Chapter 0354

The morning light barely touches the sheets when I slip out of bed, leaving Victor to his peaceful slumber. My bare feet pad silently across the hardwood as I head downstairs to check on last night's wounded. No one disturbed us—a good sign that either everyone's recovering or still resting.

The kitchen hums with activity. Several omegas who volunteered for night watch are brewing coffee and slicing fruit. I learn only five patients remain unconscious. Most woke hungry, devoured soup, and are now preparing to join breakfast in the dining hall. I'm turning toward the stairs to check the remaining sleepers when Donovan and Dr. Whitmore stride in.

Their matching yawns can't hide the fresh mating marks on their necks.

"Morning," I tease, grinning at their flushed faces. Been there, done that. I extend a hand to the blushing doctor. "I'm Isolde. You must be Dr. Whitmore."

Her grip is firm despite her pink cheeks. "Seraphina, please, Luna. Donovan's told me everything about your vision for this pack. I'd be honored to contribute."

I shoot Donovan a knowing look. "She's flawless."

"Damn right," he murmurs, nuzzling her temple.

"As much as I hate to interrupt newlyweds," I say, "could I borrow Seraphina? Five pack members haven't woken yet."

"Of course." She darts upstairs for her medical bag.

Donovan tracks her movement like a compass needle finding north. When she disappears, he turns to me with stars in his eyes.

"Luna, is Alpha awake? I've got his answer."

I arch a brow. "Will this answer delight your Alpha and Luna, Donovan?"

His grin could power the entire territory. "Absolutely."

"Good. My office. Now." Victor's voice rumbles behind me.

I spin into his arms. "You should've woken me." His limp is barely noticeable as he crushes me against his chest.

"You needed rest. Seraphina and I will check the remaining patients. Most are already at breakfast—you and Donovan should eat after your talk." I press a warning kiss to his jaw. "Don't overexert yourself, Alpha."

Seraphina returns, medical bag in hand. "We'll meet you in the dining room," I tell Victor.

Two warriors rouse during our examination. For the other three, I rotate their watchers, sending exhausted volunteers to nap.

"You're jumping into the deep end joining us," I tell Seraphina as we walk. "But we're building a true sanctuary here."

Her eyes spark with challenge. "Ruins excite me, Luna. A blank slate for our hospital? That's every physician's dream." She hesitates. "Assuming you and Alpha approve."

I laugh. "Supernatural medicine is your domain. Whatever you need, we'll make it happen. Slowly, but surely. You'll have two med students assisting—evaluate their skills yourself."

The dining room buzzes with conversation. Victor, Donovan, Leopold, and Lillian sit together. The Alphas' noses twitch simultaneously before they rise, chairs scraping. Victor claims me in a possessive embrace before seating me beside him.

"Eat," he orders, pushing a plate toward me. "Report."

Seraphina and I detail each patient's status. "Alpha Adrian called," Leopold adds. "His two patients remain unconscious." I note how Lillian's gaze flicks to him, then away. Something unspoken lingers there.

"Lillian," I say gently, "how was your first night? I'm sorry I didn't check on you and your little one."

Seraphina brightens. "You have a baby?"

"One month old," Lillian murmurs, peeking at Leopold through her lashes. Ah. Unresolved tension indeed. "We slept well, thank you, Luna."

The clatter of cutlery fills the silence that follows. Victor's fingers lace through mine under the table—a silent promise. Whatever storms come, we'll weather them together.