Chapter 0044 – Seraphina’s POV
I could barely breathe, my back pressed against the door as I tried to steady myself.
“Don’t…” I whispered, struggling to find my voice. “I’m not a—”
“Not an easy woman. Yes, I know,” Caden interrupted with a chuckle. I couldn’t tell if he was mocking me. “But you were the one who came into my room, Seraphina.”
“I just came to bring you some antibiotics,” I defended myself, glancing at the medicine and bandages on the bedside table.
He finally released me, letting me step away. Relief washed over me, but before I could escape, he called my name again.
“Where are you going?”
He was seated on the couch, one arm draped over the backrest, his piercing green eyes fixed on me.
“Are you going to help me with the bandage? I can’t do it with one hand.”
I hesitated but eventually walked toward him.
He spread his legs, creating space for me to stand in front of him. His presence was overwhelming, and his scent washed over me like a wave. My hands trembled as I unwrapped the bandage.
Suddenly, his voice cut through the tension.
“I want you,” he said, his tone low and deliberate. “In my bed, naked, with your legs wrapped around my waist.”
The bandage slipped from my fingers and fell to the floor. My gaze snapped to his, wide with shock.
“Alpha Caden!”
He shrugged, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. “Would you punish a man for being honest?”
“No, but I’d punish him for being rude,” I shot back, bending to pick up the bandage.
As I leaned down, he moved closer, his intense gaze locked on mine.
“You’ve thought about it too,” he said softly, his voice tinged with amusement. “Haven’t you?”
Memories of the dream I had about him flooded my mind. My cheeks burned as I remembered the raw, unfiltered passion of that moment in my subconscious.
“I can see it in your eyes,” he continued with a knowing smile. “You want it too. Why deny it? I’d make it unforgettable.”
My pulse quickened, and I swallowed hard, trying to focus.
“You must say this to every girl,” I countered, attempting to deflect.
His expression darkened. “No.”
“Because you don’t have to. They throw themselves at you,” I replied, raising an eyebrow.
He smirked but didn’t deny it.
I pushed him back onto the couch and focused on wrapping his wound.
“Well, I suggest you stop trying this approach,” I said, feigning confidence. “It’s not as effective as you think.”
He snorted softly, then suddenly grabbed my waist, pulling me closer. I stumbled, nearly falling into his lap.
“You need to get closer to see the wound properly,” he said, his tone laced with mischief.
This felt like a game—a dangerous one. We were both holding onto a rope, testing who would give in to desire first.
His hand stayed on my waist, and his nose brushed against my collarbone as he inhaled deeply.
“I like your scent,” he murmured. “It drives me—and my wolf—wild. And we’re not even in heat.”
My mind was spinning. I felt the same way about him. But why? We weren’t mates.
“Seraphina,” he said, his voice a seductive whisper. His hand began to slide upward, sending jolts of electricity through my body.
I bit my lip, fighting the urge to moan.
But then, a knock at the door shattered the tension.
“Not now!” Caden growled, his irritation evident.
“Alpha Caden… Sorry to disturb you, but Miss Helena just arrived,” came the reply.
The dark desire in his eyes disappeared instantly. His expression became unreadable as he released me and stepped away.
“Bring her to the lobby,” he ordered, slipping on his shirt.
“But I haven’t finished bandaging you yet,” I said, still holding the roll of bandage.
“Later,” he said curtly, walking out without another word.
I sank onto the couch, staring blankly at the door. The tension was gone, replaced by a cold, hollow feeling.
Who was Helena?
Why did her name command his attention so completely?
Curiosity gnawed at me until I couldn’t resist. I followed him to the hotel lobby.
In the Lobby
The lobby buzzed with chatter, crowded with people who had just arrived. I spotted Caden at the center of the commotion, standing opposite a stunning woman.
She had chestnut hair that gleamed under the light, styled to perfection. Her designer outfit exuded wealth and class, and her demeanor screamed confidence and authority.
I walked down the stairs and into the crowd.
“Alpha Caden, aren’t you going to introduce us?” I asked, forcing a polite smile.
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to me.
“Of course,” Caden said smoothly. “Helena, this is Seraphina. Seraphina, this is Helena Sinclair, my CFO and a general in my army.”
Helena’s gaze turned to me, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly.
I felt the weight of her disdain immediately. Women’s intuition told me she didn’t like me.
Her next words confirmed it.
“Caden, so she’s the one who brought the rogues and got you hurt?” she asked coldly.
