Seraphina’s POV
Speaking of Johnson, I couldn’t shake my unease.
“Holly said her father sent her here,” I warned Caden urgently. “Alpha Johnson wants Carnival City, and he’s after your life too. You need to be careful.”
Caden shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “He’s been trying to take me down for years and never succeeded. Don’t worry. He won’t this time either.”
His calm confidence was almost unnerving. I guessed his power and experience gave him that edge, but something about Alpha Johnson screamed danger to me.
“Holly’s control over Sid can’t be that solid,” I speculated aloud. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t need to keep him hidden. She probably has to reinforce her hold on him regularly, or he might break free.”
“Simple,” Caden said. “I’ll have my guards tail Holly. They’ll find out where she’s keeping Sid.”
I nodded but added, “We should think of a way to keep Holly occupied for at least a whole day. That’ll force her to check on Sid eventually, and your men can follow her.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What’s your plan?”
I bit my lip, brainstorming. How could we distract Holly without making her suspicious? A party? No, she wouldn’t attend anything I hosted. A pack meeting? Too short, and Frank’s people wouldn’t help me.
Suddenly, an idea struck.
“I’ve got it!” I exclaimed. “Can I borrow you for something?”
He smiled down at me. “I’m all yours. What do you have in mind?”
“I want to hold a hunting trip in your name and invite all the senior members of Emerald Howl Pack,” I said, grinning.
Hunting trips could last days, and Holly wouldn’t miss a chance to cozy up to Caden.
________________________________________
That night, I sent out invitations under Caden’s name to all the pack’s senior members. Deliberately, I left Holly out of the guest list—just to rile her up. As expected, everyone RSVP’d “yes.” Nobody wanted to miss an opportunity to hunt with the legendary Alpha Caden.
Emerald Howl’s hunting grounds were nestled in a dense forest east of the pack, blanketed in fresh snow from the night before. The crisp, cold air set the perfect backdrop for an outdoor adventure.
I arrived early at the cabin near the hunting grounds, changed into my hunting gear, and waited nervously.
Twenty minutes later, the sound of approaching footsteps filled the air. The door creaked open, and in walked a group of women—Beta Frank’s wife, some female elders, and, of course, Holly.
I stood, maintaining my composure as they spotted me. Their expressions ranged from confusion to shock.
“What the hell are you doing here?!” Holly screeched.
“Alpha Caden invited me,” I replied with a calm smile. “But where’s your invitation, Luna Holly?”
Her face darkened with embarrassment. She didn’t have one—I made sure of that.
“You have no right to check my invitation!” she hissed.
“So you’re not invited?” I mocked. “Crashing an event you weren’t invited to? Not cool.”
Her nostrils flared. “I’m the Luna. I have the right to attend any event!”
“I’m afraid Alpha Caden would disagree. There’s a reason he didn’t invite you.”
“Where is Alpha Caden, anyway?” Beta Frank’s wife asked, her suspicious eyes scanning me. “Why are you the only one here? He’s not coming, is he?”
“If he’s not, I’m leaving,” one of the female elders muttered.
“He’ll be here any minute,” I assured them.
“Bullshit!” Holly sneered. “I bet you tricked us into coming here using Alpha Caden’s name!”
Just then, the door swung open, and in stepped Caden, flanked by his bodyguards.
He wore a sleek, fitted hunting outfit that accentuated his broad shoulders and muscular frame. His tall boots and gloves completed the look. In a suit, he was already intimidating, but in this rugged gear, he exuded raw power and charm.
All the women in the room seemed to hold their breath, their faces flushing at the sight of him.
“Good day, ladies,” Caden greeted them with a polite smile.
Then his gaze landed on Holly, who was staring at him with starry eyes. His expression instantly cooled.
