Chapter 5

"It was just a friend," Seraphina said evenly. "She lost her passport and asked me how to replace it."

Caden hurried forward and wrapped her tightly in his arms. "You scared me. I thought you were leaving the country... without me."

Seraphina turned her face away and retched again. The cloying sweetness on him—the scent of his intimacy with Layla—was suffocating.

He rubbed her back in concern. "What did they give you to eat? I told them you've had stomach issues! I'll fire them all—"

She shoved him hard with all her strength. "Fire whoever you want, but don't pretend you're doing it for me!"

Her sudden outburst stunned him. "Sera... are you mad at me? Because I was busy today and couldn't be with you? Then tomorrow, I'll cancel everything. I'll spend the whole day with you. Just you, okay?"

Seraphina gave a bitter laugh. "Just me?"

"Yes. Only you."

She drew a long breath, let it out slowly. "I hope you mean it."

That night, rain poured down without warning. From the moment she got home, Seraphina kept vomiting. Each time Caden tried to come near, she pushed him away.

"Stay back. The smell on you makes me even sicker."

He sniffed his sleeve. "Maybe it's this cologne. I'll change it."

"Caden, you know very well—it's not cologne."

"Alright, alright. No more perfume, ever. Will that make you happy?"

Seraphina splashed cold water on her face, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Behind her, Caden stood at the bathroom door, holding hot water, looking desperate. She couldn't understand—how could he reek of Layla and still pretend to love her so sincerely? Maybe the pack member had been right: strong Alphas always had women on the side. As long as their mate was fooled, it didn't matter.

But Seraphina still had her bottom line. If the bond wasn't whole, she wanted none of it.

The next morning, Caden took her to the healer. After a series of tests, the healer gave his verdict: "Seraphina's physical discomfort comes from emotional strain. Her bond is destabilized by severe stress."

"Emotional strain?" Caden asked.

"Yes. She's suffered something heavy lately. It shook her deeply, causing these symptoms."

Caden turned to her. "Sera, what happened? Tell me. Maybe I can help."

She averted her face. "You can't."

"Try me. There's little in this pack I can't fix."

She almost asked him then—if she and Layla were both drowning, who would he save? But she stopped herself. Depending on anyone was foolish. She could swim. She could save herself. She no longer needed Caden.

Norway awaited. Under the name Finn, she'd applied to an art academy there. Once, she had given up painting to be the perfect Luna for Caden. Now, she would live for herself.

"Sera, this afternoon, let's see a movie. A comedy. You'll laugh, feel better."

"This afternoon? Don't you have pack business?"

"I told you—I'll spend today with you. I never break promises."

But then his phone rang. He reached to silence it—then froze at the caller ID. His expression shifted from irritation to hesitation.

Seraphina watched it all. She smiled faintly. "Answer it. Pack matters come first."

"I'll be quick. Five minutes."

"Right here. Take the call in front of me. I won't understand anyway."

He stopped, awkward. After two seconds of hesitation, he answered. His brows pinched with anger. "Didn't I tell you not to call today? What is it?"

On the other end, muffled words—and a woman's sobbing. His tone softened at once. "Fine. I'll be there soon."

He hung up, turning to Seraphina with guilt written all over his face. "Sera, a critical document needs my signature. They've brought it to the hospital downstairs. I'll sign and come right back. Half an hour at most."

She nodded. He ran out, almost at a sprint.

The healer chuckled kindly. "Seraphina, Caden truly loves you. To abandon pack duties for you like that..."

"Does he?" She gave a thin smile. "Excuse me—I need the restroom."

Outside, she caught sight of him skipping the elevator and racing down the stairs. Yes, he went down—but only one floor below. The Pack's fertility center.

Her phone buzzed.

Layla: Seraphina, so sorry! Looks like Caden won't be with you today~ One call from me, and he comes straight to my side.