Chapter 0335

"Alright, while you deal with the Alpha challenges, I can assess our immediate needs." I turn to Leopold. "How are you managing food and supplies for the pack?"

He exhales sharply. "No proper system exists. Without income, our warriors hunt while the she-wolves maintain vegetable gardens."

"I'll handle finances—that's why I need to speak with Adrian and Sebastian." Victor interjects, then faces me. "We should tour the territory together. I need to evaluate the changes since I left, and you should understand our challenges." His fingers tighten around mine.

I smirk. "Seems we both have battles ahead." Though daunting, the prospect thrums with energy. I bite back my offer about using my savings—now isn't the time.

"How many are we sheltering now?" Victor asks.

Leopold shuffles parchment before extracting one. "Just under three hundred."

Victor's brows lift. "Nearly double when I departed."

"Exiles with nowhere else go." Leopold's shoulders slump. "Word spreads—new arrivals beg sanctuary daily. I document them manually, but we desperately need digital records. The paperwork drowns me."

"Requiring an assistant?" I probe.

His laugh holds bitterness. "What I need is a Beta female mate. Unlikely without a wolf."

"Listen." I lean forward. "My wolf emerged at eighteen—months ago. I was scraping by in a diner before becoming Guardian, mating an Alpha, and stepping into Luna duties overnight. You've single-handedly led this pack for a year. That proves your worth—wolf or not. She'll find you."

A wistful smile flickers before he redirects. "I can give that tour now. I'll announce challenges for Alpha position—arrange them this week."

We rise. "Start tomorrow," Victor orders.

Leopold arches a brow. "Certain? The mate bond ceremony tonight might... disrupt your rest."

Victor's gaze smolders at me, and heat floods my cheeks at the implication. "Fine. Schedule it for the day after," he amends.

Leopold's lips twitch. "As you command, Alpha."