Episode 6
Seraphina’s POV
I stared at him, my mind reeling, disbelief etched across my face.
He met my gaze with unwavering confidence, his lips curving into a slow, knowing smile. “In return, I’ll help you divorce Damon—and ensure you receive a substantial share of his assets.”
“Are you drunk?” The words spilled out before I could stop them. “You want me to be your Luna? We barely even know each other!”
Caden showed no offense. Instead, a glint of amusement flickered in his striking green eyes, as though my reaction was precisely what he’d expected.
“I’ve never been more sober,” he replied smoothly, his voice a low, velvety rumble.
“But if all you want is a Luna, you could have any woman in the world,” I countered, my disbelief persisting.
He tapped a finger rhythmically against the polished table. “Those are my terms. You need my help—especially for a brutal divorce like the one you’re facing.”
I continued to stare at him, unable to make sense of his proposal. A notorious playboy like Caden Hawke couldn’t possibly harbor a genuine interest in someone like me—a jaded divorcee with baggage.
Perhaps this wasn’t personal. Perhaps he saw me as a strategic choice, someone competent enough to manage a pack and adept at navigating the business world.
“Think about it,” he urged, leaning forward with an intensity that sent shivers racing down my spine. Resting his elbows on his knees, he locked his eyes with mine, the weight of his gaze almost suffocating. “You can let Althea keep that pathetic excuse for a man. But don’t let her steal the Carnival City project. I can help you take it back.”
His words struck a chord deep within me. I held my breath as a realization washed over me.
I had never truly considered claiming Carnival City for myself. In my mind, it was always a Crimson Hollow Pack project, something that belonged to Damon’s legacy.
But it didn’t belong to him. It was mine. I had built it from the ground up—late nights, tireless planning, endless meetings. Every detail bore my fingerprints. Why should Althea take credit for my blood, sweat, and tears?
“But I can’t just declare it as mine,” I whispered, my voice unsteady, the weight of the idea overwhelming. “I’m just one person. I don’t have the resources or manpower to carry out such a massive project alone.”
“Obsidian Crest Pack will provide the funding,” he said simply. Then, with a sly smile, he added, “And as for manpower—well, doesn’t your home pack, Emerald Howl, have plenty to offer?”
My heart quickened at the mention of Emerald Howl. My brother, Eason, the Gamma of the pack, hadn’t spoken to me since I’d left to marry Damon. We’d fought bitterly, and I had burned the bridge behind me.
Now, the idea of returning home filled me with equal parts hope and trepidation. If I returned with a project of this magnitude, could I mend the broken ties with my brother?
“But how do you benefit from this?” I asked warily. “With Emerald Howl involved, you’d have to split the profits with yet another party.”
Caden leaned back, his enigmatic smile deepening. “Let’s just say I have my reasons.”
“So, is that a yes?” His voice was soft but insistent, pushing for a decision.
“I need time to consider,” I murmured, biting my lip. “This isn’t a choice I can make lightly. And if I divorce Damon, I’ll want my dowry back—2000 soldiers and 30 million. He’ll never agree to that.”
“I’ll handle Damon,” Caden assured me, his tone resolute. “We’ll finalize the contract after the divorce is settled. But for now, let’s shake on it. Show me that you’re inclined to agree.”
I hesitated, standing slowly. My gaze shifted to his outstretched hand, strong and commanding. After a moment’s pause, I placed my hand in his.
The instant our skin touched, a bolt of electricity surged through me, igniting something primal in my core. A soft, involuntary groan escaped my lips as I instinctively tried to pull away, but Caden’s grip tightened.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice a deep, seductive rumble.
“N-Nothing…” I stammered, my cheeks flushing as his intoxicating scent enveloped me, making my legs tremble. My wolf, Elin, screamed in my mind, urging me to give in to the maddening pull, to rip away our barriers and—
Stop it! I chastised myself, horrified by my own thoughts.
Thankfully, Caden released me a moment later, his own voice slightly husky. “Then it’s settled. When do you want to announce Emerald Howl as your new partner?”
“At the party,” I replied firmly. “Right after I present the project.”
A satisfied smile spread across his face. “I look forward to it. Allow me to escort you back.”
He offered his arm, and I placed my hand on it, the touch both grounding and exhilarating.
As we entered the banquet hall together, every eye turned toward us. Whispers spread like wildfire among the guests, their judgmental gazes barely concealed.
But I raised my chin, meeting their stares with unwavering confidence. Let them talk. Let them speculate. I wasn’t the discarded Luna they had expected. I was a force to be reckoned with, standing beside the most powerful man in the room.
At the far end of the hall, Damon’s eyes bore into me, his expression dark with jealousy. Althea tugged at his sleeve, whispering his name, but he ignored her completely, his attention riveted on me.
For the first time in weeks, I felt the sweet thrill of triumph.
Chapter 0007
