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The news sent a chill down my spine. "How?"

Bayer hesitated, glancing at the children but knowing Ben and Rhys needed to know. "We'll talk about it later. Everyone needs to be briefed at once." His massive hand gently guided Callie's as she placed a block precariously on top. "For now, we stay vigilant."

I was about to press for more information when Phoenix cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"We need to discuss what we learned." He glanced at Rhys and seemed to decide something. "Ben, Rhys, would you mind watching the little ones for a bit?"

The teenagers both nodded, Ben already sliding down to the floor to take Bayer's place with the blocks, but then he nodded to Rhys. "I'm fine, you go and tell me later."

I understood Phoenix's hesitation. Rhys needed to be there, but he didn't want Ben feeling excluded.

"What about us?" I asked, gesturing between myself and Emery.

Phoenix's expression softened slightly. "This concerns you both directly. You should hear it."

Something in his tone made my stomach tighten with apprehension. Bayer stood, offering me his hand. I took it, allowing him to pull me to my feet with effortless strength.

"We'll use the study," Phoenix said, leading the way down the hall.

Once inside the wood-paneled room with its wall of books and massive desk, Phoenix closed the door firmly behind us. Emery immediately moved to his side, their shoulders touching in a gesture of unconscious support.

"The silver-skins confirmed our worst fears," Phoenix began without preamble, perching on the desk and pulling Em into him. "The revenant is targeting Bayer specifically, and by extension, anyone close to him."

"We already knew that," I pointed out.

"What we didn't know," Bayer said, his voice rumbling low, "is that the revenant is drawn to bonds of power. Particularly the bonds between alphas and omegas."

I glanced between them, understanding dawning. "You mean me and Emery, and you two."

"Yes." Phoenix nodded grimly. "Two alphas mated to human omegas creates a unique energy signature. One that might prove irresistible to a creature like this."

"Great," I muttered. "So, we're basically supernatural catnip."

Em giggled. Even the vamps couldn’t spoil our joy.

“What do you two look so pleased about?” Phoenix asked.

“Ben gave us an idea,” I said, and Em grinned.

"We have a proposition," Emery said, glancing at me with a conspiratorial smile.

"Now's probably not the best time," Phoenix cautioned, his expression still grave.

"Actually," I cut in, "I think it's the perfect time." I took a deep breath. "Em showed me the creche you built. The classroom."

Phoenix's expression shifted slightly, surprise mingling with something softer. "He did?"

"We want to run it together," Emery said, moving to stand beside me. "A proper pack school. Starting with the little ones but growing as they do. We’ll help Ben and Rhys as well if they want to learn more." Rhys nodded thoughtfully.

Bayer looked between us, confusion evident on his face. "A school? Here?"

"For pack children," I explained, excitement building as I spoke. "With the curse broken, there are going to be more cubs. They'll need teachers who understand both worlds."

"And you want to do this?" Bayer asked, his eyes focused entirely on me now. "Give up your job at Minton Elementary?"

"It's not giving up," I replied, surprising myself with the certainty in my voice. "It's gaining something better. Something that matters."

Phoenix's face broke into a smile—the first since they'd returned from meeting the silver-skins. "I've been hoping for this since Em first mentioned the possibility."