Chapter 2

Seraphina looked up to see Kaelen and Liam standing in the doorway.

Liam slid down from his father's arms and rushed into her embrace.

"Mama, who were you just saying is leaving?"

Seraphina spoke softly.

"A human friend of mine. Her marriage fell apart, so she's planning to leave her husband and son."

Liam nuzzled his cheek against hers, a cub's gesture of affection.

"Your friend is so unlucky. I'm glad Dad and I will love you forever."

Kaelen put his coat away and came over, wrapping them both in his arms. The scent of his Alpha dominance was as possessive and tender as always.

"Your son is right, Sera. Our family will be together forever. The Moon Goddess witnessed our vow."

Seraphina said nothing, her long lashes hiding the bitterness in her eyes.

Forever?

Their bond was already cracked.

Liam spotted the cake on the table and quickly presented his leather pouch.

"Mama, this is the gift Dad and I picked for you!"

Kaelen opened the gift box inside, revealing a necklace carved from moonstone. His voice held a note of apology.

"Sera, the negotiations with the neighboring pack were difficult. My son and I are a little late. Please don't be mad at us."

As he spoke, he moved to fasten the necklace around her neck.

The moment he drew close, Seraphina smelled it―the strong, unfamiliar scent of another she-wolf mixed with Kaelen's Alpha scent.

And she never wore any perfume.

A wave of nausea churned in her stomach. She couldn't help but push them away and rush to the side, gagging.

Kaelen was always overly concerned about her health; a simple cough would put him on high alert. Seeing her like this, he was about to summon the pack's physician.

Seraphina stopped him, her eyes, red from retching, fixed on his.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking about my friend's husband and son. Their actions disgust me."

"Kaelen, if you ever stop loving me, I will…"

"Impossible!"

Before she could finish, Kaelen cut her off, pulling her into a tight embrace as if trying to brand his scent back onto her, to never be separated again.

"Sera, you know my heart. You are the only mate I will ever have. I will never let you leave me!"

Liam clenched his little fists, his expression serious.

"Don't worry, Mama. Dad and I would never do anything to hurt you."

"I'll even help you watch Dad. If he ever dares to do anything wrong, I'll tell you right away! I'm always on your side."

His words made Kaelen laugh.

"Liam, is that what you think of me?"

Liam glared at him.

"Hmph. I love Mama the most. I have to protect her."

...

Listening to their bickering, Seraphina's face remained void of any smile.

She felt an invisible claw tearing her heart to shreds.

Kaelen claimed to love her, yet he carried the scent of another woman.

Liam vowed to protect her, yet he helped his father lie and cover his tracks.

She could no longer tell what was a lie and what was the truth.

The next morning, Kaelen personally grilled the freshest game for her, just as he always did, serving it to her with doting eyes.

"Sera, after breakfast, how about we all go hunting at Snowpeak Ridge?"

"My son and I got back late yesterday, so I want to make up for our anniversary today."

Liam handed her a glass of freshly squeezed goat's milk and wrapped his arms around her waist, whining playfully.

"Please, Mama, please? Hunting is so much fun."

Seraphina had no interest in hunting, but before she could even finish her breakfast, the father and son had already packed all the gear and pulled her into their off-road vehicle.

It was only when they arrived at Snowpeak Ridge that she understood why they had insisted on coming.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, she saw Raina, dressed in sleek hunting attire, looking around at the entrance.

When Kaelen and Liam got out, Raina's eyes lit up. She trotted over, naturally wrapping a wolf-fur scarf, saturated with her own pheromones, around Liam's neck. Then, she handed Kaelen a thermos, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at him.

Seraphina watched her fluid, practiced motions in silence.

Liam, despite his young age, disliked being touched by anyone other than family.

And Kaelen, ever since he was drugged by a rival pack six years ago, never accepted drinks from any she-wolf but her.

Kaelen cleared his throat, a hint of unease in his voice.

"Sera, this is my assistant, Raina. She planned the hunting route for us. It'll be more convenient with her around, so I invited her."

Liam chimed in right on cue. "Yeah, Mama! This way, we just get to have fun. Isn't that great?"

Was it for convenience, or was it so they could spend every waking moment with Raina?

She no longer had the energy to figure out their true intentions.

Raina finally seemed to notice her, timidly extending a hand.

"Hello, Luna. I promise I won't get in your family's way."

Seraphina's sharp eyes caught a flash of green on Raina's wrist.

"What's that on your wrist?"