Chapter 0234

"Why would mating with me help Sebastian see the vampires?" I ask Adrian.

His golden eyes gleam with certainty. "When Evelyn and I completed our bond, I gained some of her Guardian abilities—just not as strong as hers. You'll share your gifts with Sebastian too, including vampire sight." His fingers tap against the armrest. "I became faster after mating. He'll experience the same enhancement."

I twist to face Sebastian. "Do you feel different?"

His arms tighten around my waist. "Felt the power surge when you marked me." His lips brush my temple. "Haven't had time to test anything else yet."

Gregory clears his throat sharply. "Focus. We need a strategy to keep those bloodsuckers away from Seraphina and Evelyn—especially now that Evelyn's pregnant." His jaw tightens. "We don't know how that affects her... appeal to them."

"You mean I might taste better now?" Evelyn grimaces as Adrian snarls.

"Too many unknowns." Gregory rubs his temples. "I'll ask Oberon to bring any relevant texts when he visits this weekend."

Alistair leans forward, spreading a map across the table. "We should integrate patrols—your warriors with ours, and vice versa." His finger traces the border between our territories. "This way both packs learn each other's terrain. We can reinforce weaknesses faster."

Sebastian's chin rests on my shoulder. "I agree. Our packs need to memorize every vulnerability in both territories." His gaze locks with Adrian's. "Do you trust me enough to grant that level of access to Blackthorn lands?"

Adrian studies him for three heartbeats. "We're family. I'd trust you with my life—and my pack's." A challenge glints in his eyes. "The real question is whether you'll grant Nightshade the same privilege."

I tilt my head up at Sebastian. When our eyes meet, I give a subtle nod. These people have proven their loyalty.

Sebastian kisses my forehead before addressing Adrian. "Family bonds don't come naturally to me." His hand finds mine. "But I trust everyone in this room. Nightshade's borders are open to you."

"Excellent!" Alistair weights the map's corners with whiskey glasses. "We've marked vulnerable areas in our territory." His finger lands on a jagged ravine between our lands. "This no-man's-land in Black Canyon is our biggest weakness. Yesterday proved how hard it is to defend."

Sebastian stands abruptly, depositing me back in the chair as he looms over the map. "Or we use it as bait." His finger stabs the canyon. "Lure them in and attack from both sides."

For hours, they strategize—exchanging intel on border weaknesses, designing traps in the canyon, coordinating communication signals. They debate bunker placements for elders, children, and pregnant females, voices rising and falling like tides.

The war plans unfold with terrifying precision.

Adrian's suggestion that Evelyn should oversee the underground bunker sparked immediate tension. Evelyn's eyes flashed with defiance as she squared her shoulders. "I won't be sitting this fight out," she declared, her voice sharp.

The argument escalated until Alistair chuckled, glancing at Gregory. "Seems my son needs to learn the same lesson Ivy taught me years ago." Gregory smirked. "I wouldn't bet against Evelyn on this one."

While they debated, I drifted toward the food table. My stomach twisted too tightly for hunger, but the talk of vampires, battle strategies, and potential losses gnawed at me. Even across the room, I felt Sebastian's gaze burning into my back—our bond betraying my unease.

I grabbed a water bottle, twisting the cap with shaky fingers. Gregory wheeled beside me. "How are you holding up, Seraphina?"

"Fine," I lied, forcing a smile.

His knowing look cut through me. "Try again."

Tears pricked my eyes. I squeezed them shut, but one escaped. "I'm terrified," I whispered.

He clasped my hand. "I'd worry if you weren't."

A growl ripped through the room before I could speak again. "Don't even think about leaving," Sebastian snarled, suddenly inches away. His golden eyes blazed. "I'll track you to the ends of the earth and drag you back."

I flinched. He'd been listening closer than I realized.

"But—"

"No." Gregory cut me off. "Sebastian's right. Come here." He guided me to a chair, his wheelchair creaking as he turned to face me. "Just because they haven't found us yet doesn't mean they've stopped looking. This is our chance to end the threat on our terms. Otherwise..." His jaw tightened. "They'll strike when we least expect it. Evelyn or I—or both of us—could end up caged like you were."

Adrian's snarl vibrated through the room. "Over my dead body."

"And we all pray it won't come to that," Gregory said quietly. "But make no mistake—they are coming."