LEMON

I opened the freezer and grabbed my pint of double chocolate chunk ice cream. I always keep one on hand for rough days, and the past couple had definitely been that.

I tossed the lid onto the counter and plunged my spoon into the soft, velvety goodness. Standing at the counter, I devoured spoonful after spoonful, trying not to think about Axel and Missy. I was failing miserably.

Moving to the refrigerator, I stood there with the ice cream in my hand. How could a seventeen-year-old handle this so much better than me? How was she coping when I couldn’t even decide if I was ready to date Axel?

I inspected the fridge's contents, but nothing caught my eye. Axel, however, was catching my attention—a lot lately. How could I not notice him? The way his shoulders shook with laughter, the sparkle in his eyes when he caught me looking, the rough strength of his hands…

I plunged my spoon into the carton, only to find it empty. Damn. I grabbed my unopened bottle of wine from the fridge, tossed the empty ice cream carton, got myself a glass, and poured a generous amount.

It wasn't just Axel's captivating presence; it was also the potential danger looming. Not just emotional harm, but physical harm as well. I realized that now.

How was I supposed to know what to do? Even if I called Mom for advice, she couldn't help. She's blissfully unaware of vampires and their daughters.

I stared into the purple-red liquid, wishing it would offer some guidance. I considered calling Lea; after all, she could relate, having been with us for so long. But I felt guilty burdening her with my trivial relationship problems while she dealt with their vampire issues, Liam's father's death, and the kids.

Setting my wine glass on the counter, I ran my hands down my face. When had I become this girl? When did my whole life revolve around a guy?

I was not this girl. I was not the girl plagued by indecision. I had cleaned up my act, fixed my life. I was a level-headed, intelligent woman managing an entire inn. I found solutions; I didn't wallow.

An idea struck me: I could solve this logically. I ran to my bedroom, to my closet. In the corner, tucked behind my coats, was a dry-erase board. Perfect. I retrieved it and carried it back to the kitchen, then searched for markers.

I refilled my glass and took a long swig. Pros and Cons. I needed to write it all down to see the decision clearly. I promised myself I wouldn't go to bed until I'd made up my mind.

The first few items on both sides were easy:

Cons: Axel has a mate somewhere; werewolves = danger. Pros: Safety, loyalty, he likes me.

From there, things got trickier. Vampires were a definite con. I shuddered every time I thought about those who attacked me at the inn. It felt shallow, but Axel's looks had to go in the pro column; it wasn't fair to omit that undeniable attraction.

After two glasses of wine, I knew I needed food to keep this exercise from derailing. Pancakes. Why not? I mixed the batter and fried them up.

As I worked, I continued my pro and con list. When the pancakes were done, I pulled up a stool, sat down with my stack, and slowly munched as I stared at my list. The argument was clear.

One column was filled with "what ifs"—possibilities. The other contained established facts, things I could count on regarding Axel.

But could I really accept it?

AXEL

I pumped my legs, running constantly, figuring extra patrols would burn off some pent-up energy. Lemon's words echoed in my mind:

“If I acted on my feelings, if I opened my heart to you, would I be in danger like Missy? Would I have to worry about being kidnapped, or those things attacking me again?”

“I’m scared, Axel.”

My wolf was ambivalent. He liked Lemon but still favored waiting for our destined mate. I couldn't stand waiting any longer for a she-wolf who might never come. I wanted to be happy, and Lemon made me happy.

Every time I entered the inn, her attention snapped to the door. Even when it wasn't me, a slight smile would grace her lips, as if her day brightened. I wanted to keep brightening her days.

When not lost in thought, she was the best company. We could talk or simply exist together. It was easy.

She was also the most adorable force of nature. Not petite or fragile, yet extraordinarily feminine. Her legs seemed to go on forever, and her midnight-black hair always shone. Whether dressed for business or casually, she exuded independence and confidence.

I longed to pull her soft body close, to show her how much I cared. Resisting the urge to kiss her each time I drew near was excruciating.

“If I acted on my feelings, if I were to open my heart to you, would I be in danger like Missy?”

She had feelings for me; she practically admitted it. She also had legitimate concerns. I couldn't promise her safety; that's just how our world worked.

I pushed myself harder. The full moon was out, and new wolves were shifting in the woods. Their howls echoed through the trees.

“Would I have to worry about being kidnapped, or those things attacking me again?”

“I’m scared, Axel.”

I didn't want her scared of being with me. I wanted her to feel safe with me. But how could I eliminate those risks?

“Leave the pack,” my wolf mused sarcastically.

That wasn't an option. I couldn't leave Blood Eclipse. I liked my position and enjoyed being part of the town. I doubted Lemon would want to leave; she grew up here and had a good job.

After my fourth perimeter run, my body was fatigued, but my mind raced. I slowed, heading home. My house sat on the edge of the forest, providing easy access for shifting.

I didn't bother getting dressed as I shifted back. I gathered my clothes and headed for the back door. Inside, everything was dark. I flipped on the light. Compared to Lemon's place, mine was bare, cold, and neutral. I never felt the need to decorate until recently.

I tossed my clothes in the hamper and went to the bathroom. I turned the shower on full blast and stepped in.

“I’m scared, Axel.”

The words repeated as the hot water pounded my muscles. How could I make her feel safe? She seemed better since the vampire attack; just being around her seemed to help. She didn't smell scared anymore; this was a different kind of fear.

I needed to show her I would protect her, physically and emotionally. I had to eliminate her fear or give her reason to overcome it. But how?

“If I acted on my feelings, if I were to open my heart to you…”

I wanted her to act, to open her heart. I couldn't imagine a mate bond trumping my feelings for Lemon. The day I got her call, the day I saw those vampires about to hurt her at the inn, she became the center of my world. She became my sun.

I didn't realize the water had turned cold until my face hit the icy stream. I jumped back, turning off the water. I toweled off and stepped into the hall, looking toward my dark living room. Lemon's house felt warm; she was warm. She drew me in, and now I was addicted. Instead of imagining her in my living room, I pictured us together in hers, cuddled on the couch under a blanket, watching a movie.

With a heavy sigh, I went to the bedroom to dress for bed. For now, I could only stay the course, show her I'd always be there. Maybe I could wear her down. Maybe, over time, it would happen without either of us realizing it. I could wait, but I couldn't wait forever.

AZALEA

When Felix and I returned to the packhouse, Lily was waiting downstairs. "Everything alright?" I asked.

"Yeah," she said. "Can we talk?"

I smiled and nodded. We went into the lounge and sat on the couches. Felix lingered near the door, giving us space.

"Lea," Lily began, "I owe you an apology. I've been a bitch, and that's unfair. I shouldn't have demanded you fix Damien, burdened you with that. I'm so sorry." She took my hand. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate you trying so hard to get him back. I was losing hope. I wanted to tell you to stop, even if it killed me. But you didn't, and you got him back. It's the best gift ever, and I'll be forever grateful."

"Lily, you don't need to apologize. I knew you didn't mean to be malicious," I said. "I wish I could fix it, and I'm sorry I can't. I feel awful that he got hurt saving Liam and me."

Lily shook her head. "Damien would do anything for both of you. So would I. That's the risk we take."

I hugged her tightly. "I wouldn't have given up until I found a way to wake him," I said. She pulled away, smiling sadly.

"I know," she said, her shoulders slumping. "I'm really worried about him and Cage."

"We'll find an answer. We have to," I reassured her. She shook her head.

"We both know our chances are slim. He says he wouldn't do anything, but my wolf says Cage is in bad shape. I don't know what I'd do if something happened after we spent so long trying to get him back," she admitted.

I squeezed her hand. "I don't think he will. We just need to keep Cage connected to us. Have you gone with him to shift?"

She shook her head. "It probably sounds selfish, but I'm scared of seeing him snap," she said.

"Maybe if you let Cage and your wolf spend time together, it will keep him grounded," I suggested.

"Maybe," she sighed. The weight of it was evident.

"This isn't the end of the world," I promised. "We're in this together, and we won't stop until we find answers."

"Lea, you're too good for all of us," she forced a laugh, wiping away unshed tears. "There's something else you should know."

"What?" I asked, worried.

"Lacey needs a baby shower," she said, smiling.

"We can do a baby shower!" I said, mirroring her smile.