Chapter 172 — Convincing Isabel

After a three-hour summit with the King and my hybrid family, we finalized plans for a welcome banquet, a refugee camp visit, an open forum, and a grand ball. I'm still brainstorming ways to engage the reluctant Alphas, grappling with my potential role in convincing them to join our cause, and trying to atone for my coldness toward my mate. However, I have plenty of time for those issues; my immediate focus is the refugees.

I arrived at the airfield as a flight of exiles landed, and watched in horror and heartache as they disembarked. This was the largest group yet, mostly women and children. The war is decimating the male wolves, who stay behind to fight and die protecting their families.

I helped the Vanaran volunteers usher the group into the camp, taking a screaming infant from one of the guards.

"Her parents died a hundred yards from freedom," he said bleakly, gently handing the baby to me. "I promised them I'd get her here, so it wouldn't be in vain."

Tears welled in my eyes as I rocked the baby. I haven't welcomed my own child yet, but my perspective on children has already changed dramatically. I've always loved and felt protective of them, but understanding a parent's love has altered my view forever. I was acutely aware of how much this precious girl meant to her parents, and how much it meant to them that this man kept his promise.

"You did very well," I praised him. "Her parents can rest in peace now, and one day she'll understand what you did for her. She has a future because of you."

His face was still downcast, his eyes haunted—a look I recognized all too well.

"Would you like to come with me to the orphans' tent? You can see where she'll be if you want to visit."

He stiffened, but a flash of longing appeared in his eyes.

"I doubt I'll have much chance. I've got to go back this evening."

"If you keep making these runs, you ought to get to know some friendly faces here," I suggested, knowing the face he'd likely encounter before seeing the orphans was anything but friendly. "It's important you visit, so you remember the incredible difference you're making. If you stay disconnected, you might stop seeing how much good you're doing."

He still looked uncertain, so I made the decision for him.

"Come on," I ordered, adding some authority to my voice. I carried the whimpering baby toward the orphans' tent, and a glance over my shoulder confirmed the large man was reluctantly following.

Isabel appeared almost immediately. She eyed the guard suspiciously but was immediately drawn to the baby. She moved beside me with solemn focus. We're hardly friends, but she seems to trust me now.

Isabel peered down at the crying baby, clucking sympathetically as she traced a finger down her red cheek.

"Poor darling," she murmured, glancing at me for my professional opinion.

"About eight months?"

"Thereabouts," I assessed, rocking the baby. "She's had a rough time of it."

"Do we know her name?" Isabel asked, clearing her throat.

"Sadie," the guard said from behind me, his voice deep and gravelly.

Isabel's attention swung to the wolf, her eyes narrowing. I was struck by how many women in my life have this response to strange men—fear and mistrust born of terrible experiences. My heart ached for her pain, but I knew this man didn't deserve her suspicion.

"Isabel, this is…" I trailed off, realizing I didn't know his name.

"James," he offered gruffly, his eyes still on the baby.

"This is James," I finished gently. "He's one of the guardians getting families off the continent. He rescued Sadie."

Isabel's accusatory glare turned wary, and I saw her rethinking her first impression. She gave him a nod—reserved for most, but a mark of great respect from Isabel.

"Thank you," she said softly.

James's eyes widened almost imperceptibly as he looked at her intently. I felt like I was intruding. Isabel turned her head, but I saw a blush on her cheeks.

Interesting, I thought, with a flutter of excitement. I relinquished Sadie to Isabel. "Hello, little one," she greeted her, and something in her voice made me wonder if the child she lost was a daughter… perhaps around this age. "It's okay. You're safe now."

As she carried Sadie deeper into the tent, James and I followed. He remained silent, but I broached the subject.

"Isabel, I've been talking with the King. We want to move you and the orphans to the palace for more comfort, amenities, and help."

Isabel listened quietly. To my surprise, James asked, "You mean they won't be here much longer?"

"You'll be welcome to visit. The palace isn't far," I answered, earning a reproachful look from Isabel.

"Who will receive them here if we move?" she asked stiffly.

"Perhaps James could deliver unaccompanied babies directly to the palace," I suggested slyly. "That way you won't have to worry about them, and he'll be confident they're in safe hands." Isabel paused, waiting for James's response.

"I could do that," he agreed promptly. "I mean, I'd like to, if it's alright with you."

Isabel nodded without looking at him. Despite their pain, the hopeless romantic in me felt a thrill.

"Then it's settled," I decided. "Though there's something else."

Isabel turned, sensing bad news.

"We don't want to keep anyone in these camps. We want to bring them into the city and ask for volunteers to host families." Isabel's eyes narrowed.

"I grew up in an orphanage, Isabel," I stated abruptly. "Even before things got bad, I wished for a family. These babies need someone like you, but there are many loving families and parents who've lost their own children. The best thing is to place them with foster families."

She opened her mouth to object, and I held up my hand. "I'd work with you to ensure only the best families are chosen, with a system to check on their welfare. It wouldn't be all at once. As long as the war continues, there will be more babies."

I moved closer, speaking softly. "And if you're interested in fostering… we can arrange that."

Isabel's eyes widened, and she clutched Sadie tighter.

"You make a good point," she conceded stiffly. "But I don't like it."

"I understand," I conceded, stroking Sadie's hair. "But parenthood is doing the right thing, even when it hurts. I know you understand that better than anyone. And I'll be here with you every step of the way."

Isabel glanced at James. I wondered if she was shy to speak in front of him, or if she found comfort in his presence.

"I won't give them to just anyone," she finally agreed. "And I won't settle for anything but the best procedures."

"I wouldn't expect otherwise," I assured her, feeling victory within reach.

"When do we move?" Isabel asked with solemn resignation.

"James, how would you feel about making your first trip to the palace this afternoon?" I asked, smiling. "I know you've had a long day, but—"

"No," he interrupted, his eyes locked on Isabel. "Of course I'll do it." Isabel nodded, still not meeting his gaze. "I'll get the babies ready."