Chapter 0286

The week of mourning passed in a blur of grief and quiet determination. Our packhouse needed extensive repairs—the back section, several homes, and the underground bunker all required attention.

Sebastian flat-out refused to let me help with reconstruction work. He also banned me from warrior training sessions, citing my pregnancy. Instead, I began private training sessions with Genevieve. Werewolf pregnancies progress faster than human ones—five months instead of nine—so I only had a limited window before my growing belly would ground me completely.

During one of our medical checkups, Dr. Whitmore delivered sobering news to Genevieve. After letting Nathaniel mark her immediately following the battle, she'd hoped to conceive. But the doctor warned that human bodies weren't designed for werewolf gestation periods. Scar tissue could complicate conception, pregnancy, and delivery. Still, with strict bed rest, it might be possible.

When Genevieve shared this with Nathaniel, his initial reaction was protective hesitation. But they decided to try anyway. For Genevieve, overcoming her intimacy fears to embrace their physical relationship marked tremendous progress.

I maintained weekly calls with Evelyn. We'd both been stunned—and relieved—when news arrived that Evander's Guardian spirit had been located. The fact that it manifested as female rather than male added another layer of surprise. Though we hadn't met her yet, we hoped to soon.

Life settled into a new rhythm with Genevieve officially assuming her Beta female duties. Sebastian hired a new office assistant with her input, solidifying her role in pack leadership.

The ordinary day shattered when Sebastian's voice echoed through our mind link. "Little Seraphina. Meet me in your office immediately. We're going to the border."

He appeared within minutes, tension radiating from his frame. "What's happening?" I demanded.

"Not sure," he growled, steering me toward the stairs. Below, an entire contingent of armed warriors stood at attention. My stomach dropped.

Sebastian swept me into his arms. "They're demanding to speak with you or Evelyn. Refused to explain why to Adrian or me. Been camped outside our territory all day."

At the border, Adrian and his warriors stood ready. Beyond them, the sight froze my blood. I stiffened against Sebastian's chest.

"Easy," he murmured, arms tightening. "They won't touch you."

He set me down but positioned himself slightly ahead. "You requested the Guardian. Here she is—my mate. Now state your business."

The lead vampire—clearly royalty—lifted his chin. "Custos. Regni." The words carried none of Damien's mocking tone, only solemn respect.

I stepped forward despite Sebastian's restraining arm. "I'm the Guardian. Name's Seraphina. What do you want?"

"King Lucian," he introduced. "I understand your previous encounters with my kind have been... unfortunate."

"Those bastards are dead," Sebastian snarled.

Lucian nodded. "I regret my brethren's actions. Not all vampires live as Damien and Malachi did." He gestured to his entourage. "My coven coexists peacefully with humans. Willing blood donors eliminate any need for coercion."