Chapter 0178

Seraphina nodded as we stepped into the room. Nathaniel entered carrying two trays. "Put them over there." I gestured toward the couch.

My jaw clenched as Nathaniel flashed Seraphina that charming smile. Dorian snarled in my mind. One more flirtatious glance and I'd rip his throat out.

"You're looking better, Seraphina." His voice dripped with warmth.

"Thank you, Nathaniel."

"That's all for tonight." My tone left no room for argument. If he didn't leave now, Dorian's growl would terrify our fragile mate. The bastard actually chuckled before turning. "Sleep well, Seraphina." He disappeared before I could retaliate.

I guided her to the bed first. The clothes Nathaniel brought were useless for sleeping. "Wait here."

In my room, I grabbed a shirt and drawstring shorts. The shorts would drown her, but the shirt would do. Dorian purred at the thought of her wrapped in my scent.

Returning, I helped her into the oversized shirt. The hem brushed her knees. "The shorts won't stay on."

"This is perfect." Her fingers clutched the fabric. "More than I've had in years."

Dorian's rage spiked. She hugged herself, drowning in my shirt, but I caught her subtly inhaling the scent. Good.

She picked at her food, eating barely enough to sustain a human, let alone a werewolf. At least she drank plenty of water.

Tucking her in, I sat beside her. Sleep already tugged at her eyelids.

"Dorian senses your wolf is dormant. Valeria?"

A shadow crossed her face. "Yes. She... saved me once. A vampire nearly drained me. But over time, we both weakened. Now I only hear her sometimes."

"As you heal, she'll strengthen too. We'll fix this."

Her sad smile made my chest ache. Did she doubt me? Or was there something worse she wasn't saying?

Once she slept, I slipped out. Dorian needed to run before he tore through the packhouse to reach her.

Nathaniel stood guard downstairs. "Wake me the second she stirs."

I shifted mid-leap off the porch. For hours, we raced through the territory. Patrols were alert—good. The vampire threat was real. I'd need to warn Adrian.

Returning at dawn, I dressed quietly. Then a scream shattered the silence.

Dorian took over before I could think. Fur erupted as we charged toward our mate's terror.