Chapter 0355

Victor's gaze shifts past me to Lillian. "Is there anyone we should contact? Someone who might be searching for you, so we can assure them you're safe."

She shakes her head. "No, thank you, Alpha. There's no one."

I sense Victor's confusion through our bond. How can this woman have a newborn if there's no one in her life?

'The baby is a hybrid,' Aurora murmurs in my mind.

'A hybrid?' I ask. "Part wolf, part human?"

'Not exactly. Part wolf, yes. But the other half... I'm not sure.'

"Lillian, do you have everything you need for your baby?" I ask gently. "And what's her name?"

Tears glisten in her eyes. "I... haven't named her yet."

"It's okay," I say, placing my hand over hers. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Leopold's fingers twitch, as if resisting the urge to reach for her. My heart aches for him. I'd hoped he'd find someone, but this situation is complicated. I just pray they can overcome it.

"Would you like to join me today?" I offer. "I have some tasks to finish, and I can show you around at the same time."

Her face brightens. "I'd love that. I want to work—to be useful. Whatever you need, I'll do it gladly."

Victor's hand settles on my back, warm and reassuring. "There's no shortage of work here," I say with a light laugh.

"We're happy to have you, Lillian," Victor adds. "Isolde is organizing everything, and I'm sure she'll find something that suits you. But please, take all the time you need to recover."

"I'm ready to work, Alpha," she insists.

Seraphina frowns. "Are you injured? From yesterday's attack?"

"No, before that. The hunters held me captive, but I escaped and found my way here." A fleeting smile touches her lips.

"Have you been examined by a doctor?" Seraphina presses, her tone shifting into professional concern.

"Someone checked me yesterday," Lillian murmurs, glancing at Leopold.

Leopold's eyes never leave her. "Dr. Whitmore is our pack physician. You should let her examine you properly."

Lillian nods. "Alright."

"Good!" I clap my hands together. "After breakfast, you'll have your first assignment." I turn to Donovan. "What about you, love?"

He looks to Victor for guidance.

Victor stands abruptly. "Everyone, listen up." The room falls silent. "I've asked Donovan to serve as our Gamma, and he's accepted. At our next ceremony, he'll be officially recognized as Gamma, and his mate, Seraphina Whitmore, will join us as our Gamma female. She's a skilled physician from the Nightshade Pack, and we're fortunate to have her."

Cheers erupt as pack members swarm the table to congratulate Donovan and Seraphina. I notice Lillian slipping away quietly. Leopold pretends not to watch, but I catch the way his gaze follows her. When he turns back, he finds me staring. I raise a brow, but he just shakes his head.

Victor continues, "One more announcement. Our own Beatrice Gray found her mate yesterday—Sebastian, Lead Warrior of the Blackthorn Pack. While we gain a doctor, we lose one of our finest gardeners. Thankfully, our alliance with both packs remains strong."

More cheers follow, along with tearful goodbyes from Beatrice's gardening team.

Victor raises his hands again. "Yesterday's attack revealed our need for stronger warrior training. Starting Monday, all warriors will train twice daily under my command and Leopold's. Every pack member with a wolf will train at least once a day—men and women together."

A chorus of approval rises from the women.

"Until then, train with Leopold. He is your Beta—respect him accordingly. Isolde and I leave tomorrow morning. If you have concerns, see me before we go."

He sits, pressing a kiss to my temple before we return to our meals.