Chapter 0190

The crisp autumn air greets us as we step outside. I gesture toward the sprawling grounds of our territory.

The training fields catch her attention first. "We'll get you started there soon," I promise. Beyond them lies the pups' playground, then the communal pool area with its outdoor kitchen—perfect for pack gatherings.

I point toward the winding forest trails where our wolves run free. When we reach the tree line, I pause.

"There's something I want to show you," I say, watching her curious expression. "It's a bit far though. Would you ride with Dorian? You're light—he won't even notice your weight."

Seraphina hesitates briefly before nodding. Inside my mind, Dorian practically vibrates with excitement.

'She's a Guardian,' he reminds me. 'Even weakened, she's formidable. Our mate deserves to see our strength.'

I strip quickly, catching the faint blush coloring her cheeks before she turns away. After shifting, Dorian collects my clothes with his teeth and struts—there's no other word for it—toward Seraphina.

He nudges her arm gently, depositing the bundle before rubbing his massive head against her side.

Her musical laugh fills the air as she strokes his fur. "Hello Dorian. You're sure about this?"

In response, he lowers himself to the ground. She climbs aboard carefully, and the moment she's settled, we're off.

Her initial gasp of surprise quickly transforms into delighted laughter as the wind whips through her hair. Dorian maintains a careful but swift pace until the thunderous roar of water announces our destination.

He kneels to let her dismount, then I shift back. True to her considerate nature, Seraphina keeps her back turned while extending my clothes over her shoulder.

Once dressed, I join her at the water's edge.

"These are the Nightshade Falls," I explain, guiding her toward the crystalline pool. "The heart of our territory."

Her eyes widen at the cascading water. "It's breathtaking."

I test the temperature with my toes. "Too cold for swimming now, but in summer, this place is packed." Leading her along the shore, I help her scale the rocky outcropping beside the falls.

The view from the summit steals her breath. Below us, the canyon stretches endlessly.

I point across the chasm. "That's Blackthorn Pack territory—Adrian and Evelyn's lands. Our borders meet here, which makes alliance convenient."

Movement catches my eye—our patrols running the perimeter. "See those wolves? Our borders are guarded constantly." I indicate corresponding shapes in the distance. "And those are Blackthorn sentries. They maintain the same vigilance."

Turning to Seraphina, I cup her face. "I brought you here so you'd understand—you're safe now. No vampire will reach you in Nightshade territory."

Her brow furrows. "You increased patrols...for me?"

"Of course." My thumb brushes her cheek. "You've endured enough. Here, you can finally breathe easy."

The unspoken questions in her eyes make me ache for our completed bond. Soon, I'll hear her thoughts. For now, I settle for her tentative trust.

"We should head back," I say after a comfortable silence. "You'll want to freshen up before dinner—Blackthorn's a thirty-minute drive."

Dorian carries her home with equal care, her arms wrapped securely around his neck. Her joyful laughter echoes through the trees, a sound I could happily spend eternity hearing.