Chapter 0257

"Were you sniffing me?" I recoil slightly, watching Nathaniel's face flush crimson.

He shakes his head so fast it's a blur. "No! I mean, yes, but—you don't smell bad. You smell amazing." That lovesick grin spreads across his face again.

Beatrice and Rosalind exchange knowing smirks. Clearly, tormenting their Beta is rare entertainment.

"So, what's this divine scent, Beta?" Rosalind presses, eyes gleaming.

"Strawberries," Nathaniel breathes, like it's sacred. The girls' grins turn wicked.

"Beatrice," Rosalind sing-songs. "Remember when Beta Nathaniel raided all the strawberry bowls before Alpha Alistair's summit?"

Beatrice nods vigorously. "Oh, I remember. The day we learned never to come between our Beta and his berries."

Nathaniel looks ready to combust. Poor Genevieve just blinks in confusion while I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

"I should go," Nathaniel blurts. "Just wanted to check on you, Genevieve. Liam needs me."

"Bye, Nathaniel," she says softly. He hesitates, then darts forward to kiss her forehead before fleeing.

The second the door shuts, Beatrice and Rosalind dissolve into giggles. Genevieve looks between them and me. "What?"

I lose it too. "Werewolf thing," I gasp between laughs.

Her frown deepens. I pull her into a hug. "Good or bad werewolf thing?"

"Very good," we chorus.

By noon, we're starving. Heading upstairs for lunch, I nearly collide with Seraphina Grey.

"Seraphina! I didn't expect you today."

Her gaze sweeps over my dirt-streaked clothes. "No time like the present, though you seem busy already."

"Prepping the bunkers for battle," I explain. "I was about to shower. Join me for lunch?"

"Delighted. Alistair was looking for Sebastian—"

"Right here," Sebastian's voice rumbles as he enters. "Alpha Alistair. Luna Seraphina. Thought you'd be leaving."

"We'll stay until Oberon arrives tomorrow," Alistair says. "Figured I could assist until then."

Seraphina tugs me aside. "Go clean up, dear. Let the men talk while we handle real work."

Sebastian pulls me against him before I can leave. "My busy Luna."

"Mmhm. Bunkers are halfway done. Oh, and I learned about Nathaniel's strawberry obsession."

Sebastian's brows shoot up. "Did they mention the summit incident?"

"Every detail," I whisper. "Apparently Genevieve smells like them."

His booming laugh freezes the room. Every head swivels to gape at their usually stoic Alpha clutching his sides. Alistair and Seraphina share a smirk while I giggle against Sebastian's chest.

"Can't wait to torment him about this," Sebastian wheezes.

I rise on tiptoes to kiss him. "Duty calls, Alpha. Luna business awaits."

His gaze burns into my back as I leave, following me up the stairs until I disappear around the corner.