Chapter 0356

"What's on your agenda today, Isolde?" I ask as we finish breakfast.

"I need to install those computers in the kitchens and packhouse." She pauses, turning to me. "Did you unload them from the car yesterday, or did things get... interrupted?"

"They're probably still in the vehicle." I glance at Donovan. "You didn't retrieve them, did you?"

"Completely slipped my mind, Alpha." He pulls Seraphina closer, kissing her temple. "After finding my mate, other priorities took over."

Seraphina's cheeks flush pink. Donovan clearly enjoys making his mate blush. From my periphery, I notice Leopold stiffen at their display. Time to address the elephant in the room.

"Leopold, let's fetch those computers together. Hopefully no perishables were left in the car."

"The omegas helped unload everything," Isolde assures us.

I take Isolde's hand, savoring the contact as I help her up. Pressing a kiss to her knuckles, I reluctantly release her. "I'll deliver your computer first, then Leopold and I will set up his office system. Donovan, start scouting offices for ranked members—keep them clustered together. Afterwards, show your mate our medical facilities so she can assess the workload."

Turning to Seraphina, I add, "It'll be demanding. Hope you're prepared."

"Like I told Luna Isolde, I thrive on challenges," she responds.

My lips curve. "Then you've found the perfect pack. Challenges are our specialty."

After dropping Isolde in the kitchen, Leopold and I head to Donovan's unlocked car. The trunk release sticks, requiring extra force.

"So," I lean against the vehicle, "want to explain the tension with your mate?" His jaw clenches. Silence stretches, but I wait him out.

Finally, he exhales sharply. "She has a child. But nobody's searching for them. I assumed she had a wolf partner. What kind of father abandons his pup? Even if some Alphas dismiss female heirs, I'd never let my child's mother disappear."

"Have you asked her?"

His fingers rake through his hair. "Last night was chaotic."

I raise a brow. "Donovan fought hunters, triaged wounded, and still claimed his mate. You're telling me you couldn't manage one conversation?"

"Fine." His voice drops. "What if she rejects a wolfless mate?"

Ah. The core fear.

"Didn't seem like rejection at breakfast. She looked devastated by your avoidance. She's alone here, Leopold. You need to resolve this. If you're considering rejection—"

"I'd never!" He nearly shouts. "The Moon Goddess blessed me despite my condition. Why would I throw that away?"

"Then act like her mate. At minimum, learn her story. She's not just fleeing hunters." Confusion wrinkles his forehead. "A single mother with an infant? Nobody searching? Consider how long she's been captive." Understanding dawns in his eyes—the grim possibilities of conception during captivity, or a mate killed before the birth.

"You're right." He squares his shoulders. "I'll talk to her."

"Do it now." I hoist a computer box. "No better time. I'll set up your office system while you two talk. Meet me afterwards to discuss the new training regimen."

Back in the kitchen, I nod toward Lillian washing dishes, her baby in a makeshift crib nearby. She glances up, then quickly looks down when she spots Leopold, her cheeks blooming pink.

"Your computer, Isolde." I watch Leopold stare at Lillian before addressing my mate. "Luna, may I speak with Lillian privately?"

Isolde meets my gaze before answering. "Of course. Lillian, we've got this. Would you like me to watch Felicity?"

"No, thank you, Luna." She dries her hands, scooping up her daughter before following Leopold out.

Isolde wraps her arms around me. "Hope that goes well." Her lips brush mine softly.

"At least they're talking. His fear isn't the child—it's being rejected. Hers isn't his lack of wolf—it's the baby."

She chuckles. "Our pack's quite the mosaic."

"Wouldn't change a thing." I nip the corner of her mouth. "Ready to leave tomorrow? Liam and Sebastian want you to meet Evelyn and Seraphina. You'll adore them."

"Yes. I'll arrange someone to manage the computer setup while we're gone. Meals are planned, supplies stocked. With Leopold and Donovan here, everything's covered."

"Good." I squeeze her waist. "I'll digitize Leopold's paperwork nightmare."

Her laughter rings out as she pulls away. Unable to resist, I swat her perfect backside, grinning at her indignant gasp. With a wink, I head to the office, leaving her flushed and flustered.