Chapter 0185

Two mysteries solved. Seraphina is undoubtedly a Guardian, and her parents fled their pack to protect her from forced mating bonds.

While I'm grateful for these answers, and Evelyn's excitement is palpable, my mate still needs recovery time. "We'll join you for dinner tomorrow," I say firmly. "But that's enough for tonight. Seraphina needs rest to regain her strength."

"Of course," Evelyn nods. Then her expression shifts. "Before I leave - have you been running all this time? Adrian mentioned something about vampires."

I glance at Seraphina. This is her story to share. "I was kept prisoner by vampires," she whispers.

Evelyn's smile vanishes. "What?" Her eyes dart between us. "Kept prisoner how?"

"A vampire prince used me as his personal blood supply for seven years."

Evelyn's hand flies to her mouth. "But werewolf blood repels vampires."

Seraphina shrugs. "The one who captured me - Malachi - called me 'custos regni' when he tasted my blood."

Evelyn pales dramatically. "Do you know Oberon?" she demands.

I shake my head.

"Custos Regni means 'Guardian of the Realm'," Evelyn explains, instinctively cradling her pregnant belly. "They know about us. And our blood... it must be irresistible to them."

"More than irresistible," Seraphina adds darkly. "I think he became addicted. No one else was permitted to feed from me. No one could touch me except during one royal visit. His exact words were that no one could 'taint' me." Her voice drops. "That's the only reason I wasn't raped like the others in that hellhole."

A savage growl tears from my throat. That bastard will pay for every drop of blood he took from her.

"I need to leave," Evelyn says, looking queasy. "I must contact Oberon before tomorrow's dinner." She turns to me, eyes blazing. "If those leeches think they can take Seraphina, they'll face the fight of their immortal lives. Our pack stands with you. Adrian and Alistair would never risk me or the baby, though I hope Adrian doesn't overreact and confine me." She rises, shaking her head.

She embraces Seraphina again. "Meeting you was everything I hoped. You're safe here now, I promise." Her eyes meet mine, seeking confirmation. I nod.

"I'll walk you out."

We move silently to her car. At the driver's door, she turns. "She doesn't know you're mates yet." A statement, not a question.

"Not yet. I'm hoping Valeria will recognize Dorian when she's stronger."

Evelyn grips my wrist. "I knew Adrian was my mate before Selene confirmed it. Be her safe place. Even if the recognition takes time, she'll feel the bond."

I kiss her forehead. "I'm trying."

As she slides into the car, she asks, "Anything I should know about Victor before I go?"

"He claims remorse and offers penance for what he did to you. But still denies killing my mother."

Her brow furrows. "Why deny that?"

"No idea. But I won't stop until I have the truth."

She smiles up at me. "I'm glad you found your mate. She'll be your anchor."

I watch her taillights disappear before returning to Seraphina.

She's asleep when I reenter the bedroom. Seizing the opportunity, I head to my first-floor office. Nathaniel is waiting behind my desk.

"How'd it go with Evelyn?" he asks, vacating my chair.

"Better than expected," I reply, taking my seat.

"Really? No lingering feelings? No drama?"

I study him. Without a mate bond, he can't understand. "None. It's like... she could never compare to Seraphina. The mate pull is terrifying in its intensity." I pause. "Does that make sense?"

"Not a bit," he admits. "But I trust you. Maybe someday I'll find my mate and understand."