Chapter 0428

"Alpha Victor, Luna Isolde, this is my daughter, Natalia."

The evening passed in pleasant conversation as we got acquainted with Natalia and Alpha Alistair. Victor gave him a tour of our pack's recent developments while I chatted with the Alpha's daughter. Natalia was charming—polished and refined in a way that made me acutely aware of my own rough edges. Maybe this was how proper Alpha females were supposed to be. Either way, I liked her and hoped she'd find her mate this weekend.

By morning, I was double-checking preparations with Rosalind and Beatrice. With nearly four hundred unmated wolves and sprites arriving tonight, we needed everything perfect. Just as I finalized the food arrangements, the front door swung open.

"Isolde! Your sisters are here!" Seraphina and Vivian's voices rang through the packhouse, already teasing and laughing. I rushed to greet them, the three of us colliding in a tight embrace.

"Give me a second to grab my bag," I said, pulling away. "Though I still can't drive, so unless you want to walk..."

"Let's walk," Seraphina decided. "I want to see what you've done with the place."

"Sebastian mentioned you've been building more than just houses," Vivian added.

So we toured the pack grounds—the new hospital, the residential area—before reaching Main Street. They raided the market first, filling bags with fresh produce. Then we stopped by Nathaniel's workshop, where he showcased his latest furniture pieces. Both sisters placed orders for desks and chairs, knowing there'd be a wait. Vivian even commissioned a crib.

"Won't Julian be too old for a crib by then?" I asked.

"Julian will be, but this one won't." She patted her stomach.

Seraphina and I shrieked, hugging her again. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

"It happened when Sebastian carried you into the woods during the tournament, didn't it?" Seraphina narrowed her eyes.

Vivian shrugged. "Definitely at the tournament, but who knows which time? Either way, we're pretty sure it's a girl."

"How?"

"Sebastian scented Julian immediately. This one? Nothing. We think she takes after me." Aurora confirmed it—raspberries, subtle but unmistakable. A girl.

Next, we visited Isabella's boutique. "Good. Maybe this one will actually look like you," Seraphina teased. "If you hadn't birthed Julian, no one would believe he's yours."

"I love having a mini-Sebastian," Vivian laughed. "But as long as she's healthy, I don't care who she resembles."

Inside, the racks of handmade clothing captivated them. With new staff, Isabella's inventory had expanded. They ordered outfits for their kids, a set for Vivian's newborn, and something for themselves before we headed back.

Dinner brought everyone together—Adrian, Sebastian, Victor, Alpha Alistair, and Natalia. The packhouse courtyard had transformed: fairy lights, music, clusters of seating for mingling. Sprites drifted among the wolves, and within hours, several pairs had already sensed their bonds.

As predicted, Natalia drew attention—but by night's end, her mate hadn't appeared. She remained gracious, though disappointment shadowed her smile.

"Worth trying," Alpha Alistair sighed. "At least others found mates tonight."

"You're both welcome to every gathering we host," I offered. "We rotate locations. Her mate might not be of age yet or couldn't attend tonight."

He thanked me, though his smile didn't reach his eyes.

We said our goodnights, and Victor and I retreated to our room.