Liam

Just as I feared, our second round of interviewing guards was fruitless. Damien mostly stood in the corner, arms crossed, glaring murderously at everyone we spoke to. I couldn't convince him to take the day to process his feelings before joining the investigation. I had Gwen's body taken to my uncle for examination. He promised to send me his findings by morning. We'd been at the prison for several hours, and I wanted to check on Azalea. Damien left to see his mother and Lily as I headed back to the pack house.

Azalea had linked me earlier; she was sending the kids to my parents for the weekend, which I thought best. I didn't want the harsh realities of being Alpha to affect them prematurely. My father never afforded me that courtesy; I witnessed my first execution at age ten. I would spare my children that horror for as long as possible. They didn't need to spend their childhoods preparing to be Alpha.

"Where is she?" I linked Felix as I entered. I was still worried about her apparent lack of emotion today and her lack of sleep last night.

"Office. She refused lunch, Alpha," he replied. I checked my watch. The only thing she'd touched that morning, when breakfast was delivered, was the orange juice. Now it was late afternoon, the kids would arrive soon, and she still hadn't eaten.

"Nothing at all?"

"Just some tea," he confirmed. I quickened my pace to her office. Felix stood outside; I wondered if she'd actually managed to dismiss him today. He usually refused to leave her office, but occasionally relented.

He nodded and left. I opened the door gently. She wasn't at her desk, so I scanned the room, relaxing when I saw her on the couch. She sat on the end, leaning against the armrest, feet tucked beneath her, a blanket over her lap. She held a mug, her head resting against the couch back.

I entered, closing the door. This got her attention, and she looked up. "Hi," she whispered.

"You didn't eat lunch," I said, addressing my concern directly.

"I know," she replied.

"Do we need to see my uncle?" I asked, moving toward her. I sat on the couch, and she shifted to lie against me.

"No," she said. "I'll be okay. I just don't feel well," she admitted.

I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her head. "You should lie down, Little Luna," I said.

"My mother will be here soon for the kids. I should see them off," she said.

"Let me handle the kids and my mother. You need food and rest," I told her.

"I need my bodyguard to stop tattling," she joked. I smiled faintly.

"That's never going to happen. I pay him handsomely to protect you," I said.

She sighed. "I know…"

"Let me take you upstairs, Little Luna," I said.

"Abraham came to see me," she said, surprising me.

"Vlad's father? About what?" I asked.

"He wants to help with the investigation. Apparently, rumors are circulating about the pack house lockdown last night," she said. I rolled my eyes. That was the last thing we needed.

"What did you tell him?" I asked.

"That I'd speak with you about it…" Azalea's voice was soft now. She was relaxing against me. I took the mug from her hands and set it on the table. Her arm snaked around my waist as she cuddled closer, and I felt her deep breaths against me.

I considered letting her nap there, but decided she'd be uncomfortable. "Let's go upstairs," I whispered.

"I want to see the kids," she whined.

"Okay," I agreed. "Let's see them before they leave with my parents. Then I'm taking you to bed."

She nodded and sat up, leaning in to kiss me. I stood to help her. She took my hands, but winced as she stood, trying to hide it. I knew better and immediately lifted her into my arms.

"Are you in pain?" I asked.

"I'm okay," she said.

"That's not an answer," I said.

"Liam, it's just a little growing pain. I'm okay, I promise," she reassured me. Gavin (presumably a familiar spirit or inner voice) doubted her. She touched my face. "Let's just see the kids. They left for school without us, and I miss them." I sighed, knowing she was distracting me.

"If this pain persists after you sleep, I'm taking you to be checked," I said, walking to the door.

"Fair enough," she said softly, snuggling closer. I knew she wouldn't argue; she was wise about choosing her battles, and too tired to fight this one.

Missy

When we returned to the pack house, Liam met us in the hall. "Hey, Liam," I said as Vlad and I entered.

"Missy, your grandparents want you to stay the weekend. Junior and Leo are going too," he said.

"Oh, um, alright," I said. It wasn't common, but I suspected we were being sent away because Liam and Azalea needed to handle something dangerous.

"Your grandmother will be here soon. Go pack," Liam said, giving Vlad a measuring look.

"Okay," I said. I took Vlad's arm and pulled him along. He looked slightly worried as Liam watched us leave.

"Maybe I should go," he said.

"No, don't," I said as we climbed the stairs. "I want you here."

"Alright. But if Luna's bodyguard shows up, I'm gone. I like my face as it is, princess," he joked. I rolled my eyes and continued to my room. Upstairs, V flopped onto my bed while I got a bag. I returned for things from my dresser and eyed him humorously.

"Comfortable?" I asked. He lay with his hands behind his head, a placid smile on his face. He shrugged. I ignored him, gathering pajamas and underwear. I set the bag on my dresser and got my toiletries. When I returned, V had my tablet and was scrolling. I grabbed my phone charger and shoved it in the bag before getting curious.

"What are you looking at?" I asked.

"Something very interesting…" he said playfully. "So, I'm handsome in a dark, brooding way?" He grinned. My face fell; he was looking at my diary. I didn't keep a handwritten one; I used a locked app on my tablet.

"How…" I began. He waved the tablet.

"It was open," he taunted. I lunged for it. V laughed, easily rolling us over so he was pinning me. "Ah, ah, ah, princess. I wasn't finished," he teased.

"Please don't…" I pleaded.

"But you have such a way with words," he said, haughty and triumphant. My face was getting hot.

"No, V, please stop," I said, trying to grab the tablet.

"What do I get in return?" he taunted.

"Whatever you want. Just give it back!" I exclaimed.

"Sneak out of your grandparents' house tonight," he said, his expression both amused and serious.

"You want me to sneak out of the former Alpha and Luna's house while I'm grounded?" I clarified.

"Yes. I want to take you out," he said. "I won't read more if you agree." He waved my tablet just out of reach.

"But…" I started.

"It'll be easier than sneaking out of here, and everyone's focused on the pack house. Alpha and Luna aren't worried about you right now," he reasoned.

I sighed, scowling. He kissed me. "Come on, princess. Live a little," he whispered.

Sneaking out with V sounded better than visiting my adoptive grandparents. Alpha Robert had always been cool toward me—never mean, but not welcoming either. Now that I was a teenager, visiting held less appeal. And he was right; it wouldn't be hard to get out.

"Fine," I conceded. "Just give it back!"

He grinned victoriously and handed over the tablet. I locked the app and set it down. V was still on top of me, looking at me hungrily. I brushed his hair from his eyes. I tilted my head, wondering what he was thinking.

"The prettiest, most daring princess…" he whispered, his voice husky and hot. "And she is all mine." He kissed me. Butterflies erupted in my stomach as I kissed him back.

The passionate kiss was interrupted by a knock. "What?" I called, frustrated.

"Missy, Grandma's here! Let's go!" Leo's voice called.

V hung his head. "Okay, I'll be down in a second, buddy!" I called back, more kindly.

"I guess this is goodbye for now," V said.

I smiled. "A gentleman would walk me downstairs," I said.

Note: I have left the censored words in place as I am unsure what level of detail you're looking for. Replace them as appropriate.