Azalea

"Sorry, Luna, I have to go," Austin said, checking his watch. He rose from the couch in my office and headed for the door. After dinner, he stayed so I could finish a few things before Liam takes me to Langston's pack tomorrow. With the alarming number of rogue wolves we've been seeing, Liam called him—our closest neighbor. They've seen the same thing, so several packs are meeting to strategize.

"Thanks, Austin. Have a fun vacation!" I said.

"Thanks," he replied brightly, before leaving the room.

"You better hurry. The boogeyman might get me now that I'm all alone," I linked my mate. I could almost see his eye roll. Austin must have linked him before leaving because Liam strolled into my office less than a minute later.

"You aren't as clever as you think, Little Luna," he grumbled.

"I find myself very funny," I grinned. He circled the desk and leaned over my chair.

"I missed you," he said, kissing my lips.

"You just saw me at dinner, and we spent half the day together," I pointed out.

"And I still missed you." His goofy grin still gives me butterflies. "The boys are having a sleepover with Delilah and Lucas. Why don't we go upstairs and have our own little sleepover?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Can I finish a few things? Someone distracted me all morning with his charming smile."

Liam growled playfully. "Sure. I'll just sit here and talk to my daughter," he said, looking at my belly. He bent down and kissed it softly; the baby responded with a kick. His face lit up.

"Now, if you make the baby kick me relentlessly, we'll never get upstairs," I said. He pouted, clearly conflicted—make the baby kick or get to the bedroom? "So, you assigned little Maddox to our daughter tomorrow?"

He looked confused for a moment before chuckling. "Yes. Things will be a little thin here tomorrow, so I thought it best to ensure the kids had someone with them all day. He isn't a warrior yet, but Damien thinks he could give Austin a run for his money soon."

"Did you ask Missy?" I asked.

"Why would I need to ask her? They're friends, right?"

"This is why I'm Luna. Haven't you noticed the drama between Vlad, Maddox, and Missy?" He shook his head. "Maddox likes her, Liam. And that means Vlad isn't too happy," I explained.

Liam groaned. "My daughter is not the center of a love triangle," he said.

"I think she might be, My Alpha."

"I'm starting to change my mind. Maybe I want another boy. If you give me a girl as pretty as you or Missy, we're screwed," he lamented. I laughed; Liam is such a good dad.

"How are those cuts and bruises?" I asked.

"Better. Almost gone. Why?"

"I was thinking about a promise you made last night before you ran off and got hurt." He smirked.

"I think I can make up for that," he said.

Squeezing Leo tightly, I kissed his face repeatedly. He squirmed. "Mommy!" he gasped. I released him, smiling.

"Be good for Missy and Maddox, okay?" I said. He nodded.

"Come here, Little L," Liam said. Leo hopped into his arms and hugged him. I looked at Missy.

"Please keep a close eye on them," I urged.

"We'll be fine. You're only gone for one night," she said.

"Don't worry, Luna. I'll make sure they're safe," Maddox said confidently. I didn't miss the smile and longing gaze directed at Missy.

"Alright. Stay near the packhouse today," I said.

"Come on, Little Luna. We need to go," Liam said. He was uneasy about leaving the kids, but traveling with five children is difficult, even for a night. Langston has no children and has been wanting some for years. Ella loves Missy, but it was best to leave them at home for now.

Liam took my hand and led me to the car. Lily was in the front; Damien was loading bags. Liam helped me in before sliding in beside me. I gripped his hand and smiled.

"Don't be nervous, Little Luna," he linked.

"I can't help it. Felix and Austin are gone, and we're leaving. What if something happens tonight?"

"Patrols are doubled until we return. Damien and I can get back quickly if we shift. Maddox is capable of keeping the kids safe."

Damien drove towards Langston's pack. "I just have a bad feeling."

Missy

Maddox is taking his job way too seriously. I convinced the kids to hang out in the lounge and play video games, promising pizza for lunch, so I could hide in my room. Maddox wasn't having it. When I tried to escape, he grabbed me and threw me over his shoulder, carrying me back.

I stared at my phone as Vlad called for the hundredth time. I was avoiding him because Maddox was determined to keep us all in his sight. I silenced my phone and pocketed it. Maddox sprawled on the couch, watching TV. Delilah and Junior played a racing game; Leo and Lucas watched. They were too young for video games, but too old for the unconnected controller trick.

Maddox grinned. "What's wrong, grumpy pants?" he taunted. I rolled my eyes. "Oh, come on, Miss. Is spending the day with me really so bad?"

"No…" I muttered. A week and a half ago, this wouldn't have bothered me. Before I knew he liked me, everything was easy.

"Sissy, I'm hungry!" Leo whined.

"Is that how you ask for food, Leo?" I scolded. He stood and knocked on my leg with his fist.

"Sissy, can we have pizza now? Pretty please?" he said. Maddox and I giggled.

"I'll make us lunch," I said, rising. Maddox moved to get up. "I'm just going to the kitchen. Stay," I said, exasperated. He squinted but sat back down.

"If you aren't back in 15 minutes, I'm coming after you," he said casually.

"It takes 20 minutes to bake a pizza," I retorted. He shrugged, and I left.

I'd taken only a few steps when I heard my name from the front door. I turned to see Vlad. "Princess, why aren't you answering your phone?" he asked, irritated.

"Sorry, I've been with the kids. Liam and Luna are gone with Damien and Lily, so I'm watching everyone," I apologized.

"I would have come sooner if you'd told me," he said, stopping in front of me. He took my hand and pulled me close.

"Well, if I can't have you to myself today, we can raincheck. I'd still be up for hanging out with your siblings," he murmured into my hair, wrapping his arms around me.

"Okay," I said hesitantly. I hadn't mentioned Maddox. "Want to help me get everyone pizza?"

"Sure," he said. He released me, and we walked to the kitchen hand-in-hand.

Miss Marci was rolling dough. "I could have done that!" I said.

"Oh hush, little one. I like taking care of you kids and cooking for the pack. Just add your toppings," she said, smiling.

"Alright," I said, grabbing the pizza sauce. I looked at Vlad. "What do you want?"

"Pepperoni, bacon, and jalapeños," he said with a grin.

"You don't have to eat my favorite pizza," I said, spooning sauce onto the dough.

"Who says my girlfriend's favorite isn't also my favorite?" he said.

"Your favorite is pineapple and cauliflower, but you also like meat lover's sometimes," I said flatly.

"Hey Missy, the kids are setting the table outside. They want to eat in the sunshine and swim after lunch—" Maddox's voice stopped as he entered. He looked between Vlad and me. My eyes went to Vlad, whose face filled with annoyance.

"Yes, we can do that," I said hesitantly. Vlad and Maddox glared at each other.

"I didn't realize you had more company," Vlad said, turning to me. His expression suggested I'd wronged him.

"Yes. Maddox is in warrior training, so he's guarding us," I explained. I looked at Miss Marci, who was trying to be invisible. Vlad nodded slowly.

"Is there a problem?" Maddox asked, his voice bitter. Vlad turned to him.

"As long as you keep your hands off my girlfriend, there won't be a problem," Vlad threatened. Maddox growled. Miss Marci quietly moved toward the dining room. My head spun between them.

"Didn't you get the hint when she ignored your calls all day?" Maddox retorted. It was Vlad's turn to growl. I dropped the pizza sauce and moved closer.

"Guys, don't do this," I said. They glared murderously. Vlad moved closer, putting his arm around my waist.

"This isn't kindergarten. I don't share my toys," Vlad gritted. My eyes widened. Toy?

"She's not a toy!" Maddox yelled. "If you think she's just something that belongs to you, then you don't deserve her!"

"You don't know anything about her!"

"And you do? You think she likes being called 'princess'?"

"That's not—" I tried.

"I've been here for her. You just think you can show up and have your pick?" Vlad roared.

"At least I care about how she feels!"

"Like you know how she feels!"

"Knowing how she likes her pizza doesn't mean you know her!"

"Stop!" I finally yelled. They looked at me. "You two are not going to fight over me! This is ridiculous! I am no one's property or toy!" I pushed away from Vlad. I pointed at both of them. "Figure this out because I am tired of walking on eggshells! I'm going to check on the kids. When I come back, you two better have figured it out, or you can just go away!"

I stormed from the room, furious. Why me? Do I attract trouble? I moved toward the back door, trying to calm down.

My blood ran cold when I saw the outside. Wolves were fighting everywhere. I ran to the door and threw it open, looking for Junior, Leo, Delilah, and Lucas. Tables were overturned; plates and cups littered the ground.

"Missy, RUN!" someone screamed. I saw a ragged wolf running toward me. He was tackled by another wolf. Shock froze me. Arms wrapped around me and pulled me back. I looked up to see Maddox pulling me inside.

"We need to get upstairs, now," he said quickly. He let go and pulled my arm.

"Maddox, my brothers! Delilah and Lucas were just outside! We have to find them!" I yelled, panicking.

He looked stern and continued pulling me. When we reached the stairs, Vlad was ushering Miss Marci and others upstairs toward the safe room. I pulled away from Maddox. "No, we need to find them. Now!" I said frantically.

"Missy, we need to get you in the safe room now!" Maddox urged. He looked around, waiting for someone to enter the packhouse.

"No, Maddox. They can't get hurt! They just can't! They are kids!"

"Missy, please. Just go upstairs," he begged.

"They can't fight grown wolves! They are kids, why won't you help me? You're supposed to be protecting us, and we left them all alone!"

Maddox grabbed my shoulders and looked into my eyes seriously. "Missy, they were kidnapped. The rogues escaped before anyone could stop them. They distracted the patrol. I can't get them right now, but I can get you to safety. Please, please," he said. I think my heart stopped.

"No, no. Impossible. They were only outside for a few minutes…" I said, shaking my head.

"I know. I messed up. And I'm so sorry. But I can't let anyone get you either. Please, I need to get you upstairs," he pleaded. I was frozen. This wasn't happening. Rogues have never gotten this close. Sure, our warriors fought, but nothing like this.

Maddox didn't wait; he scooped me up and ran upstairs two steps at a time. On the third floor, he darted to the safe room. Vlad stood outside, looking anxious.

Maddox carried me inside; the door closed. Vlad turned to Maddox with a venomous look. Maddox didn't see him; his eyes were on me. I looked around, trying to comprehend everything.

"M-Maddox…" I said shakily.

"I know. I'm so sorry…" he said.