The days after the wedding passed slowly. Serena returned to the city with Rose. Serena stood at the window of her office, watching the street below.
Rose entered and gave Serena a hug. "How are you? Make sure to take it easy."
Serena nodded. "Any news on Cruz?"
Rose shook her head. "Nothing yet. He's careful. Leaves no trace."
Serena sighed. "We need to find him. Before he finds us."
Rose placed the files on the desk. "We'll keep looking."
Serena turned back to the window. "And the pack?"
Rose hesitated. "Some are adjusting. Others... not so much."
Serena nodded. "We'll help them. One step at a time."
Later that day, Serena visited one of the pack members who had moved to the city.
Lena opened the door, her eyes tired. "lord sentinel she bowed,"stepping aside to let Serena in.
Serena entered the apartment.
"How are you settling in?" Serena asked.
Lena shrugged. "It's different. No trees, no silence. And I can't transform as often as I want to. But it's okay. I got a job at the bakery downstairs."
Serena smiled. "That's good."
Lena sat on the couch. "I miss the forest. The city is loud. Bright. It's hard to sleep."
Serena nodded. "I understand. But we need to adapt. For the pack's future."
Lena looked down. "I understand."
Back at the office, Serena and Rose reviewed the information they had on Cruz.
"We know he's working with vampires," Rose said. "But we don't know why or how."
Serena tapped her fingers on the desk. "Power. Control. Revenge. It could be anything."
Rose opened a file. "There was a sighting near the docks. A man matching his description."
Serena leaned forward. "Any details?"
Rose shook her head. "Just that he was tall, wore a long coat, and had a scar on his cheek."
Serena stood. "Let's check it out."
That evening, Serena and Rose visited the docks.
They spoke to a dock worker who had seen the man.
"He was asking about shipments," the man said. "Seemed interested in crates coming from overseas."
Serena exchanged a glance with Rose. "Weapons?"
"Could be," Rose said. "Could also be drugs."
They thanked the man and left.
The next day, Serena held a meeting with the pack members who had moved to the city.
Serena stood at the front. "I know this is a big change. The city is different from the forest. But we must adapt."
A young man raised his hand. "What about the full moon? Where do we go?"
Serena nodded. "We've secured a warehouse on the outskirts. It's safe, private."
A woman spoke up. "And jobs? We need work."
Rose stepped forward. "We've partnered with local businesses. There are opportunities in construction, security, and more."
The pack members murmured among themselves.
Serena continued. "We're in this together. We'll support each other. It's brave of you to want to settle in. Make sure not to cause any trouble. I'll be watching you all closely."
As the days passed, Serena and Rose continued their search for Cruz.
The next morning, Serena visited the warehouse where the pack would gather during the full moon.
She walked through the space, imagining the pack members finding safety there.
Aeron joined her. "It's a good place."
Serena nodded. "I hope it helps them feel secure."
Aeron looked around. "It's not the forest, but it's something."
Serena smiled. "We'll make it work.
"
Serena continued her work, balancing her duties as Alpha with her job as a lawyer.