Chapter 324: Reclaiming What's Mine

Sebastian's POV

The moon hung high in the night sky as I made my way to my office. Eleanor and Gavin had finally fallen asleep after the excitement of Fox's departure. It seemed appropriate to handle this particular business while they rested. I needed time to process everything that had happened and prepare myself for reclaiming my title as Master of this territory.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Theodore's name flashed on the screen.

"Theodore," I answered, keeping my voice low.

"It's done," he said without preamble. "Bruce Glimour has been freed from the curse and stripped of his title as Master. The Council has approved your reinstatement."

"Thank you for the update," I replied, pushing open my office door.

Helena was already inside, lounging on the sofa with a book in her hands. She looked up as I entered, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Everyone's asleep?" she asked, closing her book.

"Yes," I confirmed, settling into my chair. "Eleanor seemed more relaxed than she has been in weeks. Aurora is planning to return to the pack territory with Maximilian soon."

Helena nodded. "Evelyn and Eliza are working with Raymond on plans as well. The girls will leave first, and Raymond will follow once the hunter threat is dealt with. He wants to ensure they're safe."

Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "All my children finding their mates. I'll have grandchildren running around before you know it."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're looking forward to grandchildren?"

"I adore Karina's little ones," she said. "I'd love yours just as much."

Helena stood and extended her hand to me. "Shall we proceed?"

I took her hand, feeling the power that flowed between us. It was now time for my territory to be reclaimed.

"I, Helena the Traveler, name you, Sebastian Astoria, Master of this territory from now until the end of your days," she intoned formally. "All vampires are your burden and responsibility. May you prosper and be strong."

"I accept this title and swear to honor the Vampire Council in every thought and action associated with it," I responded, completing the ritual.

Immediately, I felt the connection to my territory restore itself. The power flowed into me like a river returning to its natural course. I could sense the people within my borders, feel their support still strong despite my absence. But something felt incomplete. I wouldn't truly feel connected until the hunter situation was resolved. That would show I was truly responsible for my territory and all who lived within it.

I glanced around my office, noticing how empty it seemed without the cat cage. Gavin had already moved Fox's things, designating a kitchen drawer as the "cat treat drawer." The feline was already taking over my home.

"Fox is acting like he owns the place," I commented, amusement coloring my tone. "He rubs against everyone for attention."

"Most cats avoid vampires and werewolves," Helena observed. "He's quite unusual."

I recalled an incident from earlier. "When Scarlett and Keisha returned from dinner with her parents, Fox tracked them down and tried to pounce on Scarlett. Keisha explained that cats are naturally hostile toward fae, just as they are to birds and mice."

"That explains Scarlett's sudden aversion to cats since her transformation," Helena noted. "Not just because Fox is in the cat's body."

I released Helena's hand and moved to my desk, ready to address territory matters. I needed to contact Allen and Vivienne about the hunter situation. The three of us conducted a brief conference call, discussing issues within the territory.

"We're glad to have you back in power," Vivienne said, her voice crisp and professional.

"Eleanor did admirably in your absence," Allen added, "but she needs more life experience."

I sought volunteers to join us against the hunters, a show of loyalty. Those who could fight would volunteer for battle; others would contribute or pay tribute.

During the call, Fox decided to lie on Helena, who carefully stroked him. I could hear his satisfied purring, and Helena chuckled softly as she scratched under his chin.

After ending the call, I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes for a moment. I felt a light tap on my leg and opened my eyes to find Fox looking up at me. He gave a faint meow and tapped my leg again.

I reached down to scratch behind his ears. The cat turned, presenting the base of his tail for scratching instead. I laughed, remembering the last pet I'd had when I was alive.

"You're a good cat, aren't you?" I asked. Fox meowed in response and headbutted my hand for more petting.

I continued working, reviewing requests for audience and progress reports from the day servant agency. Suddenly, I heard the patter of running paws in the hallway. Fox burst into the office, ran a circuit around my desk and the coffee table, then tore out the door again.

Helena laughed from the sofa. "That's called the 'zoomies,'" she explained. "Cats get them, usually at night. They're expending excess energy. He'll find somewhere to sleep after he's tired himself out."

"This will take some getting used to," I admitted.

As Helena prepared to leave for the library, I called out to her. "Helena, I've been meaning to ask... my recent experience, traveling to what seemed like a parallel reality. Is that possible?"

She confirmed my suspicions, explaining that the easiest travel was into the body of oneself in a parallel reality. We discussed whether I had fully controlled my other self or merely observed.

"Your first travel would naturally be to a world very similar to your own," she explained.

I described my experience of intimacy with Eleanor in that other reality, her confidence so different from my Eleanor's initial shyness. I explained how drinking from her neck had strengthened our connection, how the curse had obscured our soul mate bond.

Helena explained that my traveling ability would strengthen with use. Someday, I might travel beyond parallel realities.

"Handle the current situation first," she advised. "Then explore your traveling abilities."

I expressed frustration with our current predicament, wanting Eleanor to relax once everything was over.

"Are you planning the binding ceremony for when she returns from her honeymoon with Gavin?" Helena asked.

"I haven't given it much thought yet," I admitted.

"You should start planning the ceremony," Helena suggested. "It will help distract you from the waiting. Perhaps find a tailor for a proper suit?"

I took her advice, beginning to search through my computer files and contacting three tailors from my list. One was available and willing to come immediately for measurements.

I planned to order the suit and other items, but the suit was most important. Tonight had been more fortunate than I'd anticipated. I felt a sense of rightness as I concluded my day's business, looking forward to a future with Eleanor at my side.