Chapter 237

Chapter 237
Steven's POV

When Hazel and I left the hospital wing, the small sprites circled around us, their tiny bodies slightly bowing as if expressing their gratitude.

Since our first encounter with them, their light had strengthened considerably, though many still appeared shaken from the hunter attack.

"Remember," Hazel told them, her voice gentle yet firm, "whenever you feel scared or need help, you can come here. Our territory is your sanctuary."

The sprites exchanged glances before Sterling, speaking as their representative, responded, "We are eternally grateful, Luna Hazel, Alpha Steven. We will never forget this kindness."

Back at the packhouse, I immediately summoned Callum and Christopher to my office. The hunter situation had escalated beyond a chance encounter, and we needed to address it before next week's championship.

"We need to gather intelligence on these hunters," I said once they were seated. "This is the second time they've breached or approached our territory. What do we know so far?"

With the championship approaching, the thought of leaving our pack vulnerable made my stomach clench. I wasn't just concerned about our territory—William's and Ethan's packs could be targets too.

Christopher leaned forward, his expression grave.

"Unfortunately, not much. I've been trying to collect information, but they're difficult to track. Since we don't live among humans, it's hard to determine their numbers or organizational structure." He hesitated before adding, "However, there are rumors... whispers that they're planning something big."

"What kind of big?" I pressed.

He shook his head. "That's all I've heard. Just that it's significant."

Callum cleared his throat. "I've heard they're holding werewolves captive somewhere. They must have some sort of laboratory where they're conducting experiments." His face darkened, "Inhumane experiments."

The thought made Hati growl inside me.

"Hunters experimenting on our kind..."

"Keep investigating," I said, standing up. "I'll contact William and Ethan to ensure they're on high alert too."

After they left, I made the calls, warning both Alphas about the potential threat. Once we'd discussed security measures, I brought up another matter that had been on my mind.

"William, I've been meaning to ask—what's your taxation policy for businesses in your territory?"

William's deep voice came through the line.

"I take twenty percent. Taxation is important—I have many businesses on my land that pay monthly. But almost all of it goes back to the pack—major gatherings, packhouse food, orphan care, infrastructure improvements."

He paused before continuing, "Of course, as Alpha, I benefit too, but I don't take more than necessary. I also ensure high-ranking members don't live extravagantly at the pack's expense."

"That sounds reasonable," I replied, mentally taking notes.

When I called Ethan, he shared a similar approach, though most of his pack members worked at companies where taxes were deducted directly from their wages.

"Leaders can't drain their people for material gain," he firmly stated. "That's not leadership—that's exploitation."

I completely agreed! Building our commercial district meant establishing fair taxation policies from the start.

A few days before our departure for the championship...

Hazel and I were having breakfast in the dining hall when Soren approached our table. The sprite twins Junia and Ondine were nestled in his arms, their light now brilliantly restored. Though each had lost a wing in the attack, I was surprised to see that when they held hands, they could still fly using their remaining wings in tandem—an unexpected yet heartwarming adaptation.

"Join us," Hazel invited, gesturing to the empty chairs.

Soren whispered something to the twins, who nodded eagerly before he sat down across from us.

"How are you little ones feeling?" Hazel asked, her voice warm.

"Much better, Luna!" they answered in perfect unison, cuddling against Soren's cheeks from both sides. He gently turned to kiss one, then the other, before facing us with a suddenly nervous expression.

"Alpha Steven, Luna Hazel," he began, his tone uncharacteristically hesitant, "since Junia and Ondine are my mates, we wanted to confirm... is it okay for them to stay with the pack?"

I frowned, confused by his question. "Why wouldn't it be?"

Soren shifted uncomfortably. "Because they're not werewolves," he answered, as if stating the obvious.

"So?" I countered, genuinely puzzled.

Hazel leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Soren. "Am I not a Guardian?"

"Of course you are, Luna," he immediately replied.

"If I turned away beings who need my protection, what kind of Guardian would I be?" she asked softly.

I watched understanding dawn on Soren's face, followed by visible relief that spread to the twins as well. Their tiny features instantly brightened.

"Do you two really want to live here with us?" I asked them directly. "I thought sprites were afraid of wolves."

Junia and Ondine gazed lovingly at Soren before Ondine answered, "Soren says we can take it slowly. He told us everyone here gradually found their place, and we can too."

I nodded, satisfied with their answer.

"Alpha, Luna," Junia added in a whisper, "all sprites are vegetarians. Will that be inconvenient for you?"

"Not at all," I assured them. "Just let the kitchen know in advance." I glanced at their tiny forms and couldn't help adding, "Though I suspect you don't eat much."

Everyone laughed, the tension finally broken.

That night, as we prepared for bed, I sensed Hazel's anxiety through our bond. I walked up behind her, wrapped my arms around her waist, and gently kissed her shoulder.

"What's wrong, baby? You're tense in a way that doesn't feel like you."

She took a deep breath, leaning back against my chest.

"We leave the day after tomorrow. I might see my father in just a few days." Her voice dropped to a whisper, "The closer we get, the more afraid I feel."

I turned her to face me, still holding her.

"Tell me what you're afraid of. He can't hurt you. You're stronger than he is, and I would never let him touch you. What are you really afraid of?"

I saw tears welling in her eyes, her lips beginning to tremble. "What if he turns me back into that scared, worthless little girl again?"

Her words made my heart ache. I cupped her face in my hands, making sure she looked directly into my eyes.

"You, my love, are Hazel. The Guardian of our pack, the strongest of all Guardians. You're our Luna, an Alpha female, and my mate." I wiped away a tear with my thumb, "There's nothing weak or unworthy about you. He's the one unworthy of being your father, unworthy of being an Alpha. You're no longer that little girl—you're a brave, powerful, incredibly resilient woman."

I pulled her close against my chest, holding her tightly.

"Honestly, part of me hopes you do encounter him," I admitted.

She pulled back slightly, confusion in her eyes.

"Why?"

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Because I want him to see exactly what his arrogance and twisted mind cost him—a truly extraordinary woman."