Chapter 0258

My heart soared as I watched my mate walk away. Alistair stepped up beside me, his presence steady as always.

"The Moon Goddess never makes mistakes, does she?"

I smirked. "I wouldn't say never, but she certainly nailed it with us."

When Seraphina disappeared from view, I turned to him. "What exactly did you have in mind for helping us, Alistair?"

We moved toward my office. "Adrian put me in charge of reinforcing our border vulnerabilities. Figured I could do the same for Nightshade while I'm here. If you can spare some warriors, we'll scout the weak points and set up defenses—barriers, traps, whatever's needed."

"That’s perfect. I’ve been meaning to address that but haven’t had the time."

"Consider it handled." He clapped my shoulder. "You’ve got allies now, Sebastian."

"I’m starting to see that. Thanks, Alistair. Want to grab lunch before you head out? We can discuss my thoughts."

As if summoned, a knock interrupted us. Isabelle and Rosalind stood at the door, balancing trays of food. "Alphas, Luna Seraphina and Luna Seraphina insisted you eat. She thought you’d want to debrief, Alpha Sebastian, so she sent us with your meals."

"Come in." I took a tray from Rosalind while Alistair accepted his from Isabelle. "Have you met Alpha Alistair?"

They shook their heads, eyeing him curiously.

"Alistair, these are Nightshade members Isabelle and Rosalind." I gestured to each. "This is Alpha Alistair, former leader of Blackthorn Pack."

"Pleasure, pups. Always good to meet allies."

"Sit," I told them, pulling up chairs. "How was your first night with Gwendolyn and her mate?"

Their faces lit up. "We got our own beds!"

"And rooms, but we wanted to stay together."

"They made all our favorite foods—pizza, tacos, burgers—because we couldn’t decide!"

They bounced between sentences like excited puppies. Clearly, Gwendolyn had already won them over.

"Isabelle, let me see your cheek." She’d been too skittish yesterday.

She approached, brushing her hair aside. The bruise had faded. "Gwendolyn said it looked worse than it was. Put some salve on it."

I examined the area. No fractures. "So, you both want to stay with her?"

"Yes, Alpha," they chorused.

"Good." Gwendolyn’s voice came from the doorway. The girls sprinted to hug her.

I joined them. "Need anything from me?"

"No, Alpha. My mate and I are set financially. But thank you." She smiled down at them. "Ready to go, girls?"

They glanced at me.

"We’re done. Remember, my door’s always open."

Nodding, they followed Gwendolyn out. "Time for a shopping trip!"

Alistair’s gaze tracked them. "What was that about?"

"Seraphina caught their guardian abusing them yesterday. Let’s just say her reaction was...memorable." A thought struck me. "Ever seen a wolf direct their aura?"

His brows shot up. "You mean focus it directionally?"

I described how she’d shielded the girls while subduing the pack. He whistled. "Never heard of that. Seraphina might’ve done it protecting Adrian and Evelyn, but I wasn’t there."

"I’ll ask Oberon tomorrow."

After lunch, I outlined my border ideas. Alistair proposed adjustments but wanted to assess the terrain first. I assigned five warriors to him, and they departed.

Come afternoon, I cleared paperwork before training. I found Seraphina and Luna Seraphina deep in discussion, a notebook between them.

"What’s this?" I kissed Seraphina’s crown, peeking at her notes. The contents made me straighten.

She fidgeted until Luna Seraphina squeezed her hand encouragingly.

"I want to be the Luna you deserve," she blurted. "So I’m learning. Luna Seraphina’s teaching me."

I pulled her up, cradling her face. "The Moon Goddess gave me perfection. Learn for yourself and the pack, not me. I’ll love you regardless."

"Told you," Luna Seraphina murmured.

"But you’re such a natural Alpha," Seraphina protested. "I don’t want to disappoint you."

I kissed her forehead. "Funny—Alistair and I were just praising the Moon Goddess’s matchmaking skills. You’ve already lightened my load immensely."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. Now enough doubts. Train with whoever you want, but never question being my mate."

"Okay."

"Good. Ready to kick some warrior ass?"