I blushed. I hadn't done anything amazing; I just wouldn't let anyone hurt Emma or my mom. Maddox rubbed my back; I felt his pride. Miss Marci returned with lemonade and an apple.

"Liam and Lea raised a wonderful girl," Langston said. "You'll do amazing things."