LIAM

Azalea and Lily put a lot of effort into Lacey's baby shower. I was surprised by how quickly they pulled it together. Since it was for Lacey and Felix, I decided to attend to keep an eye on Azalea so Felix could enjoy himself. However, it was hard to tell by his expression. He only offered a clue—a near-grin—whenever his eyes met Lacey's.

The packhouse backyard was transformed into a pumpkin patch. Orange, blue, and silver pumpkins, interspersed with greenery, covered everything. A "Our Little Pumpkin" banner hung over the gift table. They even painted Lacey's belly like a pumpkin. I laughed when Felix blatantly refused the "Daddy Gourd" shirt they tried to force him to wear.

With Abigail present, Austin spent the afternoon shadowing Azalea. It was comical watching him get exasperated as she darted around the party, flitting from one task to another.

Since I'd scolded her, Azalea had been docile. She also started wearing the watch from Greyback's box. I still wasn't sure what it did, but if it offered any protection, I was all for it.

We'd barely spoken since her apology, partly because Maddox and Langston had returned. I felt slightly remorseful watching her host the shower. After calming down, I realized she hadn't perceived the danger in her actions. That was the problem: she couldn't always assess the risks she took.

Lily joined me at the back of the party. "What's with the long face?" she asked, leaning against the packhouse wall. "Not into baby pumpkins?"

I chuckled softly. "You guys did a fantastic job. Lacey looks happy, and I'm sure Felix appreciates your warm welcome," I said.

"Lea and I are good at this. Plenty of practice," she laughed. "But I know that look, Liam. What's going on?"

I sighed. "Just keeping an eye on her."

"You're still not over what happened," she observed, looking back at the party. "And before you say anything, yes, she told me. I agree; she shouldn't have done it. I don't condone you throwing her over your shoulder and locking her in your room like a prisoner, however."

I felt Lily's sideways glance. "That probably wasn't my best moment," I admitted. "I saw red. I just…" I couldn't articulate the overwhelming rage I'd felt.

"I get it," Lily said. "You've always been this way with her. You guys should talk, though. She feels lost with your distance. We need both of you at 100% if we're going to win this."

I turned to Lily. She watched the party with a somber expression. "Maybe you should take your own advice. How's everything between you and Damien?"

She gave a hollow laugh. "Are you asking as his friend or his Alpha?"

"I'm your friend first. Lily, he can't cope with this without you. He needs you."

"I'm just not sure about that since he woke up," she sighed.

"He's not going to ask for help. Even with you, he's terrified of weakness. This is new for both of you. Go to the woods with him tonight, shift. Help Cage. This time, he needs you to be the strong one and show him it's okay."

She pursed her lips but said nothing. Damien, a provider who liked being relied upon, wasn't relying on his mate to help with his wolf's issues. Lily, who used to know precisely how to help him, seemed to have lost her confidence since his injury.

After a few more minutes, the games were about to begin. Lily pushed off the wall to assist Azalea.

"He likes to go out right after the kids go to bed. I can handle Delilah and Lucas tonight," I told her. She paused before rejoining the party.

After reading bedtime stories and settling Azalea in her crib, I entered our bedroom to find her curled up on the bed with a book. She glanced up at me shyly before returning to her reading.

I studied her. A light sweater was draped over her shoulders, her long hair loose. My mark was clearly visible.

I sat on the bed's edge. She sat so close to the edge it felt like a chasm separated us. Normally, she'd be in the center, waiting for me.

I crawled closer and took the book, placing it on her nightstand. She stared at me wide-eyed. I leaned over, cupping her jaw, tracing her cheek with my thumb.

"I'm sorry for my reaction," I apologized. She swallowed, nervously watching me. I wanted her to be more cautious, but I didn't want to stifle what made her my Azalea. "I shouldn't have been so rough."

"It's okay," she whispered. "I owe you an apology, too. I disrespected you by meeting Warwick behind your back. I also disrespected Robert, which wasn't fair to either of you. I'm so sorry."

Silence stretched between us. I simply admired the beautiful creature the Moon Goddess had blessed me with. "I know you don't mean to hurt me," she broke the silence. "I promise to stop making it so hard for you. I won't go behind your back again."

"I love you more than anything," I said. Relief washed over me.

"I love you, too," she said. I kissed her gently. She reached up, her hands framing my face. I pulled her closer, and our kiss deepened.

I settled over her, pulling the blanket over us. She pulled away, looking at me seriously. "I'll be better," she promised. I kissed her forehead.

"I will, too," I promised. She hugged me close.

"Liam, I don't want anyone else to get hurt," she whispered.

"I know," I said. "It's almost over. I'll end this soon." I kissed her jaw, neck, and my mark, as her grip tightened.

LILY

I crept through the trees, following Damien's scent. I didn't know how he'd react. He refused to discuss his wolf's problems.

I found him in a clearing, wearing only shorts, arms crossed, clearly frustrated by Liam's lateness. He looked shocked when I appeared.

"Lily, what are you doing here?" he asked.

I stopped before him. "You don't need to do this alone, Dai," I said. His face flinched.

"You don't need to be here," he said quietly. I took his hand, feeling his callouses and warmth.

"Dai, I'm your mate. You aren't strong without me, and I'm not without you. The best thing for Cage is me. I'll keep him grounded. You can rely on me," I said softly.

His fingers curled into a loose fist. "If he hurt you…" he mumbled.

"He won't, because you wouldn't. We can do this together, okay?" I said, looking up at him. He avoided my gaze; I felt his shame through our bond. I stripped off my clothes and shifted. My wolf was worried about Cage rejecting her, but I was confident he wouldn't.

Damien froze at my wolf's appearance. "Shift," I urged. He sighed and shed his shorts. His body, honed by obsessive training, was remarkably toned despite his coma.

He shifted slowly; I felt his pain, but it was better than having Doctor Ron observe. Cage looked around wildly after shifting, then at me. He sat back, appraising me.

I took a few steps away, then looked back. Cage's head tilted curiously. My wolf ran deeper into the woods; Cage quickly followed.

"Cage, it's time to let Damien return," I said hours later.

"Come back tomorrow," he bargained. I licked his face in agreement. I retrieved my clothes, shifted back, and gave them a moment of privacy.

As I dressed, strong arms wrapped around me. I yelped, then giggled as Damien lifted me. "What are you doing?" I squealed as he carried me through the forest.

"Showing my mate the appreciation she deserves," he growled playfully.

I playfully struggled as he reached the packhouse backdoor. He started tickling me. I realized I could make him feel dominant by letting him take control.

"Shhh," he nipped my ear. "You'll wake everyone."

"Stop tickling me!" I gasped. He kissed my ear, sending thrills through me.

"Are you going to put me down?" I whispered as he climbed the stairs.

"Do you want me to?" he whispered huskily.

I shook my head. He kissed my neck and shoulder as he reached our room. He kicked the door closed, carried me to the bed, and dropped me. He flipped me over.

I panted; he looked at me with longing. He kissed me deeply, one hand inching under my shirt to my breast.

Small moans escaped me as he touched me.

"I think it's time I show you how strong you make me," he whispered, pulling away from the kiss. He did just that.

I have replaced all instances of "ks" with "kiss" and "m*s" with "moans" to maintain appropriateness.