Azalea: A Novel Drama

I buzzed with excitement, flitting around the packhouse, ensuring everything was clean and ready. My babies were coming home, and my joy knew no bounds.

"Luna, please, take it easy," Miss Marci said. "Let's put Azly in the bouncer, or perhaps Azeron can hold her."

I stifled a laugh, glancing at Azeron. His lack of enthusiasm for the baby carrier was evident as he trailed me.

"I'm fine, I promise. I just can't sit still knowing my boys will be home any minute!" I exclaimed. Miss Marci chuckled.

"We're all excited for them," she reassured me. "I'll finish the cookies I baked. Let me know if you need anything." She left me with Azeron in the lounge and returned to the kitchen. I waved Azeron off; his raised eyebrows spoke volumes.

"Mothers need their babies. I'm sure your mother feels the same when you visit," I said. A twitch at the corner of his mouth confirmed my observation.

By the time I'd dusted, vacuumed, and tidied the room, the front door opened. "Liam, they're home!" I called, hurrying from the room.

In the foyer, I saw the children entering, followed by Robert, Lyssa, the Hales, and Felix. Surprisingly, I wasn't the first to greet them. Lacey sprinted down the stairs, making a beeline for Felix, who smiled, stepped past the others, and caught her mid-air as she jumped into his arms. I paused, watching the scene unfold.

They wasted no time reuniting, Lyssa and Mrs. Hale giggling. Felix, holding his mate in one arm and his bag in the other, walked past us all, the pair disappearing upstairs, still clinging to each other.

"I suspect you won't get any time off for at least another day," I told Azeron as the children made retching noises, watching them. This elicited a chuckle from him. I turned as my name was called; Liam Jr. and Leo were running toward me.

I knelt, opening my arms, then remembered Azly. "Hold on!" I said as they approached. They stopped before me.

"Mommy, is that my baby?" Leo asked excitedly.

"It is," Liam said, joining us. "This is your baby sister." Leo's eyes lit up.

"Baby sister?" he repeated, bouncing on his heels. Liam nodded.

"Can we see her?" Junior asked, looking between Liam and me. Delilah and Lucas joined them, equally excited.

"Of course!" I said. I stood, and Liam took Azly as I unbuckled her carrier. As he lifted her, she opened her eyes, and a smile touched her lips.

"Hello, princess," Liam smiled. "Let's meet your brothers." He knelt, bringing Azly to their level. "Liam, Leo, Delilah, Lucas, meet Azly."

"My baby!" Leo exclaimed, bouncing with joy. "Can I hold her?"

"Maybe in a little bit," Liam said, smiling. The children fawned over the new addition while Liam and I watched.

"Mom!" Lucas said happily, looking behind us. Lily entered the hall. He ran to his mother, Delilah following.

"Oh my, I missed you," she said, trying to mask her sadness with a smile.

"Where's Daddy?" Delilah asked immediately. Lily hesitated.

"He's a little busy," she said. "But he can't wait to see you. He'll be so happy you're back." Lily met Mrs. Hale's gaze; tears welled in her eyes.

"Why don't we all go to the kitchen for lunch? Miss Marci made some of your favorites because she was so excited for you to be back," Liam said quickly, diverting the children's attention.

"Great, I'm starving! Grandpa wouldn't let us stop for lunch," Lucas complained. Everyone chuckled. Liam settled Azly on his shoulder.

"I'll be right there," I linked him. He nodded and turned back to Lily.

"Son, after lunch, I want a private word," Robert said gruffly, entering the hallway.

"Oh, hush," Lyssa said, pushing past him. "Now, let me get my hands on that beautiful little girl," she squealed, approaching her son. She immediately cooed over her grandchild, taking Azly from Liam.

"She looks just like your mate," Robert commented.

"That happens, Dad," Liam said dryly. I sighed and approached Declan and Mrs. Hale.

"Welcome home," I said softly, hugging Mrs. Hale.

"He's not awake yet, is he? Lily looks terrible," she whispered. I shook my head.

"No, but he's improving. We haven't lost hope," I replied. "You should go see him. I'll talk to Lily about telling the children." They nodded.

"Congratulations," Declan said. "We're delighted you and the baby are okay."

"Thank you," I said. "Damien will be too; I know it."

"No matter what," Declan said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm proud of my boy. He's a good son, father, and exceptional Beta. I just don't want to bury my other child yet."

"Liam and I don't either," I said reassuringly. "We owe Damien so much." Declan offered a tight-lipped smile and nod before putting his arm around Mrs. Hale and leading her out. I gently closed the door behind them and went to the kitchen for lunch with my children.

Liam

After lunch, my father followed me from the dining room. Felix hadn't emerged from his room, so I couldn't avoid him. Azalea took the children to unpack. I left Azly with Azalea and the children to speak with my father in my office.

Once inside, I sat behind my desk. "You let your mate and daughter be taken, then you can't even finish the job?" he began, without preamble.

I glared at him. "I don't need your judgment on the battle's outcome," I growled.

"You need judgment from somewhere. Your Beta lies unconscious in a hospital bed. You may have saved your mate, but at what cost?"

"Don't even insinuate—"

"I insinuate nothing. I've accepted your mate, but don't be fooled. I'll never believe she contributes more to the pack's leadership and strength than your second-in-command. She's more of a hindrance than an asset. The moment something's wrong with the weak girl, you're unfocused," he ranted.

"Stop!" I shouted. I paused. "She is my Luna, and you will not speak ill of her to me. How I handle my mate and bond is none of your concern. She is not a weakness. The pack needs her, and I need her. Yes, Damien is vital, but so is Azalea."

He stared, simmering with fury. "What are you doing about the vampire?" he finally asked.

"I need numbers. I'm calling a summit for every pack on the continent. Messengers left this morning to find every pack. I'll unite the largest possible force and attack Warwick with everything we have," I explained, still fuming. His disrespect toward Azalea and me was boundless.

"And you think the vampire will wait for you to attack?" he asked pointedly.

"Give me some credit. I know he'll be planning something. Langston and I are working on that," I gritted.

"I'll be attending your summit."

"Why? You're not Alpha anymore," I said.

"Because my name carries enough respect to make your plan seem viable," he spat. "You haven't proven yourself, boy."

"Will I ever be good enough in your eyes?" I asked.

His eyes wandered before returning to mine. "When you start making hard decisions and acting like a real Alpha, then maybe."

"Being Alpha doesn't mean being cold-hearted, father. I think we're done," I said firmly. "I have a war summit to prepare for."

With a forced laugh, he left. He infuriates me more than anyone. Azalea pushes my buttons, but my father takes things to a whole new level. He has no right to question my decisions regarding Azalea when he rejected his mate for someone stronger. His lack of compassion is baffling, but perhaps his true mate was better off. At least my mother seems kinder since I brought Azalea home.

"Everything alright?" Azalea linked me. "Robert tried to take your mother away, and they fought until he stormed off…"

"Sorry, Little Luna," I replied. "We're not seeing eye to eye. Things will be okay."

"I love you, My Alpha," she said.

"I love you, too."

Warwick

"I think they're trying to garner more support, sir," my minion reported. I leaned back, a smile playing on my lips.

"The mutt isn't going down without a fight," I commented. "No matter. I have my own allies."

"Your orders?"

"Let's watch for now. Keep the humans vigilant. I don't want them smelling out my spies."

"Yes, sir," my minion said, bowing. He left to carry out my commands. I swirled my wine, aerating the rich liquid.

"So, Liam Blackfur is smarter than I thought," I mused. "He saved his mate, but his Beta is gone. I can get the girl again, the pups too. Perhaps I should accelerate my timeline. He'll watch everyone he loves suffer before I end the Blackfur name."