Chapter 0181

Nathaniel is testing my patience. He knows how protective I feel about my unclaimed mate. Logically, I understand he wouldn't dare cross that line, but his teasing makes it hard to remember.

'If he lays one finger on our mate, I'll rip his throat out.' Lucian's growl vibrates through my skull.

My wolf - the same ruthless predator who's torn through battlefields without mercy - has become utterly smitten with that fragile girl. The fiercest warrior I know has turned into a lovesick fool over our mate.

'She's flawless,' he insists for the hundredth time.

'You're pathetic. Next you'll be begging for belly rubs.' I shoot back. Though I can't deny he's managed to break through her defenses faster than I have.

'She prefers me. And if she wants to rub my belly, I'll gladly roll over.'

I nearly groan aloud.

Her terror of that vampire prince - Damien, she called him - runs bone-deep. Her grip on Lucian had been punishing, but my wolf reveled in being her protector. What shocked me was how readily she accepted his comfort, even welcoming him to guard her through the night.

Not that I'm complaining. Breathing in her scent, listening to her steady heartbeat, watching her sleep safely because of our presence - it filled me with primal satisfaction. I just hope someday she'll seek that comfort from me, the man, not just my wolf.

The city trip couldn't be postponed any longer. Several candidates needed my personal evaluation before joining the company. Normally I'd send Nathaniel, but this requires an Alpha's judgment.

She should be safe resting in bed. Both Nathaniel and Dr. Whitmore have strict orders to contact me immediately if anything changes.

Before leaving, I brought Seraphina a phone loaded with my playlists. No clue about her music preferences, but I'll discover them. The stack of books from our pack library might keep her occupied - another thing I'll tailor to her tastes later. I showed her how to use the speaker system, ensuring she could listen comfortably until my return.

The day dragged on endlessly. Lucian and I grew increasingly restless being separated from Seraphina. My repeated check-ins with Nathaniel confirmed she'd been eating, drinking, and regaining strength - even walking to the bathroom unaided. Impressive progress since this morning. Maybe proper nutrition is accelerating her healing.

Dusk had fallen when I finally returned to Nightshade territory. Pack members intercepted me with greetings and updates, but I politely excused myself, desperate to see my mate.

Taking the stairs two at a time, I burst into her room to find it empty. Panic spiked until I spotted her by the window.

"Would you like some fresh air?" My voice startled her. When she turned, my breath caught.

Her eyes.

For one electrifying moment, gray irises shimmered gold, shifting to an olive hue. The transformation lasted barely a heartbeat, but I saw it. I know exactly what it signifies.

She's a Guardian.

My pulse races. The Moon Goddess didn't just deliver my mate - she gifted me with a Guardian, the most formidable of all werewolves. The revelation staggers me. How can this delicate, timid creature be a warrior of legend?

Her fearful expression gives me pause. Is she afraid of my reaction? I school my features into calm. "I can take you outside if you'd like."

"No, I'm fine. How was your day?" Her quiet question draws me closer. After hours apart, her scent soothes like a healing balm.

"Productive. Though I hated being away from you." The honest admission slips out as my mind whirls. She's a Guardian - I'm certain of it. There's only one way to confirm...