Lemon, with a sweet smile, handed the man his room key. "If you go up that flight of stairs and turn right, your room is on the left side of the hall."

"Is it too late for dinner? I wasn't able to eat during my travels," the man asked calmly. His voice was warm and reassuring. I eyed him carefully, but he seemed entirely non-threatening.

"Dinner service has ended, but I can ask the staff to prepare something before they leave," Lemon offered.

"Oh, no need to trouble yourselves. I'm sure there's a restaurant still open in town," he assured her.

"There's a diner three blocks away. They're open late and have a varied menu," Lemon informed him. She was exceptionally good with customers.

He tipped his hat. "Thank you," he said, heading toward his room.

His voice echoed in my head again: "I'd be happy to chat. That diner sounds like a good place for coffee and introductions." I looked at Felix, who was still bewildered. He shook his head when he saw me looking at him.

"I'm calling the Alpha," he murmured.

"No, you aren't!" I snapped. "I'm Luna, and I can handle this. Now, let's get the kids settled, then you can come with me." My Luna tone slipped out as I glared at him. He glared back, struggling between loyalty to Liam and his inability to defy me. He growled softly, but I held his gaze.

"Fine," he finally ground out.

I turned to Lemon, who was working on the computer. "Lemon, how long has that man booked a room for?"

She looked up. "A month. He said he was in the area on business."

"Okay," I said, nodding. "I'll take the rest of this pizza to the kids and get them settled. I'll see you in the morning." I tried to sound normal. She smiled and nodded.

I nudged Felix, and we went to the dining room, where Junior was already enjoying his pizza. "Hey, bud, let's share this with your sister and Maddox, okay?" He nodded, pizza slice in hand. I grabbed the tray and led them through the kitchen to the back door.

Missy and Maddox were watching TV, sharing a blanket on the couch. "We brought pizza!" Junior announced. I set it down, and the kids immediately dug in.

"Missy, Felix and I need to go somewhere. Stay here until I get back," I asked. She nodded, mouth full.

I turned to Felix by the door. "Have one of the extra warriors my mate sent stay close," I whispered.

"Already done," he confirmed, opening the door. To avoid further grumbling, I went to the car first. He followed, taking the driver's seat.

At the diner, the man sat at a table, studying the menu with a glass of water. Felix was tense behind me as I approached. I sat across from him. He had striking eyes—white, unlike anything I'd ever seen. He was thin, with a strong jawline, almost handsome, pale with dark hair, but those eyes were captivating. Felix sat beside me, giving me no space. The man looked between us.

"Introductions are in order. I'm Theodore," he said smoothly. "I assume you're the Alpha and Luna of this territory?"

"I'm Azalea, Luna of Blood Eclipse," I said calmly. His expression shifted to curiosity. "You don't need to know him," I said, waving dismissively at Felix.

"He's not your mate?" Theodore raised an eyebrow.

"No," I confirmed.

"Blood Eclipse?" he clarified. I nodded.

"Does that interest you?" I asked.

"Yes. Among my people, your pack is highly valued," he said. My curiosity piqued. I wished I could link with Felix to see if he knew what Theodore was talking about.

"Since you didn't know who I am, did you know where you were?" I asked.

He shook his head, smiling slightly. "I didn't. I wasn't lying to your associate; I'm here for work."

"Didn't it concern you that the area smells of my pack?" I asked seriously.

"Only for my safety. I haven't contacted my clan in years. I want no part in their dealings," he explained. Internally, I was sputtering. Clans? Werewolves? Our pack? How much did he know? How could I assess whether he was harmless?

A waitress arrived to take his order. I declined and waited for her to leave. I decided to be direct. "Should I trust you?" I asked, tilting my head.

A hauntingly handsome smile spread across his face. "I like your directness. Only you can decide. I promise: I mean no harm to your pack or the townspeople. I'm here for work."

I glanced at Felix, who glared at Theodore. For some reason, I trusted him. Liam always says I'm too trusting, but I sensed his honesty. "What's your business here?"

"I'm an architect. I'm working with a contractor on renovations to the inn," he explained. That explained the month-long booking.

"Do you always work this closely on projects? Shouldn't your job be done once the plans are approved?"

He chuckled. "Usually. But the contractor mentioned a difficult remodel and a green foreman. Since I've worked with him a long time, I agreed to supervise." I nodded slowly.

"You realize I'll have to tell my mate, and you'll be watched?"

He smirked. "I'd expect nothing less. Any more questions? I'd guess you've never met a vampire, being so young and from Blood Eclipse." What did that mean? Vampires? Liam had never mentioned them. I wasn't even sure they existed.

"No, not today. It was a pleasure, Theodore. I'm sure we'll speak again," I said, rising. He smiled as the waitress brought his food. Felix stood, shielding me from Theodore's gaze.

As we left, I told Felix, "Tell Axel to keep an eye on our guest. Don't reveal who or what he is yet. And you'll let me speak to my mate." I didn't use my Luna tone, but hoped he'd obey.

It was dark when we returned to the inn. Junior was asleep in Maddox's lap; Missy was leaning against him, almost asleep. His eyes met mine as I entered. I smiled warmly.

"I'll get him to bed," I whispered.

"No, Luna. It's best if you don't lift him," he said quickly. "I can do it."

He gently woke Missy. "Oh, Lea. You're back," she mumbled.

"Go to bed. You can show Maddox around tomorrow," I said softly. She nodded, looking at Junior.

"I'll get him," Maddox offered, scooping up Junior. Missy followed them to the extra bedrooms Liam had added.

"Put Liam and Leo together so Maddox can have his own room," I called after them.

I sighed, cleaning up, folding blankets, and clearing the pizza dishes. I locked the door, knowing Felix would soon be in bed and sending patrols to watch the cottage.

After changing, I checked my phone. A message from Liam:

MY ALPHA | Everything alright?

ME | Everything is fine. I miss you.

MY ALPHA | I miss you too Little Luna. Are you going to bed?

ME | Yes. Kids just went to bed as well.

MY ALPHA | Did you lock the door?

I chuckled. He always worried too much.

ME | Yes, My Alpha. Doors are locked and I'm sure someone is outside already. You should sleep too.

MY ALPHA | I can’t sleep without you in my arms.

ME | I can’t say I am a fan either.

MY ALPHA | I love you, Azalea

ME | I love you too, Liam