The Alpha’s Nanny (Lori and Gabriel) novel Chapter 24

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**The Ocean Remembers Everything**
**By Julia Allan**
**Chapter 24**

Despite the renowned status of the Invito, there was a palpable tension in the air among the older packs, who regarded them with a mix of skepticism and disdain. They cherished their independence, and the presence of the Invito was a constant reminder of the changes that had swept through their world. Gabriel’s father, a traditionalist at heart, had always held a certain animosity towards the Invito, yet he recognized their role in maintaining a delicate equilibrium—a necessary evil, if you will. That acknowledgment, however grudging, counted for something in Gabriel’s mind.

“What do you mean?” Gabriel inquired, his voice steady as he straightened the lapels of his suit. The fabric felt stiff against his skin, a reminder of the restless night he had endured. Sleep had eluded him completely, and he couldn’t help but marvel at how Lori managed to navigate the chaos of parenthood. Memories of Emilia’s nighttime fussiness flooded back, but thankfully, Lori had managed to sleep soundly through it all. When he had tiptoed into her room to set up the baby monitor, he had found her deeply asleep, her hair tousled and cascading over her face, blissfully unaware of the world around her.

“Elliot tells me you got Emilia a nanny. Why didn’t you mention that to me?” Draco’s voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back into the present.

Gabriel shrugged, a hint of irritation bubbling beneath the surface. He felt his jaw tighten. This was precisely why he preferred to keep Elliot at arm’s length—his loose tongue had a way of spilling secrets before they were ready to be shared. Gabriel had intended to discuss the matter with Draco in due time, but now was not the moment.

“And that’s not all,” Draco pressed, narrowing his eyes with suspicion. “Elliot says she’s human. What’s the reasoning behind that? Why hire a human staff member?!”

Gabriel shot him a glance, his patience wearing thin. “Now’s not the time, Draco. We’ve got more urgent matters to focus on,” he replied, striving for a calm demeanor even as frustration simmered beneath the surface.

“Fine. We’ll discuss it after the council meeting,” Draco conceded, though Gabriel had no intention of bringing it up later.

At last, they reached the end of the long, echoing corridor, standing before an imposing door intricately carved with ancient symbols. Two guards stood sentinel, their expressions unreadable.

“Can we enter?” Gabriel asked, his tone laced with impatience. One of the guards shook his head, his demeanor unyielding.

“Alpha Sabine must be present before we can proceed,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Gabriel let out a frustrated groan, glancing at his watch. He had arrived early, but of course, Sabine was nowhere to be found. It was typical of her—how could he expect someone with her reputation for tardiness to be punctual?