Chapter 258

Chapter 258
Vivan

I stood in our spacious living room, watching as Sophia's arms wrapped around Lucas. The sight brought a smile to my face. I was pleased to see how comfortable the children had become with Lucas.

'She and Max both like him, and I think he doesn't mind them either,' I thought, observing the easy interaction.

Lucas had adapted surprisingly well to having children around, though he still struggled with little Lily, who seemed determined to test his patience at every turn.

While Sophia chatted animatedly with Lucas, Ethan was engaged in what appeared to be a serious conversation with him in the corner. I couldn't hear what they were discussing, but the intensity on both their faces suggested it was important. Lucas nodded occasionally, his expression thoughtful as he listened to the young boy.

The sound of tires on gravel drew my attention to the window. More guests were arriving.

"Vivian!" Selene's voice rang out as she burst through the front door, rushing toward me with open arms. The enthusiasm of her greeting caught me by surprise – Selene was typically more reserved, but today she seemed genuinely excited.

I returned her embrace warmly. "Selene, welcome! Welcome all of you," I added, looking past her to where Archer stood in the doorway.

I noticed immediately that Archer looked different. His beard had grown out, giving him a slightly disheveled appearance compared to his usually impeccable grooming. The change made him look older, more weathered somehow.

"I'm glad you came," I said to him as he approached.

His eyes, which had been scanning the room, focused on me. "I'm glad I came too," he replied simply.

"Where are your pack members?" Archer asked, his gaze continuing to sweep across the gathering.

I studied his expression, trying to read between the lines. 'Hmm... I think I know who he's asking about,' I thought.

Grace had been conspicuously absent from recent gatherings, and I knew Archer had been asking about her indirectly.

I haven't had a chance to speak with him about everything, with Katherine's illness and passing, I knew it wasn't the right time.

I paused, then changed the subject, "Would you like to see the pack house? It's nearly finished. Lucas has been overseeing the construction himself."

Archer nodded, seeming grateful for the change of subject. As we walked toward the door, he asked, "Is Harrison on his way?"

"Yes, he should be here soon," I replied, watching Archer's reaction closely.

The relationship between father and son had evolved significantly in recent months. 'He may not call Harrison dad, but he's definitely accepting him now.'

We stepped outside into the crisp autumn air, and I decided to ask the question that had been on my mind. "Is Daisy coming?"

"Yes, she'll be here," Archer answered. "Thank you for inviting her too."

"Don't thank me," I said honestly. "She's accepted me as her sister and never caused any trouble. She's family too."

Archer draped his arm across my shoulders and kissed my forehead in a brotherly gesture. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately."

"Never apologize for taking time for yourself," I assured him. "It's okay."

We walked in comfortable silence for a moment before I decided to address the elephant in the room. "Grace isn't here..." I said directly, watching as a shadow of regret flickered across his eyes.

"I see," was all he said, his voice carefully neutral.

We continued down the winding path toward the newly constructed pack house. Though not yet complete, the structure was impressive – a modern interpretation of traditional pack architecture with large windows to let in natural light.

"You need to fight for her, Archer," I said quietly but firmly.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't deserve her, Vivian. Especially not after pushing her away."

I stopped walking and turned to face him directly. "Then don't do it again."

My blunt response seemed to catch him off guard. Before he could reply, Lucas approached us, deep in conversation with several construction workers. He held building plans in his hands, pointing to specific sections.

"I want to see this part completed by tomorrow," he instructed firmly.

"Yes, Alpha," one of the workers responded. "We'll speed things up."

I watched him with pride. Lucas had thrown himself completely into our new beginning, determined to create something special for us and for the pack we were building together.

More vehicles pulled into the newly constructed parking area, and pack members busied themselves greeting the arriving guests. I felt a flutter of nervousness in my stomach.

"I hope tonight goes well," I said to Lucas when he rejoined us. "This is our first official party as Alpha and Luna."

He smiled confidently, his eyes warm as they met mine. "It will."

---

I watched as Archer's eyes followed me, his eyebrow arching slightly.

"I don't want her..." he sighed, abandoning his explanation mid-sentence. "Never mind, let's not talk about that."

"Talk to me, Archer," I pressed gently. "Help me understand why you rejected her request."

Instead of answering, Archer's gaze drifted to the construction site. "This place is coming along nicely. I like it." His deliberate change of subject was obvious. "So Lucas planned most of this?"

"Yes," I answered, trying not to feel disappointed that he'd so abruptly terminated our conversation about Grace. "He did."

Archer nodded appreciatively. "He's talented in many areas. I have to give him that."

"He is indeed," I agreed, seizing the opportunity to share my vision. "We're building an adjoining medical center. It won't be large, but my pack members will have access to medical care whenever they need it. I plan to expand services gradually."

Archer's eyes lit up with interest. "Well, I am your brother, so make sure you think of my pack before the Vortend wolves. Our hospital facilities aren't the best."

I laughed lightly. "I can't promise anything... Black Pine was where I worked, you know."

"How could you say that?" Archer clutched his chest in mock injury. "I'm wounded."

"Well," I teased, "if you eventually connect with someone in our pack..."

Archer's expression immediately turned serious, and I sighed. "Archer—"

"Let's head back?" he interrupted, his tone making it clear the subject was closed. "They're probably wondering where we went."

I nodded, having nothing more to say, and we turned to walk back toward the house.