Chapter 0440

"No. I doubt she could tell us anything even if she knew. She's severely traumatized." Sebastian's voice is heavy with concern.

"Let my father talk to her. He's been handling interviews with the rescued supernaturals from that compound. He knows how to approach this carefully."

"Good idea. If he wants to come tonight, I'll arrange it, but I'd prefer he waits until tomorrow. She needs rest and food first." Sebastian exhales sharply. "How do you both feel about relocating our training session to my pack this weekend? I want to keep Seraphina close, but there's a chance Isolde might open up to our mates. She knows they're the hunters' real targets."

"I'm fine with that," I say, and Adrian nods in agreement.

"You realize we have to tell them," I add, glancing between them.

I hear their simultaneous sighs. "Yeah, we know," they mutter.

"They're Guardians. Strong, but they need to be prepared. They deserve a warning." My fingers tighten around my phone. "And Isolde, at least, will demand to know why I'm tripling patrols."

"Evelyn won't let it go either," Adrian admits. "She'll hound me until I explain. And honestly, I'll feel better knowing she's extra cautious when she's out with Ivy."

"Agreed. So, we tell them tonight since we'll all be together tomorrow?" Sebastian asks.

We murmur our assent before ending the call.

I follow my mate's scent to our room, finding her in the shower. Leaning against the doorframe, I watch the steam curl around her silhouette.

"Why are you staring like some creepy stalker?" She peeks out, water dripping from her hair.

"Just admiring the view."

She smirks, crooking a finger. "Join me."

I strip quickly, stepping into the spray behind her. My arms encircle her waist as she turns, mischief glinting in her eyes. Her fingers trail down my chest, lower—

"Do you have any idea how much I love you?" The words burn in my throat. No one will take her from me. I'd die before letting those hunters touch her.

I'll rip apart anyone who even thinks of harming her, Magnus growls in my mind.

Isolde's hands still. Her arms slide around me instead, pressing close. "What's wrong?"

The lump in my throat nearly chokes me. I kiss her nose, struggling to speak. "We confirmed it. The hunters are targeting Guardians. They're coming for you."

Her grip tightens. "Let them try. My sisters and I are ready. We'll show them what happens when they mess with us."

"If they're planning this, they think they can win. Sebastian said they've been experimenting on wolves—probably rogues—but they might have found a way to hurt you that we don't know about."

Her palms cradle my face. "I'm not going anywhere. No one's taking me or Aurora from you and Magnus. You promised me forever, Victor Blackwood. And I'm holding you to that."

I press my forehead to hers, eyes shut, wrestling with the fear clawing up my chest.

"Victor..." Her voice is soft, sensing my turmoil.

"Promise me." My voice cracks. "Promise you'll be careful. No unnecessary risks. I need to hear it, Isolde. I can't function if I'm constantly terrified something's happened to you."

"I promise you, Victor, I'll be okay."

I carry her to bed, making love with agonizing slowness. Every touch, every gasp, every shudder—I commit them to memory. She needs to know she's my everything. When release finally shatters me, I cling to her like she's the only thing keeping me grounded.

The Alpha's Forgotten Heir by S. Blackwood