Chapter 0232

I escort Seraphina to Gregory's place personally. He needs to understand she's still recovering from yesterday's ordeal and exhausted from our marking ceremony last night.

After extracting promises that he won't push her too hard, I pull her aside.

"Valeria." Dorian surges forward, demanding her full attention. I grip her shoulders firmly when I notice the golden ring around Valeria's eyes and Seraphina's irises shifting from gray to olive green.

"Don't run home alone. We don't know if more vampires are lurking nearby. The patrols are watching our borders, but they're hunting you specifically. I won't risk your safety when I'm not there to protect you."

"Yes, Alpha." She tilts her neck in submission, catching me off guard. My heart skips before I lean down to gently nip her skin, trailing kisses up to her lips.

"I love you too much to lose you now." The words burn my throat. She nods, and I steal one last kiss before leaving, the weight on my chest lighter than before.

Driving back to the packhouse, I mentally catalog my priorities. The alliance meeting tonight comes first—I need Anders and Adrian's input on strategy. Then there's the matter of Victor Blackwood. If he didn't kill my mother, keeping him imprisoned serves no purpose. Evelyn and Adrian should agree to release him. He's suffered enough for hurting Evelyn, and Seraphina confirms his remorse is genuine. I'll provide funds to give him a fresh start elsewhere.

Next is planning Seraphina's Luna ceremony. The city can't wait either—new employees need onboarding, quarterly reports require review, and contingency plans must be drafted in case I fall during the vampire conflict. My mate might already carry my heir. They'll want for nothing if I don't survive.

Back in my office, I finalize meeting preparations before calling Lawrence at Blackstone Enterprises. "I'll be in tomorrow overnight," I inform him. I intend to take Seraphina shopping, dine at Celestia, and stroll through Crestview's central park. My penthouse has been completely remodeled since Isolde's time—every inch will be new for my angel.

Nathaniel interrupts my thoughts. "The others will arrive within thirty minutes. Should we serve refreshments now or wait?"

"Set up a buffet in the side room. We'll decide about dinner afterward."

The meeting room is ready when Alistair and Adrian arrive with Evelyn, Gregory, and Donovan trailing behind. Evelyn brushes a kiss against my cheek. "Seraphina's showering. She'll join us shortly."

I turn to Gregory. "How was her training today?"

"Remarkable. The mating bond suits her well—suits both of you." His approving smile warms something primal in my chest.