Chapter 3

Caden panicked and rushed to her side. "Sera, what's wrong?"

Seraphina was bent over, retching until her whole body shook. She couldn't understand. How could the man who had sworn before the Moon Goddess to stay true to her forever betray their bond? Did Caden not fear the Goddess's punishment? Or did he believe he could hide his sin forever?

The night breeze cooled her hot skin, and her mind cleared.

"Are you alright, Sera? If you're unwell, I'll take you to the pack healer," Caden said.

"No need. Probably just bad food at dinner."

"Then tomorrow come to the Group with me. We'll have lunch together."

Seraphina gave a cold laugh. Go to his Group? Watch him and Layla roll around in his office? She suddenly felt like playing along. "Sure. I'll go with you tomorrow. I'll sit with you at work, have lunch with you, and we'll come home together at night."

Caden hadn't expected that answer. His face stiffened. "But... I'm really busy lately. I might not be able to stay with you all the time."

"You handle your work. I'll wait for you in your office."

"...Alright then."

Back at the villa, Caden offered to run her a bath. He went into the bathroom and—strangely—closed the door behind him.

Seraphina went downstairs and slid back into the car. As soon as she started it, the screen lit up with his newest messages.

Caden: Change of plans. We can't use the office tomorrow.

Layla: Aw, I'm disappointed.

Caden: Don't be. I'll take you up to the rooftop. More exciting.

Layla: Heehee, you're the best.

When Seraphina came back to the bedroom, Caden stepped out of the bathroom. "Sera, the bath's ready. Go soak for a bit."

"No, I just want to rest."

"Alright. Sleep if you're tired. Oh—can I open that gift you left on the table?"

"In a week."

"Why wait a week? I want to see what my Seraphina prepared for me now."

"Because..." Because in a week, I'll sever our bond forever. "...because it'll only have meaning in a week."

Caden kissed her forehead lightly. "Okay. I'll listen to you."

The next morning, Caden's phone began ringing a little after six. He silenced it and rolled over, pulling Seraphina into his arms. "Ignore it. Sleep a little longer."

But the phone rang again. He frowned. "It's not even work hours yet. Pushy idiots. One of these days I'll fire the lot of them."

He silenced it again. On the third ring, he got out of bed with a huff. "Sera, keep sleeping. I'll see what's so urgent."

Seraphina murmured, "Mm," and turned her back to him.

Caden left the room with his phone. Soon his shadow appeared by the front door. Outside stood a deliveryman holding a package. Caden took it. When he came back inside, his hands were empty.

"Is the pack matter serious?" Seraphina asked.

"Nothing to worry about. Rest easy, Sera. I'll make you breakfast."

Whether from guilt or genuine concern over her stomach, Caden prepared an unusually lavish breakfast—milk, eggs, bread, jam, and her favorite oatmeal.

"You can't just eat random food anymore," he said. "I'll hire a private chef to cook for you every day."

"No need."

"Be good, Sera. Otherwise I'll worry when I'm at the Group."

"Caden, can I ask you something?"

"Ask me anything."

She set down her knife and fork. "In our pack... do you think the curse of betraying the mate bond is real?"

Caden's face twisted with righteous indignation. "That's punishment for the weak-willed. I'm different. I'll always stay true to my Seraphina. I only love you."

"Only me for life?"

"Yes."

"And if you fell for another she-wolf?"

"Then may the Moon Goddess abandon me, strip my power, and leave me howling alone forever."

Seraphina gave a bitter smile. "Such a heavy oath. You're not afraid it might come true?"

"I'm only speaking the truth. Why should I fear?" Caden said. "Sera, you must believe in our bond."

"Eat," she said flatly.

"You still don't believe me? Do you want me to rip my heart out to prove it?"

"You're going to be late. People at the Group are waiting."

Relieved, Caden sat opposite her. "Let them wait. A bunch of useless people. I'll replace them soon enough."

"Replace her—could you bear that?" Seraphina asked. She said "her," not "them." She didn't know if Caden caught it.

All he said was, "Other than you, there's nothing I can't give up."