Chapter 240
Chapter 240
Nolan POV
I returned to Silver Fang ahead of Ellie, my shoulder still stiff, my side aching when I moved too quickly. I ignored both.
Lance was ready for the return, I’d called and given him the news as soon as I could. He’d already prepared the packhouse for my return. I know that he would have prepared things for the boys if I’d asked, but I wanted to oversee those preparations myself.
The packhouse loomed the same as it always had-stone and timber, banners snapping in the wind-but something about it felt altered, as though it were holding its breath. Warriors bowed when they saw me, relief flickering openly across their faces. The alpha was home. Injured, yes, but alive. Standing. Still theirs.
That mattered more than anyone wanted to admit.
I could feel the weight of it as they looked at me. If I had fallen, they would have been in a difficult situation. Lance would have taken over, but as far as anyone knew
I had no heir. That would put the pack at risk.
That wasn’t a concern anymore. Soon, my sons would be home. Soon, Silver Fang would know that their pack was protected. Not only by me and Lance, but by Ellie as Luna and our boys as heirs, when they’re old enough.
Lance met me on the steps, taking in my pale face and careful movements with a tight jaw.
“You shouldn’t be walking yet,” Lance said quietly.
I snorted. “Tell that to the pack p>
Lance didn’t argue. He fell into step beside me instead, subtly positioning himself so I didn’t have to take the full brunt of the stairs alone. I noticed. I didn’t comment on it.
Inside, the packhouse staff froze when I entered. For a brief uncomfortable moment, no one seemed quite sure what to do with me. The alpha had been gone. Rumors had filled the vacuum-some vicious, some hopeful, some bordering on reverent.
I had risked myself to protect an ally, my brother in law. People saw that as noble, no matter what they thought of me otherwise.
I didn’t address any of it. I had more important things on my mind right now and I couldn’t bring myself to wait.
I turned to the head steward. “Clear the west wing. The large upstairs room p>
The steward blinked. “Sir p>
“The one with the balcony,” I clarified. “I want it renovated Immediately p>
Murmurs rippled through the hall.
“That room is-” the steward hesitated. “It’s traditionally reserved for visiting dignitaries p>
My gaze sharpened. It was the room that Alaric and Cassian had stayed in when they were here. In my mind, that made it all the more fitting.
“It’s going to be a nursery p>
Silence.
A nursery.
No one questioned me after that.
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Work began within the hour. Cribs were sourced. The old furniture was removed. Soft rugs replaced cold stone. Someone I didn’t know who-hung pale curtains that let the light in without letting the world see too much.
As the packhouse shifted and reshaped itself around the coming change, I retreated to my office. I lowered myself into the chair with a quiet hiss of pain and closed my eyes.
Ellie was bringing the boys home.
The thought made something inside my chest loosen and ache at the same time. Lance appeared in the doorway after a few hours. He looked tired, but amused. “You’re going to cause a panic if you don’t explain,” he said. “People are going to think that Ellie is pregnant again p>
I stared at him for a moment, then laughed. The sound seemed to startle us both.
“I didn’t even think about that p>
“No one in Silver Fang knows the twins lived, Nolan,” Lance said, trying to sound serious despite the smile pulling at his mouth.
“I just… so much has happened that it didn’t even occur to me. You’re right, I’ll have to make an announcement p>
“This is weird. Seeing you this happy is weird,” Lance said, crossing his arms. “I think it suits you. Though if anyone else sees you laughing and smiling like that, they’re going to think you’re possessed p>
“You’re probably right,” I agreed.
“I am. Try to get some rest. You have a few days before they get here. You’re still injured p>
“Let me guess, I look awful,” I cut in.
Lance smirked slightly. “You usually do p>
I shook my head at him as he walked out. I knew that he was right. I should try to relax, but I knew that I couldn’t. I needed everything to be perfect for the boys when they arrived.
The days passed in a blur of activity. Lance checked in twice Cassian once via call. I answered only what I had to. My focus narrowed to a singular point in time: the moment Ellie would walk through those doors.
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