Chapter 274 The Handover Location

Chapter 274 The Handover Location

Ella's POV

I woke up still wrapped in a warm, solid embrace.

The fear and tears of last night felt like a distant nightmare, kept at bay by this comforting hold.

I shifted slightly, my body aching from the tension and crying.

Mason's arm tightened instinctively, like he was protecting me.

Last night, I had fallen into a deep sleep, exhausted. The plots, betrayals, and fears that had haunted my mind were finally driven away by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Hey, you awake?" His deep, slightly husky morning voice sounded above me.

I murmured a response, rubbing my cheek against his firm chest. The familiar, cool scent enveloped me, bringing a sense of peace.

"How you feeling?" he asked, his hand gently caressing my stomach.

I shook my head. Surprisingly, despite the intense emotional turmoil, the discomfort I expected during pregnancy hadn't worsened.

On the contrary, Stella and the baby seemed to draw strength from Mason, staying calm throughout the night. Maybe they knew their father was the most reliable haven in the world.

"Just a bit tired," I whispered.

He shifted, adjusting me into a more comfortable position, facing him.

In the morning light, his eyes appeared deeper than usual, filled with visible worry and tenderness. He raised his hand, gently brushing his fingers over my still-swollen eyelids.

"It's my fault, making you go through all this," he said, his voice tinged with guilt.

I immediately grasped his hand, shaking my head.

"No, Mason, if it weren't for you, I might still be in the dark, like a fool, enjoying the false happiness Owen created for me. If it weren't for you, I can't even imagine what would happen to me and the kids if the 'Witch Plan' succeeded."

Just thinking about that term made my heart clench. Leo and the guard's conversation was still vividly etched in my memory.

"At least now, we're aware," I said, looking into his eyes, trying to sound more resolute. "We know the enemy exists, and their target involves me. We're no longer passive lambs waiting for judgment."

Mason's gaze lingered on my face, the heavy guilt gradually replaced by a complex mix of pride and affection.

He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. "You're right, my Luna."

His praise felt like a warm current, melting the last bit of fear in my heart. I was no longer the Ella who felt lost and scared upon arriving at Silverblade Pack.

My unborn child, my lover, distant friends, and even Owen, who might be in danger, all became reasons for me to be strong and fight.

We didn't speak further, just quietly held each other.

This silent companionship was more powerful than any comforting words. Until a slight rumble from my stomach broke the moment's tranquility.

I blushed, embarrassed.

Mason chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through his chest, dispelling the last trace of gloom in the room.

"I'll get you something to eat."

"Wait," I grabbed his arm, "Are we taking action today?"

Mentioning business, his smile faded, replaced by a serious and focused expression.

"Yeah. We can't wait. Leo's already suspicious and will keep a close watch on you. The longer we delay, the more variables arise."

He paused, then added, "Last night, while reading the guard's mind, besides the 'secret letter,' I also got a more specific piece of information—the location of the handoff."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Where?"

"In the forest on the eastern side of the Pack territory, there's an ancient tree called 'Prophet's Oak.' It's over a thousand years old, with a massive, naturally formed hollow in its trunk. That's their handoff point. According to the guard's memory, the new instructions should arrive before sunset today."

Prophet's Oak.

I seemed to recall seeing this name in some Pack's ancient texts. It was a landmark of the Wildheart Pack, where prophets would meditate and communicate with the wolf god long ago.

Placing such crucial conspiracy information in a place filled with sacred meaning was deeply ironic.

"So how do we get there? Leo will definitely have someone watching me," I asked, worried.

"That's why we can't sneak around. We need to go openly."

A shrewd glint flashed in Mason's eyes. "You can tell Owen you want to familiarize yourself with the Pack territory and take a walk in the eastern forest. It's a reasonable request; he won't refuse. As for me..."

He smiled, "As your partner, accompanying you on a walk is perfectly normal, isn't it?"

I understood. The more we tried to hide, the more likely we'd slip up. Instead, putting everything out in the open was less suspicious.

"But won't Owen send guards to follow us?"

"He will. But that's perfect," Mason's lips curved into a confident smile. "Having guards follow us proves we're just taking a walk. And losing a few guards is no big deal for me."

Seeing his confident demeanor, all my doubts vanished.

Yes, how could I forget? The man beside me wasn't ordinary. He was the Alpha of Silverblade Pack, a powerful presence that made enemies tremble.

We quickly devised a simple plan. I would request Owen, then we'd head out together. After breakfast, I changed into clothes suitable for action, took a deep breath, and left the room.

Owen was already waiting in the living room, sitting on the couch, elegantly flipping through a document.

Seeing me, he immediately set the document aside, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Good morning, Ella. Did you sleep well last night?"

His gaze was as caring as ever, the genuine warmth almost making me waver.