Chapter 0019
Seraphina’s POV:
After finishing the meeting, I stepped out of the tavern with my friends. The moonlight bathed the street in a soft glow, and there was Caden, leaning casually against his car with arms crossed, looking every bit the picture of a sexy, confident Alpha.
When he saw us, he straightened up, his charming smile lighting up his face.
Nora whistled. “He’s cute! Is he your new boyfriend?”
“Wait… Oh god!” Caleb’s voice shot up an octave, nearly cracking. “That’s Alpha Caden!!! Seraphina, how do you know him?”
I blinked in surprise. “You know him?”
“Are you kidding? Who doesn’t know him?” Liam exclaimed, his excitement barely contained. “Alpha of Obsidian Crest Pack, CEO of Hawthorne Enterprises… he’s every man’s role model!”
“And every woman’s dream,” Isolde teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Trent, however, frowned, his expression dark. “I’ve heard he’s a notorious playboy. Getting involved with him would be a bad idea.”
“Oh, please,” I muttered, feeling my face heat up. “We’re not even dating.”
Caden strode over, his confidence radiating as he extended a hand to my friends. “Caden Hawthorne. Nice to meet you all.”
One by one, they shook his hand, Caleb even sneaking in a second handshake.
Caden turned to me, his bright green eyes holding a warmth that made my heart flutter. “So, everything’s sorted?”
I nodded. “All sorted. Now we just have to wait for the contract signing. If all goes as planned, we’ll finally be able to go home.”
“Good to hear.” He smiled, his gaze never leaving me. “I’ll do everything I can to help.”
As my friends said their goodbyes and disappeared down the street, I couldn’t help noticing Trent still muttering under his breath about my brother Eason’s potential disapproval of Caden. Meanwhile, Nora and Isolde were giggling and whispering, throwing glances back at me.
“Your friends are great,” Caden remarked, watching them vanish around the corner.
“Yes,” I replied with a soft smile. “I’m lucky to have them.”
Caden turned his gaze back to me, and for a moment, the air between us seemed to shift. His bright green eyes darkened, the intensity in them almost predatory.
“…Remember what you promised me?” he asked softly, his voice carrying a note of teasing.
Oh no. The dream.
My face turned crimson, the memory of it flooding back with embarrassing vividness.
Before I could respond, a wave of dizziness hit me. My vision blurred, and I swayed on my feet.
“Seraphina!”
Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground, pulling me close. When my vision cleared, I realized I was in Caden’s arms, his face etched with worry.
“What happened?” he demanded, his grip firm but gentle. “You went pale and almost fainted.”
“I… don’t know.” I rubbed my forehead, trying to shake off the grogginess. “Maybe low blood sugar? Or stress. Once the contract is signed, I’ll need to take a proper break.”
His concern softened into something warmer. “I have a summer house in Obsidian Crest Pack. It’s quiet, perfect for rest and recovery. You’d love it there.”
He opened the car door for me. “But for now, let me take you back so you can get some sleep.”
The days leading up to the banquet passed quickly, and the atmosphere in Crimson Hollow Pack grew electric.
Word had spread about the partnership between Obsidian Crest Pack and Crimson Hollow Pack for the Carnival City project—a deal promising unimaginable wealth. Investors and billionaires poured into the city, filling every hotel and turning the area into a hive of activity.
Damon and Althea were busy flaunting themselves at every event. Damon introduced Althea as “the person in charge of the Carnival City project,” while I stayed in the shadows, quietly preparing for her inevitable downfall.
On the day of the banquet, I woke early and treated myself to a spa day.
When I returned to my room, Isla worked her magic, transforming me completely. My skin glowed under her expert touch, my cheekbones perfectly contoured, and my eyes framed by a smoky blend of golds and browns that shimmered in the light.
My hair fell in loose, glossy waves, each strand gleaming. A single sparkling hairpin added just the right touch of elegance.
When Isla finished, she stepped back and covered her mouth, tears pooling in her eyes. “You’re so beautiful today,” she choked. “This reminds me of when we were still in Emerald Howl, before… before everything.”
I stood, smoothing down my dress and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Soon, Isla. We’ll be home soon.”
By 6:30 p.m., I was nearly ready. But my custom-made evening gown still hadn’t arrived.
“Let me check outside. Maybe the delivery is just running late,” Isla offered.
She left, and I paced the room, anxiously watching the clock.
But then, instead of Isla returning with my gown, a group of armed soldiers appeared outside my door.
Their presence sent a shiver down my spine.
Something wasn’t right.
