Liam carried his stubborn mate through the inn and toward the back. She kept trying to reassure him she was fine, but he sensed her subtle panic during her conversation with Lacey.

“Liam, it’s just pregnancy pain. Really, I just stood up too quickly,” she soothed. He wasn’t buying it. Her belly was noticeably larger, but she still had two months until their pup’s due date. Ignoring her attempts to placate him, he brought her inside their cottage, laid her gently on the bed. When she tried to get up, he growled, “Stay put.” She scowled but obeyed. He started the teapot in the kitchenette and pulled out his phone.

Text Message Exchange:

ME: Azalea is having recurring pain, I think in her side. Should I bring her in?

UNCLE: Does she have any other symptoms? Fever, nausea, tiredness?

ME: She’s moving much slower, but I hoped that was just the pregnancy. We also had a bit of a scare, so she slept a long time last night.

UNCLE: Has she eaten much today? Check her temperature.

ME: She picked at lunch and dinner.

The teapot whistled. He made Azalea a cup of tea and brought it to her. She sat up against the headboard, a blanket over her lap.

“Who are you texting?” she asked, taking the cup.

“My uncle,” he replied. She gave him a pointed look. “Oh no, you aren’t going to give me an attitude. I’m worried about you, even if you aren’t. Now come here.” He touched the back of his hand to her forehead. She was burning up. “Baby, you’re burning up…”

“I’m okay,” she said.

“No, you aren’t,” he insisted.

Text Message Exchange:

ME: She’s burning up but still covered in a blanket.

UNCLE: I think you should bring her in.

ME: Now?

UNCLE: Could be an infection, which is uncommon for wolves. I’m concerned. I can be at the clinic in 30 minutes.

ME: We’re at the inn. Make it an hour.

“Liam, what is it? You’re making a face,” she asked softly.

“Baby, I need to take you to the clinic.” He looked into her worried face.

“That really isn’t necessary. The kids are in bed, and it’s late,” she reasoned.

“No, Azalea. My uncle’s worried, so you’re going to get checked out. Your and the pup’s health are more important than the boys getting a solid night’s sleep during summer vacation!” His anger exceeded his intention. She blanched. He sighed, trying to calm himself. “Just sit tight. I’m going to get the kids so we can go.” He spoke more gently this time. She wisely didn’t argue and nodded. Her fear seeped through their bond, and he knew he was scaring her.

He went to Missy’s room first. She and Maddox could help with the boys while he carried Azalea to the car. He pounded on her closed door until he heard movement.

“Missy, we need to leave. Get Maddox and get your things,” he mentally linked her.

“What’s going on?” she replied quickly. She must have been awake.

“I need to bring Azalea to the doctor.” He moved on to the boys’ room, gently shaking them awake to avoid frightening them. Leo woke first, rubbing his eyes. “Daddy?” he mumbled sleepily.

“Yeah, little man. Daddy needs you to wake up. We’re going for a car ride,” Liam said gently. Missy and Maddox entered the room. He noticed his daughter’s flushed face but Gavin’s reminder about Azalea’s urgent need for his uncle’s care refocused him. Missy and Maddox offered to get the boys and meet him at the door. He grabbed his bags and was relieved to find Missy’s and Maddox’s already outside the door. He gathered everything and returned to the main part of the cottage. After gathering Azalea’s things, he quickly put everything in the car before hurrying back. Leo was cuddling Azalea, rubbing her belly. Missy, Maddox, and Junior waited by the couch.

“Everyone ready?” he asked. They nodded. He picked up Leo.

“I’m going to carry Mommy, okay? She’s very tired,” he told him.

“’Cause she’s growing my baby!” Leo said in his cute toddler voice. Liam nodded and smiled.

“Yes. It’s very hard work, so I need you to walk with Missy,” he said. Leo nodded enthusiastically. Maddox easily scooped Leo onto his shoulders. Leo had to duck under the low ceiling, but giggled.

“That one is okay for our pup,” Gavin said.

“We’ll see. I want to test him on the training grounds,” Liam argued.

“Better than the other one…” Gavin grumbled. Liam agreed. He scooped up Azalea, and they headed for the car.

—

Pulling into the packhouse, he turned to Missy, who anticipated his question: “We’ll take them in and tuck them into bed.” He smiled. That’s my girl.

He parked near the front doors. Missy, Maddox, and Junior exited. Leo remained asleep in his car seat. Maddox unbuckled him and effortlessly removed him from the car. They went inside, and Liam headed to the clinic.

Missy:

Maddox carried the limp Leo, and I pushed Junior all the way to their rooms. Junior slammed his door, unwilling to be put to bed. I didn’t blame him. He wasn’t a morning person, and waking him before eight hours of sleep was akin to terrorism. I led Maddox into Leo’s room and laid him down. He barely moved as we covered him and left. In the hallway, we stopped and looked at each other.

The drive had been awkward. All I could think about was Liam’s words about keeping me safe. Surely, some of that stemmed from his pack’s loss.

We stood inches apart, but I couldn’t look him in the eye. My fingernails suddenly became fascinating. “You don’t have to say anything,” Maddox said softly. I looked up tentatively. He smiled. “I just needed to tell you. I thought you should know there’s more out there for you if Vlad turns out not to be your mate.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead before turning and heading down the hallway. I stood dazed, watching him go.

“Missy, what’s going on? Why is Maddox in the packhouse?” Lily’s voice startled me. I shook off the goosebumps and answered.

“Liam brought us home because he needs to take Azalea to the doctor. He dropped us off and went there,” I said.

“Goddess, what’s going on?” she asked worriedly.

“I don’t know. We just got in the car and came home.” Liam was tense the whole ride, so there wasn’t much conversation. I went to my room. I needed sleep; it all felt like a weird dream.

Azalea:

I sat in the hospital bed, my hand resting on my belly. Liam sat beside me, bouncing his leg nervously, running his hand through his hair. I sighed. I didn’t want to worry him. The pain was intensifying, but manageable. Doctor Ron arrived. Liam jumped up.

“Calm down, nephew,” Doctor Ron said, raising a hand. “Azalea, you seem to be worrying more than just your mate.” He checked her chart. “You have a fever, and your blood pressure is a little high,” he said, looking at her.

“Doctor Ron, really, I’m okay. I just need some sleep,” I said.

“All in good time. Sit up, lean forward,” he said, approaching her. I glanced at Liam; his face was severe. I sighed and obeyed. Doctor Ron pressed along her back. I winced when he got lower. “Hmmm. Is this where the pain comes from?” he asked.

“Uh, I think so,” I answered.

“Have you been nauseous recently?”

“Well, yeah. I’m pregnant,” I said.

“More than your average morning sickness? Maybe foods are upsetting you unexpectedly?”

“My appetite has been decreasing the past couple of days,” I admitted.

“Alright, Luna. I think my suspicions are true. I believe you have an infection. This pregnancy isn’t agreeing with you. I’m going to take some blood to test and start you on a broad-spectrum medicine.”

I nodded. “So, am I stuck here for the night?”

“Tonight, and probably another day or two. I want to make sure this doesn’t spread,” he said. My heart sank. I didn’t want to be in a hospital bed for days. I looked at Liam; he shook his head.

Doctor Ron drew blood, and his nurse started an IV. It was cold and uncomfortable. When they left, Liam stood beside me, gently rubbing my head. “I’m not sorry, Little Luna,” he said softly.

“I know,” I sighed.

“I wish you would tell me when you aren’t feeling well,” he said.

“If we went to your uncle every time I felt slightly off, we’d live in his office, Liam. I’m pregnant, and my body isn’t suited for werewolf pregnancies,” I explained. His upset expression made my heart clench. He would always partly blame himself for my limitations.

“I’m sorry, Little Luna. We shouldn’t have left this to chance,” his voice quivered. He leaned down, resting his head against mine. I cupped his cheek.

“The Moon Goddess wanted us to have another pup, Liam. Everything will be fine,” I reassured him.

“I can’t lose you, Azalea. I won’t survive. The sun would never rise again if something happened to you,” he confessed.

“Liam…” I whispered. I wanted him close. He picked me up slightly, repositioning me, and climbed into bed beside me, careful of my IV. I snuggled against him.

“Sleep, Little Luna,” Liam pleaded. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, his scent lulling me to sleep.