Chapter 0026
Seraphina’s POV
Caden guided me onto the dance floor with effortless grace, his hand resting lightly on my waist while the other held mine securely. The music swelled, wrapping us in its rhythm as we glided across the floor.
“I saw you drowning back there,” he murmured, his emerald eyes locked on mine. “So, I came to ask for a dance. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” I replied, my voice soft yet relieved. “Actually, I’m grateful. But I must admit, I’m puzzled by all the attention tonight. Damon once told me that after the divorce, my best hope would be as some small pack’s Beta’s mistress. Clearly, he was wrong.”
A low chuckle rumbled from Caden’s chest. “Those men have realized what Damon failed to see—how extraordinary you are. You’re not just beautiful, Seraphina. You’re intelligent, capable, and now a partner in one of the most lucrative projects in history. That means wealth, influence, and power. You’re not just any woman—you’re the woman.”
His praise warmed my cheeks, and I looked down, suddenly feeling shy under his piercing gaze.
“…Of course,” he added, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “you only have one option. Me.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“Have you thought about the contract?” His tone was gentle yet insistent, like a soft caress. “I’ve never badgered a woman in my life. But you… You make me want to break my own rules.”
I bit my lip, struggling to steady my thoughts. “You mentioned a summer house at Obsidian Crest Pack… Does that offer still stand?”
“Absolutely,” he answered without hesitation, his lips curving into a small smile. “Once we settle everything here, we can leave immediately.”
“Good,” I said, allowing a soft smile to tug at my lips. “I miss Fiona. Maybe I’ll talk to her about this… get her opinion on becoming her brother’s contract Luna before I decide.”
But even as I spoke, a part of me knew my decision was already made.
________________________________________
Althea’s POV
The room buzzed with energy, but my attention was glued to the dance floor.
Seraphina twirled effortlessly in that fiery red dress, every movement commanding attention. Caden, the most handsome and powerful man in the room, seemed utterly captivated by her.
God, how I want to tear that dress apart.
The whispers around me didn’t help.
“Ms. Seraphina is stunning,” one man murmured to his companion. “Now that she’s a partner, her value has skyrocketed. Whoever marries her next is one lucky bastard.”
Another man chuckled. “Alpha Damon must regret the divorce so much right now.”
Damon, standing beside me, growled low in his throat.
“Son of a bitch!” he snarled, his voice laced with barely contained fury. “I invited these people to Crimson Hollow Pack, and they have the audacity to disrespect me in my own house! Fucking ingrates!”
I rolled my eyes internally. Respect? The only person commanding respect here is Caden—not you, Damon.
And Seraphina. Seraphina was stealing the spotlight that should’ve been mine.
“So,” I pressed, unable to suppress my anger, “do you regret it? Bringing me back?”
Damon scowled. “Don’t start, Althea.”
But his reaction only fueled my panic. “So you do regret it!” I hissed, my voice rising. “I’m your first love! Lucian is your only son—”
“Stop yelling!” he snapped, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “Haven’t you embarrassed us enough tonight?”
I bit my lip, choking back the wave of anger and humiliation threatening to spill over. I couldn’t afford to lose Damon now. Lucian needed a father—a stable family to secure his future as an heir.
I had to stay as Luna.
Letting out a small, pitiful sob, I allowed tears to well up in my eyes. “I’m sorry, Damon,” I whispered shakily. “I guess I was just scared… Seraphina’s behavior tonight has been so aggressive. It really frightened me…”
As expected, Damon’s expression softened.
He reached out, patting my hair like I was a child. “You don’t need to worry about her. I promised you the position of Luna, and I’ll keep that promise. But don’t forget the 30 million you agreed to.”
Rage simmered beneath my trembling smile, but I nodded obediently. “Of course… I’ll call my father to borrow the money right away.”
Clutching my phone, I hurried out of the banquet hall, seeking a quiet corner.
________________________________________
The Call
The line connected quickly, but the silence on the other end was oppressive, suffocating.
“…Father,” I began, my voice trembling. “There’s been a change. I haven’t secured the Carnival City project. That bitch Seraphina ruined everything! I… I might need 30 million to fix this mess.”
The silence deepened before a cold, cutting voice broke through.
“Seraphina?”
The word dripped with disdain.
“So Damon’s ex-wife is still alive?” My father’s tone was icy, each word sharper than the last. “You useless piece of shit, Althea.”
