Chapter 0238

I'm stunned that Sebastian agreed to release Victor. Even more shocking—Adrian gave his approval too. But relief washes over me. Valeria and I both sensed Victor's sincerity in every word he spoke today.

Exhaustion weighs me down after the long day, but it evaporates when my mate starts undressing for bed. He turns, catching my stare. "I sleep naked. Unless you want me to keep these on?" His smirk sends heat through my veins.

I move toward him, fingers working the buttons of my blouse. His gaze darkens as the fabric slips from my shoulders. The bra follows, hitting the floor with a whisper. My palms glide over his sculpted abdomen, tracing every ridge down to that tempting V.

That's all the invitation he needs.

In one motion, he lifts me, carrying me to bed where he reminds me—repeatedly—exactly how much he adores me.

Morning finds me pleasantly sore, sprawled across Sebastian's chest again. How do I always end up here? When I try to slip away, his arm locks around me like steel.

"Leaving before breakfast, little star?" His sleep-roughened voice ignites sparks low in my belly. Is this constant hunger normal for new mates? Or is it just my insatiable Alpha?

'Both,' Valeria purrs.

I prop my chin on his chest. "Thought you were asleep."

"House rules—I get breakfast in bed." His hands span my waist. "And today, I'm craving something sweet."

Before I can react, he hoists me up. "Ride my face."

My breath hitches.

"Hands on the headboard." He positions me over him, grip firm on my thighs. "Eyes on me, little star."

When I obey, he devours me like a starving man—until I'm shaking, crying his name to the ceiling. Goddess, the man worships his morning meal.

After showering (and another round against the tiles), I head downstairs while Sebastian meets with Donovan. Nathaniel's joining our trip, so Donovan's taking charge.

The kitchen scene freezes me mid-step.

A male Omega—the Lead, judging by his stance—has his hand raised over a cowering girl. Her cheek already bears a red mark. Another younger Omega clutches her shirt from behind.

"What's happening here?" My voice cracks like a whip.

The man sneers. "Not your concern. Get out."

I step closer. Both girls look barely eighteen. After enduring abuse myself, I'll be damned if I let it continue under my nose.

"I asked a question. Why are you striking pack members?"

His lip curls. "Rogue sluts don't give orders here. Alpha's whore or not, this is my domain."

Apparently, news of our mating hasn't reached everyone.

When his hand swings toward the girl again, I intercept his wrist mid-air. Valeria's fury merges with mine, our combined aura slamming him to his knees.

'Shield the girls,' I warn her.

His yelp draws a flood of pack members. They take one look at me restraining him and charge—until my aura flattens them against the floor, necks bared. More wolves rush in, only to join the growing pile of subdued bodies.

Nathaniel skids in, hitting my aura's wall. "Seraphina! What—"

Valeria snarls through me. "Is abuse standard in your pack?" My power slams into him. He bares his throat but stays upright.

"Let's discuss this," he grits out.

"Discuss?" I gesture to the twenty wolves groveling around us. "Your pack attacked first."

Sebastian's voice cuts through the tension. "Valeria. Release them."

I meet his gaze.

"No." My aura rolls over him too.