Chapter 406 – Pillow Plans

Ella sighed, closing her eyes briefly. "I forgot all about the Atalaxians," she murmured.

"You've had a long day," Sinclair replied, though that wasn't a real excuse. Not for a queen who needs to balance everything. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before opening her eyes and looking at him.

"What I want," she said quietly, "is a large team to address the overarching refugee problems. Doctors, lawyers, social workers—anyone who can help us improve conditions in the camps. We need to transition them from holding spaces into systems that help people rebuild their lives or start anew."

Considering his question about the timeline, she continued, "But once that's done…," she shrugged, "I won't need such a large team. However, I want to implement and oversee support systems. Would that be possible?"

"I think it's very possible," Sinclair said seriously, stroking her hair. "And it's admirable of you to want to do this. When do you want to start?"

"Tomorrow," she said, her eyes widening. "I need to go to the Human Camp—I need to see if anyone needs immediate medical attention, especially the children—"

Sinclair chuckled, shaking his head. She protested his seeming reluctance, but he shook his head, indicating she’d misinterpreted him. "I'll ensure you have bodyguards first thing in the morning. The lawyers and social workers will take longer. Is that alright?"

"Yes!" she breathed, suddenly excited. Tears welled in her eyes as she smiled at her mate, scooting closer across the enormous bed until their baby was nestled between them. "Thank you, Dominic."

"Of course, Ella," he said, kissing her forehead. They remained close, sharing love through their bond, connecting with Rafe so he felt it too. He gurgled contentedly in response.

"Although, Ella," Sinclair murmured, making her look up.

"What?" she asked, curious and slightly worried.

"This time," he said, leaning in to meet her gaze, ensuring she heard him clearly, "you're taking your phone."

She laughed, nodding and snuggling under his chin, perfectly happy and excited about their plans. "Okay, love," she sighed contentedly. "I'll take my phone. I promise."

Cora

That evening, Cora was exhausted as she unlocked the door to their little house. Even though she was nearly too tired to feel her feet, she smiled as her key turned in the lock. My key, she thought, grinning. My lock. My house!

As she pushed open the door and looked around, she still couldn't quite believe it—that Ella and Sinclair had given them this house, that it was truly theirs. At first, it felt like a loaner.

But as each day passed, and they felt more relaxed…

…it began to feel like home, her home with her mate.

She smiled down at her belly, running a hand over it, though she wasn't showing yet. In a couple of months, they would bring their baby home. He would grow up calling this place home.

The wonderful anticipation left her breathless. She inhaled deeply and looked up as she heard Roger at the top of the stairs.

"Hey," Roger said, smiling broadly and hurrying down, eager to reach her. He was at her side almost instantly, closing the door behind her as he wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, smiling—because this, too, felt surreal, especially after the horrors she'd witnessed that day. Roger, her mate, waiting for her in their house.

How incredibly lucky was she?

"Where have you been, gorgeous?" Roger murmured, his face an inch from hers, his arms still around her waist. "I was surprised you weren't home when I arrived."

"I know," she sighed, shaking her head slightly. "It was…a crazier day than I expected."

"Really?" he said, surprised. "What happened?" He released her, locking the door and then taking her hand, leading her into the kitchen where takeout was undoubtedly waiting.

"We went to the refugee camp, the one with the wolves," she told him, smiling as her suspicions were confirmed. Roger opened the fridge and pulled out her favorite Thai noodles, placing them in a bowl for her as she sat at the table. "There were so many children who needed help. Ella healed those who needed it most—but it was…a lot."

"I'm surprised to hear that," Roger replied, bringing her food and a large glass of cold water. "Or maybe not. But I'm surprised I didn't know it was so bad, that so many children were suffering. That seems like something Sinclair would be addressing."

"We've been gone a long time, and distracted," she said, slurping the noodles eagerly. Her hunger made her messy, but she knew Roger didn't mind. "I guess Sinclair didn't have all his information systems in place yet."

"Are you guys going back?" Roger asked, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

"Yes," she replied, looking up at him. "Tomorrow, if we can. But to the human camps. There's just…so much to do. So many people need immediate help—and Ella can provide that immediate care that other doctors can't. And she needs me," she shrugged, "or she'll have an emotional breakdown over every child. And try to adopt them."

Roger laughed, shaking his head, understanding Ella's personality perfectly. Then he looked down at the floor, raising her suspicions.

"What?" she asked, setting down her fork. She knew he was withholding something. Roger sighed and looked up. "Can't you guess?"

"You're worried," she said, shaking her head. "That it's too dangerous."

"Knew you were clever," he said with a cheeky wink. She opened her mouth to protest, but he raised a hand, signaling her to wait. She obliged. After a moment, he continued.

"I trust you, Cora," he said, taking a deep breath. "But you're pregnant. And beyond the baby, you know I'm…" he shrugged, and she smiled, anticipating the joke, "mildly fond of you."

She laughed, and he grinned, holding her gaze. "Cora, after everything we've been through, you know it would kill me if anything happened to you, right? So, would you mind if I asked Sinclair to ensure you have a heavy guard at the camps?"

She opened her mouth to agree, then hesitated.

"What?" Roger prompted.

"I don't mind the guards," she said honestly, "but we're going to the human camp. And…I wonder if it's wise to show up with twenty wolves to help people who distrust wolves."

"Good point," he said, nodding, looking away for a moment. "I'll bring it up with Sinclair. But overall, do you mind the increased security?"

"I do not," she said, smiling and shrugging. "Though I imagine Sinclair's already planned it."

"That's what's nice about having an Alpha brother," Roger said, chuckling. "He solves your problems before you even know they exist."

"He also gives you houses," she pointed out, taking a large gulp of water.

"Yeah…" Roger said, hesitating, rubbing the back of his neck, looking down.

"What?" she asked, noticing the new hesitation in his voice. She stood, finished with her noodles, and stood beside him at the granite countertop. "What's wrong?"

"Are you ready to get pissed off?" he asked, looking up at her through his lashes.

She crossed her arms, waiting for him to continue.