Chapter 0139

After escorting Evelyn to her room, I sought out my father. We shared the same unease about Oberon's warning of impending war. Allies needed to be gathered. Plans needed reviewing. Though two Guardians being fated mates was unprecedented, our violent nature as werewolves made conflict inevitable. The Moon Goddess had foreseen this. She'd prepared us for battle.

At breakfast the next morning, we prepared to depart when Gregory dropped his bombshell. "Oberon has invited me to stay. I've accepted."

Evelyn's fork clattered against her plate. "What? For how long?"

"He wants to document your mother's legacy—Valeria and Evander's story. She deserves to be remembered. Honored."

"As do you," Alistair interjected. I noticed Oberon watching my father closely. Did he expect resistance? After everything, he should know better. My father cherished Gregory like a brother. Evelyn was already family to us.

Alistair turned to Oberon. "If he downplays his own role, contact me. I'll set the record straight." The Fae king nodded.

Gregory wheeled toward Evelyn. "You're practically grown, but Sebastian will check on you." His gaze shifted to me. "And I know Adrian will protect you." I inclined my head. Nothing would harm my mate.

Her voice wavered. "When will you be back?"

"However long it takes. But I'll return for your birthday." He squeezed her hand. "Keep training. Excel in your studies."

"Always, Dad." Their embrace lingered before we gathered our bags. As we thanked Oberon, Alistair reaffirmed our desire to rebuild alliances. This visit had been productive.

Without Gregory's car, we'd run home. Oberon provided an escort to the decrepit gate we'd entered through. Crossing the threshold, glamour reshaped reality—the fence-lined forest reappeared.

We shifted. Selene matched our pace effortlessly during the long journey home. Her strength had fully returned. Our howls announced our arrival as we crossed pack borders, heading straight for the main house.

Alistair vanished immediately—I wouldn't see him or Seraphina until morning. Lunch smells greeted us as we dressed. Evelyn's stomach growled loudly.

"Food first," I said. "Then your place. Unless you'd rather stay here while Gregory's gone?"

She surveyed the bustling pack house. "Home, please. If that's alright."

"I'll stay with you." Her radiant smile drew me in. My hands settled on her waist.

"Is this your sneaky way into my bed, Alpha?"

I kissed her nose. "I respect your choice to wait for your mate. But if you want company on the couch..." With a smirk, I steered her toward the dining hall.