I wrung my hands nervously, scrutinizing my reflection. I couldn't explain my anxiety, but it felt different from other outings with V—almost like a first date. I smoothed my light pink denim capris and adjusted the straps of my black, flowy tank top. Simple, casual, cute? I rolled my eyes. "This is stupid," I thought, and my wolf chuckled in agreement.

"Stupid flea-bag," I grumbled. I felt her mental huff before she retreated. My wolf was staunchly Team Maddox.

The clock read 6:05. Late. Grabbing my phone and Chapstick, I bolted from my room, guilt gnawing at me. Downstairs, I skidded to a halt, catching Felix and Lacey mid-make-out session. I flinched, feeling like an intruder. Lacey laughed. "It's okay. My bad, Missy."

I slowly turned back. They were separated, her face flushed, lips swollen.

"If Felix can't go, I can ask V to reschedule" I offered tentatively. Explaining that would befun.

"No, no. Just bring him back in one piece," Lacey said, stepping away from her mate. Felix's gaze followed her, his desire to reschedule palpable.

"Isn't he supposed to bring me back in one piece?" I joked. A minuscule grin touched Felix's lips.

"Have fun on your date," Lacey said brightly, leaving us alone. I watched Felix's gaze follow her up the stairs.

"You ready, big guy?" I asked. His bored expression returned; he nodded. I reached the front door, then paused. "He's already out there, isn't he?" I muttered. "Don't answer that," I added immediately.

V leaned against his car, waiting in the driveway. He looked up hopefully as I emerged. "Felix said you weren't ready, so I waited"

"Thanks," I said. "Sorry."

"It's alright," he said, tracing his fingers down my arm to my hand. "You look beautiful."

I smiled shyly. "Thank you."

"So, uh, is he riding with us, or?" V trailed off. Felix appeared, holding up a set of keys. He clearly preferred not to join two awkward teenagers. "Noted," V said as I turned back. He opened the car door for me. I watched in the mirror as Felix headed toward a parked vehicle.

"Ready?" V asked, buckling his seatbelt. I nodded. He drove. I wiped my sweaty palms on my thighs as he headed away from the packhouse. Recognizing the location, I asked, "Are we going to the clearing?" He nodded.

"It was our place, and since we have an escort tonight, I figured it would be nice to go back. If that's okay?"

"Yeah, it's okay," I said. He stopped where the dirt road became impassable. We both got out. He retrieved a large picnic basket from the trunk.

"What's inside?" I asked.

"All in good time," he teased. We followed the familiar path to the clearing. Felix parked and joined us. I thought about how refreshing the water must be, then remembered Felix's presence and knew swimming was out of the question.

The late summer foliage surrounded us in the clearing. The scent was calming. V spread a blanket near the water and began unloading the basket. Felix kept his distance. He produced board games, food containers, and a small, wrapped gift box.

He pushed the gift box aside, blushing. "Later," he said. "Are you hungry?"

"Yeah," I said. He arranged the containers between us.

"I cooked. I hope it turned out okay," he mumbled.

"You cooked for me?"

"Yeah," he answered. "It's your birthday soon. I know Miss Marci feeds everyone at the packhouse, but I thought you might miss your mom's cooking. She's probably not up to it, being pregnant."

"What did you make?"

"Those sausage pastry things?"

"Kilted soldiers?" I asked, excited.

"Yeah. They probably aren't as good as hers—I can barely cook—but I know you like them, so…" He opened the largest container. They were a rather poor attempt at puff pastry, but the gesture was sweet.

I grabbed one and took a bite. "Mmm," I said. "It isn't pretty, but they're really good!"

"Promise?"

"Yeah," I smiled.

V and I spent the evening playing games and eating his cooking. It was all delicious, despite its unappetizing appearance. I knew from my time with Azalea how he could improve, but I wouldn't critique him. He'd gone to great lengths to cook for me, and I appreciated it.

"I seriously think you're cheating," I said after my third consecutive loss at Aggravation. "There's no way you're this good with dice!"

"It's just strategy," he laughed. I scowled. "Don't pout," he teased. "You beat me twice at checkers."

"True, but this is still infuriating," I said.

"Would you say it's aggravating?" I stared at him, wide-eyed.

"That was awful," I burst out laughing.

"Made you laugh," he smiled. I rolled my eyes fondly. He began collecting the game pieces. "I know you're under constant surveillance, so I don't want to keep you out too long."

"It's no big deal," I said, glancing at Felix. I still felt guilty about devouring all the kilted soldiers without offering him any.

"No, I should get you back," he said, closing the game box. "But first." He picked up the small gift box and offered it to me. The wrapping was meticulously done, even including a tiny bow. I carefully opened it to reveal a jewelry box. I looked up at V, confused. He nodded. I opened the box to find a charm bracelet with three wolf charms, each with a different colored birthstone.

"What…" I began.

"I know it bothers you that you don't have much to remember your birth parents by. You love Liam and Azalea, but you still miss them. So, I asked Azalea for help and found out their birthdays. Each wolf represents one of you, with your birthstones. It seemed like a family, and it might help you remember them…" My eyes welled up.

"V…" I breathed.

"I didn't mean to upset you," he said calmly. I shook my head. He wiped away a tear. "I'm sorry. I just…" He looked lost for a moment.

"I love it," I whispered. His shoulders relaxed.

"You do?"

"So much," I said. "Thank you." V took the box, removed the bracelet, and fastened it around my wrist. I admired it in the sunset light.

"V, this is so thoughtful. I don't know what to say," I said.

"You don't have to say anything. I'm just happy you like it," he said softly. He kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes, relaxing in his touch. "Come on. Let's take you home."

I sat on my bed, admiring the bracelet in my pajamas. I had some photos from my old house—it was still there, waiting if I ever chose to return—but not much else. My parents' belongings had been boxed up before the house was secured. Liam would surely let me go if I asked, but I was hesitant.

The bracelet made me feel lighter. V's remorse and gift showed he cared. I didn't need anything to complicate the Maddox-Vlad situation, but this felt like confirmation I could trust him. A knock interrupted me.

"Hey," Maddox said, peeking in.

"Hey," I said, smiling.

"Got a sec?"

"Yeah, what's up?" He entered, looking flustered.

"I wanted to give you your birthday present," he said.

"Oh," I said. He handed me a newspaper-wrapped package.

"Sorry, no wrapping paper," he said, rubbing his neck. Inside was a small, iridescent stone on a wire necklace. "It's a moonstone," Maddox explained. "My, uh, sister gave it to me a long time ago. She had an identical one."

My eyes widened. "No, Maddox, I can't take this!" I pushed it back.

"No," he said, sitting beside me. He took my hands, pushing the necklace toward me. "I want you to have it. My sister told me to keep it until I met someone so special, someone only the Moon Goddess could bless me with. I know we won't know if we're mates for a couple of days, but Missy, that's you. Whether you're my mate or not."

"Maddox, you should save this for your mate," I said softly, avoiding his gaze.

"And I want to give it to you. Meeting you after everything feels like fate. Can I put it on you?"

I sighed and nodded. He put the necklace on me.

"It looks perfect," he said, smiling. I touched the cool stone.

"Thank you," I said. He kissed my cheek.

"I'll see you in the morning," he said, leaving me alone.

"I'm telling you, son, this is best!" I growled into the phone.

"Dad, I'm Alpha. If I say my pups are protected here, they are. I have people watching Azalea and the kids constantly!" my son argued. He never followed orders.

"The kids and Azalea need to be hidden until this is resolved," I reiterated.

"If you think my pregnant mate is going anywhere I'm not, you're insane," he growled.

"This isn't about your bond. It's about the pack's safety!"

"I'm not sending them away. Azalea can't travel now! They're far safer here, under my watch."

"You're a fool if you think he can't reach them. Especially with that puppy you assigned to my granddaughter! He's hardly adequate protection."

"It's my call who protects Missy. Not yours. I've been Alpha for eight years, Dad. Stop questioning me."

"I'll stop when you act responsibly!"

"What have I done to jeopardize the pack, exactly? And don't even start with choosing a weak mate!"

I fumed. How I raised such an insolent heir, I don't know. Azalea softened him, and Alphas can't afford to be soft. "Call Greyback. And consider relocating your children and mate before it's too late."

"Yeah," he replied, hanging up. I exhaled forcefully. Lyssa stood in the doorway.

"You can't tell him what to do, Robert. He's a grown man. We couldn't choose his mate, and we can't make his decisions." Those grandpups softened her, far more than she ever was with our son.

"He needs to see reason soon, or Warwick will get what he wants."