eraphina’s POV
“When Sid announced Holly as his mate, did he seem normal? Any signs something was off?” I asked.
Nora shook her head. “Liam and I weren’t there, but Eason said Sid seemed fine. Just… distracted. Like he hadn’t slept well the night before.”
“We have to find Sid,” I said firmly, guilt heavy in my chest. “He’s the only one who can expose Holly’s lies and clear your names. Until then…” I hesitated, hating what I had to say. “You’ll have to wait here a little longer.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Nora said quickly. “I’m more worried about you. The whole pack is on Holly’s side, and you’re alone—”
“Stop worrying,” Liam cut in with a grin. “That bodyguard I saw earlier? Looks like you’ve got excellent help here.”
I felt my cheeks flush. “Um… yeah. Caden’s here.”
Nora’s eyes lit up, and she squealed, “Oh. My. God! He’s here? Are you two together? You’re the Luna of the most powerful pack in the world! I can’t believe this—”
“Wait, wait!” I waved my hands to cut her off. “Nothing’s happening. He’s just here… as a friend.”
“A friend?” Liam raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. “What kind of ‘friend’ leaves his pack and multi-billion-dollar business behind just to be here with you? Do you have any idea how much money he loses every day he’s away?”
“Don’t tell me,” I muttered, feeling guilt creep up on me again.
“My point is,” Liam pressed, “he gave up everything to be here for you. That’s not friendship. And now that you’re divorced, what’s stopping you two?”
I sighed heavily. Everyone seemed to think I was crazy for hesitating. But how could I explain my fears and insecurities to them?
Nora noticed my hesitation and elbowed Liam. “Stop pressuring her. Maybe she just wants to enjoy being single for a while.”
Liam snorted. “When the world’s most perfect man likes you, you don’t say no. That’s, like, a law in the dating world!”
Luckily, Caden’s bodyguard returned just then, announcing, “Time’s up.”
“Alright,” I said, relieved that Liam’s relentless teasing was over.
As I turned to leave, Nora grabbed my hand. Her face was filled with guilt. “Seraphina… I owe you an apology. It was me… I told Holly about the cabin you and Eason used. I betrayed you. You have every right to hate me.”
I clasped her trembling hands tightly. “You were just protecting Liam and me. You’ll always be my friend.”
The bodyguard nudged me, and I reluctantly let go of Nora’s hands. Her quiet sobs followed me as I walked away, Liam murmuring gentle words to comfort her.
I clenched my fists, forcing myself to burn their pain into my memory.
It would fuel my vengeance. Holly would pay for everything.
________________________________________
We left the prison and returned to the packhouse. Caden’s bodyguard mentioned that Caden wanted to see me, so we headed up to the top-floor suite.
But as we approached the door, I froze in shock.
Holly was leaning against the doorway, wearing a skimpy skirt and a top that barely covered her chest. Her expression was seductive as she batted her lashes at Caden, who stood inside looking stone-faced.
Her fingers trailed along his bicep, shamelessly tracing his muscles.
“Come on, Alpha Caden,” she purred, tilting her head and licking her lips. “Don’t you think Seraphina’s so boring and dull? Always so uptight. You’ll find me a lot more fun.”
Caden scoffed. “Aren’t you already married to Alpha Sid?”
“You’ve never hooked up with a married woman? You’re missing out,” she giggled. “Let me in. I’m not even wearing my underwear.”
A surge of rage bubbled up inside me, hotter and more violent than I’d ever felt before.
Storming up, I grabbed her hair and yanked her away from him.
“FUCK OFF!” I roared.
