<b>CHAPTER </b><b>51 </b>
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<b>53 </b>
Not long after, there was a knock at the door, and knowing I was the only one home, I got up and went to open it.
Standing there was Stephanie, holding her newborn, lookingpletely drained, and I stepped aside to let her in.
“Is everything okay?” I asked her.
…
“I’m not sure. I haven’t had any sleep in three days,” she replied, cing the diaper bag on the table.
“Alright. Hand him over. There’s a spare room downstairs–it used to be the basement, but Luke converted it into a bedroom. Supposedly he hosts quite a few guests,” I told her.
“Yeah, that’s when his familyes around.”
“I thought he wasn’t on good terms with them,” I said.
“Not with his father. But his siblings and their families do visit. And there’s a bunch of them,” she exined.
“That makes sense. Head downstairs and get some rest. I’ll take care of the baby and let you sleep as much as possible. Don’t worry about little Jake–I’ve got it handled,” I reassured her.
“Thanks so much,” she said sincerely.
She nearly dragged herself down the stairs, and I could hear soft sniffling–she was clearly trying not to cry, but when you’re running on empty, it’s tough, especially when it seems like her mate isn’t offering much help.
I paced around the living room with Jake, who was alert and a bit fussy, but I kept my voice calm<b>, </b>softly reassuring him that he was safe and that I wouldn’t hurt him.
Eventually, Elias walked through the front door, but stopped short the moment he saw me moving around with a baby in my arms.
“Where did thate from?” he asked, gently closing the door behind him.
“Stephanie brought him. She’s been without sleep for days. She’s downstairs resting. I told her I’d watch Jake,” I exined.
“Wow. I didn’t realize things were that bad for her,” he said, surprised.
< CHAPTER 51
“Corbin,” he answered.
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“Well, Corbin seriously needs to step up. She’s doing everything alone,” Imented.
Jake began fussing more, so I pulled a bottle from the bag, warmed it, and settled onto the couch to feed him.
Hetched on immediately and drifted off in my arms while feeding.
Once he finished the bottle, I gentlyid him beside me on the couch, keeping my book andptop close by.
“What are you working on?” Elias asked, ncing over my shoulder.
“I’m researching the werewolf royal family crest,” I told him.
“Found anything yet?” he asked.
“I don’t really know<i>,</i>” I admitted.
“What do you mean by that?” he pressed.
“I’ve been browsing posts about abandoned castles across the U.S. One picture showed a castle in California. But when people tried to visit it–thinking it was haunted–it had vanished. Justpletely gone,” I exined.
“You think it was demolished?” he asked.
“No. There was no evidence it had ever existed. So how is that even possible?” I questioned.
“Magic,” he answered simply.
“I think it’s hidden by some kind of cloaking spell,” I said.
“Do you know where it is?” he asked.
“Not yet. But I’m narrowing it down,” I replied.
Then someone knocked on the door<b>, </b>so Elias went to answer it, and I heard him greet Corbin by name. <fna1f3> Newest update provided by Find~Novel</fna1f3>
Corbin entered and spotted the baby fast asleep on the couch.
“Stephanie’s downstairs sleeping. She mentioned she hadn’t had proper rest in days,” I told him.
“Yeah, I’ve been pulling crazy patrol shifts. We’re all doing doubles. It’s rough with a newborn,” he admitted.
< CHAPTER 51
“I can imagine,” I said.
<b>“</b>I should wake her and take her home,” Corbin said.
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“They’re wee to stay here a while, at least until she’s had some decent rest. She really needs it,” I offered.
“No. I think she’d feel better at home,” he replied, then walked through the house and down to the basement to wake her.
Soon enough, Stephanie came back upstairs, gathered Jake and her belongings, and left with him.
She expressed her deep gratitude for the help I gave her today, and I told her it wasn’t a big deal. I reminded her that I’d always be here if she ever needed a break.
After they’d gone, I sat there staring at the closed door, and Elias could tell something was weighing on me.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“There’s something off,” I replied.
“What do you mean by that?” he questioned.
“I just didn’t get a good feeling from Corbin,” I said.
“Corbin’s no different from the rest of us. He’s another abused kid who came here seeking a safe ce and a fresh start away from his family,” Elias said.
“Yeah. So was Lenore. But not every abused child grows into a good person,” I snapped back, feeling irritated that he brushed off my instincts.
I was getting a strong, unsettling vibe from Corbin, and Elias didn’t want to acknowledge it.
He headed into the kitchen to grab something to eat, while I stayed put, continuing my research–because apparently, that’s all I seem to be useful fortely.
Eventually, frustration took over, and I got up and left the house, walking out into the vige.
I had no clear n or destination, just wandering aimlessly while watching the warriors train.
“Hey, Luna,” Chris greeted as I passed.
“Hey,” I replied.
“You doing okay? You don’t look so great,” he said.
< CHAPTER 51
“I’m fine,” I answered quickly.
“You don’t look it. Honestly, you look kind of down,” he added.
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“It’s nothing,” I muttered, trying to walk past him, but he reached out and stopped me by grabbing my arm.
“Hey, if this is about Elias, don’t let him get to you. I know he can be intense, maybe even controlling sometimes, but he never means any harm. He’s the Alpha. It’s his job to protect the entire pack. And ever since you arrived, he’s been more tense than usual. He’s increased the training regimen because he’s not taking any chances with your safety,” Chris exined.
“What do you mean? I’ve been doing fine taking care of myselftely,” I pointed out.
“I know you have. But Elias doesn’t know how long your powers are going tost. They could be permanent, or they could vanish tomorrow. He’s making sure everyone here is prepared to defend you, no matter what,” Chris said.
“I didn’t realize that,” I replied.
“He may not always show it clearly, but I’ve never seen him care about anyone the way he does about you. The way he worries is different. Just give him a real chance. You two haven’t even had a moment to settle down and try to build a life together. It’s been non–stop chaos and conflict. Take time to get to know who he is when things are quiet. You’ll understand him better,” Chris urged.
“Thanks, Chris,” I said softly, then continued walking.
I headed back toward the house, and I noticed Elias standing by the window. It was obvious he’d seen me talking to Chris, and I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about it–but I honestly didn’t
care.
The second I walked in the door and opened my mouth to speak to him, a sudden stabbing pain pierced through my head, and I gripped the edge of the couch to steady myself.
Elías rushed over and caught me, trying to hold me upright, but it didn’t help much.
<b>***** </b>
There was an entire pack running in terror, fleeing for their lives. My father and his warriors were attacking them, joined by more fighters I didn’t even recognize. Screams for help echoed through the air.
A small girl was crouched behind her house, crying and calling for her mother, but her mother was gone.
< CHAPTER 51
I saw the pack’s name disyed on the front of the packhouse.
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Buildings were engulfed in mes, and the people were being massacred. It was brutal, senseless, and overwhelming.
I could feel everything–their terror, their rage, and their despair.
I told Elias everything I saw and gave him the name of the pack.
“That pack is only two hours from here,” Elias said, rmed.
“I’m going with you,” I told him without hesitation.
“I don’t want you getting injured,” he replied.
“If anything, you’re more likely to get hurt than I am,” I said firmly.
“Do you know if it already happened or if it’s about to?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. All I know is that we have to get there now<i>,</i><i>” </i>I said, taking off out the door.
Elias immediately summoned his top warriors, and we didn’t bother with cars this time.
We all took off running into the woods, shifting mid–stride. Elias led the way, and I kept pace right at his side.