Missy

Lea was a mess when Maddox and I returned. Apparently, incorrect instructions were given, and the warriors usually assigned to guard us were dispatched elsewhere. Lea hadn't expected Maddox and me back for some time, but Liam had urgently contacted me and requested our return.

When we entered, Lea was pacing, nervously chewing her lip. Upon seeing me, she stumbled, relief evident on her face. I caught her, and she hugged me tightly. I had almost calmed her when Leo and Junior burst through the door. She scooped them up immediately as Liam entered behind them.

I finally asked Liam the question that had been burning in my mind since our hurried return. He confirmed it. On our way back to the inn, I detected a faint, putrid odor carried on the wind, but it quickly dissipated. My mind immediately jumped to rogues, but no one would confirm my suspicions, even if I asked.

Maddox stood nervously by the side of the room. I approached him. "Don't worry. Lea's anxiety is mostly pregnancy-related. Everyone is fine," I reassured him.

He raised an eyebrow. "By the Alpha's expression, someone is very lucky their pups are alright." I glanced at Liam, who was still visibly angry. He watched Azalea fuss over the boys for a moment.

"Yeah, he's very protective. And he needs to be," I commented.

"Why did he leave his mate here instead of bringing her to find you all? It seems odd she'd remain here, worrying about her pups instead of coming to find them," he questioned.

I bit my lip. It was common knowledge within the pack that Azalea lacked a wolf. Only a few knew the full details. Lily had confided in me a couple of years ago, after much prodding. But Maddox wasn't yet a pack member, and I wasn't sure how much I could reveal. I realized he was watching me watch Lea.

"If it's a big secret, you don't have to tell me. I understand. I'm not part of the pack, after all," he said. He didn't seem upset.

"You two should clean up. Lemon is sending dinner shortly," Liam linked me. He caught my eye and nodded.

"Let's go clean up. I'll explain later," I told Maddox. He nodded, and we headed to the back.

I showered first and then informed Liam that we would decline dinner. It felt like one of those nights where they needed some privacy. Then, a knock came at the door, and I saw Maddox standing there, drying his hair with a towel, shirtless. He smelled wonderful, fresh from the shower.

"Hey," he greeted, smiling.

"Hey," I managed, breathless.

"Today was fun," he said, entering my room. I sat on the bed against the headboard, waiting for V's text. Maddox sat beside me.

"Yeah, it was. Though, I don't think hunting is for me. I'll stick to regular food," I laughed. He laughed with me.

"You were pretty terrible," he teased. I gave him a mock scowl. He raised his hands in surrender. "I will admit, though, you move very gracefully for a wolf. Having spent most of our run chasing you, I'd know."

"Thanks," I said. "Even though I won't be Alpha, Liam did train me for a while. Some things stuck."

Maddox sighed, looking down at his hands. "I hope he lets me train to become a warrior." He'd mentioned it before, but I hadn't pressed him. I avoided discussing his old pack since our first meeting. He was quiet for a moment. "You don't have to tell me. I understand not wanting to talk about things."

"Like your parents?" he asked softly, looking up at me. I nodded. I didn't enjoy discussing my parents. Maddox sighed. "I guess it's only fair. I figured the Alpha and Luna would have told you before they forced you to entertain us that first day."

"Tell me what? Lea only said you'd be joining the pack soon. I wondered how you all appeared, but you seemed reluctant to discuss it, so I left it alone. I didn't think it was my business," I said.

"Sol, Sulien, Alex, and I are all from the same pack. We're rogues," he admitted. I frowned. That didn't make sense.

"That doesn't make sense. Rogues are bad. They want to hurt people. Being out of a pack makes them sick," I stammered.

"We belonged to a tiny pack far from here. So small, we initially thought this was the whole pack. One day, we were attacked. Someone beheaded our Alpha and then murdered our Luna in front of everyone. We were helpless. Then he started killing people and burning our pack to the ground. Everyone fled. My mother died a few years ago, but my father and older sister were with me. Neither survived…" He squeezed his eyes shut, and my breath caught. "My father tried to help others escape, including my sister and me. When the attacker came after us, he tried to stop it, giving us time to escape. We initially got away, but it found us. My sister shoved me into the river and sacrificed herself." Maddox clenched his fists, fighting back tears. I leaned closer.

"Maddox…" I whispered.

"After escaping the river, I didn't see anyone for days. Eventually, I found the others. We sought a new pack, unsure what else to do. We faced many rejections. One pack chased us off, and one of their warriors nearly hurt a child. I intervened and got hurt. My arm wouldn't heal properly afterward," Maddox said, his voice tight. "When we arrived here, they took us to a room. They wanted a representative to speak with the Alpha and Luna. I thought we were doomed. Then your mother entered, asking for the injured person, and everyone offered me up. I couldn't believe it when she healed my arm. The Alpha and Luna were so kind. They gave us a chance when so many packs hadn't, because peaceful rogues aren't a thing."

"You want to become a warrior because you couldn't help your family or your pack…" I concluded. He nodded, meeting my gaze.

"If my mate is out there, I want to protect her. I never want to feel weak and helpless again," he said, his voice filled with pain. I scooted closer.

"I don't think you're weak, Maddox…" I said softly.

"Can I tell you something?" he asked. We were very close. I nodded.

"I was a little disappointed when you said you wouldn't be Alpha. I know females aren't usually Alpha, but I'd hoped maybe one day I could protect you…"

"Really? Why?" I asked, confused.

He couldn't answer because Leo burst into the room yelling, "Sissy! Stories?" He ran to the bed, looking between Maddox and me with a smile. The poor thing was so oblivious.

"Leo, you're supposed to knock before entering someone's room!" Junior scolded from the doorway.

"Oh, right," Leo said. He made a fist and bumped it against Maddox's leg. "Knock, knock," he said. "Now, stories? Daddy said he was putting Mommy to bed because her eyes are leaky." Maddox laughed at his innocence. I smiled. I looked at Maddox, and he gave me a warm smile and shrug. Our conversation could continue later.

Lacey

My mate is unusual. I never imagined finding a second chance after Harry died. It took me a long time to recover, and I never considered another relationship. Harry was amazing, sweet, kind. He was nothing like Felix. Where Felix is large, quiet, and brooding, Harry was small, talkative, and easygoing. The Moon Goddess certainly threw me a curveball.

After the meeting, I finished with Jax and left the dining room to find Felix near the steps leading to the guest rooms. His eyes were immediately on me, and I felt butterflies. It was a feeling I'd missed. I asked him to wait while I gathered my things. I ran upstairs, put away my work, and freshened up before rejoining him.

Downstairs, he said nothing. Instead, he took my wrist and pulled me to another room. Sparks erupted where his hand touched my arm. I understood there were no ground-floor guest rooms in the main building, so I assumed the room was reserved for him or other pack members. Inside, he released my wrist but stood staring, silent.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, I looked around. The room was sparsely furnished, like a typical travel accommodation. The only personal items were a small travel bag on the desk, containing neatly folded clothes. He remained silent as I explored the room, searching for clues about him. Finally, I sat on the bed and stared back. He continued to watch me. He's clearly a man of few words.

At least an hour passed before he spoke. "Dinner. Let's go," was all he said. Having nothing better to do, I went with him. The mate bond was drawing me to him anyway. But I wouldn't fully surrender until I knew him better. The Moon Goddess might think this large, quiet man was exactly what I needed, but I wasn't convinced.

Instead of dining at the inn, Felix led us through town to a small diner. He entered and sat at a table away from others. A waitress approached, surprised to see me. She seemed to know Felix's order and brought me a menu. After ordering, we ate in silence. I'd occasionally look up, and he'd be staring at me. It was the most awkward meal I'd ever shared.

Afterward, we returned to the inn, and Felix went straight to his room. When I started toward my room, he paused, looking puzzled. Was his silence unusual? I wondered if I could get him to speak, so I followed him.

His room was much the same as before dinner. I started asking questions. I quickly realized he'd only respond to yes/no questions with nods or shakes. When I asked anything requiring a verbal response, he remained silent. I only learned that he works for the Alpha and Luna (whom I'd already met) and that I am his second chance as well. When I asked if he wanted to know more about me, he paused before tentatively nodding.

I told him I'd answer anything he asked. I sat on the bed and waited. We just looked at each other. His proximity was becoming difficult. He smelled wonderful, and my body craved him. I was about to give up when he finally broke the silence.

"Am I your second chance?" he asked. I smiled, feeling victorious.

Nodding, I said, "Yes. My mate died four years ago."

"How?"

"He was human. He was ill," I said. It didn't hurt as much to talk about anymore, but I didn't want to elaborate.

"Pack?" Very few words…

"Do I belong to one?" I clarified. He nodded. "Yes. Though, I live in a predominantly human city." He tilted his head slightly. I smiled faintly. That small gesture made him almost cute in his brooding, angry demeanor. Oh, Goddess, what is wrong with me?

He started to speak again and stopped abruptly. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and for a moment, a look of panic crossed his features. I sat up straighter. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Shit," he said. He didn't look at me as he threw open the door and practically ran out. Seriously, what was that?