Chapter Sixty Five

When I got to the side, Damien ran past me to check Kol’s body. “What happened?” I asked, panicked.

“We don’t know. She felt it when you got stabbed and then she just sort of passed out,” Lily said. Lily handed me shorts that I pulled on quickly as she spoke.

I grabbed Azalea’s face in my hands. “Baby, baby wake up. It's over,” I said softly. I was trying to keep all the worry out of my voice. I could feel tears threatening to spill over my lashes. I could not lose her again. Gavin whined in my head. Austin shifted her from his arms into mine. I pulled her close to me.

“Austin, go get Dr. Blackfur,” Lily said to him. He took off immediately, running for the pack house. Damien approached us.

“Baby wake up. It’s all over. Please, Azalea,” I whispered in her ear as I cradled her close. She stirred a little in my arms. “Baby open your eyes, please,” I said, laying a feather soft kiss on her lips.

“Liam,” she said almost inaudibly.

“I am right here. Baby open your eyes. Everything is okay, it's all over, you are safe,” I begged. I needed to see those perfect green eyes.

Her eyes fluttered open and I felt a wave of relief flood through me. The smallest amount of color was coming back into her cheeks. The smallest smile graced her lips as she looked into my eyes. “Liam,” she whispered again.

“Azalea,” I breathed. I buried my face in her neck, breathing in her scent. My nerves calmed as her hand came up and wove its way into my hair. We stayed like that for a few minutes before I finally broke away.

“Baby, are you okay? What happened?” I asked, brushing her hair back from her face.

“I’m okay, I think,” she said softly.

“What happened?”

“I don't know. I felt it when Kol stabbed you. Someone said wolfsbane and I was so scared. I just kept praying that you were okay. Then the pain started to slowly stop. I thought you were okay at first. Then I felt really odd. Everything got dizzy and I must have passed out,” she said slowly.

“We should let your uncle look at her, Liam,” Lily said, placing her hand on my shoulder. I nodded, not taking my eyes off Azalea.

“Have him meet us in our room,” I said. I took off to the pack house, walking quickly with Azalea in my arms. Damien and Lily were close behind me.

“Kol is being dealt with,” Damien muttered to me.

“What does he mean ‘being dealt with’?” Azalea asked.

“It’s over baby. He can’t hurt you anymore,” I told her softly. Her hand came up and stroked my cheek.

“Oh, Liam,” she said softly.

In no time at all, we were back in the pack house. My Uncle was waiting for us outside our room. I took Azalea in and sat her on the bed gently. I went to move away, and she grabbed my hand. “Don’t leave,” she said softly.

“Never,” I said. I looked at my uncle who just rolled his eyes but did not make me move.

-

My uncle had no explanation for what happened. He hoped that she was simply overwhelmed by the challenge. He advised us to have her rest for the night. I left her with Lily to change out of her dress and into something comfortable while I showered as fast as possible. When I emerged from the bathroom, she was sitting on the bed in my shirt and some leggings. Her curls were loosely piled on her head and her face was lost in thought. No matter how many times I saw her, she would always take my breath away.

“What are you thinking about, baby?” I asked her, coming over to get on the bed next to her.

“My wolf,” she said softly.

“What about her?”

“Well, she said she gave me a second gift, right?”

“That is what you said…”

“Well, she never told me what it was. She just said it would help me as a Luna. What if it had something to do with how you healed today?”

I looked at her, thinking about what she just said. Could her gift have to do with healing people? “I don’t know baby. I have only ever heard rumors about White Moon. I never knew any wolf from the pack until you…”

“Yea,” she sighed. I pulled her to me, wrapping her in my arms. She settled into my embrace.

“We need to find out for mate,” Gavin said in my head.

“But how? If we believe what Kol said, he killed Isaac. Who else could tell us anything?”

“What about a White Moon elder? Surely Kol was not able to kill the whole pack?” Gavin was actually onto something.

“What if we could find out?” I asked her.

“What do you mean?” she said, pulling away from me.

“Well, what if we went to White Moon. Maybe we could find an elder who could have some information. Maybe someone there can help us understand it all,” I suggested.

Her eyes grew very wide. I cupped her face in my hands, searching her face for any indication of what she was thinking. “Baby, if you don’t want to…” I trailed off.

“Can we really do that?” she finally said.

“Baby, I would do anything for you. If you want to go to White Moon for answers, we will go to White Moon,” I said earnestly. Her lips curled up in a loving smile. I pulled her face to mine, planting a kiss on her perfect pink lips. “I will talk with Damien and Austin; we’ll arrange everything.”

Azalea

The next few days were tense. Liam had to deal with the aftermath of Kol showing up during our mate announcement. Luckily, that was the primary concern on the pack’s mind. But it was bringing up many questions about what had happened before. Liam had sent wolves to check Kol’s pack house for activity and so far, they had nothing to report.

He had also sent wolves to White Moon with a message about our intended visit. He was unsure if Kol’s claims about White Moon were true or to what extent. There had not been any news since they left, sadly. Liam continued to assure me that we would go no matter what, but he wanted to use as much diplomacy as he could beforehand considering how things were left with Alpha Isaac. I had this feeling that he was anxious to take me there. I know it was on his mind that more than Alpha Isaac could be on the ‘Azalea’s the next leader’ train.

Austin was acting as my personal guard for the time being. Lily had let it slip that Liam and Damien were trying to find a more permanent wolf to take the position. I did not throw up a fuss to Liam about it though. I knew he was scared. I could feel his anxiety every morning when he woke before me. He would not move until I was awake. I hoped overtime that his anxiety would fade.

Austin was always nice and fun to be around. We did not have much in common but got along easily still. We even had lunch with his mate one afternoon. She was the sweetest thing. She was from another pack, so it was her first time meeting me. It was refreshing to interact with a pack member that did not bear any kind of animosity towards me. I hoped more than anything that the next guard would be as nice as Austin.

I did my best to stay hidden as well. Austin kept trying to suggest we go out, but I thought it was best to lie low for the moment. The reception at our mate announcement had not exactly been warm and I didn’t want to create more problems for Liam right now. I had taken to spending time with Missy as well. She was a wonderful girl, and we shared a love of backing.

We were in the kitchen icing cupcakes when Liam found us. Austin had already taste tested about 6 and was sitting in the corner nursing his upset stomach.

“Well, look at this,” said Liam, walking in on us. “What might my Little Luna and best helper be doing in here?”

Missy giggled. “Making cupcakes! Luna Azalea showed me how to put filling inside!” she cheered enthusiastically. I smiled at her. She had been talking my ear off for the last two hours or so as we worked.

“Did she now?” he said, coming over to me. I smiled at him and he pecked my lips. “Missy, are you almost finished with your Luna? I was hoping I could pull her away before dinner,” he said to her.

“Yep! We are all finished up! I can put these away for dinner tonight. Everyone will be so excited,” she said bouncing up and down. She looked at me saying, “Thank you for baking with me Luna.”

I gave her a bright smile. “No thank you for the company, Missy. I had a wonderful time,” I said. Bending down to her level, I continued, “Next time, I will show you how to make some apple crumble. Miss Abigail told me it's Delta Austin’s favorite.” Her eyes lit up and she squealed a little. I think she had a little crush on Austin to be honest, but he was gentle with her. I could tell he would make a wonderful, caring father in the next couple months.

Liam pulled me out the doors of the kitchen and towards the front door. Our fingers were intertwined, and my other hand was wrapped around his arm as we walked. Now that my life was not under constant threat for the last few days, both Liam and I had felt our bond flourishing. Liam had refrained from any more promiscuous adventures since our night in the hotel in the city, but I could feel his growing desire every night.

“So, My Alpha, what did you come to get me for?” I said with a smile looking up at him. I knew he liked hearing those words out of my mouth.

He gave me a mischievous smirk. “Mmmm. Well, Little Luna, you are making me rethink my plan,” he said in a husky tone. I giggled at him. “Tonight, I thought it was time that you and I got some fresh air. I was hoping that you would do me the pleasure of accompanying me on a date tonight?” he said, stopping us at the front door.

“A date?” I said excitedly. He nodded his head as he looked down at me. “Of course!” I said enthusiastically. His face lit up with an ecstatic grin. He produced a coat from who knows where and helped me put it on. “Where are we going?” Liam led me out to the car and opened the door for me as he always does.

“That, my Little Luna, is my secret,” he said as he lifted me up and placed me on the seat.

-

We didn’t drive far before Liam was pulling over in the woods. I gave him a questioning look. He smiled. “Just wait, baby,” he said, hopping out of the car. He came around to my door and opened it as well. I grabbed his hand and climbed down from the car. He opened the door to the back seat and pulled out a bag. He handed it to me and began undressing.

“Liam what is going on?” I asked.

Handing me his shirt, he said, “Put this in the bag please?” with a smile. I grabbed his shirt and placed it in the bags while he removed his shoes and pants. I drooled for a moment over his mostly naked form. Ever since he marked me, he seemed to be bulking up; his arms were larger, his abs more defined, shoulders a bit wider. I could not say it went unnoticed.

I put his other clothes in the bag and asked again, “Liam, why are you getting naked? What is going on?” He closed the distance between us, placing his hands on my hips. I looked up into his blues eyes that seemed to sparkle. He was excited by whatever his plan was.

“I realized that my beautiful mate never got to shift into her wolf. She never got to experience what it was like to run through the forest. So, my Little Luna, I am going to take you for a ride,” he said with an excited smile.

Before I could even process what he said, he pecked me on the lips and dropped his boxers in my hand. He stepped back and shifted easily into his wolf. I cannot remember ever actually seeing his wolf before. It was absolutely breathtaking. Because Liam is an Alpha, he stood much taller than most wolves. He towered over me easily in both human and wolf form. His fur was blacker than the night sky and he had white tipping his ears and nose and one of his paws. His fur looked soft and shined in the late afternoon sun.

He stepped forward, bowing his head to me. I reached my arm out, running my fingers through his thick fur. He growled in appreciation. He tipped his head back up and locked his eyes with mine.

“Climb on, baby,” I heard Liam’s voice in my head. I gasped and jumped in surprise.

“Liam, did you just…” I trailed off. He nodded his wolf head.

“I have suspected for a while now. There were a few times I could hear you in my head when I knew you weren’t talking,” his voice flooded through me. Tears were threatening to escape my eyes. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. I thought you would be happy,” he said. He nuzzled my face with his.

“I am. I am so happy,” I said dashing the tears from my eyes. I could link my mate.

Liam laid down on the ground. “Go ahead, baby. Climb on,” he said, his warm voice filling my head. I secured the bag to me and climbed onto Liam’s back. “Hold on to my coat tight, okay? I am faster than most wolves,” he advised.

I wrapped my arms around his thick neck and clutched his fur tight in my hands. I cuddled into his back. “Ready?” he asked. I nodded my head, and he took off. At first, I was scared. It was a weird feeling as the wind whipped past us. Liam bounded through the forest seamlessly. I could feel his joy and relief as his paws pounded the forest floor.

Once I got used to the feeling of his movement, I sat up slightly. My hair whipped behind me as I tried to watch the trees pass us by. It was beautiful. Soon, the feeling of the air against my face felt wonderful and I smiled. I giggled as Liam began weaving in and out of the trees, clearly feeling a little more playful.

“That sound is beautiful,” he said in my head. I could feel my cheeks blush even against the cool air. Would he always have this effect on me?

We ran through the forest for what seemed like ages. Liam never seemed to tire even carrying me on his back. The entire time I felt his and Gavin’s excitement and amusement as we wove our way in and out of the trees. Finally, we came to a clearing within the forest. It felt familiar with the small pond fed by a waterfall on the far side. Being almost winter, there were no blooming flowers and the trees had lost most of their leaves. But it was still beautiful.

Liam stopped right in the center of the clearing, sitting down on the ground. I easily slid off his back. He stood up and began to shift back. I removed the bag from my back while looking away from his now naked body.

“Don’t be so shy, kitten,” he said in a husky voice. “I am your Alpha after all.” I could almost hear the smirk on his face as he grabbed the bag from me. My cheeks were on fire and not just from the wind burn. I was desperately trying to look at anything but him. In no time at all, he had pulled his clothes back on. He closed the distance between us, wrapping his arms around me. I looked up at his handsome face and smiled, enjoying his warm arms around me.

“How was that?” he asked.

“Amazing. Thank you,” I said.

“Any time baby,” he said, leaning down and giving me a sweet kiss. “I am glad you had fun.”

“I have never experienced anything like that,” I said, a little in awe. He rubbed his nose along mine.

“I want you to experience everything wonderful in life, sweetheart,” he said softly. “Are you cold, Little Luna?” he asked, pulling me closer.

“Not in your arms,” I said softly, burying my face in his neck. I inhaled deeply, letting his scent surround my senses. He had been tense for the last few days as we dealt with the aftermath of everything. Being here now with him so happy and relaxed was refreshing and made me relax as well. “Where are we?” I asked finally.

“You don’t recognize it?” he said with a grin. I looked around again.

“We have been here before. That night after your uncle came to see me the first time. You brought me here after you got all jealous of…” I trailed off. I had forgotten about John.

“Yea,” he said, swallowing. I think he forgot about John being dead as well. “I thought it might be nice to have dinner alone out here tonight,” he said running his fingers along my cheeks.

“That sounds perfect,” I said.

-

We were on our way back to the pack house in the car now. Liam and I had a wonderful time in the clearing, eating, talking and laughing until it was well past sunset. He held my hand in his lap as we drove the short distance back to the pack house. It had been the perfect night and I wanted nothing more than to go back to our room and climb into bed with him.

As our bond grew, I could feel Liam a little more clearly. I knew he could already feel me, and it seemed like he was starting to get better at figuring out what was going on in my head. Mates can not only feel each other but also know the thoughts of their other half. Obviously, we did not know what our bond would be like with me not having a wolf any longer. Finding out that Liam and I could link with each other made me feel elated. I had been worried that I was too broken to be a good Luna for the pack. But being able to link my mate gave me hope.

We pulled up to the pack house as Liam’s phone rang. He had left it in the car when we parked and had not checked it when we got back. He answered it.

“Yea?” he said. “I was busy… They claim to be from where?... Yea… we’ll be there in just a minute… Do not tell them… Good...” I listened to Liam’s side of the conversation as he shot me a worried glance. He hung up the phone and sighed.

“What is wrong?” I asked, sad that our perfect night was clearly over.

“Apparently, someone from White Moon is here and they are looking for you…”