Rogue activity has significantly decreased, but persists. It's fooling no one. Sean and all the warriors are on even higher alert; I've sent Jacob to the Inn to assist.

I waited in my office for Damien to join me before Langston and his mate arrived. Langston was coming to discuss our current rogue issues, and we planned to inform him about the impending vampire problem. Emma insisted on seeing Azalea and the children, despite Langston's preference for her remaining in their packhouse. Azalea was, of course, thrilled to see Emma. I think Azalea admires her as a Luna far more than my mother.

Damien strolled into my office without knocking. I rolled my eyes as he sprawled onto the couch. The dark circles under his eyes indicated he was sleeping as little as I was. Between running the pack, managing the evolving rogue/vampire situation, and chasing our families around, we were both stretched thin. Lily was helping with Azalea, while Lacey assisted Felix with the children. It's been a joint effort, but the stress is mounting.

"Do we have any further information on my sister's murderer?" Damien asked, running his hands over his tired face.

"Nothing actionable," I replied. "Abraham said the culprit would have to be quite old to influence the guards as he did. His ability to render himself seemingly invisible, without actual invisibility, made his intent clear from the start."

Damien's face was stony, unhappy with the lack of progress. He'd finally accepted his sister's death, but he wouldn't stop until he found her killer. He sighed. "When will Langston arrive?"

I checked the clock. "Probably within the hour. We should brief him on the war soon. We need him on our side to gather allies. He may be an older Alpha, but he commands significant respect in this region."

Damien nodded. "It will also help him understand recent events. Will Azalea tell Emma?"

"No, Langston will," I said. Damien nodded, then rested his head back on the couch, closing his eyes.

I felt a flare of irritation through our mate bond. "Azalea, what's wrong?"

"Nothing! I'm fine!" she responded immediately. I can't help but constantly check on her.

"No, you're not…"

"I can handle it myself!"

"Little Luna, I'll help. Wait, aren't you with Lily?"

"Yes, but I don't need help, Alpha," she emphasized. I sighed.

"Lily, why is my mate upset?" I conceded.

"Her sandal fell off, and she can't reach it," Lily replied.

"Can you help her?"

"No offense, but your mate is scarier than you, and I already had to shoo Declan away," Damien snickered from the couch. He knew what was happening. I huffed and stood.

"Bull-headed woman," I grumbled, leaving my office. Declan was outside her door.

"Your mate is quite riled up," he said.

"Yes, I know," I replied. "I've got it, Declan. Thank you. Emma and Langston will be here any minute. Felix and Lily will be with her while Langston, Damien, and I talk. I appreciate your help."

He nodded. "Good luck," he said, leaving. I opened the door to the comical sight of Azalea's usually pale face flushed red as she struggled to reach her foot. Lily sat at the desk, calmly observing.

"I said I'm fine!" Azalea snapped.

"I'm going to see if they've arrived," Lily said, standing and patting my shoulder before leaving.

I knelt before Azalea, adjusted her sandal, and sat beside her. She pouted. Without a word, I sat next to her.

Azalea crossed her arms, her cheeks still pink. "I missed you," I said, smiling. I draped my arm over her shoulder.

"You saw me two hours ago," she huffed.

"Your shoe's fixed. Stop being grumpy," I chided.

"Whatever," she said.

"Little Luna, what's really wrong?" I asked.

She sighed. "Leo asked Felix to remove his bike's training wheels. Junior's teaching him to ride, and I can't even be with them!" Her voice trembled slightly. It wasn't whining; it was disappointment.

I wrapped my other arm around her. "I'm sorry, baby. I can link Felix and have him ask the boys to wait." She shook her head. "Anything else I can do?" I asked, feeling her disappointment.

"Just hold me," she said, snuggling into my side.

Lacey:

"Don't get me wrong; I understand she's uncomfortable and stressed. It just seems a bit dramatic," I said to Lily. She'd just left Azalea's office, where the Alpha had to calm her down. I was preparing snacks for the kids while she ate.

"That's a bit harsh," Lily said, frowning. "Having a pup isn't exactly normal for her."

"But this is her third," I reasoned. Luna's attitude had worsened. She was constantly irritated, and everyone knew it was affecting the Alpha as he tried to prevent a vampire war.

"Didn't Felix explain Lea's situation?" Lily asked.

"Yes, he said she's a different type of wolf with a special ability. She can heal, but it uses a lot of energy," I answered.

"That's mostly right, but Azalea is far from a typical White Moon wolf. She doesn't have a wolf at all," Lily said.

"How? She's not human?" I asked. Lily sighed.

"Here's the short version: Azalea's parents plotted to overthrow Liam's father when she was young. They were killed. She was raised in the packhouse, essentially as a maid. They never treated her well. She wasn't physically strong enough for her wolf to fully manifest. She has enhanced senses and feels her bond with Liam, but otherwise, she's basically human. Their relationship wasn't easy either," she paused, her jaw twitching. "They've overcome many hurdles. Azalea's been targeted repeatedly, and Liam's always had to protect her (hence Felix). What Liam can't protect her from is her own physical weakness. Werewolf pregnancies are faster, but Azalea's body struggles. From a young age, she's had to be self-reliant. She's better at caring for others than being cared for. Right now, she can't even climb stairs, chase her kids, or shop for her daughter. She can't even use her gift without risking herself and the baby. She loves Liam and wants another child, but she's losing her independence and feeling useless and weak. She hides it well, but some of us know better."

I was speechless. Felix had omitted key details. "Oh," I whispered, feeling guilty. I'd liked Azalea initially; she seemed confident. Her attitude changed during her pregnancy, seeming dramatic. But Lily's explanation changed my perspective; I felt sympathy.

"Yes. She's tough but incredibly self-conscious. Despite everything, she can't hold resentment," Lily said softly.

"I had no idea. I assumed it was stress from her work," I admitted.

"Honestly, Lea's story needs a whole book," Lily said.

Azalea:

I calmed down in Liam's arms. He navigated my craziness while leading the pack. Sometimes, I don't feel worthy of such a good mate.

Soon, Liam whispered, "Langston and Emma will be here soon."

I nodded, sitting up. Liam smoothed my hair and kissed me. "Feel better?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "Thanks." Liam smiled and helped me to my feet. I didn't want to leave him. "Liam?"

"Yes, baby?" he answered.

"Can we tell Langston and Emma together?" He looked at me quizzically.

"Alright," he said cautiously. "Why?"

"It's better as a group," I reasoned.

"Okay," he agreed. "Let's get you settled in my office. It's easier to accommodate everyone there." He moved to lift me.

"Wait!" I stopped him. "Can I walk? My legs are stiff. It's just down the hall."

He pursed his lips but nodded, supporting me as we walked to his office. He positioned a chair for me. A few minutes later, Damien entered with chairs. Liam must have linked him. They arranged the chairs around the desk.

"Lily's bringing them now," Damien said. Liam returned to me. Lily soon arrived with Emma. Liam and I stood to greet them.

"Azalea, you're glowing!" Emma exclaimed. I smiled warmly.

"More like growing," I joked. She laughed.

"You're a beautiful mama," she said. "How's Missy? Almost mating age?"

"We're not sure," I said. "She's quiet, but we have some guesses."

Emma raised her eyebrows. "Bond? Powerful wolves feel their bond early."

"We suspect but won't comment. We're happy she's happy," I said.

"Good news, and bad news," Langston and Liam said simultaneously.

"Let's sit," Lily suggested.

We sat, Liam holding my hand. "Langston, what do you know about vampires?"