Chapter 0433

Dinner turned into a lively spectacle. The woodland sprites had returned with their endless banter. I marveled at how Isolde could engage with them without getting a migraine, but my incredible mate effortlessly played hostess, weaving in and out of their rapid-fire conversations. Seraphina and Evelyn appeared equally comfortable with the sprites' antics. Sebastian, however, made my patience seem saintly by comparison - he had zero tolerance for their chatter. Adrian fell somewhere between us and our mates in terms of endurance.

My attention drifted to Finnian doting on Ivy. Though too young to properly interact, she giggled at his antics. "Does it feel strange knowing Ivy's mate already?" I asked Adrian.

He glanced at the fae prince playing with our daughter. "For now, it's fine. But as she grows, I'll need to establish firm boundaries. Here I was worried about fighting Sebastian over his son courting my little girl, only to discover her mate is fae royalty a decade her senior. Honestly, I can't decide which scenario is worse."

As evening faded, Isolde ensured everyone settled comfortably. King Oberon and Prince Finnian received rooms on our floor. After confirming their needs were met, I whisked my mate into the shower, showing her exactly how extraordinary I found her before wrapping myself around her in bed.

Morning came early as Isolde wanted everything prepared for breakfast. We'd barely reached the kitchen when Oberon appeared, looking unusually flustered.

"Isolde, has someone occupied my room recently? There's a scent..."

"Oh Oberon, my apologies! We did have guests last week. I thought the room had been thoroughly cleaned and aired, but I'll have it refreshed immediately today."

"No!" His sharp tone softened immediately. "You misunderstand. The scent... it's intoxicating." His eyes nearly rolled back in ecstasy. I recognized that look instantly - every mated werewolf knows it. That was the look of someone who'd just scented their mate.

"Rosalind?" I watched understanding dawn in Isolde's shining eyes. She already suspected who his mate might be.

Rosalind entered and pondered briefly. "Let me check... I believe that was Alpha Natalia's room."

"Thank you, Rosalind." Isolde's expression turned calculating - I knew that scheming look well. "King Oberon, allow me to make a call. I won't presume anything, but perhaps last weekend's guest could visit again this weekend. I'll inquire and we'll see. Meanwhile, please enjoy breakfast."

Isolde left to make her call while others joined us. They greeted former packmates who'd relocated to our pack, catching up on life changes. When Isolde returned, triumph shone on her face.

"I've informed Cassandra and Rosalind we'll have additional guests staying overnight."

"I hope this doesn't lead to another disappointment for them," I mind-linked.

"He's a king. Honestly, she's perfect for him. Though Alpha Alistair will need new pack arrangements," she responded.

After breakfast, we left the babies at the nursery and headed outside.

"Today's experiment is different," Oberon announced. "We know Isolde and Victor can mind-link over distance, and that Isolde can extend this ability to Victor. First, let's see if Evelyn and Seraphina can draw from Isolde's power to link with your respective packs."

Progress came slowly, but eventually Evelyn connected with Genevieve. Next, Seraphina attempted with Sebastian hovering protectively.

"Sebastian, I'm drawing energy from her, not the reverse. I'm fine," Seraphina insisted, though he remained planted. Rolling her eyes, she focused on Isolde. The connection took longer but succeeded.

"Excellent. Next, let's see if Evelyn can channel Isolde's power to let Adrian mind-link his pack."

This proved more challenging, but eventually Adrian connected with Donovan. They repeated the process with Seraphina and Sebastian, achieving success by lunchtime when everyone needed rest.

Lunch revealed a radiant Tobias and Elara - her neck bore a fresh mate mark, and Tobias proudly displayed the glowing circle over his heart. Isolde embraced Elara, who thanked Oberon again for healing her.

That afternoon, Oberon proposed linking Isolde, Evelyn and Seraphina directly. They exchanged puzzled glances before he explained: "Your bonds are unprecedented - two mated wolf spirits and one who's their spiritual daughter. Wolves in such relationships can mind-link, correct?"

"Correct," they agreed.

"Then try."

Almost instantly, laughter erupted as they discovered their new connection. "This is incredible!"

"Now include your mates," Oberon instructed. "Isolde with Adrian, Seraphina with Victor, Evelyn with Sebastian."

Focusing intently, Seraphina's gaze locked onto me. Isolde succeeded first - our bond being strongest - but soon I felt Seraphina's presence brush my mind. I smiled encouragingly.

"Hello Victor," her voice echoed in my mind.

"Well done, Seraphina."

We were celebrating our success when Isolde's eyes glazed over. "Excuse me momentarily," she murmured, heading inside as we discussed the implications of our new abilities.

When Isolde returned, Oberon's head snapped up. She stepped aside to reveal Natalia standing there. Their eyes met.

"Mate!"