Liam Jr.

Delilah and I sat in the grass, rolling a soccer ball back and forth. She seemed sad all the time now. Lucas and Leo were at Grandma's with Delilah's grandma; they were all gushing over my new baby sister. I loved her, but Delilah was sad, so I decided to play with her.

"Summer vacation got extended for a couple more weeks," I said, trying to cheer her up.

"I know," she replied, mindlessly rolling the ball back to me.

"Maybe we'll be in the same class this year…" I said, returning the ball. Delilah shrugged, and we continued our boring game.

"I'm really sorry about your dad, Li," I said quietly.

"It's okay," she mumbled.

"But my mom is going to help him. She's really good at fixing people, even though it makes her tired," I added.

Delilah caught the ball and held it tightly. "I hate being small," she said, her voice rising. "I want to kill the stupid vampire that hurt my daddy." I glanced around to make sure our grandmothers weren't listening. The adults always hushed or stopped talking when we were nearby. I'd seen some papers in my dad's office, though.

"I don't like it either, Li," I told her.

"Teach me," she said, looking at me seriously. I stared back, confused. "Your sister's mate. He taught you to fight! Maddox taught you lots of stuff! Teach me! My daddy already showed me how to punch!"

For the first time since she learned about Uncle Damien's injury, Delilah seemed focused and determined.

"Please," she begged. "If we can fight, we can help! Plus, we're the best team."

"Okay," I agreed, and she smiled slightly. I felt better, seeing her happy again.

Azalea

As Liam finished recounting the latest vampire-related events, the crowd erupted in conversation. Some Alphas shouted questions; others spoke to their people or among themselves. The scene quickly devolved into chaos.

Langston joined Liam on stage. I sensed Liam's panic.

"Please, everyone," Langston boomed. "We know there's much to discuss." This barely quieted the buzzing conversation.

"Please, let's be civil," Liam called. People continued to stand and mill about, conversing.

"SILENCE!" Robert roared. The room fell silent, and all attention turned to Robert. "None of your concerns can be addressed this way. To discuss this thoroughly, your concerns must be heard and addressed individually."

"Thank you, Father," Liam said tensely. He clearly didn't want Robert's help.

Aidan Lombardi stood, adjusting his suit jacket. "Why should my pack care about a vampire targeting a weak Alpha incapable of protecting his weaker mate?" His eyes flickered between Liam and me; Felix moved closer to me.

"Insulting our hosts is inappropriate, Alpha Aidan," Langston said menacingly. Liam's shoulders were tight; he was clearly exercising considerable self-control.

Aidan scoffed. "It's not an insult to state the truth," he said. This time, I heard Liam's low growl as Meadow stood to address her Alpha.

"My Luna, my pack, and my family won't be the only targets," Liam gritted. "Do you think he'll stop with my pack?"

"Let him try," Aidan scoffed.

"While Alpha Lombardi's confidence is…staggering," Alpha Michael said, standing, "he raises a valid point. This vampire seems to have a personal vendetta against your family and pack alone."

More Alphas voiced similar concerns, and the discussion erupted again. The meeting had started positively, but I feared we were losing their support.

"We've also been targeted by these monsters," Langston reasoned, trying to calm the crowd.

"And your territory borders Blood Eclipse," someone countered.

Emma approached me with a worried expression. "Azalea, I'm worried," she whispered.

"Me too," I replied. "It seems many believe this is someone else's problem."

"I think they're afraid of getting involved in a race war when they have no direct stake," she said. I nodded in agreement. I glanced at Felix, who narrowed his eyes at someone in the crowd. I couldn't identify his target.

Robert joined Langston and Liam on stage, and the three engaged in a hushed argument while the visitors continued their debate.

"We need time…" I whispered. Liam's eyes met mine as he reluctantly listened to his father. Gentry, Austin, and Jacob joined their group. Fear flickered in Liam's expression; he lacked a Plan B.

I texted Miss Marci. I bit my lip anxiously awaiting her reply.

"What are you thinking?" Emma whispered, also looking worriedly at her mate.

"Food," I said, staring at my phone. Relief washed over me upon receiving a reply; I pocketed my phone and calmly approached the men.

"Azalea?" Langston said, noticing my approach. I ignored Robert's eye roll.

"What's wrong?" Liam asked worriedly.

"Nothing. I have a plan. Can you quiet everyone down?" I asked. Liam nodded, showing no doubt.

We faced the crowd. Small groups still debated.

"Excuse me," Liam called. "May I have everyone's attention?" Slowly, the room quieted. Liam placed his hand on my back, signaling me to speak.

"You've received much information this morning," I said, clearly but calmly. "We didn't expect unanimous agreement without questions or discussion. Perhaps we should break for lunch. Our kitchen staff assures me they'll be ready in fifteen minutes."

Murmurs of assent and nods followed. "Excuse my mate and me for a moment. We'll address any remaining questions shortly. Enjoy the lunch our staff has prepared," Liam announced. He took my hand, and we left the stage. Felix followed closely, and soon everyone else trailed behind.

Liam quickly guided me to his office. Everyone piled into the room; Liam went behind his desk, and the others stood around it.

"Jacob, Gentry, please monitor the crowd downstairs. Report any disturbances," Liam instructed. They nodded and left; Robert closed the door.

"Your mate bought you time, but how will you convince them to risk their people's lives to defend yours?" Robert snarled.

"Robert, Azalea's plan can only benefit us. We've regrouped; things will calm during lunch. Feeding people always improves the atmosphere," Langston reasoned. Robert crossed his arms and huffed.

"Liam, tell me you have an ace up your sleeve to convince everyone," Austin said, looking at Liam. Everyone was quiet, awaiting his answer.

Robert laughed. "My foolish son thought a sob story would suffice," he said.

"Maybe Lea could testify?" Emma suggested.

"That won't help. They'll expect his mate's full support," Langston said. I chewed my lip as they discussed next steps; Liam remained quiet. I moved beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Liam?" I mentally linked him.

"I don't even have a vampire to present… I can't prove this…" Liam said.

"We'll think of something," I reassured him.

"Damien's in a coma, and I can't even rally support to fight those responsible," he said. I felt his guilt and pain.

"What about the photos?" Felix asked.

Liam's head snapped up. "Right. We have photos of Warwick's recent message," Langston said.

"Aren't those a bit morbid?" I asked.

"These are Alphas. They understand the consequences of war and are responsible for many lives," Robert growled. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Dad, enough," Liam demanded. He turned to Langston. "Are they convincing enough?"

Langston considered. "They might alleviate doubts, but they won't provide a reason for them to help."

"Let's start there," Liam said. Langston nodded, taking Emma with him. "Austin, inform Gentry and Jacob. And find Azeron," Felix added. Austin looked at him questioningly, but Felix offered no further explanation. Austin left, leaving Liam, me, Robert, and Felix.

"You can't win everyone over with emotional pleas, boy," Robert spat.

"Dad—"

"They don't care about your shortcomings or your weak Luna," he continued.

"DAD—" Liam's voice rose.

"The smart ones are waiting for Warwick to kill you and Azalea so they can seize your territory. They'll let this vampire do the work for them!" Robert insisted.

"ENOUGH!" Liam shouted at Robert. I stepped back, surprised by his outburst. His anger was directed at Robert.

"Leave. Leave this packhouse and my summit. If you're not here to help fight this war, get out. You won't call my mate and me weak because I refuse to be the heartless bastard you are!"

"How dare you speak to me like that!" Robert growled, stepping menacingly forward. Felix's hand rested on my elbow, pulling me closer.

"Shut the f**k up! I'm the Alpha, not you. I'll lead as I see fit!" Liam screamed.

"How did I raise such a pathetic—"

"I SAID ENOUGH!" Liam boomed in his Alpha voice. Robert shut his mouth, glaring. I saw one of Liam's eyes turn midnight black; Gavin was sharing control. "Get out now."

Robert hesitated but then stormed out.

"Felix, give us a minute," Liam said darkly. Felix nodded and left the room.

Liam watched him go, then turned to me. "Come here," he said. I approached him, concerned. I stopped in front of his desk. His hand cupped my cheek before his lips found mine.

He kissed me roughly, his arms around my waist. I felt myself being lifted, then deposited on the desk. I placed my hands on his chest, trying to keep up.

"Liam—" I gasped. "Gavin—"

A growl was my only response. His hands roamed, squeezing and grabbing. I was heating up but didn't understand his sudden aggression. I bit his lip hard, making him pause.

"Liam," I said, breathing heavily. "Calm down, please."

"Someone's threatening Little Mate," Gavin growled.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, stroking his face. Liam calmed under my touch, his eyes returning to their clear blue.

"Felix thinks someone's planning to hurt you," Liam said, calmer now. "I'm sorry. Between that and my dad, I just…"

"It's okay," I said soothingly. "Maybe Felix is just being cautious. After everything, he's naturally suspicious…"

"If anyone harms my mate, they won't die pleasantly," Liam promised.