Ron coughed, blood spattering the wooden floor as Dylan Grenville pressed him hard against the tavern wall. His suit was torn, face swollen from the hits, and the cold steel of Dylan’s gaze was more suffocating than the grip around his collar.“You’re making a mistake,” Ron rasped, spitting blood to the side. “You think I’m the end of the line? You’ve just made an enemy you can’t handle. My boss—he’s Goliath. You hear me? Goliath. The man who eats corpses for breakfast.”That name echoed like a thunderclap.Chairs scraped.A drunk at the bar nearly dropped his mug. “Did… did he say Goliath?”A bald man near the hearth froze mid-laugh. “No damn way. You mean that Goliath?”From the shadows, someone muttered, “The one who blew up an entire casino over a poker insult?”The barmaid behind the counter dropped a glass, shards scattering. “I heard he skinned a man just for calling him ‘big guy.’”A grizzled patron in a tattered coat leaned over his shot. “Burned down three blocks just ‘cause
30Seraphina’s POVThe sun was just beginning to rise when the trembling finally stopped. My breaths came in slow, uneven waves, my body aching from the battle between my instincts and the remnants of that unnatural power still humming beneath my skin.And I was barely clothed.The remnants of my shift had left my clothes shredded, torn beyond repair. Cool morning air brushed against my exposed skin, making me shiver. I curled my arms around myself, trying to cover what little I could.Kaelion had never left my side.I felt his presence beside me, steady and unwavering, even when I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. He had every reason to fear me. I’d nearly—No. I didn’t want to think about it.“Come on,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, almost gentle. “There’s somewhere I want to take you.”I hesitated. My legs felt weak, my mind still fogged over from whatever had taken hold of me, but something in his tone made me follow. He didn’t force me, didn’t push—he simply waited, lik
Chapter 34Seraphina’s POVThe last few days had been… different.Kaelion had kept his distance—but not in the way that made me feel ignored. No, it was like he was watching, waiting. Letting me breathe. Letting me come to him.And someone else had stepped into the space between us.Two, actually.Dan and Isla.Kaelion’s Beta and Gamma.I’d known them, of course. In passing. As figures of authority. As wolves to steer clear of unless summoned.But now they were everywhere.At first, it irritated me.Then confused me.And then, strangely, comforted me.Dan was the first to approach me directly. I had just finished a brutal training session, drenched in sweat and chewing on frustration. He strolled up, all grins and dimples, tossing me a bottle of water like we were old friends.“You move better when you’re pissed,” he said casually.I arched a brow. “And you move better when your nose isn’t broken. Want to keep it that way?”He laughed, boyishly, without offense. “Feisty. Kaelion likes
Chapter 34 Seraphina’s POV The last few days had been… different. Kaelion had kept his distance—but not in the way that made me feel ignored. No, it was like he was watching, waiting. Letting me breathe. Letting me come to him. And someone else had stepped into the space between us. Two, actually. Dan and Isla. Kaelion’s Beta and Gamma. I’d known them, of course. In passing. As figures of authority. As wolves to steer clear of unless summoned. But now they were everywhere. At first, it irritated me. Then confused me. And then, strangely, comforted me. Dan was the first to approach me directly. I had just finished a brutal training session, drenched in sweat and chewing on frustration. He strolled up, all grins and dimples, tossing me a bottle of water like we were old friends. “You move better when you’re pissed,” he said casually. I arched a brow. “And you move better when your nose isn’t broken. Want to keep it that way?” He laughed, boyishly, without offense. “Feist
51Seraphina’s POVThe days began to slip into a new rhythm.Every morning, before the sun even kissed the tops of the trees, I found myself in the training fields. Isla was relentless—drills, sparring, endless practice—but he wasn’t cruel. He pushed me because he believed I could take it.And somehow… I did.My strength grew. My balance sharpened. I learned how to use my instincts, how to shift my weight, how to strike hard and fast without hesitating. Each day, I grew a little more confident in my skin.And when Kaelion stepped in to teach me combat techniques, it was different. It wasn’t just about strength with him—it was about strategy. About reading an opponent, moving with them like a dance.Sparks flew between us—frustration, laughter, heat. Every time he corrected my form, brushing my hand or guiding my stance, my heart tripped over itself. I could feel Speedy lurking beneath his skin too, restless and watching me like a predator barely on a leash.And… I didn’t hate it.Dani
30 Seraphina’s POV The sun was just beginning to rise when the trembling finally stopped. My breaths came in slow, uneven waves, my body aching from the battle between my instincts and the remnants of that unnatural power still humming beneath my skin. And I was barely clothed. The remnants of my shift had left my clothes shredded, torn beyond repair. Cool morning air brushed against my exposed skin, making me shiver. I curled my arms around myself, trying to cover what little I could. Kaelion had never left my side. I felt his presence beside me, steady and unwavering, even when I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. He had every reason to fear me. I’d nearly— No. I didn’t want to think about it. “Come on,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, almost gentle. “There’s somewhere I want to take you.” I hesitated. My legs felt weak, my mind still fogged over from whatever had taken hold of me, but something in his tone made me follow. He didn’t force me, didn’t push—he simply wa
30 Seraphina’s POV The sun was just beginning to rise when the trembling finally stopped. My breaths came in slow, uneven waves, my body aching from the battle between my instincts and the remnants of that unnatural power still humming beneath my skin. And I was barely clothed. The remnants of my shift had left my clothes shredded, torn beyond repair. Cool morning air brushed against my exposed skin, making me shiver. I curled my arms around myself, trying to cover what little I could. Kaelion had never left my side. I felt his presence beside me, steady and unwavering, even when I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. He had every reason to fear me. I’d nearly— No. I didn’t want to think about it. “Come on,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, almost gentle. “There’s somewhere I want to take you.” I hesitated. My legs felt weak, my mind still fogged over from whatever had taken hold of me, but something in his tone made me follow. He didn’t force me, didn’t push—he
Chapter 54 – “Hidden Away”Seraphina’s POVThe cabin groaned under the weight of the wind, a sound too close to a wounded animal’s cry. We were far from the packlands now—so far, it felt like another life had been left behind in the dirt and blood. Kaelion hadn’t spoken since we limped in. Neither had I.He moved like a shadow, quiet but steady, building a fire, boiling water, tearing cloth into strips. I watched him from the edge of the bed, my shoulder throbbing beneath the blanket. I should’ve said something. Maybe thank you. Maybe ask him if he was alright. But the words stayed buried beneath the rubble inside me.He returned to my side with the warm water, a roll of bandages, and that look in his eyes—tight, unreadable, but so full of something I couldn’t name.“Let me see it,” he said, voice quiet.I nodded, teeth clenched as I let the blanket slip from my shoulder. The wound was ugly—deep and raw—but I barely felt it as his fingers brushed my skin. I flinched anyway.“Sorry,” h
88 Chapter 56 – “All of Me” Seraphina’s POV The fire had burned low, just embers now. A soft, steady crackle filled the silence between us. I sat cross-legged on the floor, my back against the cabin wall, my bowl of food long forgotten beside me. Kaelion was across from me, legs stretched out, hands resting loosely on his thighs. He hadn’t pushed. Hadn’t asked a single question. But his eyes… they were patient. Waiting. And something about that—about the quiet way he looked at me like he saw me, like he wanted to see everything I kept hidden—made the weight inside my chest shift. I stared at the fire for a long time. I wasn’t sure why my mouth opened. I didn’t plan it. But once the words started coming, they didn’t stop. “You remember last night… the dream I had?” Kaelion nodded silently. “It wasn’t just a nightmare. It happened. That’s how it all started.” I took a deep breath. My fingers twisted the edge of the blanket around me. “My first shift… I was young. S
88 Chapter 56 – “All of Me” Seraphina’s POV The fire had burned low, just embers now. A soft, steady crackle filled the silence between us. I sat cross-legged on the floor, my back against the cabin wall, my bowl of food long forgotten beside me. Kaelion was across from me, legs stretched out, hands resting loosely on his thighs. He hadn’t pushed. Hadn’t asked a single question. But his eyes… they were patient. Waiting. And something about that—about the quiet way he looked at me like he saw me, like he wanted to see everything I kept hidden—made the weight inside my chest shift. I stared at the fire for a long time. I wasn’t sure why my mouth opened. I didn’t plan it. But once the words started coming, they didn’t stop. “You remember last night… the dream I had?” Kaelion nodded silently. “It wasn’t just a nightmare. It happened. That’s how it all started.” I took a deep breath. My fingers twisted the edge of the blanket around me. “My first shift… I was young. Stupid. I th
28 Kaelion’s POV I didn’t trust this woman. Luna was too smooth, too sweet, her words like honey laced with poison. And the way she kept smiling at Seraphina, like she actually cared, made my skin crawl. I watched her closely as she raised her glass to her lips, sipping her wine slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Seraphina. She was playing a game, and I hated not knowing the rules. When the food arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for Seraphina’s plate, pulling it toward me. She didn’t protest, just watched as I picked up her fork and cut into the meat. Slowly, I brought the piece to my mouth and chewed. Luna let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “My, how protective,” she mused, swirling the wine in her glass. I didn’t answer. I was too focused on the taste. Nothing seemed off. No bitterness. No strange aftertaste. But that didn’t mean anything. If Luna wanted to harm Seraphina, she wouldn’t be so obvious. After a moment, I placed the plate back in fr
28 Kaelion’s POV I didn’t trust this woman. Luna was too smooth, too sweet, her words like honey laced with poison. And the way she kept smiling at Seraphina, like she actually cared, made my skin crawl. I watched her closely as she raised her glass to her lips, sipping her wine slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Seraphina. She was playing a game, and I hated not knowing the rules. When the food arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for Seraphina’s plate, pulling it toward me. She didn’t protest, just watched as I picked up her fork and cut into the meat. Slowly, I brought the piece to my mouth and chewed. Luna let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “My, how protective,” she mused, swirling the wine in her glass. I didn’t answer. I was too focused on the taste. Nothing seemed off. No bitterness. No strange aftertaste. But that didn’t mean anything. If Luna wanted to harm Seraphina, she wouldn’t be so obvious. After a moment, I placed the plate back in fr
28 Kaelion’s POV I didn’t trust this woman. Luna was too smooth, too sweet, her words like honey laced with poison. And the way she kept smiling at Seraphina, like she actually cared, made my skin crawl. I watched her closely as she raised her glass to her lips, sipping her wine slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Seraphina. She was playing a game, and I hated not knowing the rules. When the food arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for Seraphina’s plate, pulling it toward me. She didn’t protest, just watched as I picked up her fork and cut into the meat. Slowly, I brought the piece to my mouth and chewed. Luna let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “My, how protective,” she mused, swirling the wine in her glass. I didn’t answer. I was too focused on the taste. Nothing seemed off. No bitterness. No strange aftertaste. But that didn’t mean anything. If Luna wanted to harm Seraphina, she wouldn’t be so obvious. After a moment, I placed the plate back in fr
28 Kaelion’s POV I didn’t trust this woman. Luna was too smooth, too sweet, her words like honey laced with poison. And the way she kept smiling at Seraphina, like she actually cared, made my skin crawl. I watched her closely as she raised her glass to her lips, sipping her wine slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Seraphina. She was playing a game, and I hated not knowing the rules. When the food arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for Seraphina’s plate, pulling it toward me. She didn’t protest, just watched as I picked up her fork and cut into the meat. Slowly, I brought the piece to my mouth and chewed. Luna let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “My, how protective,” she mused, swirling the wine in her glass. I didn’t answer. I was too focused on the taste. Nothing seemed off. No bitterness. No strange aftertaste. But that didn’t mean anything. If Luna wanted to harm Seraphina, she wouldn’t be so obvious. After a moment, I placed the plate back in fr
28 Kaelion’s POV I didn’t trust this woman. Luna was too smooth, too sweet, her words like honey laced with poison. And the way she kept smiling at Seraphina, like she actually cared, made my skin crawl. I watched her closely as she raised her glass to her lips, sipping her wine slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Seraphina. She was playing a game, and I hated not knowing the rules. When the food arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for Seraphina’s plate, pulling it toward me. She didn’t protest, just watched as I picked up her fork and cut into the meat. Slowly, I brought the piece to my mouth and chewed. Luna let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “My, how protective,” she mused, swirling the wine in her glass. I didn’t answer. I was too focused on the taste. Nothing seemed off. No bitterness. No strange aftertaste. But that didn’t mean anything. If Luna wanted to harm Seraphina, she wouldn’t be so obvious. After a moment, I placed the plate back in fr
28 Kaelion’s POV I didn’t trust this woman. Luna was too smooth, too sweet, her words like honey laced with poison. And the way she kept smiling at Seraphina, like she actually cared, made my skin crawl. I watched her closely as she raised her glass to her lips, sipping her wine slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Seraphina. She was playing a game, and I hated not knowing the rules. When the food arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for Seraphina’s plate, pulling it toward me. She didn’t protest, just watched as I picked up her fork and cut into the meat. Slowly, I brought the piece to my mouth and chewed. Luna let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “My, how protective,” she mused, swirling the wine in her glass. I didn’t answer. I was too focused on the taste. Nothing seemed off. No bitterness. No strange aftertaste. But that didn’t mean anything. If Luna wanted to harm Seraphina, she wouldn’t be so obvious. After a moment, I placed the plate back in fr
28 Kaelion’s POV I didn’t trust this woman. Luna was too smooth, too sweet, her words like honey laced with poison. And the way she kept smiling at Seraphina, like she actually cared, made my skin crawl. I watched her closely as she raised her glass to her lips, sipping her wine slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Seraphina. She was playing a game, and I hated not knowing the rules. When the food arrived, I didn’t hesitate. I reached for Seraphina’s plate, pulling it toward me. She didn’t protest, just watched as I picked up her fork and cut into the meat. Slowly, I brought the piece to my mouth and chewed. Luna let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head. “My, how protective,” she mused, swirling the wine in her glass. I didn’t answer. I was too focused on the taste. Nothing seemed off. No bitterness. No strange aftertaste. But that didn’t mean anything. If Luna wanted to harm Seraphina, she wouldn’t be so obvious. After a moment, I placed the plate back in fr