Serena’s POV
The silence in the room stretched unbearably as Ceider
cocky confidence was replaced by something for rider, almost forbidding.
“Why?” His voice was sharper than I expected, cutting through the wary
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before meeting his gaze. “I chose Alga lev’s ped
for me and my family.” I said, keeping my voice firm, though my heart was raring “It’s nothing prestal, high Cab But if I joined your pack…well, rumors would spread. People might think 1’re just one of you…
His brows rose slightly, and I noticed his jaw clench as he processed my words. He Gibert deny it. suspicions.
“That’s why?” he asked, his voice low, the disbelief clear.
“Yes,” I replied. “Alpha Aeson already has a mate. There won’t be any misunderstandings or untersary drama ‘me of his pack. It’s what’s best for everyone involved.”
For a moment, he didn’t say anything, and I could feel the weight of his displeasure pressing down on me used to being told no, that much was obvious.
Hades cleared his throat, breaking the tension. “You’re dismissed,” he said curtly, his tone leaving no room for argum
I glanced at him, startled by the sharpness in his voice. His ice–blue eyes were colder as always, and though he wasn’t directed at me, it was still unsettling. Without another word, he turned and left the room, his powerful side echoing against the floor.
I swallowed hard and turned back to Caiden, who was still watching me with a look I couldn’t quite decipher. I could leef the weight of his disappointment, but I stood firm. I had weighed the pros and cons, and this was the decision 1 fe right.
With a curt nod to both of them, I left the room, my heart still pounding
Later, I made my way to Aeson’s office after receiving a summons. The corridor felt endless, my mind replaying the even from earlier. When I finally reached his door, I took a steadying breath before knocking and stepping inside.
Aeson was seated behind his desk, his hazel eyes lifting to meet mine as I entered.
“Serena,” he said, his voice smooth. “What do you have for me?”
“I’ve been taking some calls,” I began, stepping closer to his desk. “A few Alphas have reached out, asking to schedu appointments with you. They wanted to discuss… alliances, I think.”
He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. “Who?”
I listed a few names, watching his expression shift slightly with each one.
“Reject them all,” he said, his tone firm.
1/2
“All of them?” I asked, startled.
“Yes.” His gaze was steady. “I have no interest in entertaining their offers. They’re opportunists, nothing more.”
I nodded, though I couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy at his decisiveness. As I noted his instructions, he stood suddenly, moving around his desk to stand beside me.
The shift in proximity made my breath hitch. He was too close, his presence almost overwhelming.
“Is there anything else?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady as I felt the heat of his body beside me.
For a moment, he didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned slightly closer, his face inches from mine. My pulse quickened, a strange tension crackling in the air.
“Why make me search for you all these years, Serena?” he muttered, his voice low and almost… pained.
My eyes snapped to his, shock freezing me in place. “Huh?”
His hazel eyes were half–lidded, his gaze intense as it roamed over my face. The way he was looking at me made my stomach twist in knots. There was something there–something I couldn’t quite place.
He didn’t speak again, but his expression said everything. It was as if he wanted something from me but couldn’t bring himself to say it aloud. His gaze dropped to my lips for the briefest moment, making my heart race even faster.
