Chapter 0204

"I can trim it for you." His gaze meets mine, and I give a casual shrug. "I used to cut both my parents' hair."

"I'd love that. Maybe tonight after shopping?" He presses a kiss to the tip of my nose before handing me a towel. "Your hair is perfect, my lady."

"Thanks."

After we finish showering, I hesitate when it's time to dress. "I don't have a swimsuit."

Sebastian moves to the door, opening it to reveal a package on the floor. He retrieves it and sets it on the bed. "Nathaniel found you a one-piece. We'll buy more when we go shopping."

The suit comes with a full-length cover-up that has long sleeves. Relief floods me—I wasn't comfortable showing too much skin.

Once dressed, we head out. The drive to Blackthorn Pack is quiet and serene. Sebastian lowers the windows, our fingers entwined the entire way. When we arrive at Gregory's place, he escorts me inside.

"Seraphina! Ready for your first training session?" Gregory's eyes spark with excitement.

"Gregory. You promised to take it slow," Sebastian reminds him firmly.

"I will. But Guardian training is different from regular wolf training." He turns back to me. "Julian and I have a bet going—you'll feel stronger by the time you leave today."

"Who's Julian?" I ask.

Evelyn appears behind me. "Our resident gambler. This pack bets on everything." She rolls her eyes as Adrian grins behind her.

"Still bitter about that time they bet against Selene," Adrian teases.

There's clearly history there, but Gregory cuts in, motioning for us to follow. Sebastian walks with us to the outdoor pool—massive, easily Olympic-sized by human standards.

"Alright, Seraphina, you can swim, right?" Gregory asks.

"Bit late to ask now," Sebastian mutters under his breath.

I smile but nod. "It's been years, but I think I'll remember."

"Good. Then hop in."

Evelyn sheds her cover-up and dives gracefully into the deep end. I freeze, suddenly aware of all the eyes that will see my scars. Sebastian immediately takes my hands. "Remember, these people are family. They won't judge you."

Gregory wheels closer. "He's right. What happened to you wasn't your fault. You're strong—Valeria wouldn't have chosen a weak wolf as her Guardian. Your scars prove your strength."

Adrian crouches by the pool's edge, speaking quietly to Evelyn. I glance at Sebastian and Gregory before pulling off my cover-up, cheeks burning as Gregory studies the marks on my skin.

"A warrior worthy of Valeria's spirit. Now get in," he says, jerking his chin toward the water.

I turn to Sebastian. "Will you be okay without me?" he asks.

"I'll manage." He kisses me quickly before addressing Gregory. "What time should I pick her up?"

Evelyn answers instead. "We'll bring her home. I want to show her around the pack house and maybe have her stay for lunch if she's up to it."

Sebastian looks back at me. "Don't push yourself too hard. Have fun."

I step into the pool, the cool water rising as I descend the shallow end steps. Sebastian winks at me before leaving with Adrian.