Missy

When I arrived at the small cabin earlier, I was surprised to find V had already cleaned most of it. The dust was gone, and the sheets and blankets were hung outside to dry. The cabin looked much brighter after a little tidying. I had shifted and changed clothes in the trees before approaching the cabin.

V had brought a movie for us to watch on his computer. We relaxed on the couch, sharing popcorn and cuddling. It was relaxing and quiet—exactly what I needed after being cooped up in the pack house. I set an alarm on my phone to ensure I left with enough time to return early and avoid suspicion. When my alarm went off, I was sad to leave, but also happy for our alone time. V said he would clean and secure the cabin; I just needed to get home.

I left with plenty of time, hurrying back through the forest toward the pack house. It was almost dark, and the moon was rising through the trees. "Missy, where are you?" Austin's voice echoed in my mind. He sounded anxious.

"On my way back to the pack house. Why?" I asked. I knew I wasn't late.

"Get here now," he demanded.

"What's going on?" I asked, worried.

"I'm locking down the pack house. The Alpha and Luna want to know you're back and safe," he said.

"Why is the pack house being locked down? Austin, what is happening?" I pressed him, pumping my legs harder, eager to get back. I could only remember Liam ordering a pack house lockdown once before. Whatever was happening was serious.

"I don't know all the details. I just need to ensure you get into the pack house safely," he said.

"I'll be there in a couple of minutes," I said, running as fast as I could. I was scared. Locking down the pack house was a major event.

Reaching the pack house, I didn't stop to shift and dress. I ran straight to the front door. Austin stood there, watching someone walk toward another part of the woods. His attention shifted to me, and he flung the door open, letting me rush past into the foyer. I skidded to a halt, unintentionally scratching the floor with my nails.

"Shift and get dressed," Austin said, pointing toward the empty room down the hall. I quickly obeyed.

"What's going on?" I asked, returning from the room.

"I don't know, and even if I did, I can't tell you. You need to go upstairs and let Lea know you're back. I bet Lily's already there. I was supposed to find you immediately, but I was busy securing the lockdown," he said.

"What about the rest of the pack? Are they also locked down?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Missy, I know you're worried and want answers, but you need to let Lea and Liam handle this. Get upstairs so she has one less thing to worry about," he said. I sighed, knowing I wouldn't get much more information from him. I nodded and hurried upstairs. I went directly to Lea and Liam's room, knowing that's where Liam would send her. I knocked before turning the doorknob, only to find it locked.

"Felix? It's Missy, can I come in?" I tried to link him. If Azalea was locked in the pack house, Felix was likely with her. Austin was downstairs, and Liam rarely left her with Jacob. Damien was probably with Liam, leaving only Felix to stay with Lea. I heard the lock turn, and the door opened slightly, revealing his scarred eye. The door swung open, and he pulled me inside.

Azalea

"Missy!" I exclaimed, jumping from the bed and running to my daughter. I hugged her tightly.

"I'm okay," she mumbled in my arms. I released her and examined her. She seemed fine, though breathing a little rapidly.

"I'm so glad you're back," I told her.

"What's going on?" she asked, worried.

"We don't know yet," Lily said from behind me. Missy's eyes darted between her, me, and Felix.

"But haven't Liam or Damien said anything? They didn't just leave without telling you guys!" she exclaimed.

"Missy, sweetheart. Whatever happened, Liam and Damien will tell us when it's under control. Until then, just stay here with us," I said, trying to calm her, though I was far from calm myself. It was a relief she was back, but the uncertainty about what happened at the prison was gnawing at me.

"Can't I go to my room? I'm here and fine. The whole pack house is locked down, and there are patrol wolves on every floor," she pleaded. I bit my lip. Logically, there was no reason for her to stay here except for my own peace of mind. If I could link her, I'd feel better, but I could only link Liam due to our mate bond.

"Can you just stay here for now? I'm sure Lea will feel better knowing you're safe until Liam gives the all-clear. At least wait until he contacts us," Lily said, rescuing me. Missy gave her a pleading look, but she knew she was outmatched. Finally, Missy nodded. She looked at the couches where the boys were sound asleep.

"Can I watch TV or something?" she asked softly. I nodded. She gave me a lingering hug before going to the couches. She sat between the boys, curling up and pulling Junior's blanket over her feet. She grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, lowering the volume. I gave her a reassuring smile before turning back to Lily.

"Can you get through to Damien yet?" I asked quietly. Her worried face answered my question. "Lily, what is it?" I asked.

She sighed. "I can feel his rage. Damien is angry, but his emotional block is up, and I don't know why. Lea, where did you say Liam went?"

I gasped. "Oh no. The wolf that came for him was a prison guard. Lily, you don't think something happened to…" my whispered sentence trailed off. Her eyes widened.

"Oh Goddess. Please let it be anything but that…" she whispered, hand over her mouth. She turned to Felix. I knew she was silently demanding answers. His resolute expression revealed nothing. I took her hand and pulled her to the bed.

"We'll know soon," I tried to reassure her and myself. My eyes darted toward Missy, who was pretending to ignore us. I clutched my best friend's hand, praying to the Moon Goddess that this was a misunderstanding.

Liam

Damien roared, his fist slamming against the wall beside us, concrete crumbling under his force. He was furious. "How did this happen?" he shouted. He was so loud I was sure the guards in the interrogation room could hear him.

"That's what we're going to find out! But I need you to calm down!" I shouted back, not angrily, but needing to match his intensity.

"Calm down? Calm down!" he boomed. "My sister has been murdered, and you want me to calm down?"

"Damien!" I shouted, my Alpha authority asserting itself. "We won't get anywhere if you go on a rampage. This isn't a simple matter, and I need you to calm down so I can figure this out!"

He was quiet for a moment, still breathing heavily. His eyes closed, and I knew he was trying to control himself. "When we find the person responsible, they are mine to deal with. No one else," he said coldly. Even though he was angry with Gwen for trying to hurt Azalea years ago, she was still his sister. She annoyed and frustrated him, but he loved her. I think Damien and his parents are the reason Azalea couldn't bring herself to have Gwen executed. Her compassion was incredible. The Hales had shown her kindness, and Damien was there for her when I hurt her.

"Fine. Get yourself together so we can speak to the guards," I said, giving him a moment to compose himself.

I watched Damien stalk toward the pack house from the prison entrance. I gave him a head start so he could reach Lily and his parents. His mother would take this harder than he would, not with anger, but grief. She loved her daughter, even if she couldn't understand her actions.

I linked Austin to tell him to end the pack house lockdown. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration as I walked across the pack house lawn. Azalea had been distraught for a while, but I was focused on the task at hand. Both guards' stories checked out; there was no evidence of foul play yet. Gwen's therapist wasn't helpful either. I needed to figure out what happened, and quickly.

All prison guards were ordered to keep the night's events secret. There was no need to alarm pack members without solid leads. Camera footage was being reviewed and would be sent to me later that morning, and a group of warriors were searching the area around the prison for clues.

"Liam," Azalea's voice entered my mind. I felt her anxiety and fear through our bond. I usually didn't keep her in the dark, but this was a delicate situation.

"Hold tight, Little Luna. I'm coming," I reassured her.

"Lily said Damien was back and went to her. I sent Missy to her room, and Felix is taking the boys back to bed. Where are you?" she asked. Gavin was on edge. He wanted to keep an eye on Azalea after seeing Gwen's state and lacking leads or motive. He immediately suspected a threat against Azalea.

"I'll be upstairs in a minute. Sit down for me," I pleaded, picking up my pace, realizing I'd left her in the dark for hours. I passed Austin as I entered the pack house.

"I want breakfast brought to the rogues' rooms in the morning. They need to stay in their rooms and under watch until I'm sure they weren't involved," I told him. Austin nodded.

"I saw Damien's face. Is it Gwen?" he asked. I didn't need to sugarcoat it, but I wanted to keep the information contained. I nodded. Understanding dawned on his face. Austin nodded and left to complete his tasks. I quickly climbed the stairs and hurried to our room.

"Open the door," I linked Felix as I approached. The door swung open as I arrived. I nodded to Felix, who left; no discussion was needed now that I was back.

Azalea stood by the bed, wringing her hands. Seeing her distress, I felt terrible for letting her worry. I opened my arms, and she rushed into them. She wasn't the only one seeking comfort.

I held her close for a moment, breathing in her scent, calming both her and Gavin. I felt her calming down as well; her concern for my safety was gone, replaced by worry about the prison incident. I sighed, and she pulled away. She looked at me expectantly.

"Gwen was killed," I said solemnly. Her mouth fell open.