Azalea

I knew Liam was worried, but it was just morning sickness. Sometimes it lingered. As long as breakfast didn't include eggs, it would pass soon. I took the clothes Liam had brought me and smiled, running my hands over the soft, worn sweatshirt. I tilted my face up, and he bent down to kiss me. I went into the bathroom to change. The sweatshirt was too warm, so I left it on the counter. When I emerged a few minutes later, Liam was on the phone. I glanced at the clock. If I hurried, I could get Leo and help prepare breakfast before our guests arrived.

“Yes, yes. Let’s talk later. Thank you, Langston,” Liam said, hanging up. He turned to me. “That was Alpha Langston. They also found a group of friendly rogues last night seeking a new pack,” he said.

“Do they know where the group came from?” I asked.

“No, not yet. He plans to meet with them after breakfast. Apparently, Ella had similar ideas about handling the guests,” he said. I smiled brightly.

“It’s a Luna thing,” I said jokingly. He rolled his eyes. “I wonder if they’re from the same pack?”

“It’s likely, unless someone is systematically targeting packs. But they couldn’t be close, or we’d have heard something,” he said.

“True. How long do you think they’ve been traveling?”

“I don’t know, baby. Let’s go greet them for breakfast. You can head down to the kitchen. I’ll bring Leo, and we’ll let Junior come down when he wakes up,” Liam said.

“You sure? I can get Leo,” I said.

“I know my Little Luna wants to be in the kitchen. Go ahead.” I kissed his cheek and left for the stairs. Felix appeared beside me.

“Good morning,” I chirped. He nodded passively. “Sleep well?” I asked. He was quiet, as usual. I’d grown used to him over the years and enjoyed his company, though I knew little about him personally. Nonetheless, Felix was family.

In the kitchen, Marci and another she-wolf were preparing breakfast. One mixed pancake batter; the other tended the stove. Bowls of fruit sat on the counter. “Good morning, ladies,” I said cheerfully. “How can I help?”

“Luna, please sit! We have everything,” Marci said kindly.

“No, please. I’d like to help!” I insisted. She sighed.

“Mix the batter, and I’ll attend to the meat,” she said. “But please sit. Alpha will be upset if you’re on your feet too long.”

“Alright,” I said, sitting at a tall stool and whisking the batter. Soon, the pancakes were finished, and Marci was plating sausages. Liam entered with a bright-eyed Leo.

“Mommy!” he cheered, reaching for me. Liam held him back.

“No, Mommy can’t pick you up. You’re too big now,” he said. Leo pouted. I stood and kissed his cheek.

“How did you sleep, sweetheart?” I asked. Leo grinned.

“We should go to the dining room, Little Luna. Jacob linked a few minutes ago; the group is waking up,” Liam linked.

“Leo, want to help Mommy and Daddy greet some guests?” I asked. He nodded enthusiastically, wriggling free of Liam’s arms. He took my hand and pulled me to the dining room, Liam and Felix following. Damien and Lily were already seated; Lucas played with toy cars. Leo joined him.

We joined Damien and Lily. Liam put his arm around me. “Langston called this morning,” Liam told Damien.

“Oh really,” he said.

“He’s facing similar circumstances. I told him I’d speak with him later this afternoon,” Liam said. Damien nodded.

“Do you think they all come from the same pack?” Lily asked.

“We discussed this,” Liam said, nodding at me. “It’s possible. But it could also mean someone is systematically decimating packs. Three groups in six weeks arriving at our border the same way is too much of a coincidence.”

“We’ll know soon enough,” said Damien. Jacob led the new group into the dining room.

Missy

I grabbed my backpack and went downstairs. Junior was descending sleepily. “Hey bud, going to get some breakfast?” I asked. He nodded. We walked down together. In the dining room, Lea and Liam were talking with strangers. Junior went to Delilah, Lucas, and Leo. I tapped Lea’s shoulder. I wished I could link her.

“I’m going to school early. I’ll grab an apple,” I told her.

“Want a ride?” she asked.

“No, V is picking me up,” I said. She pursed her lips.

“Alright. Come straight home after school. And want to go to the Inn with us for the weekend? I need to take care of some things,” she asked.

“Sure. Sounds fun,” I said. Maybe Lemon would be there. Lemon, a human, was way cooler than anyone in the pack. She had great style.

I grabbed an apple. My phone dinged—V was probably outside. He’d said he wanted to show me something before school. I jogged out, and he was waiting.

“Hey princess,” he called.

“Hi,” I said. I was lying to Lea, but we’d still get to school early.

“So, is the rumor true?” he asked.

“What rumor?”

“That there are rogues hiding in the pack?” he asked.

Were those the people in the dining room? “Uh, I don’t think so. We might have new pack members, but I don’t think we’re hiding rogues,” I said.

“Well, that’s disappointing. Was hoping for some drama, you know, besides you being grounded,” he teased.

“Whatever. So where are we going?” I asked.

“That, princess, is for me to know and you to find out,” he said, grinning.