LIAM

I didn't want to let Azalea go downstairs, but I knew it would only reinforce our strength as a couple if she reappeared later. I only worried about the others wondering why she wasn't fully healed. I hadn't mentioned her limitations during any of our discussions. While honesty was the best policy, I didn't feel that information was relevant.

Austin and I went to the conference room where Alpha Michael, Alpha Andris, Luna Jessalyn, and Salali were waiting to discuss moving forward. Aidan had declined our invitation, which wasn't a significant loss. While influential, he wasn't one for getting his hands dirty. Jacob, Gentry, and Langston were also waiting.

"Thank you for your patience," I addressed the group.

Andris commented, "I'm sure your mates were shaken by what happened. It's reasonable to need time. So, we're here to discuss how we proceed with organizing our forces?"

I nodded. "I appreciate the understanding. Yes, let's discuss how things will work moving forward."

Luna Jessalyn stood. "I've only come to let you know I'll send a contingent of warriors, including our head warrior. I can't be of much help in my current state."

"I understand. I apologize for your loss, Luna. I wish I'd met your mate. I appreciate your support, and we'll welcome your pack members as our own," I said. She nodded slightly and left.

Alpha Michael began, "Alpha, something wasn't clear in your accounts this morning. How have you failed to kill this vampire sire twice?"

Lala added, "My Alpha sent me with the same question."

Alpha Andris continued, "And is there a plan to actually kill him this time? How do you ensure the vampire is dead?"

I sat at the head of the table. "I have someone to help us," I began. "But before I bring him in, I need your promise not to attack him."

"Attack who?" Michael asked.

Langston, sitting beside me, supplied, "We've befriended a vampire, a former member of Warwick's clan." Michael and Andris looked shocked, while Salali nodded.

Alpha Michael asked incredulously, "You have a vampire under your control, and you didn't think to use him for leverage?"

"He's not 'under our control.' He's agreed to help us," I corrected.

Andris questioned, "And you're sure of his allegiance to you, not his sire?"

"Yes," I said, looking at them all. I motioned to Austin to get Theodore. "He saved my pups from rogues. While not fully on our side, he's not with Warwick and has agreed to help. He can educate us on our foe's capabilities and how to eliminate them."

Austin entered with Theodore. I stood to introduce him. "Everyone, this is Theodore," I said.

Theodore said politely, "Good evening, Alphas. Please, call me Theo." He sensed the apprehension. "I'm here to tell you how to get rid of my sire and me."

Theodore explained vampire basics, information he'd already shared with us. Everyone listened respectfully. Afterward, we discussed combining forces and preparing for war.

We agreed the fastest approach was to send representatives from each pack to Blood Eclipse for training to share with their warriors. After individual pack training, we'd combine forces.

We also needed more information on Warwick and his army—how many survived the attack, whether he was creating more. The meeting, though brief, left us with a plan and renewed confidence.

I contacted Felix to find Azalea, hoping she was back in our room. To my dismay, he said Alpha Karsyn had stopped her. I hurried downstairs, wondering why Karsyn hadn't attended the meeting.

Within earshot, I overheard Karsyn say, "I hope he knows that if his attention is diverted, harming my pack members, vampires won't be his only problem."

Azalea cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, Alpha, but your concern is unwarranted. I'm no hindrance to Liam or our pack. My mate is focused on eliminating Warwick and any vampires threatening us."

Karsyn said smugly, "I wouldn't want to follow a fool into battle. I'm sure you understand."

Azalea retorted, "If you think my mate a fool, you shouldn't fight alongside him. He wouldn't appreciate your lack of support. I'll relay your concerns. Good night, Alpha Karsyn."

I hurried down to meet Azalea, making eye contact with Karsyn. He swallowed nervously, nodded, and left.

Azalea whispered, "Did you hear that?"

"Mmhmm," I hummed quietly. Checking for onlookers, I scooped her up and carried her upstairs. Felix left us at his floor.

Upstairs, I got her pajamas. She smiled—her special smile.

"I don't doubt you for a second," she said.

"I know, Little Luna. If only everyone else had the same confidence."

LACEY

Upstairs, Felix was asleep, shirtless and snoring softly. I chuckled, yawned—it had been a long day. I touched my rounded belly.

In a few months, our baby would arrive. I undressed, grabbed one of Felix's shirts. The snoring stopped. When I got into bed, Felix was watching me.

"Did I wake you?" I asked. He shook his head. "You were snoring," I said. He beckoned me. I straddled him. He smiled, his eyes on my stomach, his hands on my sides.

"Let's find out the sex," I said. He was quiet. "I know you're unsure, but let's do it. I really want to know."

His eyes met mine. He nodded slowly. "Really?" I asked excitedly. He nodded again. I squealed, kissing him. He rolled us over, hovering above me.

"Let's get to work on number two," he said playfully.

"We may need to wait until the first one arrives, but I believe in practice makes perfect," I said. He grinned, his hands trailing over me.

He kissed my neck. "Mmmm, you know you saved our Luna today?" I whispered. He shrugged. "I think that makes you a hero." He chuckled. "Heroes deserve rewards." He kissed me again.

ROBERT

I watched Lyssa in the armchair with Azly in her lap. She smiled at our granddaughter.

Leo got his cup. Lyssa insisted on plastic cups and plates for the boys; I don't remember Liam breaking things as much as my grandchildren.

"You okay, Grandpa?" Leo asked.

"Yes," I said, watching Lyssa and Azly.

"Isn't my baby the best?" he asked.

"She is great," I assured him.

"Can she sleep in my bed tonight? I'll be careful!"

"No," I said, kneeling. "She needs her crib. Why don't you read her a book? Junior can help."

"Okay," he agreed. He ran off. I sighed. Lyssa, holding Azly, glared at me before following Leo. I looked at the family pictures Lyssa had put up.

She was proud of our son and grandchildren. She even cared for Azalea. There were pictures of Azalea and Liam's wedding, and them with the kids. Azly wasn't there yet. I looked at a picture of Azalea and Missy.

Azalea had always been small. Lyssa complained about her more than I did; I didn't deal with her much.

I remembered Liam asking me to remove Azalea from the packhouse. It was an odd request. The kids teased her, but I let them be kids; there's a pecking order.

Liam insisted we show mercy, not banish her. I didn't care either way but granted his wish. When Lyssa brought Azalea to my office, she looked dirty and frail. I didn't understand Liam's charity.

It made sense now. He was going to reject Azalea but still care for her. I thought about rejecting my mate. She was like Azalea—not small, but with bright red hair like my son's mate. She went to Serenity Waters after my rejection, finding a second chance.

I stared at the picture of Azalea and Missy. It was a few years ago, shortly after Leo was born. Azalea looked small and delicate, but healthy and confident. Her smile was vibrant, her posture tall. When I sent her away, she was fidgety and slouched.

Azalea wasn't the same girl I kicked out years ago, and Liam wasn't the same man.