MEETING SERAPHINA

CHAPTER 10: MEETING SERAPHINA

EVERLY:

The fire burned softly, and I enjoyed how its warmth made my entire body cozy. I sat next to Kaelan and put my head on his shoulder, while my eyes remained closed.

I felt so comfortable leaning on him and I was willing now to give our relationship a chance. He has assured me on several occasions that I was safe with him.

I actually liked Kaelan, despite the fact that he looked very intimidating.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked suddenly, as if he read my thoughts.

“Nothing.” I responded quietly. After a thought, I said, “I'm just wondering how I went from being a homeless werewolf to being here with the Alpha King.”

Kaelan chuckled. “It's fate, Everly. The Moon Goddess has already destined it.”

I nodded. I think I actually believe him.

We chatted over minor issues, and I was really beginning to feel at home when someone made a throaty cough behind us. I followed Kaelan's gaze and saw a beautiful girl standing within a short distance. I've been here for a couple of weeks and this was the first time I've seen her.

She looked gorgeous, with blonde hair that flowed down her back and a skin that glowed flawlessly. Her sharp, high cheekbones gave her an air of confidence that I often wished I had.

She wore a snug leather jacket over a fitted white shirt, and she paired it with skinny jeans and boots that made her look classy.

Her bright blue eyes seemed to cut through me like a blade and her full lips pressed into a thin line as she seemed unhappy to see me with the Alpha King.

Her gaze focused on Kaelan and for a brief moment, she opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something but thought against it.

Kaelan’s expression was calm and indifferent but my instincts told me something was up between the two of them. As I glanced at her face, my eyes met hers and I decided to break the ice.

“Hi,” I said warmly, with a smile on my face.

Her head tilted slightly in acknowledgment, but she didn’t respond to my greeting. Rather, she focused her gaze on Kaelan, and there was something in her eyes that I couldn’t quite name.

“Alpha,” she said gently but I could tell that she was angry, “Good evening. I didn't know you'd be here.”

Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her jacket, and her eyes darted briefly toward me before settling back on Kaelan.

“Seraphina, you're back. Nice to have you back,” Kaelan replied warmly. He didn't give her much attention and the girl wasn't pleased at all.

Seraphina stiffened her jaw and narrowed her blue eyes as she looked at me again, this time with disdain.

“Thank you, Alpha. Well, I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“You’re not,” Kaelan assured her, though his attention was clearly focused on the fire.

Her lips twitched, as she scowled and I could feel her jealousy radiating off her like heat.

I suspected she might have something personal with Kaelan and that made my stomach churn. I know I wasn't in a relationship with Kaelan yet but I knew we were fated mates and he was a man I would like to have by my side for the rest of my life.

Not knowing a better way to react, I stood up and headed to my room. If she had something to say to Kaelan, this was her chance to do so.

Cuz she might never get the chance to get close to him after tonight.

—

Kaelan didn't come to check on me that night but I thought nothing of it. I was used to being alone. My sleep was restless throughout the night but I woke up to a beautiful morning.

Morning dew settled on the petals, and a gentle breeze stirred the trees as I moved around the garden. The estate was quiet and very peaceful, but I didn't feel peaceful in my heart.

A soft tap on my shoulder startled me. “Everly,” he called, his voice still raspy with sleep.

I turned to see Kaelan. He looked just as handsome in the early light as he did in the dark. His eyes softened when they rested on me.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he said, his voice low and sexy as it echoed in my head.

“Morning, Alpha,” I replied with a warm smile, trying to calm my racing heart. How was it that just his gaze made my heart race?

“Did you sleep well?” he asked as his eyes swept over me as if he was searching for any sign of discomfort. I nodded, and his shoulders relaxed a bit.

“I’m here to enjoy the feel of nature,” I murmured, glancing around the garden, then back at him.

“Alpha Kaelan,” I began, my voice barely a whisper, “Why would someone like you… someone so powerful…” I trailed off, unable to finish the question, afraid of the answer. “I still don't get it.”

He watched me in silence for some seconds and then spoke, with a voice laced with softness and strength. “I didn’t choose this, Everly. We’re destined to be. You’re my fated mate. The bond we share is something rare, and sacred. It means you and I are bound, in a way that goes beyond choice.”

I swallowed, trying to process his words. “I know about the mate bond,” I said as I met his gaze, the term heavy on my tongue. “But why me? I’m… I'm nobody and I have nothing to offer you.”

He shook his head, stepping closer. “Everly. To me, you’re everything.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, a strange warmth spreading through me. I wished it came straight from his heart. As if he read my thoughts, he lowered his head and placed a kiss on my lips.

I shuddered as a spack of emotions shut through my entire body. He watched for any reaction from me and smirked when he saw the effect his kiss had on me, making me blush.

“I have a meeting to attend with some business partners in town. I'll be away for the entire morning. You'll be okay?”

“Of course.”

“See you later, then,” he said as he took his leave.

As soon as Kaelan left, a figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with sleek, blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Her expression was cold, and as she assessed me, I felt a sense of unease.