Chapter 0043 – Seraphina’s POV
“Seraphina! Are you okay?”
Caleb and Isolde’s voices cut through my haze as they rushed toward me.
“I… I’m fine,” I managed, though my gaze was fixed on Caden’s bleeding shoulder. “But Alpha Caden’s hurt…”
Caden glanced at his wound with indifference. “It’s nothing.”
“But that wound—it’s so deep—” I protested.
One of Caden’s soldiers laughed, a mix of pride and amusement in his tone. “Miss Seraphina, that little injury is nothing for our Alpha. He’s used to the battlefield.”
The soldiers dragged a disheveled rogue toward us, his face twisted in rage.
“Get the fuck out of our land!” the rogue yelled, his voice hoarse. “There’s no way we’d let you build a fucking city here! We’ve already been kicked out of our pack, and now you won’t even leave us this little space—you damn devils!”
My heart thudded painfully. His words struck a chord.
“What do you mean we can’t build a city here?” I demanded.
The rogue sneered, flashing his yellowed teeth. “That wasteland you’re planning to turn into your fancy entertainment city? That’s our territory.”
Guilt and anxiety churned in my chest.
“Kill him,” Caden said, his tone as cold as ice.
Without hesitation, the soldier twisted the rogue’s neck. The sickening crack echoed in the air, and the rogue collapsed lifelessly.
Back in the car, my thoughts were heavy.
“Will those rogues be a problem?” I asked cautiously, my voice trembling. “I never realized people were still living on that land… Did we really take away their home?”
“Don’t sympathize with rogues,” Caden said dismissively. “They’re exiled for a reason—vicious criminals with blood on their hands. They’re not worth your concern.”
I nodded, trying to push away the guilt. Still, a seed of unease remained.
Later That Night
After the attack, Caden decided we should stay the night in a nearby town. He booked the best hotel available, intimidating the owner into nearly groveling at his feet.
I was given a room on the same floor as Caden. After changing out of my bloodstained clothes and freshening up, I slipped into a pale blue dress.
As I stepped out of the bathroom, my phone rang.
“Hello?” I answered absentmindedly.
“Seraphina.”
The voice on the other end was sharp and familiar—Damon.
“Get back to Crimson Hollow Pack right now!” he barked.
I almost laughed at his audacity. “Are you serious? I don’t follow your orders anymore. We’re already divorced.”
“Not yet!” he snapped. “I tore up the divorce papers, so you’re still my wife! And now you’re traveling alone with another man—what’s your plan? Are you trying to latch onto your next money bag?”
“Why do you care? Isn’t Althea pregnant already?” I retorted coldly. “Go back to playing happy family with her.”
There was a brief silence before Damon gritted out, “Come back, Seraphina. Or I’ll come to Obsidian Crest Pack and drag you back myself.”
The line went dead before I could respond.
I clenched my phone, seething with anger.
What was Damon playing at? He ignored me for years, and now he was suddenly possessive? Althea was pregnant—he had everything he wanted. Why cling to me now?
But I knew his threats were empty. Althea would never let him come after me.
Concern for Caden
Still restless from Damon’s call, I decided to check on Caden’s injury. I went to the local pharmacy, buying antibiotics and bandages before heading to his room.
Two towering soldiers stood guard outside.
“Miss Seraphina,” one of them greeted, nodding as I approached.
“Could you give this to Alpha Caden?” I handed over the bag.
To my surprise, the soldiers exchanged glances and stepped aside.
“Alpha Caden said no one should disturb him—except you,” one of them explained.
Heat rose to my cheeks. “Oh… Thank you.”
I knocked softly on the door. “Alpha Caden? Can I come in?”
No response.
Tentatively, I turned the doorknob. The door swung open, revealing an empty room. His jacket and bloodstained shirt were tossed on the bed. From the bathroom, I heard the steady stream of running water.
My pulse quickened. He was in the shower.
I placed the medicine on the bedside table, intending to leave quietly.
“Where are you going?”
His voice, deep and husky, froze me in place.
The bathroom door opened, and there he stood.
Caden leaned against the doorframe, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. He was wrapped in nothing but a towel.
The sight was overwhelming—hard muscles glistening with water, droplets sliding down his chiseled abs and disappearing beneath the towel.
I stared, heat rushing to my cheeks and spreading through my body.
He stepped closer, his presence consuming the space between us. Instinctively, I backed up until my back hit the door.
With an easy smile, he leaned in, his chest mere inches from me. I turned my head, avoiding his piercing gaze.
Reaching behind me, he grabbed the doorknob and gently pulled the door shut.
“You’re already here,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing. “Why leave?”
