Chapter 0182

"Dorian mentioned you checked on me several times. That's very kind, though unnecessary. I'm recovering well."

"I can see that. You're standing and walking on your own now?"

She nods. "Only short distances, but yes, I can manage."

"That's excellent news. Have you eaten dinner?"

She shakes her head.

"I'll have them bring up two trays. I'll join you, if that's alright?"

"I was going to rest first. Maybe later?"

Perfect. "Sounds good. I'll shower and check what's for dinner." I watch as she makes her way back to bed. Her steps are unsteady but determined. I help her settle in before leaving.

In my room, I grab my phone and dial a number I haven't called in months. She answers on the second ring.

"Sebastian."

"Evelyn. I need your help."

"Anything. You know that."

"Come to the packhouse. Can you make it?"

"When?"

"Now?"

"I'll be there in forty minutes."

"Thank you."

"Sebastian... After everything, you're still family to me."

I smile. Of course she'd say that. "See you soon."

After showering, I check on Seraphina. Her eyes are closed, breathing deep.

Downstairs, I order dinner for three, anticipating Evelyn might be hungry. Right on cue, the front door knocks.

I open it to her familiar smile.

"Sebastian."

"Evelyn. Come in."

She steps inside, then turns with open arms. The hug feels different now—no lingering pain, just warmth. Like coming home.

Her scent has changed. I pull back, studying her face. "Congratulations?"

Her grin lights up the foyer. "Thank you! We just announced it. The scent change gave us away."

"Boy or girl?"

"Adrian insists it's a girl. Says she smells like honey already."

"I'll trust his nose."

Evelyn stands barely taller than Seraphina but with twice the muscle mass. Training four hours daily does that. Remembering our sparring sessions still makes my ribs ache. Seeing her size gives me hope for Seraphina's recovery.

"So, why am I here?"

"I want you to meet someone. She arrived two weeks ago, nearly dead from vampire captivity. Still recovering, so be gentle."

"Okay..." She draws out the word as we climb the stairs. "But why me?"

"She's special. I need your Guardian instincts. See if you sense what I can't."

Evelyn grabs my arm at the Alpha floor landing. "She's your mate, isn't she?"

I meet her gaze. "Yes. But she doesn't know yet. Her wolf's still too weak to recognize the bond."

"What exactly am I looking for?"

"Meet her first. I don't want to influence you."

At Seraphina's door, I block Evelyn momentarily. Seraphina sits up in bed, alert. "I brought someone to meet you. This is my friend Evelyn."

I step aside.

The moment their eyes meet, Seraphina's flare gold. "Selene," she breathes.

I turn to see Evelyn's eyes glowing silver. "Mother."