LIAM

I should have known Azalea would go to the clinic to help Damien sooner or later. Luckily, Azeron did his job and contacted me when she did. My uncle was ready to intervene, but I was upset he hadn't when I arrived and found her bleeding from the nose.

After she was checked, I brought her back to the packhouse and to our room. She seemed tired and disoriented, likely from using her gift. She promised to nap and stay in our room for the rest of the day, but I also strictly ordered Azeron to keep her there.

Azalea had been asleep for an hour while Missy watched Azly when Langston joined me in my office. "How are the invitations coming?" Langston asked.

"Behind, but I'll have them done shortly," I said. He raised an eyebrow. "There was a little trouble with my mate this morning, and I had to leave."

"Is that where you ran off to?" Langston laughed. I nodded, continuing to work. I had little interest in this right now; all I wanted was to be with Azalea, especially since she might try to hurt herself again trying to wake Damien.

"Why don't I finish those? You look like you could use a run. Let your wolf out for a bit. I'm sure you haven't since the battle," he suggested. I leaned back in my chair. The stress of coming home and immediately dealing with the vampire war was wearing on me, and it had only been a day and a half.

"Sure," I said. "Thanks." I gave Langston the invitations and left my office. First, I would run and let Gavin stretch his legs. Then I would spend time with Azalea.

Hours later, Azalea's voice entered my thoughts. "Liam, where are you?"

"I needed to let Gavin out, Little Luna," I replied.

"When will you be back?" she asked.

"Soon," I said.

"Alright," she said. I knew she wouldn't argue much. Part of me hoped what happened scared her enough not to try again. I wanted Damien to wake up for Lily and my sake, but I wasn't willing to risk Azalea like that.

"Let's go to Little Mate," Gavin urged. My muscles were sore, and the sun was setting. I changed course, heading back to the packhouse. Gavin seemed impatient.

At the packhouse, I went to the kitchen to order dinner. I had a feeling Azalea and I would be staying in, and we needed to talk about this morning.

In our room, Azeron was at the door as I arrived. I dismissed him with a nod and looked for my mate. She emerged from the closet with some clothes. "There you are," she smiled, then wrinkled her nose. "You stink."

"What are you doing, Little Luna?" I asked as she took the clothes to the bed and began sorting them.

"Lacey's getting bigger, and Missy said she wears Felix's shirts a lot. I thought she could use some of my maternity clothes; I won't need them again," she explained. I stood behind her, resting my hands on her hips. Her hair was piled atop her head, so I kissed the back of her neck. She froze.

"I'm still upset with you," I whispered. Her delicate, floral scent filled my nostrils, battling the frustration inside me.

"I know," she said quietly. "I'm sorry, but I had to."

"You can't do that again," I said.

"You can't stop me, Liam," she said calmly, but with finality. I nuzzled her neck, raising goosebumps on her skin. "If I can help wake him up, I need to."

"But I'm not willing to risk you," I said. Finally, she turned to face me.

"Maybe if I push a little at a time, I can help. He's already improved. If I stop before I get hurt, maybe I can reach him. Liam, I was so close, and I felt in control." Her head tilted slightly, urging me to consider.

"Let Little Mate try. We can keep watch," Gavin said in my head.

"You were a mess when she was in a coma," I reminded him.

"Little Mate is strong. We need our Beta to fight the vampires," he replied.

"Gavin's on your side," I sighed. She stifled a smile. "I'll think about it. What I saw today wasn't encouraging."

"Thank you," she said, smiling broadly. "Now, I think we should shower. You, My Alpha, don't smell pleasant."

I leaned down and kissed her softly. "Only if you join me," I murmured.

MISSY

Maddox had been gone all day. Finally, during dinner, he contacted me. He wanted me ready to meet him at the packhouse door in an hour. I left Azly with Abigail and Austin to get ready. I took a deep breath climbing the stairs. This was it; tomorrow, I'd be a marked wolf.

I was excited and nervous. I wanted Maddox to mark me; I wanted to be his forever. But I'd only kissed him. What if I was terrible or didn't do it right?

Upstairs, I showered quickly, then went to my closet to choose an outfit. My anxiety grew.

"Just wear something comfortable," Maddox contacted me. I rolled my eyes. How did he know?

I chose shorts and a loose v-neck shirt. Comfortable but cute. I brushed my hair, leaving it down. After a final look in the mirror, I felt as ready as I'd be.

"I got this," I murmured before leaving my room. Luckily, no one was downstairs to deter me.

Maddox stood on the porch. His attention focused on me, easing my worries. He wore cargo shorts and a polo shirt, looking relaxed and happy. He held a small bouquet of flowers. "There's my girl," he said.

"Hi," I said, taking the flowers. "These are beautiful."

"Just like you," he said, stepping closer. "Ready to go?"

"Mmm-hmm. Where are we going?" I asked.

"You'll see," he said. He took my hand, and we walked down the driveway. The path was familiar.

"Maddox, what are we doing?" I asked. It had been a long time since I'd been this way.

"I had a little help. I thought leaving the packhouse might be less stressful," he said. We were nearing a house. Was he taking me to my parents' house?

"What do you mean, help?" I asked.

"Your mom may have helped with some things…" he said. The house came into view, and I stopped. It looked different. The lawn was mowed, the flowerbeds were empty but neat. The porch railing was freshly painted, and upstairs windows were open.

"Did you…" I began.

"Like I said, I had help," he said softly. "Do you want to go inside?" I nodded. It looked as I remembered it before my dad died. He led me up the driveway and unlocked the door.

I stepped inside, and my jaw dropped. The house was bare but clean. Small repairs were made. I peeked into the kitchen; our old table was there. In the living room, I gasped. The couches were almost new, the table was new, and candles burned on it with blankets beside it. Photos of my parents and me, and of me with Lea, Liam, and my brothers, were on the mantel.

"You did all this?" I asked. He nodded.

"Your parents thought it was time you decided where to live. I thought tonight would be smoother away from the packhouse. There's dessert in the kitchen, and I made up a bedroom upstairs."

"Maddox, I don't know what to say," I whispered. He pulled me close.

"You don't have to say anything," he said softly. "I'm your mate, and I'll always do everything to make you happy."

I pulled his face down to mine, kissing him. I poured my gratitude and love into the kiss. Maddox responded, deepening the kiss. I wrapped my legs around his waist.

I gasped for air.

"That was…" Maddox breathed.

"Amazing," I finished. He chuckled. We made it upstairs to the bedroom with difficulty. Catching our breath, I looked around. There was only a bed and a dresser. The walls were light blue with hand-painted clouds.

"This is my old room," I said.

"It was the only one with a bed," he said. "Is that okay?"

"Yes," I whispered, nodding. I looked at him. He had a sweet expression. My eyes fell to his neck, where my mark was. I smiled.

"I'm yours," he said. His fingers traced his mark on me. "And you are mine." Fireworks erupted from his touch, and we kissed again.