Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder
Chapter 1171 - 82 : Well Laid Plans

Chapter 1171: Chapter 82 : Well Laid Plans

*Daphne*

I peered over Rion’s shoulder at the papers spread out in front of him on the table. It was such a strange sight to see him looking so studious, with a pen gripped tightly in his right hand and his brows furrowed in concentration.

We were sitting across from each other in Alpha Cyrus’ guest room, beginning to sketch out plans for a home of our own at the heart of the Thorn Forest community. It was still so surreal to me that Rion and I were now officially the Alpha and Luna.

It had only been a few days since the ceremony, but I still found myself glancing down at the shimmering amulet against my chest periodically, almost expecting it to disappear.

We spent a little time discussing what we envisioned for our future home. We wanted it to be large enough to accommodate our growing family.

I felt my cheeks flush when Rion asked how many children we planned to have. It was clear he wasn’t thinking about the implications of that question.

"We should figure out how many rooms we’ll need," Rion mused aloud, not glancing up from his papers where he was jotting down notes.

My blush deepened, and I rested a hand instinctively over the subtle bump beneath my dress. "Let’s just add a couple of extra rooms for now," I said finally.

We managed to sketch out a rough floor plan for a home with several bedrooms before more pressing matters became apparent.

I was so proud to call Thorn Forest ours now, but it was definitely a fixer-upper of a community. The sizable number of children made me immediately consider the possibility of building a schoolhouse.

"That’s a wonderful idea," Rion agreed, pressing an affectionate peck to my cheek.

I pulled out a large sheet of paper that covered nearly half the expansive table we were working at. Shutting my eyes briefly, I tried to envision what a schoolhouse would require. I pursed my lips contemplatively as I began to draw, starting with a rough outline of a building.

There had to be around twenty children under sixteen in the community. I wondered how many classrooms would be needed.

I was so absorbed in my sketching and jotting down notes that I didn’t even realize I was mumbling quietly to myself until Rion’s sudden chuckle made me glance up.

"What?" I asked, quirking an eyebrow at him curiously.

"Nothing," he insisted, waving a hand dismissively. But then he smirked. "You’re just adorably focused when you concentrate. Did you draw often as a child?"

I felt my cheeks warm at the compliment. "A little," I admitted. Then I playfully stuck my tongue out at him. "You’d be more adorable if you actually focused on the task at hand instead of staring at me."

He scoffed in mock offense, putting a dramatic hand to his chest. "I got quite a bit accomplished while you were doodling over there," he teased.

I just rolled my eyes, knowing he didn’t actually think I was merely doodling.

His eyes darkened slightly, the smirk falling from his lips. "Would you like to look over what I have so far with me?" he asked, gesturing to the stack of papers in front of him.

I nodded, moving my chair around the table to his side so I could see better. Our arms brushed lightly, and I felt my face flame in response. There was something about starting this new life together that made me feel suddenly shy around Rion again.

I wondered if it was because we were now bound to one another on more levels. Being named as the Alpha pair in front of the entire pack felt similar in a way to when Rion had marked me.

We had an entire community depending on us to work cooperatively to care for them.

I blinked down at the pages spread before me. Rion had drawn a bold outline surrounding the entirety of Thorn Forest. His notes listed materials like iron and other metals, as well as estimated amounts that would be required.

As I paged through, I saw that Rion truly had accomplished a significant amount of planning while I was drawing. All his notes centered around fortifying and securing the borders of the community. He even had an idea about having the vampires plant some wolfsbane as a protective barrier along the outer borders.

"You really did get a lot done while I was sketching out the schoolhouse," I remarked, impressed but also a bit uneasy about the serious protective measures he was proposing. I met his gaze uncertainly. "Do you really think all this is necessary?"

"Absolutely," Rion said without hesitation. "Your father warned me you would likely always be a target for enemies, Daphne. Our pack is strong but small. We need to fortify our borders by any means to ensure our safety."

I knew he was right, but it still bothered me that we’d have to go to such extremes just to protect our tiny pack. I should have felt grateful and safer implementing these precautions, yet I couldn’t help wishing none of it was necessary in the first place.

After some convincing, I managed to get Rion to agree to visit the vampire settlement resting on the outskirts of our territory.

He kept a protective arm around me as we made our way down the path to the cluster of small wooden cottages.

"I could have done this alone," he pointed out as the homes came into view. "You should be back at Alpha Cyrus’ place, resting."

I rolled my eyes in exasperation. My growing belly made moving around more difficult, but there was too much to do for me to be immobilized yet.

I knew the vampires made Rion anxious and he wanted to shield me from them, but I’d spoken with several who were perfectly friendly.

The vampires emerged from their cabins to greet us.

"Daphne and I have been planning ways to improve things here," Rion explained.

To others, he likely appeared at ease, but I sensed his subtle discomfort. He kept an arm securely around me, angling himself just slightly in front of my body.

"Are there skills you could lend, like help with border patrols or building a schoolhouse?" I asked with a warm smile.

Tarence, the largest vampire and seemingly the leader, answered in his deep, smooth voice. "Our superhuman strength could assist with heavy labor for construction or fortifying borders."

"You’re building a schoolhouse?" piped up a tiny voice behind Tarence.

Rion and I turned to see a petite woman with long white hair and large, dark eyes gazing at us eagerly. "I’m Alma, Tarence’s wife," she introduced herself. "I simply adore children!"

Studying her, I could tell she was genuine about loving children. Her eyes practically sparkled with childlike enthusiasm.

"Would you teach at the school once it’s built?" I asked hopefully, already anticipating her response.

As expected, Alma nodded excitedly, clasping her pale hands together. "I would be honored, Luna Daphne!"

I chatted more with Alma about my vision for the school as she listened raptly, matching my enthusiasm. Her bubbly energy was contagious. I had no doubts the children would love her as their teacher.

Meanwhile, Rion discussed fortifying the territory further with Tarence and a few other men. He seemed much more relaxed after we’d spoken with them, until he came to fetch me and possessively put an arm around my shoulders again.

"Thank you for your time," he told the group as we turned to leave. "We’ll be in touch once plans are more solidified."

"Thank you, Alpha Rion and Luna Daphne," Tarence said sincerely. "We’re grateful you’re here with us."

"Thank you!" I called over my shoulder as Rion steered me away to head back.

"See, that wasn’t so bad," I teased lightly once out of vampire earshot.

Rion just rolled his eyes. "You make it sound like I’m scared of them or something. I don’t fully trust them yet, that’s all."

"Because you’re scared of them," I joked.

We continued our playful banter as we headed back toward the main part of Thorn Forest, falling silent when loud wailing reached our ears.

Just ahead on the path, a woman in her mid-to-late forties with two small children no older than five was crouched, trying to soothe the crying boy. The dark-haired girl watched anxiously, her own eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Rion and I intended to give the harried woman space to handle her upset charges, but I couldn’t resist intervening.

"Lyle, it’s okay," she pleaded gently. "I’ll give you another sweet bun at home. Please don’t cry."

But Lyle continued sobbing, big green eyes overflowing. His distress set off the girl too, and tears were now dripping down her chubby cheeks.

The woman’s shoulders sagged, but then her face lit up with an idea. "Lyle, Lillian, guess what?" she exclaimed, placing her hands animatedly on her hips.

The children kept crying, confused. Suddenly, the woman began hopping on each foot in turn, waving her arms wildly as she made silly faces. At first, the kids just gawked in bewilderment before dissolving into giggles, their cheeks pink with delight.

"There now," she laughed, playfully poking their sides. "Let’s get you two home before Daddy worries."

As we passed, I couldn’t hold back any longer. "That was impressive," I complimented.

The woman whirled around in surprise. "Alpha Rion and Luna Daphne! I’m Delia. We’re all thrilled you’re leading us now!"

"Thank you," Rion said politely. He smiled down at the sniffling Lillian and Lyle. "Quite a pair you’ve got there."

Delia flushed. "Oh, they aren’t mine. Poor Russel lost his wife, and I help care for his children sometimes since mine is grown."

"How kind of you," I remarked, hesitating only briefly before plunging ahead. "What would you think about a schoolhouse here for the children?"

Delia’s eyes lit up excitedly. "That’s a wonderful idea! The children would thrive with an education."

Barely containing my own excitement, I went on. "Would you like to teach at the new school?"

Delia’s jaw dropped for a moment as she stared at me wordlessly. Eventually, she answered, "Luna Daphne, I would love nothing more!"

I shook her hand enthusiastically before turning to beam triumphantly at Rion, who smiled back.

Everything was starting to fall into place now. With people like Delia and Alma involved, I felt certain that Thorn Forest was on its way to becoming a true community.

No matter what dangers lurked outside, together we would make this place a safe, nurturing home for all who lived here.

And soon, our own little ones would join us, growing up happy and loved. The future was still uncertain, but I couldn’t help being filled with hope.

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