Azalea

"So, does that sound okay?" Missy asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice. I couldn't imagine why she'd be nervous.

"Of course! I'd love to throw a party for both of you!" I replied with a wide smile. She'd come to my office after lunch to discuss her birthday, nervously asking if Maddox could celebrate with her.

"And we can have strawberry cake?" she asked.

"Why don't I make a cake for each of you? You hate strawberries, and there's no reason I can't make you both individual cakes," I suggested.

"No, no. That's too much. Just a strawberry one," she insisted. I smiled at my brilliant daughter. I knew she was using Maddox to deflect some attention from herself, but I was still proud of her for considering him.

"Alright," I agreed, knowing I'd still make her a special cake.

"Thanks, Lea," she said brightly, her shoulders relaxing. "This will be a lot of fun, I'm sure."

"Alright. You go on. I have a party for two teenagers to plan now," I said excitedly.

Missy left, leaving the door open. I saw Azeron in the hallway. So far, I was happy with his presence. I was still too embarrassed by Liam carrying me everywhere to let Azeron even try, but he annoyed me far less than Robert and Declan. He was also more talkative than Felix. I'd learned he has a mate who would be joining our pack. He showed me a picture; I thought they were a good match, and I looked forward to meeting him.

"Liam," I mentally linked him.

"Yes, Little Luna?" he replied, sounding slightly distracted.

"Am I interrupting something?" I asked.

"No, baby. Never."

"Missy wants her party to include Maddox," I told him.

"Really?"

"She even insisted on a strawberry cake because it's his favorite."

"She doesn't like strawberries at all," he commented.

"I know." I smiled. The thought of Maddox and Missy as mates had crossed my mind a few times. I'd happily accept whoever her mate was, as long as they treated my daughter well. I couldn't lie; I was hoping it would be Maddox. I hoped she'd have a better mate-bond experience than mine.

"So, we're throwing a party then?" he asked.

"Yes, for both of them."

"Whatever my girls want," Liam readily agreed.

"I love you," I said.

"I love you, too."

Liam

Azalea had been cheerful all day, preparing for Missy and Maddox's birthday party. She had a little over a week, but only needed a few days. My only responsibility was the present. I made a mental note to give Missy my credit card and send her with Felix to get Maddox a gift; I was sure she'd want to.

Azalea's happiness and relaxed state were good for me. Her emotions weren't overwhelming me through our link. I trained with Maddox and Junior before returning to the packhouse. Azalea wanted to plan in the kitchen with Marci, so I helped her before going to my office. Langston was returning to his pack but expressed his impression of Maddox before leaving.

"Damien, any word yet?" I mentally linked him.

"They just crossed the border. Patrol informed me. He should be here any minute," Damien replied.

"I'll be in my office," I said. I sat at my desk, knowing it wouldn't be long. This was important. I cleared superfluous notifications from my phone. Damien soon arrived with one of our warriors. I set aside my phone and gave them my full attention.

Damien stood beside my desk while the warrior stood before me, bowing. "Please, sit," I said. He nodded. "So, were we correct about the next area to be attacked?"

"Yes, Alpha. I found what I believe to be an entire pack reduced to ashes," he explained.

"Were you able to collect any information on missing persons nearby?"

"There was an increase in reported missing persons over three days, but no news coverage indicated a trend." I nodded.

"So, Lacey's pattern is correct," I muttered. Damien nodded.

"Did you encounter any suspicious persons?" Damien asked.

"No, sir. The woods were dense, and it was far from other areas. Everything was ash by the time I arrived. But I did find something." He produced his cellphone, showing me a picture of a crudely made sign amidst the destruction. It read, "Ready or not, Blackfur."

I studied the photo before showing it to Damien. "Can you have a report by tomorrow morning?" I asked.

"Yes, Alpha," he said, bowing slightly before leaving. I looked at Damien.

"He knows we're onto him," Damien said.

"Well, he kidnapped my pups, and vampires were involved. It's not hard to connect the dots," I replied.

"True," he said, still studying the picture.

"The question is, what should we be ready for?"

Missy

It's been a few days since I asked Lea if Maddox and I could have a joint birthday party. She's been so happy since. My grandparents found out; my grandmother wasn't pleased. She tried to dissuade me, saying it wouldn't look good for the Alpha's daughter to party with a new pack member and an orphan. Luckily, Liam intervened, promptly scolding his mother.

This morning, Liam asked Maddox to watch the boys, then gave me his credit card. He said Felix would take me to the city to get Maddox a gift and anything I needed for school, since Lea is too pregnant to shop with me. I considered waiting and going with Lemon but decided against it, worrying about Maddox's gift. I had some ideas, but wasn't sure he'd like them.

My phone buzzed.

Vlad: Dinner?

Me: Tonight?

Vlad: Please? I want to give you your birthday present.

Me: Let me see what I can do.

I messaged Lea:

Me: Can I go out tonight?

Lea: As long as someone's with you. You know how your dad feels. Where are you going?

Me: I don't know. Vlad asked me to dinner.

Lea: Then you don't want Maddox to go?

Me:

Lea: Ask Felix to take you. I'll handle everything else.

Lea's the best parent ever. I always feel bad when she looks sad watching the boys play. I don't know why she's sad, but she deserves better. I glanced at Felix; he was focused on driving. I removed a headphone.

"Uh, Felix?" I asked. He glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. "Vlad wants to take me to dinner tonight and give me my birthday present. It's a few days early, but I kind of want to go…" I trailed off.

"Maddox and Vlad don't get along," I continued. He snorted. "Maybe you could go instead? Lea said to ask you, and she'll take care of the boys and tell Liam."

He drove in silence. Finally, he nodded. "Thanks, Felix," I whispered, returning to my phone.

Me: I can go, but Felix is tagging along.

Vlad: I can work with that. Can I pick you up at 6?

Me: Sure. Dress code?

Vlad: Casual is fine. I can't wait to see you.

I closed my phone. I was still nervous after that night at the cabin. I didn't know where we stood. I wished I knew what my birthday held to avoid this anxiety.

When we reached the mall, I started with school clothes. Felix didn't mind, though I'm sure we got some stares. A giant man with a teenage girl is unusual, especially a silent, broody one. Luckily, I didn't need much; I'm almost seventeen. I bought a few shirts, jeans, and a sweater. Fall fashion is my favorite.

After shopping, we went to the food court. I pushed my lo mein around, thinking about Maddox's gift. I felt Felix's eyes on me. He ate quickly, as always.

I looked up. "I can't decide what to get Maddox," I said. "Any ideas?"

He stared at me. I sighed and ate some lo mein. He smirked.