Chapter 0242

I lock eyes with Sebastian. "He's unaware of her past, isn't he?" I send through our mind link.

His subtle head shake confirms it. Nathaniel's in for a brutal awakening if Genevieve ever accepts our world.

Her gaze shifts to me. "What about you? How did you escape?"

"I ran until I collapsed on Nightshade territory." I gesture toward Sebastian.

"Territory?" Her brows knit together as she glances nervously between Nathaniel and Sebastian.

"Remember what the vampires called me?" She nods hesitantly. "They know I'm a Guardian. A werewolf Guardian."

Her eyes dart between all three of us. "Like... that horror movie?"

"Similar, but we don't slaughter humans."

Her voice pitches higher. "We?"

Sebastian steps forward. "I'm Alpha of Nightshade Pack. Nathaniel's my Beta. And Seraphina's my mate."

"It's overwhelming," I admit, squeezing her trembling hands. "But we're nothing like those bloodsuckers."

Sebastian cuts to the chase. "You're fleeing the hunters?"

She nods frantically. "When I refused their demands, I escaped one night. Dyed my hair, wore glasses, ended up here. The secretary job saved me - I'd run out of cash."

Nathaniel's jaw tightens. "Where are you staying?"

Her cheeks flush scarlet. I cover her fidgeting hands with mine. "You're safe with us."

A hesitant glance at Sebastian before she whispers, "Alleys mostly. I wash up in office bathrooms before work."

Nathaniel's fists clench so hard his knuckles whiten. His wolf's practically vibrating with protective rage. "Sebastian?"

The Alpha leans forward, elbows on knees. "Genevieve, did you know there's a vampire bounty on you?"

Her gasp coincides with Nathaniel vaulting to his feet. "WHAT?!" He whirls toward Sebastian. "She's the other bounty target?"

Tears streak down her face. "What does that mean?"

"It means Malachi wants you back."

Her hands fly to her mouth. "I need to run. Now. I can't go back there-"

Nathaniel blocks her frantic dash for the door. "We'll protect you. Come to our pack. Right, Sebastian?"

The Alpha doesn't hesitate. "Pack law protects all mates."

"You can't!" She shakes violently.

I move beside her. "We can. It took me months to believe it too. We're preparing for their attack. But if you run alone? You're prey."

Nathaniel's voice cracks. "Please. Food, safety, your own bed. Sebastian can arrange remote work, can't you?"

I feel Sebastian's resigned sigh at my back. He'd do this for me, but knowing she's Nathaniel's mate? He'll move mountains.

"Consider it done. We're staying in town tonight - you'll get a proper room. Tomorrow we leave for Nightshade. It is Genevieve, right? Not Victoria?"

A shy smile breaks through her panic. "Genevieve."

"Good. You don't go anywhere without Nathaniel or me. Hunters might be tracking you, but we know vampires are. Understood?"

As we exit the office, Nathaniel's already dragging a chair to Genevieve's workstation when the scent hits me.

"Sebastian!" I scream as elevator doors slide open.

Malachi steps out flanked by two vampiric enforcers.

Found her just in time... or perhaps too late?