Chapter 0425

I step into the dimly lit room, shutting the door with a soft click. The scent of antiseptic lingers in the air as I take the seat beside Vivian's bed, reaching for her trembling hand.

"Hello, Seraphina." Her voice cracks, raw with exhaustion.

"Vivian. I spoke with Gamma Seraphina. Tell me what you need."

She shakes her head weakly. "I thought... I hoped it wouldn't come to this."

My fingers brush against her frail arm. "Take all the time you need. The entire pack stands with you. That's who we are—we don't let anyone suffer alone."

A tear slips down her cheek. "Thank you, Luna." She hesitates, then meets my gaze. "You've experienced both sides of the mate bond. What you share with Alpha Victor... it's everything the legends promise. But what I had with your father..." Her voice trails off.

"He wasn't cruel. But he wasn't kind either. And now, knowing what he did to your mother... to you..." Her grip tightens. "How can I ever trust fate again?"

"When I met Victor, I swore I'd never take a mate." My throat tightens at the memory. "After watching my mother waste away in that marriage... I thought the bond was a curse."

I lean closer. "But Victor proved me wrong. It's not the bond that matters—it's the person. I know with absolute certainty he'd never hurt me the way my father did. We respect each other. We chose each other."

A small smile touches my lips. "Somewhere between midnight conversations and shared dreams, I fell for the man—not just the bond. His values mirror mine. His vision for the future aligns with my own. That's what makes it real."

Standing, I adjust her blanket. "Heal first. Focus on your son. The rest will come when it's meant to."

My arms wrap gently around her shoulders. "I'll check on you tomorrow. Levi's being cared for—just concentrate on getting stronger for him."

The hospital doors swing shut behind me as I stride toward the packhouse kitchens.

"Rosalind!"

The head cook whirls around, flour dusting her apron. Dark circles shadow her eyes.

"Luna." She attempts a tired smile.

"I know we're stretched thin. What do you need?"

"Three more hands and two extra ovens?" Her laugh holds no humor.

"If only." I mirror her weary chuckle. "Gamma Donovan secured extra supplies. Beta Lillian organized ration distribution."

"Thank the Moon Goddess." She rubs her temple. "It's chaos, but..."

"Chaos is our normal, isn't it?"

Her laughter rings genuine this time. "Ain't that the truth."

"Victor and I are meeting the new members tomorrow. You'll have more helpers soon."

"Bless you." She hesitates. "When things settle... there's something else I'd like to discuss."

"Name the time." I squeeze her flour-dusted hand.

My bedroom door closes with finality. The shower washes away the day's weight before I collapse into bed. Victor's arms encircle me the moment I settle against the sheets, his warmth seeping into my bones.

Tomorrow will bring fresh challenges. But tonight, wrapped in my mate's embrace, I let exhaustion claim me.