Chapter 0183

Sebastian leaves, and I attempt to listen to his music. It's all aggressive beats and screaming vocals. I barely make it through two songs before giving up. Not knowing how to navigate the playlist, and not wanting to overstep, I abandon the device and reach for the books instead.

I read until exhaustion creeps in, then struggle to climb onto the bed. Nathaniel walks in just as I'm failing spectacularly at the simple task. He lifts me effortlessly onto the mattress.

"You realize I'm responsible for you, right?" His tone is light, but there's an edge to it. "If anything happens, Sebastian will have my head."

"Sorry," I murmur. "Just needed to rest."

Sleep claims me quickly. When I wake, Nathaniel brings food. My strength is returning, so I force myself to eat everything. The portions are still staggering compared to what I survived on in the vampire coven. Maybe once Valeria fully recovers, this won't feel like a feast.

After eating, I hear commotion outside and move to the window. Warriors train in the field behind the packhouse while mothers watch pups splash in the pool. The playground echoes with laughter. The scene is so... normal. Peaceful.

Maybe Sebastian truly is the good Alpha he claims to be. Though I once believed the same about Alpha Vincent, until my parents feared my Guardian blood would change everything.

Valeria? I reach out. You've been quiet.

Her presence stirs. I'm recovering. We'll be strong again soon.

We can't stay here. If Sebastian discovers what we are—

He won't force us, she interrupts. I want to stay.

My breath catches. That's reckless.

Is it? Her mental voice turns sharp. There's a bounty on us, remember? Where exactly would we go?

The door creaks open before I can respond. I turn instinctively—and freeze. Sebastian stands there, his gaze locked onto my eyes. Valeria's eyes.

I yank her back immediately.

Sebastian doesn't react. Maybe he didn't notice. Or maybe he doesn't recognize Guardian eyes. He asks about dinner, but exhaustion weighs me down. He leaves without pressing when I request more rest.

I wake to voices in the hallway—Sebastian and a woman. Valeria surges forward so violently it makes me gasp.

What's wrong with you?

She doesn't answer. The door opens. Sebastian enters, followed by—

"Selene," Valeria breathes, taking control of my voice.

The woman—Evelyn—gasps. "Mother."

Mother?! My mental scream goes unanswered as Evelyn/Selene crosses the room in a blur, crushing me in a tearful embrace.

I awkwardly pat her back while wrestling control from Valeria. "Someone explain. Now."

Evelyn pulls back, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry. Sebastian didn't warn me." She glares at him. "You absolute asshole."

Sebastian holds up his hands. "I had suspicions. I didn't expect Valeria to just... appear." His gaze lands on me. "You've been keeping secrets, little wolf."

I look away, cheeks burning.

Evelyn takes my hand. "You can trust him. He's not like other Alphas." She glances at Sebastian. "Though he's clearly an idiot."

Sebastian's expression darkens. "Is that what you feared? That I'd force you?"

I shrug helplessly.

His growl rattles the windows. "Tell me. Did your family flee because Alpha Vincent tried to claim you?"

Evelyn answers before I can. "It's become common. Alphas force bonds with Guardians for power." Her voice turns bitter. "Only one Alpha in history refused—Alistair." She squeezes my fingers. "My mate's father."