Liam sat in his office, reading patrol reports and waiting for Missy's return. Azalea and he had been allowing her three-hour runs from the packhouse, trusting her to follow the rules and avoid meeting Vlad. Damien was tracking information on East Coast packs to verify a rogue group's story. Inevitably, Liam's father had barged in, attempting to interfere. Even after ten years as Alpha, his father still tried to dictate his actions. Liam set down the papers, rubbing his face to relieve the tension.

A soft knock came from the door. It opened gently, revealing Azalea's smiling face. His mood instantly improved. She approached his desk, moving around his chair with a mug in hand. He turned to face her as she settled onto his lap. He didn't mind the childishness; he'd never tire of holding her close. He'd spent too long away from her after rejecting her to take her presence for granted.

Azalea handed him the mug and kissed his cheek. "You look tired," she murmured.

"I'm okay. Missy should be back any minute," he replied.

"Swimming wore the kids out. Lily and I put them to bed. Our guests seemed to enjoy themselves and have retired as well," Azalea said. Liam sipped the warm, dark coffee, gently rubbing Azalea's back.

"Go upstairs and wait for me, Little Luna. I won't be long," he pleaded. She'd been juggling work and entertaining the rogue group all day. She was always the perfect Luna.

"Oh, but My Alpha, I believe you made me a promise earlier today," she said, her tone turning sultry as she giggled. She pointed towards the wall beside his office door.

"I almost forgot," he said, understanding. She giggled again. He leaned forward, capturing her lips. She kissed him back, smiling. He set down his coffee to wrap his arms around her, pulling her closer. His hand tangled in her hair as he held her head close. Her hands roamed his chest.

She broke the kiss, giving him a coy smile. "Upstairs or here?" she breathed. He chuckled.

"As soon as our daughter gets home, I'm going to undress you and kiss every inch of your beautiful body," he growled. Her face lit up. "Go wait upstairs," he said. She nodded, kissing him once more.

Their embrace was interrupted by the office door bursting open. Azalea jumped, but he held her tighter. His eyes narrowed angrily at the panting wolf guard who stood in the doorway.

"Why are you barging in here?" he shouted.

"Sorry, Alpha," the guard said, bowing his head. "There's a problem, and we need you immediately." He sounded panicked.

"What is it?" Liam asked. The guard looked at Azalea, then back at Liam. "She's my Luna; she can hear anything I can. Tell me, now!"

"I think you should lock down the packhouse and see for yourself, Alpha," the guard said, his words confusing Liam.

"Why didn't you link me?" Liam asked, standing and pulling Azalea to her feet, keeping his arm protectively around her.

"Sir, it's…complicated. We couldn't explain what happened. We tried to link you, but your block was up. We didn't want to tell anyone until you knew," the guard said rapidly.

Gavin urged him to go in his mind. Liam turned to Azalea. "Where's Felix?" Felix appeared behind the guard. They exchanged a look, and Liam nodded. "Azalea, get the kids and take them to our room. Stay there with Felix until I return," he commanded. He sensed her resistance. "No arguments. Go, now." Felix moved around the guard, waiting for Azalea. Her expression was a mixture of worry and frustration.

"Go so I know you're safe. I'll tell you as soon as I know what's happening," he linked her. Her eyes softened slightly as she nodded, going with Felix.

"Has the Beta been informed?" Liam asked the guard. He shook his head.

"Not yet, Alpha. We weren't sure if we should, given the situation," he explained.

"So, this has to do with Gwen?" Liam asked. The guard nodded. He sighed.

Liam linked Jacob: "Yes, Alpha?"

"Are the rogues in their rooms?" Jacob was still watching them overnight.

"Yes, sir. For an hour," Jacob replied.

"Good. Don't let them leave until I say so," Liam instructed.

"Does anyone else know?" Liam asked the guard.

"No, sir. The prison is locked down until you return," he said. The rogues were contained, and Azalea and the kids were safe.

Liam linked Austin: "Austin, we need to lock down the packhouse. Something's happened at the prison, and I'm going to handle it."

"Alpha, Missy isn't back yet," Austin replied immediately. Damn.

"Get someone to find her. She's due back from her run. Make sure she's safe," Liam instructed.

"Right away," Austin said.

"Let's go," Liam told the guard, moving around his desk. They hurried from the office, an omega locking the door behind them.

"So, what's the problem with Gwen?" Liam asked as they approached the prison entrance. It was secluded, mostly underground.

The guard hesitated as they reached the entrance. The door opened, and they entered. Liam went straight to Gwen's cell. Many more guards than usual were present.

"I'm sorry, Alpha, but…" the guard hesitated. "Gwen was killed in her cell."