Chapter 4

Serena's POV

Kael’s entire expression shifted the moment he heard Lyra’s voice. The concern in his eyes when he had looked at my packed bag vanished, replaced by something softer and more attentive.

“I’ll be right there!” he called down to her, then turned back to me. “Actually, Sera, there’s something I need to tell you.”

I continued folding clothes, not looking at him. “What is it?”

“It’s about Lyra.” He paused, and I could feel his eyes on me. “She’s going to be staying with us from now on.”

My hands paused on the sweater I was holding, but I kept my expression blank. “Staying with us?”

“Yes. She’s pregnant, and she shouldn’t be alone in her condition. It’s not safe for her or the pup.” He spoke quickly. “It’s just temporary, until she gives birth.”

I turned to face him slowly. “Who’s the father?”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “That doesn’t matter.”

“It doesn’t matter?” I repeated flatly.

“No, it doesn’t.” His tone was firm and defensive now. “All that matters is her comfort and safety. She needs support right now, and as Alpha and her brother-in-law, it’s my responsibility to provide that. She’ll be staying in the master bedroom temporarily.”

The master bedroom. Our bedroom.

I looked at him for a long moment, watching as he braced himself for my reaction. He was clearly expecting tears, objections, or an argument.

Instead, I simply shrugged and turned back to my bag. “Okay. Let me pack my things then.”

The silence that followed was heavy.

“What?” Kael’s voice was filled with confusion.

“I said okay.” I pulled open another drawer and began removing my clothes. “If Lyra needs the master bedroom, then I’ll move to one of the guest rooms. It’s not a problem.”

“Sera…” He moved closer, frowning. “Hold on. Are you alright?”

“Yes,” I replied blankly, not looking at him as I continued packing.

His frown deepened. I could feel his eyes boring into me, trying to understand my lack of reaction.

“Are you still angry about the ceremony?” His voice had an edge of annoyance. “Is that why you’re throwing tantrums and acting so annoying?”

I turned to stare at him, incredulous. “Tantrums?”

“Yes, tantrums!” His voice rose in frustration. “I told you that Lyra was really ill, and I had to take care of her. She could have lost the pup, Sera! Do you understand how serious that was? But instead of being understanding and supportive, you’re acting cold and distant. What’s gotten into you?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say anything, Lyra spoke up from the hallway.

“Kael, please don’t yell at her!” she said softly. “This is all my fault.”

She placed a hand on her belly as she looked between us with wide, tearful eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Serena,” Lyra said, her voice trembling. “I never meant to cause problems between you two. I’m the intruder here. I’m the outsider. Maybe… maybe I should just leave before I cause any more issues.”

Kael’s expression immediately shifted to alarm. He shot me an accusing glare before he turned away from me and moved toward Lyra.

“No, no, don’t say that,” he said urgently, placing a protective hand on her shoulder. “You’re not an intruder. You’re family. You were Marcus’s mate, and you’re now pregnant. You belong here.”

Lyra’s eyes shone with tears as she looked up at him. “But Serena—”

“Serena understands,” Kael cut her off firmly, though he didn’t even look back at me to confirm. “Don’t you, Sera?”

I said nothing, just watching everything coldly.

When I didn’t immediately respond, Kael glared at me as if I was being difficult on purpose.

“Come on,” he said to Lyra, his voice softened again as he turned his full attention back to her. “You shouldn’t be stressing yourself out for nothing. It’s not good for the pup.”

He gently guided her toward the door, one hand still protectively on her shoulder.

Just before they left, he turned back to me with another sharp glare. “We’ll talk about this later, Serena. And I expect a better attitude.”

Then he was gone, leading Lyra down the stairs, murmuring soft reassurances to her that I couldn’t hear.

I stood alone in the bedroom, surrounded by half-packed bags.

I just had to survive six more days.