Chapter 0244

Blood coats his entire body, yet she throws herself into his arms without hesitation, clinging to him like he's the only solid thing in her crumbling world. His whispered reassurances vibrate against her skin as I spin toward Nathaniel.

"Sebastian." He jerks his chin toward the doorway. I whirl, expecting another bloodsucker, but it's Lawrence, my human operations manager, standing frozen in the threshold.

"Lawrence."

He steps over the shattered glass, surveying the carnage with practiced calm. "Sir. We had an agreement about keeping the office space... presentable." His mouth twitches.

I return the half-smile. Lawrence owes me after I extracted his niece from a warlock's debt three winters ago. He's one of the few humans who understands our world.

"Trouble doesn't make appointments."

"Clearly." He pulls out his phone. "Should I be concerned about follow-up visits?"

"Assume they'll return. Lock down the building and initiate protocol seven."

"Already on it. My team will handle cleanup—you know the drill. Get your people out before round two starts."

I grab Nathaniel's shoulder. "You're clean? No injuries?"

"Just adrenaline shakes. We need to move—Prince Damien's enforcers won't stay gone long."

A growl rumbles through my chest as I pull him closer. "They'll die before touching you again."

We retreat upstairs to scrub off the battle stench. Seraphina surprises me by refusing to leave Genevieve's side, shadowing Nathaniel instead of coming to our suite. Maybe human mates imprint differently.

During the drive back to Nightshade territory, I have Nathaniel alert Donovan to triple patrols while I update Adrian. We agree to start joint combat drills in Black Canyon—familiarizing both packs with the kill zone where we'll funnel the vampires.

Genevieve's voice pipes up from the backseat. "So... being a werewolf means you turn into an actual wolf?"

Nathaniel's patience astonishes me. "Bigger than timberwolves. Sharper instincts. Enhanced senses—smell, hearing, night vision."

"Like my neighbor's German Shepherd?"

I tense, but Nathaniel just chuckles. "Similar, but wolves are wilder. Our wolf spirits think independently—like having a second conscience."

She processes this silently, forehead pressed against the window.

At the packhouse, I mind-link Nathaniel. "Your floor for her?"

"Only me up there. She'll take the room opposite mine—close enough if she has night terrors like Seraphina did."

"Order whatever she needs. We'll do a supply run tomorrow."

As he guides Genevieve upstairs, I add, "Meet me after she's settled. We need to talk." His subtle nod confirms receipt.

Seraphina presses against me. "You're telling him tonight?"

"It's time."

"Should I—"

"I'll handle it alone." I kiss her temple. "Go rest. This won't be quick."

My office door clicks shut behind me, sealing in the truth I can no longer outrun.