Chapter 0357

I'm relieved Victor had that conversation with Leopold. Lillian's distress was palpable - all because her mate refused to acknowledge her. While I don't know how things will unfold, at least they're finally talking.

Walking back into the kitchen, I clap my hands sharply. "Alright, who here has computer experience?" Only Gwendolyn raises her hand.

"Perfect. You're promoted!"

As I boot up the system, I question her about previous administrative work. Managing staff rotations for both the kitchens and pack house consumes hours I don't have. Gwendolyn's experience assisting her sister, a Lead Omega in their former pack, makes her ideal for this role.

I create scheduling templates and instruct her to coordinate with her sister, ensuring fair shifts and mandatory days off for all staff. We're finalizing the details when Leopold enters, cradling Lillian's infant daughter. His other arm encircles Lillian's waist.

"Luna, may we speak privately?" Leopold asks. Though Lillian bites her lip nervously, she leans into her mate's embrace.

The empty dining room provides perfect privacy. Leopold exhales before speaking. "As you've likely guessed, we needed to address our mate bond." His fingers tighten around Lillian's. "You know my... condition."

Lillian immediately presses closer, her grip on his arm speaking volumes. When Leopold kisses her forehead, my heart swells. She sees past what others might consider a flaw.

"However," Leopold continues, and I notice Lillian stiffen. He adjusts the baby to pull her closer. "The hunters... they experimented on her." His voice turns gravelly. "They impregnated her with some creature's seed. When she delivered, they tried taking the child for more experiments."

Lillian trembles as he recounts her escape - how she fought through beatings to save her baby.

"Did they reveal the father's species?" I ask carefully.

Leopold's jaw clenches. "You mean who fathered her, surely?"

I meet Lillian's terrified gaze. "Maia detected hybrid DNA. The sire wasn't wolf... possibly not even human."

Tears streak Lillian's face. "I don't know what they used," she whispers.

"Hey." I reach across the table. "This changes nothing. Your child is pack. We protect our own."

Lillian's relieved sob cracks something in my chest. "Thank you, Luna. Leopold swore you and Alpha Victor would accept us."

"Exclusion destroys packs," I say firmly. "Here, we celebrate differences. Though admittedly," I add with a wink, "we're still working out the kinks in that philosophy."

Drying her eyes, Lillian squares her shoulders. "I want to contribute. However I can."