(Audrey’s POV)

“So fast? When did youe to Central Territory?” I asked, surprised by Nathan’s call. It wasn’t like him to appear in Central Territory without mentioning it first.

“Afternoon,” Nathan replied simply. I could hear the smile in his voice. “Are you nning to eat out or at your territory den? Should I bring anything?”

I nced at Leo, who was sitting cross-legged on the carpet, still engrossed in his territory puzzle.

“Wait a moment,” I told Nathan, covering the phone with my hand. “Leo, my friend Nathan ising over in twenty minutes. Would you like to go out for dinner or should we eat here?”

Leo looked up, his golden eyes thoughtful. “Can you cook venison, Luna Aunt? Uncle Florian says your venison is the best!”

I felt a small flutter in my chest at the idea that Florian had spoken about my cooking. “I could, but I’d need to go get some fresh meat first.”

Leo seemed to consider this for a moment, then his expression changed. “Actually, I think we should order pack delivery. I’ll treat you!” He puffed out his chest proudly.

His sudden change of heart surprised me, but the gesture was adorably sweet. I turned back to the phone.

“No need to bring anything, just yourself,” I told Nathan. “We’re going to order pack delivery.”

“Perfect,” Nathan replied. “See you soon.”

After hanging up, I crouched down beside Leo and yfully pinched his chubby cheek. “That was very thoughtful of you to suggest delivery. What made you change your mind about my cooking?”

Leo fidgeted slightly with the edge of his shirt. “Uncle Florian said I shouldn’t trouble you. He said if I make you tired, he’ll take away my moon-crystal wolf figurine.”

I couldn’t help butugh. What a strange threat! “Your moon-crystal wolf figurine?”

“It’s my special treasure,” Leo exined seriously. “Uncle Florian gave it to me for myst moon-turning day. It glows in the dark!”

“I see,” I nodded, amused by Florian’s method of ensuring good behavior. “Well, your uncle is very considerate.” “Is your friend old like Uncle Florian or not old like my father?” Leo asked suddenly, his head tilted in curiosity.

The innocent question made me smile. “What do you mean by ‘old’? Your uncle isn’t old.”

Leo scrunched up his nose. “Not old-old. But he has serious eyebrows and talks about pack business all the time.”

“Alpha Snowfang is probably like your uncle then,” I exined, trying not tough at Leo’s description of Florian. “He’s an Alpha, like your uncle.”

Leo’s small face suddenly contorted with distress. “I need to go to the territory washroom!” he cried, leaping to his feet and bolting toward the bathroom.

I watched him sprint away, amused by the urgency that only young pups seemed to experience. There was something so refreshingly honest about children-they never hid their feelings or needs behind social niceties.

After a few minutes, Leo walked out of the washroom with visible reluctance. His little shoulders seemed burdened, and his normally bright eyes were downcast. He looked like a wolf facing a difficult pack challenge rather than a dinner with a visitor.

“Is everything okay, Leo?” I asked, concerned by his sudden mood shift.

“Yes,” he mumbled, not meeting my eyes.

Wanting to distract him from whatever was troubling him, I offered him my pack device. “Would you like to watch some territory cartoons while we wait for Alpha Snowfang?”

Leo epted the device, but instead of opening the cartoon application, he navigated to the message function. I watched with interest as his small fingers hovered over the keyboard.

“How do you spell ‘uncle’?” he asked, his brow furrowed in concentration.

“U-N-C-L-E,” I replied, curious about what he was doing.

He carefully typed each letter, his tongue peeking out from the corner of his mouth as he focused.

“And how do you spell ‘den’?” he asked next.

“D-E-N,” I answered.

As he finished typing, the doorbell rang. Setting the pack device aside, I hurried to answer it. When I opened the door, I was greeted by the most wonderful surprise. Standing beside Nathan was a familiar white wolf-dog hybrid with intelligent eyes and a wagging tail.

“Nova!” I eximed, dropping to my knees to embrace my beloved pet. His warm fur against my cheek felt likeing home. He whined happily, his tail thumping against the floor as he nuzzled into me.

I looked up at Nathan, overwhelmed with gratitude. “You brought him all the way from Sunstone Territories for me?”

Nathan smiled, his eyes warm. “I thought having him here might help with your recovery. Familiarpanions can be therapeutic.”

I stood up, feeling a lump in my throat. Since my return to Central Territory, Nathan had been unfailingly supportive, never asking for anything in return. He had been instrumental in my healing after my spirit sickness, arranging the Mind-Healer, supporting my decision to study with Master ra, and now this.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “Not just for bringing Nova, but for everything. You’ve been so thoughtful and considerate these past two years. You always make me feel at ease.”

Nathan shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed by my praise. “Aren’t you going to invite me into your territory?” he joked, changing the subject.

I stepped aside with a smile. “Please,e in.”

As I led Nathan into the living area, I realized Leo was nowhere in sight. “Make yourselffortable,” I told Nathan. “I’ll just check on Leo.”

I found the pup still near the washroom, mumbling something to himself. When he saw me, he quickly stuffed the pack device into his pocket.

“Alpha Snowfang is here,” I told him gently. “Come say hello when you’re ready, okay?”

Leo nodded solemnly, his expression strangely determined for one so young.

I returned to the living area and prepared some moonlight herb tea for Nathan. Nova had already made himselffortable, sprawling on the carpet near my feet with a contented sigh.

“So, what brings you to Central Territory?” I asked Nathan as I handed him his tea. “I thought you were busy with Snowfang Pack affairs.”

“I had some pack business to attend to,” Nathan exined, taking a sip of his tea. “I thought I’d bring Nova along since I wasing anyway.”

That was so typical of Nathan-always downying his efforts, making it seem like his thoughtful gestures were merely convenient coincidences. He never wanted me to feel burdened by gratitude.

“I appreciate it,” I said, reaching down to scratch Nova behind the ears. “I’ve missed him.”

Just then, Leo emerged from the hallway. He had straightened his small shirt and smoothed his hair, looking remarkablyposed.

“Hello, Alpha Uncle,” he greeted Nathan formally, giving a small bow that was endearingly proper.

Nathan seemed taken aback by the formal address but quickly recovered. “Hello, young wolf. You must be Leo.”

Leo approached cautiously, studying Nathan with open curiosity. After a moment of deliberation, he dered, “You and Luna Aunt look good together.”

I nearly choked on my tea. “Leo!” I eximed, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

Nathan looked equally ufortable, but Leo continued with the straightforward confidence of a child. “If you’re unmated, you should form a mate bond. You’re both nice and pretty.”

“Leo, that’s not appropriate” I began, but the pup had already turned to Nathan.

“Or if you don’t like Luna Aunt, my mother is unmated too. She’s very pretty.”

Nathan cleared his throat. “I’m not really considering forming a mate bond at the moment, but thank you for the suggestions.

Leo’s face fell slightly. “So you don’t like Luna Aunt?”

The innocent question hung in the air, creating an awkward silence. Nathan opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, the doorbell rang again.

“Ding dong”