AZALEA

"Felix, seriously, aren't Lacey's parents coming to visit today? You can go be with your mate," I said, my attempt fruitless. "Liam will be here any minute with Damien, Lily, and the kids. What could possibly happen to me in the meantime?"

Felix raised an unimpressed eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. To be fair, the last time he left me unattended, I'd overexerted my abilities and passed out. "Fine," I conceded. My phone buzzed with a notification. Liam would be back right before the school bus dropped the kids off. Perfect timing; I could collect them and bring Lucas and Delilah straight to their dad. I sent Liam a quick reply and returned to the ever-growing pile of work on my desk.

I was sorting through the mail when something caught my eye—a letter addressed to me from a lawyer's office. I carefully tore it open and removed the contents: a typed letter on the law firm's letterhead and a second envelope bearing my name in a spidery scrawl. I read the typed letter first, my heart pounding as I progressed through the pages. The last page was a check. I gasped, tears welling in my eyes.

Mr. Greyback had established a life insurance policy naming me as the beneficiary, and I had been completely unaware. He'd also left me a safety deposit box. My fingers traced over the second envelope. I opened it carefully, revealing a letter and a key.

Azalea,

I'm proud of you, child. Even though you're mated to a Blackfur, you are a good girl. If you're reading this, I'm gone. I suspect I'm no longer a burden to you, even though you wouldn't let me be. The inn is yours, and I suspect you'll find a good use for my cabin. About a year after that…pig head…dropped you off, I knew I wasn't going to get rid of you. To be honest, I didn't mind. So, I made sure you'd be taken care of when I was gone.

Truth is, I owe that boy a debt of gratitude. He may have thought he was leaving a burden on my doorstep, but you were anything but. You reminded me so much of my daughter that it sometimes hurt, but you made these last years a little less lonely.

You brought light to an old man's life, girl, and for that, I'll always be thankful. Don't let that light burn out; you've always been what this pack needed most. I know that kind heart of yours will find a good use for this money. Now, no more crying over me. Let an old man rest.

A strangled laugh escaped me as I finished the letter. The key was for the safety deposit box mentioned in the lawyer's letter. I wasn't sure what I'd find there, but that could wait.

My phone rang—Liam. I quickly wiped away my tears and answered. "Hi," I said.

"Little Luna, what's wrong?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

"Nothing. I just got a letter…" I trailed off. "I'm okay, though."

"Alright," Liam said skeptically. "We'll be heading to the packhouse soon."

"Okay," I said, smiling softly. "See you all soon." I hung up, placed everything back in the large envelope, and stowed it in my desk drawer before turning to Felix.

"The bus will be here in twenty minutes. I guess we should go," I said. He nodded and opened the door.

—

Leo and Lucas clutched my hands tightly, chattering excitedly about their first day of school. They were like little human tornadoes, bouncing off each other; I could barely keep up. Delilah and Junior trailed behind. I glanced back several times; Delilah seemed downcast despite my announcement of a surprise at the packhouse. Junior kept glancing at her, seeming to search for the right words. I wondered if he wanted to talk to Liam about Delilah's sadness last night.

We finally reached the packhouse. I took the kids inside and we headed for the lounge. As we rounded the corner, Lucas screamed, dropping my hand and racing to the couch where Damien sat.

Small hands shoved me aside as Delilah followed him. I watched them jump on him, Damien grunting at their onslaught. Liam came over and put his arm around my waist. I watched Lily smile, her children clinging to her mate.

"Everything okay?" I asked Liam, who seemed tense. He kissed my cheek.

"Just a little concerned," he said. "I'm worried Damien will push himself too hard, too soon."

"He has you to keep an eye on him," I reassured him.

After a few minutes, Lucas moved to sit beside his dad, but Delilah remained clinging to him. I looked at Junior, who had a strange expression. Liam chuckled.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Young love," he whispered, nodding toward Junior. I looked at him questioningly, then he tapped his temple. I realized Junior was likely mentally linking with Liam, probably about Delilah.

Lily sat down, pulling Lucas into a hug. For the first time since I woke up, she looked truly happy and relaxed. Leo tugged on my arm.

"Mommy, can I go see Uncle D, or do I have to wait until Delilah's turn is over?" he whispered loudly.

"You can go see him," I said. He smiled and hurried to the couch. Junior followed suit, nodding to us. Leo hugged Damien as enthusiastically as Delilah and Lucas had, but Junior simply sat beside him, near Delilah.

"Maybe we should watch a movie and relax?" Lily suggested, looking at Liam and me.

"Sounds like a good night. We could order pizzas and have a party right here," Liam said. Damien gave Liam a disapproving look, clearly not wanting to be confined to the couch all night.

"I'll make some pizza," I said, patting Liam's chest. "You all choose a movie, and I'll send someone for popcorn while I make the pizza. Maybe Miss Marci has some other snacks in the pantry."

Liam smiled and kissed my nose. "I'm up for your cooking any night," he said.

—

After sending Felix to his mate, I went to the kitchen and found Miss Marci basting a turkey. "That smells incredible," I said.

"Thank you, Luna," she replied. "What can I help you with?"

"Liam suggested a pizza party for Damien's return. I was going to make some snacks and pizzas, maybe some cheesy bread," I explained.

"That sounds lovely," she said. "Don't let me stop you! There are some candies in the top pantry I can get for you."

"Perfect," I said, smiling. I popped popcorn and arranged candies in bowls for the kids, setting everything on a tray for easy carrying. Then I gathered drinks. Luckily, Miss Marci kept plenty of juice boxes around, so I grabbed those and some water, placing them on a second tray.

Before I had to link Liam for help, Missy and Sol entered the kitchen. "Hey, Lea," Missy called. She looked dirty—wrinkled clothes, messy hair pulled haphazardly atop her head.

"Good afternoon, Luna," Sol said, looking like she'd just arrived home from school.

"Hi, girls," I said. "Damien's home. Have you seen him?"

"Not yet. We saw them watching a movie, so we came for drinks," Sol said. "So, is Beta Damien all better?"

"Well, he's awake and feeling good, which is a positive sign," I replied. "So, you girls want to help me carry these to the lounge?" They nodded, and we took the trays. When we entered, Liam paused the movie, delighted to see Missy.

"There's my little girl," he said. "How was school?" I knew he was checking her attendance; he didn't know I'd already called the principal that morning.

Sol seemed about to speak, but Missy elbowed her and said, "Fine." She set down the food and sat down. Leo immediately hopped off Liam's lap and wedged himself between Sol and Missy.

"Hey there, cutie," Sol said, smiling.

"Hi Miss Sol," he replied with a wide grin.

"Are you girls staying for dinner?" I asked.

Missy nodded. "Yep," she said, emphasizing the 'p'.

"You're welcome to stay until things are back to normal," Liam told her, avoiding Maddox's name.

"It's cool," she said. "We just didn't feel like cooking. Allie's coming over later, too."

"I'll make extra so you can take some home," I offered.

"Thanks, Luna," Sol said happily. "Late-night cold pizza is the best!"

Everyone laughed, and Leo chimed in, "I like cold pizza too!"

LACEY

When my parents texted that they were almost at the packhouse, Felix was in the lounge welcoming Damien home with everyone. Azalea said she was going to the kitchen to make pizza. I approached her to ask if Felix could leave, and she readily agreed. Felix, however, was less enthusiastic about abandoning his post, though I sensed his nervousness.

Azalea practically shoved him out the door behind me before heading to the kitchen, preventing Liam from assigning him another task. I chuckled; everyone was so fiercely protective of Azalea. I was sure she would one day turn around and send Felix or Azeron packing to get some space.

I took Felix's hand and pulled him outside. "Ready?" I asked. He nodded solemnly. I cupped his cheek. "Smile," I said. "They'll love you because I love you."

He kissed me softly. "I love you, too," he whispered.

A small white car pulled into the driveway—my parents. I released Felix's hand, but he kept his arm around my waist. I instinctively placed my hands on my bump as they exited the car.

My mother stepped out, beaming. "My baby!" she exclaimed, rushing toward us for a hug.

"Hi, Momma," I said. She crushed me in a fiercely affectionate hug, squeezing the air from my lungs. I tried to laugh, but she had me trapped. Felix tensed beside me, his protective instincts clearly engaged.

"Oh my gosh, your mate is so handsome," she said, releasing me and turning to him. Without hesitation, she pulled him into a hug, immediately subduing him. He hesitantly reciprocated, patting her back.

"Let go of him, Louise," my father ordered, joining us. He hugged me first.

"Hey, Lacey bug," he said sweetly. "You look good."

"Thanks, Dad," I said. I linked arms with Felix. "Mom, Dad, this is Felix, my mate. Felix, this is my mother, Louise, and my father, Jameson." Felix shook hands with my father; it looked a bit aggressive.

"So, dinner?" my father asked, looking pleased.

I nodded and looked at Felix; he had the same stoic expression he wore while handling pack business or watching Azalea. "A couple of hours of small talk and food, and they'll head home. I'll be right here," I linked him.

"I hate small talk."