Liam Jr.

"Come on, Leo, you're almost there!" I yelled from the top of the tree. Being bigger, I'd climbed much faster than baby Leo. His little arms weren't as strong as mine, but Mom wouldn't want me to tease him. If Missy were here, she'd carry him up; everyone treats him like a baby.

"Bubba, help!" Leo called, reaching up.

"Just grab that branch," I pointed. He made a whiny face, but I didn't want to climb down. "You can do it!" My baby brother needed to get stronger to help Dad and me protect Mom and the pack. If I always helped him, he'd never get stronger.

"Sissy would help me!" he yelled.

"You don't need help, Leo!" He grabbed the branch and pulled himself up. He was only a couple of branches below me. "See!" I said, smiling triumphantly. "Only a couple more. Come on!"

With more cheering, Leo reached the top. "This is the tallest tree we've ever climbed!" he exclaimed.

"I know! A new record!" I couldn't wait to tell Dad. Maybe we could have a climbing race with Delilah and Lucas.

A loud snapping sound came from below. Looking down, I saw people moving around. I sniffed the air—something rotten. Leo looked scared. I held a finger to my lips, signaling silence. Dad said a garbage smell meant bad people—people without a pack, who might hurt us.

"Leo, those are bad people. Stay still and quiet," I linked him. Mom says I'm a special child of the Moon Goddess; I can link anyone, even humans. I don't do it often because only adults can link back. I once scared Aunt Lemon. But it's handy for games—Delilah and I can work together easily.

Leo nodded slowly. I watched the people. I strained to hear them; I wished I were old enough to find my wolf. Then I could jump down and stop them. I'm going to be Alpha, after all. I'm stronger than them, or I will be. Six adults were searching for something; I didn't want them to see us. They probably didn't know we were Alpha kids, but Dad said it wouldn't matter; they'd hurt us anyway.

Where were the warriors? Missy went to play with Maddox; they weren't with us. I couldn't link anyone far away for help. The warriors were supposed to be watching us.

Gavin had been grumbling. He'd wanted to rip the vampire apart, but Azalea made him reconsider. He pretended she couldn't influence him, but I knew better. I checked my watch: 6:05 pm. This vampire was late. "You can't be objective if you're looking for a reason to dislike him," Azalea pointed out silently.

"He could at least be punctual," I argued. Then Theodore entered.

"My apologies, Alpha, Luna. The office called just as I was leaving. They're having trouble reaching Miss Lacey," he said, grinning. I didn't greet him, but Azalea did. After shaking hands, they sat—Azalea beside me, Theodore opposite. I eyed him carefully.

"Are you hungry, Theodore?" Azalea asked kindly. Her voice didn't reflect the truths I'd revealed earlier.

"Yes. I must compliment the Inn's lunch service. Pleasantly surprised. A fine establishment for such a small town," Theodore flattered.

"Thank you. I can't take all the credit, though. I've had a lot of help," Azalea smiled at me. She wouldn't admit it, but my only contribution was the initial expansion and negotiating with Greyback. Her hard work made the Inn successful.

"Your manager would disagree. She told me you've worked here nearly ten years, starting as cook and cleaner, then working your way up. Very impressive," he complimented. Azalea blushed. The waitress brought water and took our orders.

"By the tick in your jaw, I believe you want answers," Theodore said, looking at me.

"Intuitive," I growled.

"I'll answer anything, Alpha," he replied calmly.

"Which clan are you sired from?" I asked directly. He half-smiled.

"Clan Warwick," he answered, meeting my gaze. "And yes, our Sire wasn't killed during the Battle of the Blood Eclipse. He survived with a small faction. Before the battle, he ensured the continuation of the sire line."

Azalea clutched my arm, realizing the gravity of a vampire's presence. "But you said you no longer associate with your clan," she said.

"True. I haven't followed my Sire's and kindred's beliefs for a long time," Theodore said.

"Did you fight with your kindred against our race?" I asked.

Theodore shook his head. "No. I was ostracized for opposing my race. I never saw why we couldn't coexist with humans."

"If your beliefs don't align with your kindred, why not renounce your Sire?"

"It's not simple. When a werewolf no longer wants to associate with their kindred, they leave their pack, correct?" I nodded.

"Essentially," I agreed.

"It's not that simple for us. Our existence is intrinsically linked to our Sire. Breaking that bond often kills the vampire. If they survive, they fundamentally change, becoming slaves to baser instincts. Many Sires eliminate dissenting kindred. Renouncing a Sire also affects the Sire," Theodore explained.

"What fundamental change?" Azalea asked. I knew. Before Theodore could answer, the waitress returned with our food. After she left, he sighed.

"Our race must drink blood to survive. After adjusting to the changes, most vampires control that craving. We don't need as much as one might think. Some don't control themselves, but that's different. Part of our Sire bond nurtures us. If our Sire is healthy and well-fed, we don't need as much blood. Once that bond breaks, our bodies change; we need more to survive. Our minds fracture."

Azalea nodded, uneasy. I placed my hand on her leg. "That sounds similar to becoming a rogue…" she muttered. Theodore nodded.

"I don't tell you this to scare you, Luna. I hope to answer your questions and assuage concerns," he told her. Azalea smiled slightly. I think she wasn't afraid of him, but of what she was learning about vampires.

"Why should I allow you to remain in my territory? Why shouldn't I kill you?" I asked.

He took a bite of his food. "I haven't fed on a human since before your father was born." Azalea was shocked; I was too.

"That's a bold claim," I countered.

"Bold, but true. I stopped feeding on humans long ago. It was an adjustment, but I can sustain myself otherwise," he said.

"What will you do if I don't allow you to remain?" I wondered.

"I'd respect your wishes. This is your territory, your pack. I'm sure I could figure something out with my employer," he answered.

Azalea was right. He showed no threat. He'd been forthcoming and honest. He hadn't used any powers on us. I wasn't sure if he knew they wouldn't work on someone of Alpha blood, but I didn't want to tell him if he didn't know. I stared at him, thinking.

"Liam," Azalea questioned. "I believe him." I knew she did. Nothing he said would change her mind, even if some vampire information worried her.

"Fine," I said. "I'll allow you to remain. But there's no warning. If my men or I suspect anything, you will be dealt with immediately. Don't doubt me," I warned.

Theodore nodded. "I wouldn't dream of it. And I swear to you, Alpha, you will have nothing to suspect me of."

Azalea visibly relaxed. "Thank you, My Alpha."