Chapter 0042 – Seraphina’s POV
The engine purred softly as the Maybach glided smoothly onto the road, leaving behind the packhouse where I had spent four tumultuous years. I cast one last glance over my shoulder, half-expecting Damon to appear. But the driveway remained empty, just like my feelings for him now.
I turned back, inhaling deeply to quell the ache in my chest. It was time to move forward, to leave behind his betrayal and heartlessness for good. But before long, my thoughts drifted to the man sitting beside me—Alpha Caden.
His presence was overwhelming, magnetic in a way I couldn’t ignore. The luxurious back seat of the Maybach felt far too small, the space between us charged with an invisible tension. To avoid even the slightest accidental touch, I pressed myself against the door, keeping my gaze fixed on the window.
“Something wrong?” His deep, smooth voice broke through the silence.
I shook my head quickly. “No…nothing.”
“You’re practically glued to the door,” he observed, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Do you hate my cologne?”
My heart jumped. Hate? Far from it. His cologne, mixed with his natural scent, was intoxicating. It was like breathing in power and danger all at once—a combination that left me light-headed.
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, he reached out and pressed a button. The privacy screen between the front and back seats slid up, cutting us off from the driver.
I spun around, startled. “What are you doing?!”
He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into an amused smirk. “Relax. Just making a call to my beta. Need some privacy.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks as embarrassment flooded me. “Oh…” I stammered, realizing how ridiculous my assumption had been. “Of course. Go ahead.”
Amusement danced in his eyes as he dialed a number and began speaking in low, authoritative tones. I turned my face back to the window, pressing my cheek against the cool glass in an attempt to steady my racing heart.
Caden’s voice filled the car, calm and composed as he handled call after call with effortless confidence. In just ten minutes, he made eight calls, addressing matters ranging from pack security to stock market investments. He was efficient, decisive—a natural leader in every sense.
I tried not to stare, but it was impossible not to admire him. Power had a way of drawing people in, and Caden wielded his like a weapon. Still, I couldn’t shake the frustration bubbling within me. While he remained perfectly composed, I was a mess, my thoughts scattered like leaves in a storm.
Before I could dwell further, the car swerved sharply, throwing me off balance. I tumbled into Caden’s arms, his grip steadying me instinctively. The car veered again, and this time we fell onto the seat together, his body pressing against mine.
Heat radiated from him, his breaths coming heavier now. My pulse quickened as I felt the firm press of his thigh against mine and—oh god—a hard bulge that left no room for doubt.
“Caden…” I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.
His hand moved to my chin, tilting my face up to meet his intense gaze. His thumb brushed over my lips, sending a shiver down my spine. “Seraphina,” he rasped, his voice thick with something unspoken.
I couldn’t respond. My body was betraying me, heat pooling low in my belly. My breaths came in shallow gasps as I tried to steady myself.
Before the moment could escalate further, the privacy screen suddenly lowered, and the driver called out, “Alpha Caden, are you alright?”
Caden’s gaze didn’t waver from mine. “What’s going on?” he asked sharply, his voice cold and commanding.
“Rogues, Alpha. A group has blocked the road ahead. Looks like a robbery attempt.”
Rogues. The word sent a familiar thrill through me. These were the outcasts, the desperate ones who survived by preying on others. Back in Emerald Howl Pack, I’d often hunted them down with my brother, Eason.
Caden’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, he tore off his tie and barked, “Stay in the car.”
Before I could protest, he was out the door, shifting mid-stride into a massive black wolf. His powerful frame rippled with muscle, his fur gleaming like midnight under the sun. He let out a thunderous roar and charged at the rogues.
I pressed my face to the window, watching in awe as he tore through the attackers with ruthless efficiency. But the sight stirred something in me, a familiar instinct I couldn’t suppress.
Go help him! Elin, my wolf, urged.
I pushed the door open and shifted in one fluid motion. My white wolf form, streaked with golden fur on her paws, gleamed as I leapt into the fray.
Caden’s wolf, Adam, spotted me and let out a warning growl. Get back in the car! he roared.
But I ignored him, lunging at a rogue and sinking my teeth into his throat. Adam paused for a moment, watching me with something that looked like admiration before diving back into the fight.
Ten minutes later, the rogues lay scattered, defeated. Elin trotted over to Adam, shaking her fur proudly. To my surprise, the massive black wolf lowered his head, nudging her neck gently. They nuzzled and sniffed each other, a playful yet intimate display that made my cheeks burn.
When we finally shifted back to our human forms, Caden broke the silence first. “Adam likes your wolf.”
I swallowed, my cheeks flushing. “Elin likes him too.”
“Good. Adam’s already planned a hunt with her in a few days.”
Elin purred in approval, and I quickly turned back to the car, desperate to escape the heat crawling up my neck.
As the soldiers worked to clear the road, a sudden noise caught my attention. I turned just as the sharp crack of a gunshot rang out.
“Watch out!” Caden yelled, lunging forward and pulling me aside.
Blood splattered across the ground.
But it wasn’t mine.
I stared in horror at the wound on Caden’s shoulder, blood pouring from the jagged tear. My mind went blank as I watched him stagger slightly, his usual unshakable demeanor faltering for the first time.
“Caden…” I whispered, my voice trembling.
He turned to me, his gaze steady despite the pain. “I’m fine,” he said gruffly. “Stay here.”
But I couldn’t move. All I could do was watch as the man who had just saved my life prepared to fight again, his blood staining the earth beneath him.
