Chapter 488
Chapter 488
3rd Person’s POV
Before Lylah could say another word, Vargan strode across the living room and swept her into a fierce embrace.
Lylah nearly disappeared against the rich velvet of his tunic.
“My dear, do you have any idea how worried I was?” The old lord of Moonclaw grumbled. “Another day and I would’ve sent half of Moonclaw to that valley p>
Lylah laughed despite herself. “Grandpa p>
“I’m serious. If you hadn’t returned today, I was prepared to build an entire settlement there. Estates, healing facilities, patrol routes, everything. If my granddaughter insists on working in some remote valley. then I’ll make sure she does it comfortably p>
The image was so absurd that Lylah couldn’t stop smiling.
“Grandpa, if you built an empire in Lunera, the villagers would probably flee into the mountains p>
“Hmph p>
Vargan’s expression immediately darkened.
The mention of Lunera brought back memories of everything she had endured there.
“Those ungrateful mutts should be grateful you even stepped foot in their village.” A low growl rumbled from his chest. “You worked yourself to exhaustion for them. And how did they repay you p>
He shook his head.
“My dear, this healer path truly puts you in danger far too often.” Taking her hand carefully between his larger ones, he inspected her fingers as if searching for injuries. “Just let Ezra spoil you. That’s what mates are for. No need to wear yourself out caring for everyone else p>
“Grandpa, I’m fine p>
She squeezed his arm reassuringly.
“I promise p>
Only then did some of the tension leave his shoulders.
Across the room, Ezra watched the reunion in silence.
His gaze swept over the gathering. Not only had his grandfather somehow invaded his penthouse, but Damon and Tiara were present as well. Even Damon’s parents had joined the gathering.
The spacious living room felt unusually crowded.
Far too crowded.
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Especially for him who had spent the entire journey home imagining a quiet evening alone with his mate
“Luna, thank the Goddess you’re safe p>
Juniper approached carrying a beautifully crafted tin. “I brought some of my herbal tea. It helps with stress improves sleep, and tastes much better than most healer remedies p>
“Thank you. Lady Juniper p>
Juniper looked delighted by the reaction.
Meanwhile, Vargan finally noticed Ezra’s distinctly unenthusiastic expression.
“What’s wrong with him?” Vargan pointed directly at Ezra. “Why are you just silent? Say something, son.
Ezra stared at him.
Vargan grinned wider.
Damon recognized the warning signs immediately.
Having served Ezra long enough, he knew exactly what that expression meant.
Unfortunately, he also felt obligated to save his Alpha from becoming the evening’s entertainment.
“I think Alpha Ezra is simply exhausted,” Damon offered diplomatically “He only recently recovered himself. He was injured while protecting Luna Lylah from the villagers p>
The room fell briefly quiet.
Damon immediately realized his mistake.
Unfortunately, it was already too late.
Vargan’s eyes widened.
Then he burst into laughter.
The sound thundered through the penthouse.
“Ezra got injured?” Vargan asked between laughs. “Now that’s something I never expected to hear p>
“Lord Vargan p>
“No, no, let me enjoy this moment.” Vargan wiped imaginary tears from his eyes.
The conversation quickly dissolved into stories, questions, and endless teasing. Lylah was welcomed home from every direction at once.
Tea was served. Food appeared. Stories from Lunera were exchanged. The penthouse, usually quiet, became filled with warmth and life.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
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Everyone except one person.
Ezra’s patience was slowly reaching its limit. His wolf had spent days worrying about Lylah Days suppressing every instinct while she completed the volunteer program.
Now she was finally home.
And somehow his personal space had transformed into a family gathering.
His displeasure became increasingly obvious.
Finally, he spoke.
“I think everyone should leave p>
The room immediately went silent.
Everyone looked up from their drinks.
Vargan narrowed his eyes. “No p>
The old lord of Moonclaw settled more comfortably into the sofa.
“I want to stay and make sure my granddaughter is truly alright.” His tone suggested the discussion was already over.
Tiara immediately raised her hand.
“I agree p>
Damon closed his eyes.
His mate completely ignored him.
“I haven’t seen Lylah in weeks. I’m staying too p>
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