Chapter 371: Chapter 371: You just lie there and let us make you feel good

Margaret’s expression crumpled slightly. "I suppose so. But I’ve spent years building that garden. It’s my sanctuary. Having to dig everything up and replant would be...." She stopped, clearly trying not to cry.

Eve felt sympathy wash through her. This wasn’t really about property lines or workshops. It was about attachment to spaces that held meaning.

Damian’s phone chimed. He checked it and showed Eve the screen. "Pack records confirm the stone wall as the original boundary when the Morrison property joined pack territory fifty-five years ago. But those records don’t reference county surveys, just physical landmarks."

So both families had legitimate documentation supporting their positions. Great.

Eve thought for a long moment, then said, "Here’s what I propose. We get a new, independent property survey from a surveyor neither family has used. Someone with no connection to either of you who can provide unbiased documentation of the legal boundary according to current county records."

"We already have a survey...." David started.

"Which the Morrison family doesn’t trust. We need documentation both parties will accept as legitimate." Eve looked between them. "Once we have that survey, we’ll know definitively where the legal boundary is. If it confirms the stone wall, then David, you’ll need to accept that and find an alternative location for your workshop. If it confirms your survey, then we’ll work out a compromise that addresses the Morrison family’s use of that land."

"What kind of compromise?" Robert asked warily.

"That depends on what the survey shows. But possibilities include: formally deeding that section to the Morrison family if you’re willing, David. Creating an easement that allows the Morrison family continued use of the garden area. Helping offset the cost of relocating the garden if necessary. The specific solution will depend on the facts we discover."

Eve paused, looking at both families. "But here’s what I need from all of you right now: agreement that you’ll accept the results of the independent survey as definitive. That once we have unbiased documentation, you’ll work together on fair solutions instead of continuing to argue about whose memory or documentation is more valid. Can you commit to that?"

There was a long silence.

Then Lisa said quietly, "I can. I’m tired of this tension. I just want it resolved."

Michelle nodded. "Me too."

Margaret looked at her husband. "Robert?"

Robert sighed heavily. "Yes. I’ll accept the survey results. As long as it’s truly independent."

All eyes turned to David.

He looked frustrated and stubborn, but finally nodded. "Fine. Independent survey. And I’ll accept the results. But if it confirms my surveyor’s findings, I expect the Morrison family to honor that."

"We will," Robert said stiffly.

"Good." Eve felt tension ease slightly. "I’ll arrange for the survey to be conducted within the next two weeks. Once we have results, we’ll meet again to discuss solutions. In the meantime, both families maintain the current status quo....no construction on disputed land, no removal of the garden, no escalation of tensions. Agreed?"

Both families nodded.

"Excellent. Thank you all for being willing to work toward resolution."

Outside, walking back toward the estate, Damian pulled Eve against his side. "You handled that perfectly. Got them both to agree to objective documentation and committed them to accepting results before they could entrench further in their positions."

"You think it’ll actually resolve things?" Eve asked.

"Yes. Because you gave them a path forward that lets both families save face. Neither one has to admit they were wrong until we have definitive proof. And by framing it as ’working together on solutions’ instead of ’winner and loser,’ you reduced the competitive tension."

Eve leaned into him, feeling exhausted. "Luna work is surprisingly draining."

"Welcome to leadership. It’s not always dramatic confrontations and political maneuvering. Sometimes it’s just helping people who are too stubborn to compromise on their own find ways to live together peacefully."

"Glamorous."

Damian laughed. "Very. But you’re good at it. The pack is lucky to have you."

"I hope you’re right."

"I am. Now come on—you have the school visit tomorrow, and you need rest before dealing with dozens of pack pups asking a million questions."

Eve groaned. "I’d forgotten about that."

"Too late to back out now. The kids are very excited."

That evening, Eve collapsed onto the couch in their private sitting room with a glass of wine and a groan of exhaustion.

"Long day?" Damon asked, settling beside her.

"Territorial disputes are surprisingly complicated. And emotionally charged. I thought it would just be about measuring property lines, but it’s actually about gardens and workshops and decades of assumptions and hurt feelings."

"That’s why it needed Luna mediation instead of just Alpha decree. You can navigate the emotional component in ways that pure authority can’t." Damon’s hand found her knee. "You did well."

"How do you know? You weren’t there."

"Damian told us. Said you were diplomatic and fair and got both families to commit to resolution instead of continued fighting."

"They haven’t resolved anything yet. We still need the survey results."

"But you created the framework for resolution. That’s the hard part." Silas appeared with food, a light dinner since Eve had skipped lunch during the mediation. "Now eat. You need fuel."

Eve accepted the plate gratefully. "Thank you. For taking care of me."

"Always," Silas said simply. "That’s what we’re here for."

They settled into comfortable silence while Eve ate. When she finished, Damon pulled her into his lap.

"You know what I think you need?" he said against her neck.

"Sleep?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Eventually. But first..." His hands slid under her shirt. "....I think you need to be reminded that you’re not just Luna handling pack disputes. You’re also our mate. And we haven’t properly worshipped you since this morning."

Heat spiked through Eve’s exhaustion. "This morning was....that was less than twelve hours ago."

"Far too long." Damian appeared on her other side. "We’re going to remedy that immediately."

"I’m tired...."

"Then we’ll do all the work," Silas said, his eyes going dark. "You just lie there and let us make you feel good."

Eve wanted to protest. Should protest. She really was exhausted.

But when three sets of hands started removing her clothes with clear intent, protest seemed less important than surrender.

"Fine," she said. "But if I fall asleep during, that’s on you."

"Challenge accepted," Damon said with a wicked grin.

And as they carried her to the bedroom, Eve found she didn’t actually mind being worshipped after a long day of Luna duties.

Not even a little bit.