**Kaelen's POV**
I paced the length of the secure communications room, my wolf restless beneath my skin. Every instinct screamed to keep my pregnant mate hidden, protected from those who might wish her harm. Yet here I was, about to willingly expose her to a group of skeptical human leaders.
"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," Ronan remarked from his position by the bank of monitors.
"Let him pace," Lyra countered, checking the video feed settings. "It helps him think."
I shot her a grateful glance. My sister-in-law had grown increasingly perceptive about pack dynamics since falling for my brother.
"They're ready to connect," announced Emil, our communications specialist. "Five minutes until the call begins."
My jaw tightened as I glanced at the empty chair where Seraphina should be sitting. "Where is she?"
