Chapter 0270

A smirk tugs at my lips as memories of Seraphina's early days flood back. "How's that working out for you?"

Nathaniel shoots me a pained look. "Absolute torture! I've never endured so many icy showers."

"I remember those days. At least Valeria recognized the mate bond once Seraphina was strong enough. Genevieve won't have that advantage."

I study him carefully. "Are you certain you're ready for this? Before you snap at me—yes, I know the mate bond is worth any sacrifice. But this could mean years of waiting. She'll be here physically, but the bond won't be complete. Magnus will struggle with restraint."

"He already does. But he understands pushing too hard could drive her away. That's why he lets me intervene when the tension becomes unbearable. Sleeping in her bed helps—it's the closest we can get for now."

"Talk to her. Maybe she'll open up to Seraphina. They're friends, and Seraphina is her Luna now."

After plowing through mountains of paperwork, we head to training. "What's the plan for Genevieve during drills?"

Nathaniel hesitates. "Actually, I wanted your permission to bring her from now on. She needs to learn weapon skills—it'll boost her confidence during attacks. Our Beta female should understand basic combat tactics."

"Bring her along," I agree before going to find my mate.

Genevieve blocks Seraphina's door. "Alpha, the Luna's in a meeting. Can it wait? She'll be done in five minutes—I scheduled everything around her training."

"I'll wait. Seems she's not the only one training today." I nod toward Nathaniel approaching behind me.

He strides past me to Genevieve. The way her eyes soften tells me everything—she feels something for him. Not the mate bond's intensity, but something real and growing. Nathaniel would move mountains for her, and he makes no effort to hide it.

"What's happening?" she asks as he pulls her close, pressing a kiss to her hair.

"I want you to feel safe when I'm not there. Sebastian agreed you could train with us—weapons only, no hand-to-hand yet."

Her face lights up. "Seriously?"

That look on Nathaniel's face—I know it well. It's the glow of a man who just made his mate's day. When Seraphina smiles at me like that, I feel invincible. Right now, Nathaniel looks like he's conquered the world.

"Dead serious. Ready to go?"

She glances down at her clothes.

"Change into something comfortable. Magnus will give you a ride." He hugs her briefly before releasing her.

"Thank you! Both of you!" She beams at us before darting off.

"No thanks needed. Every pack member should know self-defense," I call after her.

The office door opens as I turn to Nathaniel. "Alpha. Beta." Penelope, the temporary kitchen supervisor, greets us with a bright smile.