Chapter 0256

Every moment with Sebastian leaves me breathless, but last night was something else entirely. His tender lovemaking reached depths of my soul I didn't know existed. If my heart hadn't been his before, it's irrevocably his now.

The Luna ceremony meant no training this morning. Perfect timing to start preparing the bunkers. I head to the kitchen, where Beatrice waits with her friend Rosalind.

"Luna, meet Rosalind. She's expecting and will need shelter too."

"Welcome," I say. "Do you know where the bunkers are located?"

They nod just as Nathaniel and Genevieve enter.

"Luna, got a moment?" Nathaniel asks.

I promise to meet the women shortly and approach him. "What's going on?"

"Alpha hasn't assigned Genevieve duties yet. She wants to contribute." He glances at her. "Thought you might have ideas?"

I study Genevieve's determined expression. "You know you're welcome here regardless."

She shakes her head fiercely. "I need to keep busy. Dwelling on yesterday helps no one."

"How about inventory and cleaning?" I offer with a playful grin.

"Sounds perfect," she deadpans, matching my tone.

We share a laugh before joining the others. The bunker's state earns collective groans.

"These haven't been used since Luna Isolde's time," Beatrice remarks.

As we divide tasks, Beatrice studies Genevieve. "You're human."

A statement, not a question. Genevieve's eyes dart to me before answering. "Yes."

"How did you meet our Luna?" Rosalind asks.

Genevieve's voice stays steady. "We were prisoners together."

Rosalind gasps, tears welling. "May I hug you?"

The sudden embrace makes Genevieve stiffen, but she awkwardly pats Rosalind's back. Beatrice rolls her eyes. "Control your hormones, Rosie."

"Sorry," Rosalind sniffles. "But no wonder our Beta's smitten. That place..."

"Survival makes you strong," Genevieve shrugs.

An hour later, we've transformed the space. I'm cataloging pantry items when Nathaniel reappears.

"Morning, Beta!" the women chorus.

His gaze locks onto Genevieve. "Ladies. Progress?"

She flushes as he steps too close—not that she minds. Her tension visibly eases. "Hi Nathaniel."

His subtle sniff doesn't escape notice.

"What's she smell like, Beta?" Beatrice teases.

Caught red-handed, Nathaniel freezes. Genevieve looks mortified.