Chapter 0041 – Seraphina’s POV
Althea’s words struck like a thunderclap. My body went cold, every muscle tensing as the reality of her announcement settled in.
Damon froze, his expression twisting from shock to unbridled excitement. “Althea…a baby? Really?!” His voice cracked with emotion.
Althea nodded, her teary eyes shimmering as she clung to his arm. “I just found out this morning,” she whispered, sniffling. “The doctor said I’m two months along.”
Two months.
The timeline hit me like a punch to the gut. That would place the conception right after Valentine’s Day—my birthday. I had spent that day waiting for Damon, but he never came home. All I got was a cold phone call at 11 p.m., claiming he was stuck at work.
But now I knew the truth. He wasn’t at work. He was with her.
Had he just finished bedding her when he called? Was she lying in his arms, smirking while I clung to the false hope of his love? My stomach churned at the thought, and a wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm me.
But Damon didn’t notice. His joy was blinding him.
He grabbed Althea by the waist, lifting her into the air and spinning her around. “Our second child! Althea, you’re incredible! Both of my children are from you! I can never thank you enough!”
Althea giggled, tapping his chest lightly. “Put me down, Damon. Be careful with the baby.”
He immediately obeyed, his hands moving protectively to her stomach. “Althea, you’re the greatest treasure of Crimson Hollow Pack,” he said, his voice thick with pride. “What do you want? Anything. Just name it.”
Althea sniffled, her tears of joy now replaced by feigned humility. “I have you, Damon. What more could I ask for?” She paused dramatically, then added, “But… there’s one small thing.”
“Anything,” he vowed, clutching her hand tightly. “Just say the word.”
“Let Seraphina go,” Althea said softly, her eyes flickering toward me. “You don’t need her anymore. We have our family now.”
Damon hesitated, glancing at me for a moment. His uncertainty was infuriating. How could he even consider my existence irrelevant when he had humiliated me so deeply?
I let out a cold laugh. “Perfect timing, Althea! Damon was just telling me he doesn’t want to divorce me. Maybe you should remind him of his promises to you.”
Althea’s eyes widened, and her tears returned in full force. “Did I do something wrong, Damon?” she wailed, clutching his arm like her life depended on it. “You promised to make me your Luna. Are you going to take that promise back?”
“Never!” Damon exclaimed, pulling her into his arms. “My Luna will only ever be the mother of my children.”
His words felt like daggers stabbing into my chest. Once, he had held me just as tightly, whispering similar promises into my ear. Promises that had shattered the moment he brought Althea into this house.
“You don’t need to beg him, Althea,” I said icily. “I’m leaving. I’ll be filing for divorce in court. But what about the 30 million you owe me? I haven’t seen it yet.”
Althea, nestled against Damon’s chest, let out a weak sigh. “I’ve been so overwhelmed by the pregnancy,” she said, clutching her stomach theatrically. “I haven’t had time to gather the money. I’ll call my father soon…”
“Why don’t you call him now?” I shot back, crossing my arms. “I’ll wait.”
Althea’s eyes darted nervously before she suddenly let out a low moan. She doubled over, clutching her stomach. “Damon… my belly… it hurts so much!” she whimpered. “It might be the baby…”
“Althea!” Damon cried, his face pale with panic. He turned to glare at me, his eyes blazing with accusation. “How could you stress out a pregnant woman like this? You’re a monster, Seraphina!”
Without another word, he scooped Althea into his arms and stormed out of the room.
As the door slammed shut, one of Caden’s soldiers scoffed. “That woman’s baby is fine. She’s just running away from her debt.”
Caden’s expression was as cold as ice. “She won’t run forever. The court will ensure they pay everything—plus interest. Call the best lawyer in Obsidian Crest Pack. Miss Seraphina is going to get every penny she’s owed.”
“Yes, Alpha,” the soldier replied, bowing.
Caden turned to me, his eyes softening slightly. “Shall we?” he asked, extending his hand.
I nodded, following him out of the room. In the courtyard, the cars were lined up, their engines humming softly. Isla was helping soldiers load my luggage into the trunk. Caleb and Isolde were also preparing to leave with me for Obsidian Crest Pack.
In the distance, I spotted Lucian being dragged toward a separate car. The boy was kicking and screaming, his cries echoing through the courtyard.
Caden noticed my gaze. “His boarding school is on the way to Obsidian Crest Pack,” he said. “We’ll drop him off along the way.”
I watched Lucian struggle, my chest tightening. “The school… they’ll treat him well, right?”
Caden gave a curt nod. “Many Alphas send their children there. Lucian will receive an excellent education. He’ll be far better off there than under Althea’s influence.”
I exhaled, trusting his words. We walked toward the cars. Parked at the foot of the steps was Caden’s sleek black Maybach. Naturally, I headed toward the car behind it, assuming it was mine.
But before I could open the door, a soldier stepped forward, blocking my way. “This isn’t your car, Miss,” he said firmly.
Confused, I glanced back at Caden. He stood by the Maybach, holding the door open and watching me with an amused expression.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, one eyebrow raised.
“You want me in the same car as you?” I stammered. “For eight hours?”
He smirked. “Is there a problem?”
I scrambled for an excuse. “I thought you might want to handle pack business during the ride. I didn’t want to bother you.”
He chuckled, leaning casually against the car. “It’s no bother. Unless…” His gaze sharpened. “You’re afraid to be alone with me.”
Was he calling me a coward? Heat flared in my cheeks, and I straightened my spine. “Of course not,” I said stiffly, marching toward the Maybach.
“Good,” he said, stepping aside to let me in.
As the door clicked shut behind me, I immediately regretted my decision. His scent filled the car, wrapping around me like a smothering embrace. My pulse quickened, my palms grew clammy, and my thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.
This was going to be the longest eight hours of my life.
