Azalea

Showering was a chore. Liam was still frustrated; he hadn't even tried to join me. As I moved, a dull pain randomly stabbed my side. I ignored it.

When I emerged from the bathroom, Liam was leaning against the kitchen counter, engrossed in his phone. I went to the closet, retrieved my bag, and got dressed. I chose a loose-fitting, baby-pink dress and simple white sandals. When I left the closet, Liam placed a plate with a muffin and a glass of juice on the table. I smiled and approached him. "Cranberry?" I asked. He nodded, smiling. I sat down and began eating the muffin. "Are you coming to Amy's with me?" I asked.

"I thought I would. Now that I'm here, I might as well stay until you leave," he replied.

"Who's in charge of Damien?"

"Damien? Lily's watching him," he said. I nodded, chewing my muffin.

"How much time do we have?" I asked. He checked his phone.

"We should leave soon," he said.

"We should call the kids and get them cleaned up. I can only imagine what they've been up to all morning," I laughed.

We arrived at Amy's driveway precisely at two o'clock. Junior and Leo were excitedly recounting their morning with Maddox. They seemed to like him, which I appreciated. Liam helped me out of the car while the boys climbed out. Leo jumped onto Maddox's back, and I laughed at his energy. When we knocked, Amy answered and embraced me warmly.

"Look at all of you!" she exclaimed, releasing me. "But wait, who's this?" Her eyes fell on Maddox.

"Amy, this is Maddox. He's a friend of Missy's," I introduced him. "Maddox, this is my very good friend, Amy."

"Hello, ma'am," he said with a smile.

"Ma'am? Well, I like him! Come on in, everyone," she said. I led the way. "Just go to the backyard. Missy, Lemon, and the kids are already outside playing!" Amy called after us. I followed her instructions, going through the house to the back sliding doors. The curtains were drawn, obscuring our view as we stepped outside.

"SURPRISE!" multiple voices shouted. I was genuinely surprised as I looked around. A small group stood on Amy's deck; a banner reading, "BOY OR GIRL? WHO CARES, GET IT OUT!" hung above them. I laughed.

"Amy, what is this?" I asked.

"A baby shower, of course!" she beamed. I looked at Liam, who had a horrified expression. He'd been excused from the last couple of baby showers, overwhelmed by the women and their "baby craze." Abi ran up to me.

"Aunt Ayla!" she greeted me excitedly.

"There's my Abi girl," I said warmly. She took my hand.

"Come on!" she pulled me into the party. I glanced back at Liam and stifled a giggle. He was glaring at Amy, who smiled victoriously. She knew this wasn't his idea of fun.

The party was fun and much less intense than Amy's previous two baby showers. We played silly games and enjoyed delicious food. Lemon and Liam debated the baby's sex; Liam predicted a girl, while Lemon argued for more handsome boys. Abi, Missy, and Maddox played together after cake, and the boys played with Amy's younger children. Amy invited Lemon and several wolf families from town. The group was small, but everyone enjoyed themselves.

Since this was our third pup, there were no baby gifts. Lemon and Amy collaborated on a gift certificate for an "Expecting Mommy Massage" at a city spa. It was thoughtful, and Liam promised to take me soon.

"Amy, did you invite Grandpa?" I asked while we ate dessert.

"Yes, but he said, 'Seen one pup, seen them all,' so I took that as a no," she replied. I understood; he was getting older, rarely left his little house in the woods since I took over the Inn, and disliked children. I mentally noted to have Axel check on him more often. I also considered how fortunate we were that Mr. Greyback rarely visited the Inn anymore; Theodore could have been a problem for him. He must have been old enough to have experienced the war.

"So, are we going to talk about the boy?" Amy asked. Lemon and I laughed. Liam, pretending not to listen, stiffened slightly.

"She claims Vlad is still the one, but I sense something's going on between her and Maddox," Lemon said.

"How long has she known him? I don't recall Lea mentioning a Maddox before," Amy said.

"A few weeks. He just moved here," I replied. "They became friends quickly, though."

"They're pretty cute together," Lemon said. I laughed.

"She seems relaxed around him. Their friendship seems effortless," Amy observed. We all watched the small group on the lawn near the back fence. Maddox sat close to Missy, but she appeared comfortable. My eyes drifted to Liam, who was also watching them. I wished I could read his mind about the Missy-Maddox-Vlad situation.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," I mused.

When we returned to the Inn, I decided to find Lacey. We took the kids to the cottage; Felix was waiting. I tried to tell him he didn't need to be there, but he wouldn't listen.

"Talk to him," I mentally linked Liam before leaving the cottage and heading to the Inn. My frustration was short-lived; the pain in my side intensified with each step. I slowed down, trying to ignore it as I reached the back door.

I entered and went to the front desk to find Lacey's room number. Luckily, she was sitting on a couch, reading on her tablet.

"Hard at work?" I asked.

"Something like that," she sighed.

"May I sit?"

"Sure, Luna," she said.

"Please, call me Azalea," I insisted. She smiled and nodded.

"You're probably here to ask about Felix," she said.

I shrugged, feigning indifference. "Maybe."

"Well, I'm sorry you bothered, because there's nothing to tell," she said sadly.

"What do you mean?"

"I should have known when he ran from the room last night. It was clear this morning when he avoided me at breakfast. I assume he's not interested in a second chance," she explained. My heart ached.

"I'm sure that's not the case" I said. I debated telling her what happened. It seemed like something he should tell her, but it was clear my bodyguard was emotionally reserved. "Look, some things happened last night that may have distracted him. I don't think he meant it personally."

"No offense, Azalea, but I'm not interested in chasing a man who's clearly not open to a mate. I lost the most perfect man ever, and the Moon Goddess must find it funny to give me someone who can barely speak," she said, upset. I took her hand.

"Don't give up on him so easily. A rogue killed Felix's mate. I don't know how he was before, but I know he cared deeply for her. The only things in his room at the packhouse are photos of her. He's been with me for over six years, and I've never seen him so flustered. Yes, he's a quiet brute whose life revolves around his job. But he's also sweet and thoughtful, gentle, and I bet the right person can open him up." I bit my lip, watching her consider my words.

"I'm not sure he's willing to open up to me" she finally said quietly.

"He may not know he's ready. When Liam entered my life, I wasn't ready. I wanted to be alone. Little by little, he showed me I could be happy with him. Maybe Felix just isn't ready to admit he can be more than a warrior," I reasoned. When she didn't respond, I continued, "I hope it's not too forward, but maybe you aren't sure either?"

Her eyes met mine. "It isn't," she admitted.

"Why don't you come to the packhouse for a few days? You don't need to be here for the entire remodel. Maybe the hulking brute will open up a little," I suggested. She pursed her lips, considering my offer. It was charming.

Finally, she said, "I'll go if Felix asks me to." I nodded, smiling knowingly.

I stood, but a sharp pain shot through my side.

"Ahh," I moaned. Lacey stood abruptly.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yes," I gritted out. "Just moved too quickly." Her eyes didn't believe me. Footsteps approached quickly, and Felix and Liam appeared in the doorway.

"Little Luna," Liam breathed, his eyes wide with worry. I straightened, ignoring the pain.

"I'm okay," I said softly. They both scowled, unconvinced. Liam looked at Lacey, who watched nervously.

"Lacey, is it?" he asked. She nodded. "I hate to put you on the spot, but was my mate just in pain?"

"Uh she said 'ow'" Lacey said nervously. I rolled my eyes internally. I couldn't be mad, but now Liam would make a big deal out of a bit of pregnancy pain.

"Thank you for your candor," he said, approaching me. His eyes were fixed on me, frustration evident. He scooped me up bridal style.

"Wait!" I protested. He growled, silencing me. He headed towards the dining room.

"Felix, you're dismissed for the day," he said as we passed him. Felix remained motionless, likely focused on Lacey. As Liam carried me away, I watched Felix stand there, eyes fixed ahead.