Don't hold back

Two Months Ago

Seraphine sat on the bench, staring at the night sky. For some reason, the stars appeared to be more beautiful than ever.

"One, two, three," She said out loud as she counted the stars.

"I never would have thought I would find you here," Someone said from behind her.

Seraphine tilted her head slightly to find a shirtless Alaric behind her.

"No!" She yelled as her right hand flew to her face, covering her eyes. "Why in the world are you half-naked, Alaric?"

He chuckled as he walked around, and stood in front of her, buttoning his shirt.

"Well, someone went missing for the whole day, so I had to turn into my wolf so that I could find her," he said.

Seraphine laughed." So are you dressed properly now?" She asked him.

"Yes I am," he replied.

She didn't believe him." Are you sure?"

Alaric let out a light chuckle." Really Seraphine?. Are you calling your Alpha a liar?"

Seraphine laughed again. "Says the guy who tries to use any chance to kiss me," She replied.

"Well, I didn't try to kiss you, actually did kiss you," Alaric said as he sat next to her, tilted his head and kissed her. 

Seraphine's eyes widened in shock as she took her hand off.

"Alaric!" She cried out, and he started laughing. "You have to stop doing that."

"Come on, Seraphine.  I can't help it. I waited years to find my mate, and now here she is, next to me. I have to show the Moon Goddess that I am grateful by kissing you every chance I get," he said, with a smirk on his face.

Seraphine smiled as she kissed him too. She leaned on his chest.

They remained silent for a while, not knowing what to say. 

"I didn't take you for someone who loves flowers," Alaric said as he stared at the garden in front of them, finally breaking the silence.

Seraphine laughed. "Seriously? Well, I haven't met any girl who doesn't like flowers. But, I do think something else would look better here," She said to him.

"Really? Like what?" He asked.

"Like a fountain," She said as she raised her head to meet his gaze.

Alaric smiled. "If a fountain is what you want, then a fountain is what you'll get."

"Really?" She said.

Alaric nodded, and then Seraphine kissed him. They went silent once more. This time it was a little awkward.

"You know, I always hated you and your Father for treating my Father like he was a pawn in a chess game," Seraphine said, breaking the silence. "And I hated my father more for allowing him."

Alaric was confused. He looked at her as he raised her chin.

"What are you talking about?" He asked.

"Well, after my Father stood by your father through all the wars he fought in the past, your father ended up exiling him and his family to a pack that isn't even part of your family's pack," She said to him. "But for some reason, my Father refused to tell me why."

Alaric flashed her a sad smile as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"I watched my Father get drunk so many times because he missed your Father so much. But whenever he asked your father to return, he always refused," Alaric said to her.

Seraphine looked shocked by that. She wanted to say something, but Alaric continued.

"Your Father refused to tell you because he took an oath. I never even knew why my Father sent him off until when he showed up at my Father's funeral," he said.

"And why was he exiled?" She questioned.

"He wasn't exiled, Seraphine. He chose to leave to serve the pack, and so did your mother," he said.

"Why in the world would they do that?"

"After the great war between werewolves and witches, everyone thought the witches had gone extinct, but your Father refused to believe it. So he decided to go to different packs in search of any trace of witches," he said to her.

Seraphine was shocked. "And my Mom? What about her?" She asked. "Why would she agree to go with him?".

"Really, Seraphine? A mate bond isn't something we can go against. I don't think I would want to be miles away from my mate. I wouldn't be able to stay that far away from you, Sera," he said.

"Don't call me that," Seraphine said as she stood up. She wanted to walk away, but Alaric pulled her in and held her tight.

"Let me go, Alaric!" She yelled, but he didn't listen to her.

"You don't have to pretend, Seraphine. I know you miss him. I know you're just pretending to be strong, but I know you're hurting. You don't have to hold it in anymore," he said to her.

Hearing those words, Seraphine broke out in tears. Her Dad had died a week ago, and she hadn't shed a tear for him. The only thing she could do was stay alone.

"I'm such a fool, Alaric. I hated him so much, and I still hate him now. Why didn't he tell me about this? Why did he let me hate and look down on him?!" She cried out.

Alaric held her close. "He was under an oath not to say a word to anyone else, Seraphine."

Seraphine cried out. 

She couldn't help but wish her Dad was next to her. She had spent so much time telling him how dumb he was for being loyal to the Bloodmoon pack instead of loving and making valuable memories with him.

Minutes passed, and Alaric still held onto her, until she wasn't making any sound.

He loosened his grip on her, his eyes meeting hers. He wiped the tear marks on her cheeks.

"I'm here for you, Seraphine. I know I might not be enough, but I want you to know that—"

Before he could complete his sentence, she threw her hands around his neck, standing on her heels as she kissed him.

Alaric was shocked. He deepened the kiss as he wrapped his hands and her waist, pulling her closer.

He felt her hands rest on his chest before locating his buttons, and unhooking them.

He held her hand, breaking free from the kiss.

"Are you sure about that? We don't have to do it if you are still not ready.

"I am. I am ready," Seraphine replied.

That night, under the night sky, they sealed their bond.