Chapter 0424

Morning light finds me aching in every muscle. The stab wound throbs, but it's the hard floor that really did a number on me. A few thin blankets and my mate's warmth were all that stood between me and complete misery. His scent wrapped around me like a healing balm, the mate bond stitching me back together while we slept.

The pack gathers for breakfast with the supplies we scavenged. I notice the absence immediately—my father's Beta is gone, along with a handful of others. Good riddance. If they can't accept Victor and me as their Alphas, they don't belong here. That Beta knew what my father did to my mother and me. He turned a blind eye. Cowards like that have no place in my pack.

Donovan returns with the caravan, ready to transport more of our people home. We planned for this—multiple trips, long hours, but by nightfall, everyone will have a roof over their heads and a hot meal.

We help families pack what they can carry. Furniture will have to wait. Victor arranged for a moving truck, but it won't arrive until afternoon. Anything salvageable goes to Nathaniel—he's got a knack for repurposing broken things.

The first van leaves with Donovan at the wheel. His eyes widen when he realizes the duffel bags at his feet are stuffed with cash. "Smaller amounts next time," I tell him. "Just in case."

By 9 AM, the first group is on their way to Sanctuary. The moving truck rolls in at noon, and we load it with beds, tables, whatever our new pack members couldn't bear to leave behind. When the vans return at 4 PM, we're still securing the last pieces. Victor and I wait until every person and every crate is accounted for before squeezing into the final vehicle.

Exhaustion hits hard. I'm asleep before we cross the territory line. Victor's gentle nudge wakes me as we pull up to the packhouse. Leopold and Lillian have everything under control—directing newcomers to temporary housing, assigning guides.

"I need to check on the wounded from yesterday," I tell Victor. "Meet you later. Rosalind needs a food inventory update too."

He pulls me close, his lips brushing mine. "I'll make sure everyone's settled. Let me know if you need anything."

The pack hospital hums with activity. Several rooms are occupied. I find Seraphina briefing a trainee near the entrance.

"Luna," she says, spotting me. "Didn't expect you back tonight."

"Wouldn't want to miss your charming company." I nod toward the rooms. "Status update?"

She walks me through each case. Most are kids recovering from malnutrition, elders regaining strength. The last room holds Vivian.

"Her rejection wasn't accepted before her mate died," Seraphina explains. "It's left her weak."

"And Julian?"

"Healthy as can be. We let her see him often, but she can't handle his energy for long. Honestly, I'm amazed she survived the trip. That woman's got a will of steel."