Chapter 0360

The moment we step onto the grounds where Gregory and Evander fell, memories hit me like a tidal wave. But seeing Seraphina and Valeria unleashes something deeper. Then comes Evelyn and Selene—that's when the floodgates burst open.

There's something about Selene—maybe because she's the daughter of my Guardian spirit—that drags every buried emotion to the surface. The weight of it crushes me. Victor carries me without complaint, though I hate feeling this vulnerable. But right now, I couldn’t walk if I tried.

Blackthorn Pack territory feels different from both Victor's pack and my father's. Where my father ruled through fear, Adrian leads with patience and warmth. Pack members of all ages swarm him as we approach, their voices bright with affection. No fear. No hesitation. Just family.

Adrian and Evelyn know every single one by name, asking about their lives as we walk. Victor and I are introduced, but when the attention becomes too much, Adrian smoothly announces formal introductions will happen at dinner.

At the packhouse, a heavily pregnant woman waits by the back door.

"Welcome to Blackthorn." Her smile is warm as she gestures us inside. "I'm Genevieve, Beta female. Follow me—I'll show you to your room. Lunch is in an hour on the patio. Enough time to freshen up?"

"Perfect," I say. "Thank you."

The room is spacious, airy. Victor sets me down, and I turn in a slow circle. "Will our packhouse ever feel like this?"

His arms wrap around me from behind. "It'll be whatever you dream it to be. Just give it time."

I twist in his hold, looping my arms around his neck. "You're a good man, Victor Blackwood." The words come from somewhere raw and real.

He rests his forehead against mine. "I didn't always believe that. But when you say it? I do. And I'll spend every day making sure you never doubt it."

I slip free, grabbing his hand. "Shower. Now. I'm starving."

Downstairs, Evelyn is already seated, Adrian hovering protectively. She pats the chair beside her, eyes glistening.

"Having you here…" Her voice cracks. Adrian's hands tighten on her shoulders.

"Little Guardian, if this is too much—"

She cuts him off, gripping his hand. "No. It's good. Painful, but good. Seraphina and Valeria helped. And Adrian…" She gazes up at him, love shining through her tears. "But you? It's like finding a piece of our family we thought was lost forever."

Adrian looks torn between sweeping her away and letting her have this moment. Maybe she needs both.

"Forgive me," she laughs wetly. "Pregnancy hormones."