Azalea

I stood in the bathroom, combing my long hair. Today had been wonderful. Amy called to gossip about Lemon and Axel; then Lemon immediately called, gushing about her date with Axel and how he was moving in with her. It was adorable to hear her talk about him so lovingly. I knew it wasn't a typical wolf courtship, but I hoped it wouldn't be too fast for her.

Missy and Maddox surprised us after school by coming to the packhouse to announce a sleepover at Missy's house. Lily quickly agreed, and Liam seemed happy with the idea, so I agreed as well. I laughed out loud when Leo asked if "pretty Miss Sol" was coming, because he wanted to claim the sleeping bag next to hers.

After his training with Damien this morning, Liam finally seemed back to normal. This was just in time for Quinn and Michael's arrival the next day.

I heard the bedroom door open and smelled his mossy forest scent drifting into the bathroom. "There you are, Little Luna," Liam smiled, coming up behind me. His arms encircled my waist, his head resting on my shoulder. He kissed each side of my tank top strap.

"I didn't know you were looking for me, My Alpha," I smiled back.

"I'm always looking for you," he whispered. His kisses paused near his mark, and he stepped back with a sad look.

"Don't do that," I said.

"Do what?" he asked, still frowning. I turned in his arms.

"Don't look at it like that," I pleaded. His fingers traced the mark. It still stung when touched, but only lightly.

"I hate it," he said.

"I know," I said. "But we stopped him. Together. You and I ended Warwick and the war. We survived."

He sighed. "I know…"

"Liam, look at it as a reminder of what we overcame. See it as a symbol of our strength, of what we can do together," I whispered. His eyes lingered on it for a moment before meeting mine.

"You're right," he said, leaning his forehead against mine. "It's a reminder of just how strong and resilient you are. A reminder of the fearless, beautiful woman who risks everything to protect her loved ones."

I smiled. "If I'm so strong and fearless, then maybe we could talk about me not having a bodyguard all the time," I said, my voice rising slightly.

Liam laughed, throwing his head back. "I believe I said that would happen when I had Warwick's head on a burning pike. Last I checked, there's no burning vampire skull on my packhouse lawn. He was burned and buried."

I pouted. "That isn't fair!"

Liam looked at me playfully. "Fine, but I'm not relenting completely. No bodyguard around the packhouse. We have visitors; bodyguard. You leave the territory; bodyguard. Deal?"

I nodded excitedly. "Yes, yes, yes! Thank you!" Liam laughed again.

I jumped up, surprising him as I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. He caught me before I fell. "I didn't know you'd be this excited. I know Felix is Delta now, and that leaves Azeron, but you're making me feel a little bad here."

"No, it's not them. They're both great. I just never thought it would actually happen," I smiled.

"If it makes you this happy, then I can live with it," he said. I kissed him enthusiastically. A small growl rumbled in his chest.

"You know what's in three months and ten days?" I asked.

"Three months and ten days?" he asked, confused.

"Our anniversary," I said happily.

"How could I forget?" he laughed. "You know what's happening a lot sooner than that?"

"What?" I asked. He moved closer, and I felt his arousal. My eyes widened.

"I'm taking my mate to bed," he smiled. I kissed him, and the rest is history.