LOGINSerafine's POVThe memories crashed into me so suddenly that I covered my face with both hands. "Oh, no, no, no…"Bran's laughter echoed through the room.I remembered almost everything. The memories came in fragments. Broken pieces of last night stitching themselves together one embarrassing moment after another.After Aric left the game, things became worse.I remembered that much. The living room had been warm and noisy. Lupin was laughing. Bane was trying and failing to be responsible.I was sitting on Bran's couch with a half-empty glass of wine in my hand.And Bran… he was no where to be found at that time. He had excused himself for something. I couldn't remember why.At the time, I hadn't cared. Until moments later when I needed to pee. I waited patiently for Bran to come and help me to the bathroom because I was sure that I couldn't walk on my own. After a long time of waiting, I remembered crossing my legs. Then glaring at the doorway."Where is he?" I asked, annoyed. Lupi
Serafine's POVA dull ache pounded behind my eyes. I groaned softly and buried my face deeper into the pillow.Why did my head feel like someone had hit it with a hammer?The pillow below my cheek was far too comfortable to belong to me. The sheets were softer too. Wait. My eyes slowly opened.Sunlight streamed through large windows, bathing the room in warm light.Confused, I pushed myself upright. The movement was a mistake. The pain inside my skull exploded."Ow..." I clutched my head with both hands.Then sensed the strange smell coming from me. I sniffed my sleeve. My eyes widened as my senses registered the smell.“Alcohol? " My voice sounded hoarse.I looked around the room and immediately froze. The dark furniture. The familiar scent in the air. This wasn't my room. This was Bran's room.My heart nearly stopped. "Oh my… why am I here?"The door opened. And I looked up just as Bran walked inside carrying a tray. The moment he saw me awake, a smile spread across his face."Good
Alpha Bran's POV As the night deepened, the festivities became livelier. Music echoed across the territory. Bonfires burned brightly.Pack members danced and celebrated underneath the lantern-filled sky.For the first time in years, Dark Mountain was this lively and was at peace. No threats. And wars. Just happiness. And celebrating with family. I stood near the edge of the central courtyard watching the celebration when Aric approached me.Clara stood nearby speaking with the pack girls that were her age.I noticed how Aric looking at Clara and what she was doing softened his expression instantly.Then he followed my gaze and sighed. "Don't."I looked toward him. "What?""You have that look on your face.""What look?""The one that says you're about to say something ridiculous about me and Clara.""You and Clara? Why do you think so? What relationship do you have with her?"Aric snorted. "Never mind."It was becoming quite obvious that Aric and Clara were hiding something from me.
Alpha Bran's POVI couldn't take my eyes off my mate the rest of the evening.The New Moon Celebration continued around us with all the noise and excitement it brought every year, but my attention kept returning to the same person.She was smiling again. The kind of smile that reached her eyes and made her face light up.The kind of smile I would do anything to keep and protect."Can you not look at her for once?" Lupin's voice interrupted my thoughts.I growled, hating the nuisance.But continued watching Serafine from where she stood near one of the food stalls speaking with Clara and the pack women."I wasn't aware looking at my mate was a crime." I muttered.Lupin nearly choked. Bane, standing beside him, looked equally shocked. Slowly, both Gammas turned toward me.At that point, I wished I could take back what I said because the expressions on their faces were dangerous."Did you hear that?" Lupin whispered dramatically.Bane nodded. "I heard it.""I don't think I've ever heard
Serafine's POV "Thee mating dance." I screamed. Bran nodded, smiling at me. Every year during the New Moon Festival, mated couples participated in the traditional dance. It wasn't mandatory. But it was considered one of the most important parts of the celebration. It was a symbol of unity. Partnership. And devotion. Both to the pack and to your partner. I swallowed hard, suddenly becoming nervous. Bran peered down, his eyes on me. "You don't have to dance." I looked up at him. "What? Why?" "You seem not comfortable with it." The sincerity in his voice touched me deeply. Months ago, Bran would have simply assumed I would follow. Now he was giving me a choice. Respecting my feelings. Thinking about my comfort. The realization warmed my chest. I smiled. "I want to." Relief. Happiness. And love. All flashed through his eyes at once. Then he held out his hand. My heart fluttered. The gesture felt ridiculously romantic. And judging by the faint redness appearing on Bran's ear
Serafine's POV The moment Bran took my hand, every teasing thought disappeared from my head. The laughter. The embarrassment. The amusement from tormenting him about the list of activities he would do in the festival vanished. Because his fingers had intertwined with mine so naturally that my heart forgot how to beat. For a moment, I simply stared at our joined hands. I couldn’t take my eyes off his strong fingers. Warm skin and a firm yet gentle grip. Yet, somehow, it felt more intimate than anything else. Perhaps because this was Bran. The same Bran who once struggled to express even the smallest emotion. The same Bran who had spent months building walls around himself. And now he was standing in the middle of the New Moon Festival holding my hand without caring who saw. The realization made my chest warm. His thumb brushed lightly across my knuckles. My heart betrayed me. I was hopeless. Bran glanced down at me. His winter gray eyes softened. "What are you thinking about?
Serafine's POV I looked down at my trembling hands as I stayed curled behind my bed, drawing my knees to my chest. The lock clicked and the door opened.My heart pounded. Eyes bulged as Alpha Bran stormed in, wearing only pants.Sweat glistened on his skin, rolling down his hard chest and disappea
Saskia’s POV Anger boiled in my heart as I stormed into the bedroom I shared with Bran. He'd not touched the food I made for him. I stayed hours in that suffocating kitchen, submitting myself to the teachings and guidance of Ember and her staff just to make that tray of delicacy for him. It was so
Bran's POV I pushed Saskia off without thinking, and regretted doing that when she looked at me with horrific eyes.My gaze returned to Grayson who had reported Serafine missing. Missing? Impossible. Dark Mountain was the only pack in North America with top notch security. Not even a fly can le
Serafine's POV “Lock me in here.” I said.Silence fell in the room. Aric and the Gammas exchanged looks before looking back at me.Bran's eyes showed with surprise. He wasn't expecting my answer.“So be it.” His voice was final. He turned and left. Aric, Gamma Lupin and Bane, Grayson, they all loo







