Episode 17
Seraphina’s POV
“An orphanage? No! I don’t want to go to an orphanage!”
Lucian’s wail pierced the air as he thrashed in my arms, his small body trembling with fear.
“Please! No orphanage!”
Caden’s cold gaze bore down on him like a predator sizing up its prey. “Keep acting like a brat, and I’ll have my men ship you there today.”
Lucian froze instantly, his teary eyes wide with terror. “…I’ll be good,” he whispered, his voice barely audible as he cowered under Caden’s commanding presence.
Althea, always ready to put on a show, rushed forward with tears streaming down her flawless face. “Alpha Caden!” she cried, her voice quivering. “Do you really have to scare him like that? He’s just a poor child who never had the chance to grow up with his mother. You’ve clearly been poisoned by Seraphina’s lies, and now you can’t see who the real villain is!”
Her theatrics were as polished as ever. She even leaned forward slightly, her deep cleavage on full display, her doe-like eyes pleading for pity.
Most men would have fallen for her act, rushing to console her. But not Caden.
He crossed his arms, his icy glare cutting through her performance like a knife. “Your tears and sobbing are fucking annoying.”
Althea’s face froze in shock, her confidence crumbling.
“You wrecked Seraphina’s marriage, stole everything from her, and now you’re playing the victim? Honestly, just looking at you disgusts me,” he growled, his voice dripping with disdain.
Her face flushed crimson, and she stumbled back, utterly humiliated. For the first time, her manipulation had fallen flat.
Watching her mask shatter brought a sense of satisfaction that warmed my chest. I glanced at Caden, silently thanking him.
“And just so you know,” Caden added, his tone razor-sharp, “I’m not bluffing. By werewolf law, and with my connections to the Supreme Tribunal, I can send that little brat to an orphanage today. Whether that happens depends on how much you stop messing with Seraphina.”
Althea paled, fear flickering in her tearful eyes.
“Let’s go, Seraphina,” Caden remarked curtly, his voice like steel. He turned his back on Althea without a second glance, then shot Lucian a warning look. “You. Come with us.”
Lucian clung to me, trembling, too afraid to even say goodbye to Althea as he followed us silently.
Back at my door, I turned to Caden, my voice soft with gratitude. “Thank you. If you hadn’t stepped in, I wouldn’t have known how to handle her.”
“You’ll be done with her soon,” he remarked confidently.
“Hopefully.” I forced a small smile. “Goodnight, Alpha Caden.”
As I reached for the doorknob, his hand shot out, stilling mine. The warmth of his touch sent a spark racing up my arm.
“Have you decided about the contract yet?” he asked, his voice low and husky.
His breath brushed against my neck, and I felt a shiver course through me. My pulse quickened, my thoughts scattering.
“…Almost,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Time is running out,” he said, his intense gaze searching mine. “Can I at least get a goodnight kiss?”
Elin screamed in my mind, urging me to close the distance between us. My body burned with the same desire, heat pooling low in my stomach.
But I couldn’t. Not here. Not now.
“…I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I managed to choke out, my cheeks flushed.
His jaw tightened, and I could see the restraint in his eyes, like a beast barely held back by its cage.
“Later then,” he murmured, his voice softer now. “Goodnight, Seraphina.”
The possessiveness in his gaze lingered, making me feel as though he had already claimed me in his mind.
“…Goodnight,” I replied hurriedly, escaping into my room and shutting the door behind me.
Lucian’s innocent eyes blinked up at me as I tucked him into bed. “Mom, why is Alpha Caden so nice to you?”
I hesitated, feeling awkward under his curious gaze. “Because he’s my business partner,” I replied, forcing a neutral tone.
As I started to leave, Lucian giggled. “Mom, are you having an affair with Alpha Caden?”
I whipped around, shocked. “What did you just say?”
“I saw how he looked at you,” he said, his voice filled with childlike mischief. “They say women who cheat are slutty whores. Are you a slutty whore?”
My jaw dropped. Althea must have planted this in his head.
“I’m not cheating with Alpha Caden, and don’t ever use that word again!” I snapped, my voice sharp.
“Okay, Mom,” he replied, snuggling under the covers. “Can you light my candle?”
Sighing, I lit the scented candle and kissed his forehead.
That night, as I lay in bed, Elin’s voice filled my mind. “Why didn’t you agree to marry Caden? You know he likes you!”
I rolled over, annoyed. “He doesn’t like me. It’s just a business arrangement. He needs someone to run his pack, that’s all.”
“Bullshit,” Elin huffed.
Shutting my eyes, I tried to block her out, but my mind betrayed me, pulling me into a vivid dream.
In it, Caden didn’t wait for permission. He strode forward, claiming my lips with a searing kiss. His strong hands cupped my face, tilting my head as his tongue explored my mouth.
My body melted under his touch, heat pooling between my thighs as I gasped against him.
He growled, low and possessive. “You’re mine. Only mine.”
I woke with a jolt, my body trembling and my breath ragged.
The sun streamed through the window. Isla stood at my bedside, looking worried. “Are you okay? You’ve been asleep for over 14 hours!”
Fourteen hours?!
I grabbed my phone, panicking. It was already 4 in the afternoon.
Messages and emails flooded my inbox, most of them about missed meetings. Damon’s gloating text stood out: Althea took your place at the meeting. Stay out of the Carnival City project.
“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath.
Isla watched me cautiously. “Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor? You’ve been sleeping a lot lately.”
I shook my head, rubbing my temples. “I’m fine. Just exhausted.”
As I scrolled through my phone, one message from Trent caught my attention:
Meeting arranged with Emerald Howl Pack soldiers. 8 p.m. tonight.
A wave of relief washed over me.
Smiling, I turned to Isla. “Good news! We might be heading home soon.”
