Chapter 0272

Genevieve leaves me speechless. In under thirty minutes, she's transformed chaos into order. My future office is spotless, Nathaniel's space is prepped for my use, and she's even set up a scheduling station outside with a color-coded calendar. I immediately authorize her to order a new computer and phones for both of us—one less thing for Sebastian to worry about. This woman is a force of nature.

Pack members stream in all day. Most simply need a trustworthy ear, but others require tangible help. Word spreads faster than wildfire about my availability—by lunchtime, Genevieve informs me the entire week is nearly booked solid.

We establish a new routine: working lunches. It's perfect for strategizing, reviewing follow-ups, and coordinating schedules.

"May I ask you something, Seraphina?"

"Always." I watch her twist her fingers nervously.

"Nathaniel explained the mate bond to me. Is it truly that... consuming?"

"Indescribably so." I take her trembling hands. "Even among werewolves, you can't comprehend it until you experience it. Your mate becomes your oxygen. Every unspoken longing, every secret dream—they fulfill parts of you that you never knew were empty."

Her gaze drops to our joined hands. "And children? What if..."

I squeeze gently. "Every couple is different, but I've seen the way Nathaniel looks at you. He'd risk never having pups if it meant keeping his fated mate."

When she finally meets my eyes again, there's steel in her whisper. "Come with me to the doctor this week? I need answers before telling him."

I pull her into a tight embrace. "Whenever you need me."

Penelope is my final appointment before combat training. I'd initially considered her for Lead Omega overseeing both kitchens and packhouse, but the scope demands specialization. When I offer her the kitchen leadership position, tears streak down her cheeks. The honor humbles her, but truthfully? Her organizational brilliance during the kitchen overhaul impressed me more. Already, pack members rave about the improved menus.

We discuss implementing structured chores for pups—educational priorities must come first. I jot down reminders: school-hour work restrictions requiring mine or Sebastian's approval, and interviewing Gwendolyn (who took in Isabelle and Rosalind) for packhouse Lead Omega. Having an assistant? Revolutionary.

Nathaniel and Sebastian intercept us post-meeting. I brace for Sebastian to override my decision about Penelope, but he simply nods approval. His trust in my judgment sends warmth through my chest.

Even better news? Genevieve starts weapons training today. Every woman should feel capable of her own defense.

At the training grounds, Gregory and Evelyn fall into formation with me. We defer to Gregory's expertise—he trained us both, and his drills are brutal perfection.