Chapter 0333

"Perfect. We'll talk once you're settled."

I nod. There's so much to discuss, but first I need to speak with Isolde. And I have to call Adrian to let him know we arrived safely.

I lead Isolde upstairs to my old room. It's modest, like everything else in this pack that still needs rebuilding. The moment we step inside, she turns to me.

"I'm sorry. Aurora took control and I know we didn't plan this..."

I silence her with a kiss, pouring all my joy into it. When I pull back, I meet her worried gaze. "Not sorry. Not even a little. Would I have preferred privacy? Absolutely. But you claiming me in front of the entire pack?" I grin. "That was the hottest thing I've ever experienced."

"You're not angry?"

"About the mark? Or about the audience?"

"About marking you at all. Because that she-wolf—" Her lip curls in a snarl. "—dared touch what's mine."

"I don't care about your reasons. I'm glad you did it." My fingers trace her jaw. "I told you—with you, there are no limits. I'm yours, Isolde. Yours and Aurora's."

I brush my lips against her nose. "Now I need to wash off the mess you made marking me." I step back with a smirk. "But tonight? Tonight I'll claim you in every way possible. Are you ready for that?"

"Yes, Alpha." Her coy smile sends heat straight through me.

A growl rips from my throat as I close the distance between us, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss. "Hearing you say that makes me feel more like an Alpha than anything else. Most days, I still feel like an impostor."

I turn toward the bathroom, checking for towels.

"You're more of an Alpha than you realize, Victor. You might not see it, but everyone else does." Isolde follows me as I start the shower.

The hot water cascades over my shoulders. I feel her step in behind me. "You've built something incredible here. A sanctuary for people like us—those who never had a safe place to rebuild. That's what makes you a true Alpha. A good one." Her hands glide over my back.

I turn to face her. "I know this isn't the future you imagined. But can you see yourself building this life with me? There's so much work ahead, but together... I believe we could create something extraordinary."

"I want that life with you, Victor. A haven for others like us—the lost, the broken, those who need protection."

I rest my forehead against hers. "How did I get so lucky to have you as my mate?"

She pulls back slightly. "Because I'm a Guardian?"

I shake my head. "No. Honestly, I wouldn't care if you were an omega or even human. Hell, I thought you were human when we met, and I was already falling for you. Alpha Sebastian's Beta is mated to a human, and from what I hear, she's remarkable. It's not about your gifts—though I do believe only someone extraordinary could become a Guardian. It's about who you are, Isolde. You were born an Alpha female, chosen as a Guardian, yet you're willing to roll up your sleeves and help me build a pack from nothing."

She steps closer, wrapping her arms around my waist. "I'm not naive enough to think this will be easy. We both have so much to learn about leading a pack. But together? I believe we can do anything."