Petrified, Kaden was quick to examine Seraphina. "What's wrong, Sera?"

Seraphina retched violently and took a long time to gather herself. She couldn't wrap her head around the matter.

Why would her Alpha, who once vowed his commitment to her before the Moon Goddess, betray their mate bond?

Surely, the wrath of the Moon Goddess meant something to him. Maybe Kaden believed his efforts and power were enough to keep the affair under wraps.

The evening breeze cleared Seraphina's head.

Kaden asked, "Are you alright, Sera? If you're unwell, I'll take you to the pack's healer right now."

"I'm fine. I might have eaten something funny at dinner."

"Come see me at the office tomorrow. We can grab a bite tomorrow."

Seraphina scoffed. She wondered if she was about to get a front-row tour of Kaden and Lyra's escapades on company grounds.

Out of nowhere, Seraphina was tempted to stir mischief.

"Sure, I'll go to the office with you. I'll keep you company while you work. We can have lunch and head home together once you're done for the day."

Caught off guard by her answer, Kaden could barely keep his face straight. "But my work schedule has been hectic lately. I might not be able to stay by your side the whole day."

"Don't let me keep you from business. I'll stick around in your office."

"Very well then."

Back in their residential villa, Kaden offered to draw the bath for Seraphina. Once inside the bathroom, he closed the door behind him for once.

Seraphina took the stairs down to the ground floor and sat back in the car. She started the engine, and the recent chat history popped up on the integrated screen.

Kaden: Change of plans. The office is a no-go tomorrow.

Kitty Lyra: Oh, that's disappointing.

Kaden: Don't feel down, kitty. It'll be a lot more thrilling when I take you on the rooftop terrace.

Kitty Lyra: Hehe. You're the best, Alpha.

Seraphina stepped into the bedroom as Kaden emerged from the bathroom. "The bath is ready for you, Sera. You should take a nice soak."

"I'll pass. I just want to lay my head to rest."

"Okay. Rest well. That reminds me. Can I open the gift you left on the table yet?"

Seraphina replied, "Wait a week before you unwrap it."

"Why do I have to wait for a week? I can't wait to see what my Luna has prepared for me."

"Well…"

It would take a week before Seraphina permanently broke the mate bond between them.

"You’ll understand the significance of the gift in about a week."

Kaden gave Seraphina a peck on the forehead. "You're the boss."

Shortly after six the next morning, Kaden's phone went off.

Kaden rejected the call before turning to hold Seraphina close. "Ignore it. Let's get a few more minutes in bed."

However, the ringing was relentless.

Kaden furrowed his brows in annoyance. "It's barely dawn, and the useless council members are already hounding me during these ungodly hours. Mark my words. I'm bound to kick these wolves out one of these days."

He declined the call again.

The third time the call rang, Kaden sprang out of bed in a huff. "Stay in bed, Sera. I'll see what this emergency is all about."

Seraphina murmured, "Okay."

She rolled, having her back toward him.

Kaden grabbed the phone and walked out of the bedroom.

Soon, he showed up outside the front door on the ground floor.

Dressed in a bright yellow uniform, a human deliveryman handed Kaden a package.

Kaden accepted the package, but when he returned to the room, his hands were empty.

Seraphina asked, "Is something serious going on in the pack?"

Kaden answered, "It's nothing critical, Sera. Don't worry. Rest easy while I make you breakfast."

Either out of guilt or concern for her delicate stomach, Kaden went all out to prepare an elaborate breakfast. There was milk, poached eggs, jam sandwiches, and her favorite oatmeal.

"You should be careful with what you eat. I'm hiring a full-time chef to cook for you every day."

"That won't be necessary."

"Come on. Cooperate with me, or I won't be able to work with a peace of mind."

"Kaden, can I ask you a question?"

"Fire away."

Seraphina put down her cutlery and asked indifferently, "Do you really think the curse for breaking a mate bond in the pack is true?"

Kaden pulled a look of contempt. "That's punishment for the weak-minded. I'm not like these wolves. I'm faithful only to my Luna. I will love you, my one and only."

"Am I your one and only?"

"That's right."

"What if you fall for another she-wolf?"

"In that case, let Moon Goddess cast me out, take my powers away, and leave me to howl in eternal solitude."

Seraphina snickered cynically. "Bold words. Aren't you worried they'll come back to bite you?

"I speak from my heart. Why should I be scared?" Kaden uttered, "You should have faith in our mate bond, Sera."

Seraphina simply replied, "Dig in."

"Are you still doubting me? Do I have to rip my heart out of my chest to prove myself to you?"

"You've got someone waiting for you at the office. You mustn't be late."

Feeling assured, Kaden took a seat across from Seraphina. "Let them wait. They can't do anything right. I'll get rid of them sooner or later."

"Are you sure you want to get rid of her?" Seraphina singled out a singular pronoun rather than the plural form.

There was no telling whether Kaden caught onto the difference, but he responded, "Of course. You're the only one I can never let go of."

After breakfast, the pair made their way to Zenith Tower.

Too put off to sit in the front, Seraphina insisted on riding in the back. "I feel a little nauseous. I'll feel better in the back where I can get a bit of fresh air."

Kaden didn't press on the matter. "Sure thing. I'll try to keep the drive smooth."

Pulling up outside the entrance of the office building, Kaden got out to open the car door for Seraphina.

Seraphina stepped out of the car, only to be surrounded by pack members during the morning rush hour.

Two pack members stepped forward eagerly.

"Luna, it's great to see you. Alpha Kaden often tells us about your love for caramel lattes. I'm happy to grab one for you since I'm on my way out," one of them said with a huge grin.

Another chimed in, "I'll get you something to munch on. Are those red velvet cupcakes still your favorite?"

Kaden chuckled, pulling the Luna closer protectively. He said, "That's enough, you two. At this rate, you're going to spoil her rotten. She has been eating too well lately. Her bond ring is getting too tight for her."

"Don't pin this on us, Alpha. Luna is as stunning as ever. I'm sure the ring is the problem. I bet it shrank in the wash!" The wolf, who offered the latte, refuted in a joking manner.

Kaden smacked the pack member in good nature. "Don't be silly. Shrank in the wash? As if moonlight silver shrinks, but you should get the latte for Sera. Just a small cup will do."

"That's what you're missing, Alpha. You adore your Luna. Her happiness is your whole world. So if she's happy, the rest of us can breathe easy."

Kaden laughed and uttered gleefully, "Right, right. It looks like you've found my greatest weakness."

Every wolf guffawed.

The crowd practically ushered Seraphina into Kaden's office. She was offered fruit, snacks, tea, and everything under the sun.

Kaden took the time to pull up a TV series on his computer for Seraphina. "I should get to work now, Sera. Keep yourself occupied here. Let the assistant outside know if you need anything."

Seraphina asked deliberately, "Where's Lyra, your new assistant? Why haven't I seen her today?"

Kaden replied, "I have no idea. I'll get someone to check up on her in a bit."

Before leaving, Kaden ran his fingers along Seraphina's hair dotingly and murmured, "Wait for me here. We can grab lunch together later."

Kaden took off.

The council elders made their way out shortly after.

Spotting Kaden's phone on the desk, Seraphina rushed out after him and caught the council members talking.

"The rooftop? The Alpha and Lyra are getting bold with their little adventures."

"Well, they can't help it. No one expected the Luna to pay a visit out of the blue. They had no choice but to switch locations."

"Are we making sure that the Alpha is getting his contraceptive supplies?"

"Don't bother. I noticed that the Alpha had several boxes tucked away in his pocket when he was heading up."

"Heh. Alpha Kaden sure is something else to buy protection right under the Luna's nose."

"He adopted a human to run the errand. It's handy to have these runners around. You can get just about anything."

A realization dawned on Seraphina. The relentless calls this morning were from the human courier.

Kaden had placed an order first thing in the morning, instructing the runner to buy protection. He must have been looking forward to the rooftop rendezvous if he was making sure everything was in order so early.

"I wonder if he has bought enough with him. Last time, Alpha Kaden messed around with Lyra in the car all day. Lyra was walking funny when she came to work the following day.

"We can always send more when he runs out. Our job is to keep the Alpha happy anyway."

"Weren't you talking about putting the Luna's needs above everything else?"

"Tsk, what does she know? A cup of coffee and a sweet treat can keep her happy. Given the Alpha's standing, it's no surprise that he keeps a few she-wolves on the side. With his power and influence, he's free to sleep around so long as the Luna is kept in the dark."

"That's true. She looks naive, so keeping this from her should be a cinch."

As the conversation went on, Kaden arrived. "Keep your mouths shut around Sera, you hear me?"

The council elders nodded. "Got it, Alpha. You don't have to tell us twice."

One of them asked, "Why did you bring the Luna here today, Alpha Kaden? You and Lyra have to hide out on the rooftop, and we have to watch what we say."

Kaden shot him an angry look. "Seraphina is the pack's Luna. She has the right to be here. Don't question her presence."

"Yes, of course."

Kaden issued a warning with a scowl, "Take good care of Sera. She wasn't feeling her best yesterday, so don't give her anything cold or raw. One more thing. Not a word about Lyra and me, or you are out of the pack. Have I made myself clear?"

The council elders nodded with anxious grins. "Crystal."

Seraphina didn't stick around to hear the rest of the exchange. She swiftly returned to Kaden's office and placed his phone in a pile of snacks.

Moments later, Kaden entered the room. He was as refined and gentle as ever. "What are you chowing down with such delight, kitty?"

The pet name "kitty" made Seraphina's stomach churn.

Fighting back the nausea, Seraphina asked, "Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting now? What brings you back?"

"I left my phone here. Have you seen it?"

Seraphina shook her head. "No."

Kaden rummaged through the pile of snacks and retrieved his phone. "It somehow fell in the pile. Enjoy your treat. I should get going now."

Ring.

This time, the ringing came from Seraphina's phone. She took the call.

"Hello there, may I speak to Ms. Flint?"

"Yes, this is she."

"Ms. Flint, we've issued the ticket for your flight, departing a week from now. Please present your passport at the time of boarding."

"Are other forms of identification required besides the passport?"

"No, your passport is all you need."

"Thank you."

Kaden looked confused when Seraphina ended the call. "Passport? What do you need your passport for?"

Seraphina said, "A human friend of mine lost her passport and asked me the steps to get a replacement."

Kaden took quick paces ahead and held Seraphina tight in his arms. "You nearly gave me a heart attack. I thought you were going abroad without me."

Seraphina turned her head away and threw up again.

Kaden carried the thick, sickly-sweet scent of Lyra after their private encounter. He patted her back in distress. "What did they feed you? I gave them specific instructions to look after you since you have been having an upset tummy. Wait here while I sack them."

It took everything in Seraphina to push Kaden away. "You can fire anyone for all I care, but stop using me as an excuse!"

Her outburst threw Kaden off. "Sera, are you mad at me? Is it because I have been too occupied with my pack duties to spend time with you?"

He added. "Why don't I clear my schedule for tomorrow and make sure I shower you with all my attention?"

Seraphina smirked in rage. "So I'll have you all to myself?"

"Yes, that's right."

Seraphina took a deep breath before uttering, "Let's hope you keep your word."

For some reason, there was a sudden downpour that night.

Seraphina did not stop retching from the moment they got home.

Despite Kaden's attempt to get close to her, she turned him away. "Don't come any closer. The stench on you is making me sick all over again."

Kaden sniffed his sleeve and replied, "I guess my cologne disagrees with you. I'll switch to something different."

"Kaden, you know full well that the cologne isn't the issue."

"Okay, okay. Don't be upset. I won't wear any fragrance anymore, alright?"

Seraphina splashed cold water on her face and looked up at her reflection in the mirror.

Outside the bathroom, Kaden stood anxiously with a basin of hot water.

Seraphina couldn't understand how Kaden could still stand there, playing the role of a devoted mate with Lyra's intimate scent clinging to him.

Somehow, Kaden looked like he cared a lot about her. Yet, he had no qualms about betraying their mate bond.

Maybe the council member was right. An Alpha with power could get away with messing around so long as his Luna never found out.

He got one thing wrong, though. Seraphina was not naive. She was not one to compromise her dignity and self-respect.

Since the mate bond did not come with Kaden's full devotion, Seraphina wanted no part of it.

Early next morning, Kaden took Seraphina to the pack's healer.

After a thorough examination, the healer offered a diagnosis. "Luna Seraphina's intense mood swings have likely weakened the mate bond and led to her physical symptoms."

Kaden muttered, "Intense mood swings?"

"That's right. Luna has been feeling emotional lately. Some recent trauma must have hit her hard enough to cause the violent nausea."

Kaden asked Seraphina, "Has something been troubling you, Sera? Just tell me. I might be able to help you."

Seraphina looked away, refusing his touch. "You can't fix it."

"Just talk to me. There's very little I can't set right in the pack."

He had a point. Ironically, Kaden was the key to making the problem go away.

Seraphina was tempted to ask Kaden who he'd choose to save if she and Lyra were drowning at the same time.

On second thought, Seraphina could never place her own destiny in the hands of another. No one could save her but herself.

She knew how to swim. She could save herself.

Seraphina had no need for Kaden anymore.

She applied to an art school abroad under the name Kathryn Flint.

Back then, Seraphina had once set aside her dream of pursuing art to become a Luna worthy of standing beside Kaden. Now, she would only live for herself.

"Shall I take you to the movies this afternoon, Sera? There's a new comedy playing, and it should cheer you up."

"This afternoon? Aren't you supposed to be occupied with pack duties?"

"Didn't I promise that we'd have the whole day together? I'm a man of my word. I don't break my promises."

The next moment, his phone rang. He was about to refuse the call, only to stop short when he glanced at the caller ID.

Seraphina watched as his expression shifted from annoyance to distress.

She grinned. "Just take it. Duty calls."

Kaden replied, "I'll be quick. I'll be back in five."

"Sure."

As Kaden headed out with his phone in hand, Seraphina called him back. "You can answer the call here. I don't follow the pack business, so there's no chance I'll let anything slip."

He stopped in his tracks awkwardly.

After a brief hesitation, Kaden took the call with furrowed brows. "Didn't I tell you not to call me today? What on earth is the emergency?"

It was unclear what was said on the other end of the line.

However, Seraphina could make out mournful cries of a she-wolf.

Kaden spoke cautiously in Seraphina's presence, "I understand. I'll be there in a moment."

After the call, Kaden told Seraphina apologetically, "I need to sign off on an important document for the company, Sera. The council elder has arrived with the papers. He's in the lobby as we speak. I'll be back in no more than half an hour."

Seraphina gave a nod.

Kaden basically sprinted out of the consultation room.

The healer uttered with a smile, "Alpha Kaden only has eyes for you, Luna. He drops his responsibilities with the pack just to attend to you."

"Oh, really? Excuse me while I use the washroom." Seraphina smirked.

Out of the consultation room, Seraphina caught Kaden ditching the elevator to take the stairs down.

Sure enough, he went downstairs—to the pack's birthing center.

Buzz.

Her phone vibrated.

Lyra texted, "I'm terribly sorry, but the Alpha probably can't spend time with you today. All it took was one call for him to rush straight to me."