Seraphina’s POV
The moment Tessa cracked her knuckles, I knew she was ready for a fight.
We began circling each other, her gaze filled with disdain, while mine remained calm and unwavering.
“You’re going to regret this, princess,” she sneered.
I smirked. “Big words for someone about to hit the floor.”
Trash talk was second nature to me, honed during years of sparring with my brother Eason and his soldiers.
She growled and lunged at me, aiming for my shoulder. I sidestepped at the last second, her punch missing by inches, and she stumbled forward. I took advantage of her imbalance, spinning gracefully and landing a sharp strike to her side.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
She inhaled sharply, surprise flashing across her face. “How the fuck—”
“Don’t worry, I won’t keep you down long,” I teased, giggling.
Snarling, she swung her fists wildly, but I stayed poised, waiting for the right moment. As she overextended, I swept my leg under hers, sending her crashing to the floor.
The room erupted in shocked murmurs.
I straightened my gown and looked down at her. “Still think I’m just a bumpkin?”
________________________________________
To my surprise, Tessa wasn’t furious when she got up—her expression was more curious than angry.
“Where’d you learn to fight like that?” she asked.
I shrugged casually. “My brother’s a Gamma.”
Her squad exchanged astonished glances.
“You’re pretty good,” one of them admitted.
“Pretty good? She could join our ranks,” another soldier added with a smirk.
I couldn’t help but smile. Their admiration seemed genuine, and I lowered my guard.
“Thanks. Honestly, if I hadn’t gotten married, I probably would have,” I replied.
It was true—before Damon, I’d dreamed of joining Eason’s army, maybe even leading my own squad. But Damon had quashed those dreams, insisting that fighting was “improper” for a woman.
I extended a hand toward Tessa. “I hope there are no hard feelings. Let’s start fresh. I’m Seraphina Laurent.”
Tessa shook my hand, grinning. “We know who you are. I’m Tessa. We’re soldiers under General Helena.”
“I’m Brielle,” another soldier chimed in, her face lighting up. “Seriously, you’re amazing! Honestly, you’re even better than our General—”
Tessa elbowed Brielle, cutting her off, but the damage was done.
I raised an eyebrow. “Me against Helena? That’s a matchup I’d like to see.”
Tessa cleared her throat awkwardly. “Anyway… enjoy the banquet, Miss Seraphina.”
They saluted and left, and I found myself liking them. If I stayed in Storm Fang Pack, perhaps we could become friends.
But one thing was clear—Helena and I were never going to be friends.
________________________________________
After the fight, the atmosphere shifted.
Though no one approached me directly, the guests’ glances were no longer dismissive. I caught traces of curiosity and respect in their eyes. Werewolves respected strength, and I’d proven I wasn’t a pushover.
Despite this newfound attention, I wasn’t in the mood for small talk. Checking my watch, I realized Cadenstill hadn’t arrived.
I wandered outside for some air, stepping through a side door into the cool night.
________________________________________
On the staircase, Helena stood with her soldiers.
“You didn’t get her to leave?” Helena’s voice was sharp.
Tessa replied hesitantly, “She’s better than we thought. We fought, and I lost, so—”
Helena waved dismissively. “Seraphina’s just a pathetic divorcée. The best training she’s ever had is folding tablecloths or doing laundry. She couldn’t even handle her ex-husband and his mistress. How good can she be? You must’ve gone easy on her, Tessa.”
“No, I didn’t—”
“Enough, Tessa,” Helena snapped impatiently. “That woman is a gold digger. She’s worthless without a man. As soon as she left her ex, she started chasing after Alpha Asher. Even being in the same room with her is an insult to strong, independent women!”
Her soldiers exchanged glances, nodding reluctantly.
“So, do you still want us to get rid of her?” Brielle asked cautiously.
Helena sighed. “No. Let her stay. Cadenand I will leave for another meeting as soon as he gets back.”
The soldiers saluted and left.
________________________________________
I stayed hidden in the shadows, having overheard the entire exchange.
Helena’s arrogance was almost comical. A gold digger? Seriously?
I debated confronting her but was interrupted by a loud noise overhead.
A helicopter.
________________________________________
The sleek machine descended onto the lawn, its blades slicing through the night air. My jaw dropped as Cadenemerged, striding confidently toward the banquet hall like he owned the world.
“Asher!” Helena called, hiking up her dress and rushing toward him. “I thought the storm canceled your flight! I didn’t expect you for another five hours.”
“I had plans with Seraphina,” he said bluntly, brushing past her toward the hall.
Helena hurried after him. “Now that you’re back, we should go to the tech company meeting instead. It’s way more important than some charity event—”
“Not now, Helena,” he interrupted, his tone final.
She grabbed his arm, stopping him. “We need to talk.”
Cadenfrowned, clearly annoyed but not pulling away. “If it’s about work, we’ll talk at the office. If it’s not, I’m not interested.”
Helena blocked his path, her determination unwavering.
“It’s both personal and work,” she said firmly. Then, with a confidence that shocked even me, she added, “I know you need a Luna. You should marry me.”
