《Hiding the Alpha's Heir (Desmond and Seraphina)》


 Prologue

    Prologue


    "What on earth are you doing here, Desmond?" I asked in my sturdy tone. But I panicked when he


    locked the door. "H-How did you manage toe inside my t?" My voice quivered in


    nervousness. I knew I locked that door.


    How on earth did he open that?


    Desmond smiled. Not a bona fide and genuine one. But a smile that would send chills down my


    spine.


    "I havee here to get you and our... little Sander, seraphim," he said in his dark hoarse voice as


    he took strides towards my direction.


    I held my breath, trying not to react when he called me on his endearment to me as my heart


    suddenly sank when he knew about our son''s name. I scoffed, smiling bitterly. "What the hell are


    you talking about?" I asked, feigning ignorance.


    There was no way he could know that we had offspring. I knew I hid Sander away to avoid meeting


    his father. I did my best to not allow that.


    His smile turned into a smirk, ceasing a few meters away from me. "Ah, so, is this one of your


    teasing games like you used to do with me, Seraphina?" He tilted his head a little. Then he


    continued to step forward.


    Every step he would take was making me wary. The power he held as the Alpha was emitting was


    making me shiver even though I was once the Luna of the pack Desmond was reigning in.


    "Stay there, Desmond! Don''te near me!" I clenched my hands as I stepped back a little. I was


    trying to find another way where I could escape from our t. I already knew that I could jump from


    the window. All I need was to open it up.


    Then I need to run away and take Sander who was temporarily staying at Niscia. Desmond must


    not see our son. They must not meet.


    They really must not meet!


    If he happens that he does, Desmond would do anything in his power as the Marquis of ckmont


    to take my son away from me. I knew the power he holds which was why it was frightening to cause


    strife with him.


    "Come back to me, Seraphina." He offered his hand even though his distance was so close to me.


    His expression softened which made my heart skipped a beat. "Come back to me and let''s start


    anew... with our son."


    I gritted my teeth. Start anew? Then what? He was going to betray me again even having a fact that


    I am his mate? No way!


    "You wish!" I turned my back and sprinted towards the window.


    I immediately opened it and was about to jump when there was a strong arm wrapped around my


    waist. Then in a blink of an eye, I suddenly felt my back beingnded on the wall which was beside


    the window that I was about to escape from.


    I hissed, feeling my back that was in pain before I shot that bastard a re who was smiling


    sheepishly. Then I realized that he was already pinning my hands to the wall. His lower body was


    locking my waist so I couldn''t be able to move.


    "Desmond! Release me this instant!" I barked and wriggled from his hold.


    "Did you really think I would let my Luna abscond from me again?" There was a teasing smile as he


    drew his face closer to me.


    With that movement, I got to smell his scent which made me able to identify that Desmond was my


    mate back then. He smelled like abination of citrus, orange, and cedarwood. It was so alluring


    which made my wolf and I obsessed with it.


    And Desmond knew one of my weaknesses was his masculine scent.


    Seeing that sheepish smile right now was making me annoyed. He knew exactly what he was


    doing.


    Damn this man...


    Damn him for knowing that fact.


    I shivered when his nose grazed my skin. "That''s right... You still love my scent, seraphim," he


    whispered huskily to my ear. "And I still love your floral fragrance scent of white iris and fresh


    peonies."


    "Let. Go," I said, emphasizing and ignoring his words which were making me insane right now.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Desmond looked up at me. Then there was a sly smile ying on his lips.


    "Not a chance," he said mischievously. "This time, I will not allow you to outsmart me again,


    Seraphina. You have absconded from me once but not twice. I promise to you in the name of the


    Moon Goddess that I will never let you go even if you beg and cry a river."


    I snorted. "As if I will beg at you!" I growled.


    My eyes widened as I gasped when his lips teasingly grazed my ear again before he halted. "Worry


    not, my dear Luna. There is an only way I can make you beg at me."


    My heart ceased at his words. He whispered like he was promising so darkly right now. And I


    already knew exactly what he meant.


    I snorted. "You wish, scumbag..." My chest rose up and down when he nted sensual kisses on


    the crook of my neck before his lips stayed where he marked. It was making me feel aroused right


    now.


    Dear Moon Goddess... Why am I liking this?


    "Ah, yes. You will wish for it once you are back to my bed, making you beg for me to fuck you until


    you are unable to walk anymore." I shivered, hissing quietly at his dark threat. "I promise you that,


    Seraphina Beryl-Verlice, my Luna and Marchioness of ckmont."

 Chapter 1: The Lunatic One (part 1)

    Chapter 1: The Lunatic One (part 1)


    "Seraphina, allow me to exin please..." Desmond pleaded as we were sauntering our way to our chamber after he came back from attending the bachelor''s party of Count Jacob Urba. "It''s not what you think-"


    I silenced him by pping my mate who was also my husband. "You dare to exin when I already caught you?" I asked sweetly.


    Desmond''s face had gone color seeing how cold I was right now even though I was smiling brightly. I could feel the emotions he felt right now and so was he because we both marked each other. He was feeling lost and frightened by the way I was acting. I knew he could feel how hurt I was right


    now.


    I smirked. "That''s right. Shut the hell up."


    When I arrived at our chamber, my heart jumped out of my ribcage as I felt Desmond''s pair of arms wrapped around me from behind. Then I felt his face buried in my hair.


    That made my heart ache. Tears suddenly cascaded down my cheeks, feeling in pain. My wolf and I were both howling in pain.


    "Seraphim... I have hurt you... Please... Please forgive me..."


    I smiled bitterly. Seraphim... That was my mate''s endearment to me because he thought that Seraphina came from Seraphim, a type of celestial being.


    While my endearment to him was... Cinnamon. It was because he was the spice of my life. For me, he looked so alluring when I addressed him. He always squirmed and melted every time I would call him that endearment even though he was known as the ruthless ruler here in the north of the Sowinski Kingdom.


    But right now, just remembering those endearments we had for each other, made me feel in pain.


    Desmond must have felt what I was feeling because his hug tightened which squeezed my heart.


    "Seraphim... Seraphina... Please forgive me... Don''t leave me... I cannot afford not to be with you." His voice croaked.


    I could feel he was in pain as well. But nothing could be overwhelmed by the fact that catching him sleeping with a... courtesan. It was the result of drinking with them. If I only knew that he would have slept with a courtesan, I shouldn''t have allowed him toe to Count Urba''s bachelor''s party.


    "Did you sleep with her because until now, I cannot bear a pup?" I asked in agony.


    Now, that I realized it. We were married for five years yet I haven''t gotten pregnant with our pup. It was a trivial matter for Desmond and he always assured me that we should enjoy ourselves being husband and wife. I agreed to it and felt blessed that he had the same thinking as mine.


    However, now that I remember. This must be the result which was why he slept with a slut.


    Desmond gasped in horror. "No! No!" He spun me around. His eyes were already red. "It''s not... They put in an aphrodisiac incense... I thought that was you... Seraphina, believe me. All I thought about was you..." He knelt before me and hugged my waist. "I beg you... Please don''t leave me if you are considering that. I cannot afford to lose you, Seraphina. Please..." he cried.


    I stared down at him, not moving an inch. Just looking at my mate right now made my stomach churn. There was pure hatred starting to blossom in my heart. Even my wolf was feeling downcasted when we found out about what happened. It broke our hearts...


    Could I even trust him again?


    Could I?


    Could I forgive him?


    I snapped back when Desmond was already sobbing while begging at me. His eyes were broken.


    "One more chance, seraphim... Please, one more chance, Seraphina. I will prove to you that¡ª"


    "Desmond." I cupped his face. "I will


    el


    not leave." Then I reached for his hair and stroked it. "Didn''t I tell you before that can forgive? That is one of my vows, remember?" He nodded. "I will forgive you only once. However, if this happens again, I will not forgive you anymore. I will divorce our marriage and will break our mate bond. Do you understand me, cinnamon?" I said in my sweet tone, threatening him. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Desmond gulped and nodded. But his sullen look brightened up as he took my hands and brought them to his lips, worshipping like a goddess.


    "Yes, thank you, seraphim!" He stood up and hugged me so tight as he sniffed.


    I tried my best to forget what I had seen at that time. I really did my


    ???


    best. But there were times that I didn''t want him toe near me because every time I would see his calloused big hands, I could remember the part of how he caressed his hands to another


    woman who wasn''t even me.


    Desmond noticed that. He noticed that I was starting to distance myself from him these past few weeks. I couldn''t even allow him to kiss me on my lips because I would only remember that he kissed and ran his tongue to that courtesan''s body. I did everything not to allow him any physical touch from Desmond.


    Even deciding to make love with him... I just couldn''t find myself being aroused by his touch. It was why we ended up sleeping without facing each other. Or more likely, I was the one who was not in the mood to make love with him.


    "I can''t... I''m sorry..." I said and immediately faced my back to him as I covered my naked body under the sheets.


    I heard his sigh. Desmond knew that I was still bothered about the event that happened these past few weeks. He couldn''t just say that I must forget it already because there was no way I couldn''t.


    "C-Can I at least hold you?" There was a pain in his baritone voice. His voice croaked. Gone was the enthusiasm he had whenever we talked before bedtime.


    I shivered in disgust at his question. "You should go to sleep. I am already tired," I said coldly.


    "Seraphina..."N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "I am tired!" I said angrily and turned my head at him. "Can you not see that, Desmond?!"


    Desmon''s jaw dropped at my sudden outburst. Then his jaw clenched before he averted his gaze from me. "I-I understand. Forgive me if I make you ufortable..."


    I exhaled sharply and faced my back to him. But somehow I felt guilty about the way I just acted. I just couldn''t help bursting out because my wolf and I couldn''t move on from what happened.


    I couldn''t tell my deranged thoughts to Desmond because I felt like... he wouldn''t be able to understand my feelings.

 Chapter 1: The Lunatic One (part 2)

    Chapter 1: The Lunatic One (part 2)


    From there on, Desmond and I started to distance ourselves from each other. He became quick-tempered. This time, it was the worst. My pack members had to beg at me to halt Desmond from punishing some of them severely.


    "Luna, please... Alpha is uncontroble," one of the wives said as they knelt before me.-


    One of them cried. "Luna, please... My husband did nothing wrong to be punished in the prison cell. He finished his work as it is supposed to be. But Alpha... Alpha Desmond found him an eyesore. Then he ordered the pack guards to capture him..."


    "Luna, please... Please do something. I am afraid Alpha Desmond will kill my mate... Please!"


    I pinched the bridge of my nose, sighing before I nodded. "Lead the way," I said so I could calm them down and needed to settle this issue as soon as possible.


    I went to the prison cells along with the wives and mates of our men. As I arrived there, I was greeted by the strong scent of rusty, metallic one. Only to know that it was some fresh blood.


    Desmond looked surprised at my presence when I arrived there and saw his hands were tainted with crimson red blood. I heard gaspsing from the women behind me.


    "What on the Moon Goddess'' name are you doing to your pack members, Desmond?" I asked earnestly.


    His expression softened for a moment before it changed into a stoic one. "Educating them."


    My eyebrows attached together. "Educating what exactly? Can you not see these women behind me were worried about their mates?"


    Desmond nced behind me. His face darkened as I felt the fear emitting from these women behind me.


    "Halt!" I raised my voice causing him to snap back to look at me. I narrowed my eyes at him and immediately stepped forward to look at him, challenging him by staring at him before I grabbed his cor. "Do it again," I threatened my husband. "Do it again, Desmond. I dare you."


    He squinted his amber eyes at me. I could tell that he was annoyed at me based on the emotions I felt when we marked each other. And I knew too well that Desmond knows me, too. I wouldn''t back down so easily if I knew that he was being an irrational Alpha again.


    He exhaled sharply. "Release them," he ordered coldly while looking straight into my ocean blue eyes.


    I released his cor and immediately gestured to my head. "Leave now," I told him.


    He growled softly. "Seraphina, do not tell me what to do..."


    "I tell you what to do when I want to. Before more bloodshed happens, get out of this prison cell. Now." I pointed the way out.


    Desmond opened his mouth to retort back at me but he halted and turned his back at me. I was ring at his back before I red back at the pack guards who were here. They straightened their backs when I eyed them.


    "Do inform me if Desmond is being a lunatic bastard again. Do you all understand me?" I asked firmly.


    As the pack members of this pack, they should have known better who they must fear. Not the Alpha of the Rising Diamond pack.


    It was Luna of the Rising Diamond pack who was frightening enough when she got mad. Even Desmond knew how to curl up like a kitten whenever I stepped forward to assess the situation if my husband was being a lunatic again.


    It was why my pack members had huge respect for me as their Luna because I could tame their Alpha even though I was a rogue before Desmond and I met.


    They bowed their heads. "Yes, Luna. As youmand," they said in unison.


    I nodded and turned to the open prison cell seeing the wives attend to their husbands. I softened and sighed, approaching them. "I already summoned Anderson toe here." I was talking about our pack doctor. "Rest assured. With the antidote he will bring here, they only need bed rest after that," I said softly.


    The wives sniffed and nodded. "Thank you, Luna."


    Before I left the prison cell, I waited for the arrival of Anderson to be certain that they would be granted enough antidote for wolfsbane.


    "Is he there outside?" I asked Anderson after bidding farewell to them.


    Anderson looked hesitant to answer. But then, he nodded his head. "Yes, Luna," he replied. "He was speaking with Beta Harvey and Beta Oakley before I came here."


    "I see. I shall take my leave then."


    "Yes, Luna." Anderson bowed his head before me.


    I already expected that Desmond wouldn''t just leave like that. He would wait for me until I came out.


    He really even asked his two Betas toe there just so he could wait for me. Yes, Desmond has two Betas.


    When Alpha King Azarius was impressed with the contribution of Desmond back with the rogue war ten years ago, His Majesty granted him a noble title and an estate where he could build his own pack.


    Because of the rogue war, we


    happened to meet at that time when


    I was held captive by the rogue leader there. He helped and saved me. That was the time we started to realize we were each other''s mates. And was the only one who could tame Desmond whenever he was being furious and ruthless. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Our mate bond went through ups and downs before we finally married each other and I became the Luna of the Rising Diamond pack.


    That time, Desmond decided to have two Betas and three Gammas who would help him handle the pack affairs as well.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Sighing, when I came out of the prison cell, I spotted them. Desmond immediately turned his head in my direction. The two Betas bowed their heads at me and I only nodded, acknowledging them.


    Even though I was feeling hostile


    because of what happened weeks ago, I couldn''t deny the fact that Desmond was the only one who could make my heart skip a beat. But immediately averted my gaze when the image of him sleeping with that courtesan reyed in my mind.


    I suddenly wanted to cry while my wolf was consoling me because of that.


    "Seraphina..."


    I bit my lower lip when I felt him following me from behind. "Not now, Desmond." I couldn''t help my voice croaking which immediately cleared my throat. "We are going to talk about your action today," I said, not turning my head at him.


    I didn''t hear anything from him. I only heard his sigh.


    I could already tell that our conversationter would end up a disaster. I just hope not.

 Chapter 2: How to Forgive

    Chapter 2: How to Forgive


    "Now, exin," I urged him as we went to his study room and sat in his valuable chair where he usually sat.


    Desmond creased his forehead. "Seraphim, do we really have to argue about this? This is just a trivial matter." He shrugged and looked away to get a book on the bookshelves.-


    That made my blood boil. "Trivial matter?" I mmed the desk, not making him flinch at it. "What an absurd statement! How can you return to your old self?! What on earth is happening to you?!"


    Desmond approached me and was about to hold my face but I immediately distanced myself from him and shivered in disgust upon remembering what happened weeks ago. That way, I saw the pain registered in his eyes as he lowered his hand. |


    He sighed. "You are avoiding me whenever I would dare to even touch or hold you," he pointed out.


    I averted my gaze, feeling guilty at that point. I tried my best not to avoid it but my body quickly made me move away from him.


    I already guessed it was my wolf''s will. Until now, she couldn''t forgive what I saw back at Count Urba''s estate.


    I couldn''t me her and myself.


    I cleared my throat. "Anyway, I am hoping not to hear this kind of casualties again, Desmond. I do not wish for you to repeat the history you have done before," I said softly as I sighed.


    The history was he was too cruel to his pack members by enlisting them to the draft of the military training regardless of gender. Even the age of ten was already required to attend the drafting.


    It only ceased to exist when I told him that I disagreed with this.


    Desmond listened and changed the drafting requirements right away. He only allowed his pack members to attend training camps when they reached sixteen years of age.


    And it is mandatory.


    "I shall be going now. There is something I need to do," I said, not wanting to stay in the same ce with my mate.


    My wolf was getting furious. She wouldn''t forget about Desmond that I caught him sleeping with a courtesan on the couch. I was too disgusted to see it again in my head.


    I halted on my ground when I felt a pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind. My eyes widened upon realizing that Desmond made a surprise move to catch me off guard.


    "Seraphina..." My heart broke when his voice croaked. "You said that you forgive me... If you forgive me, then why are you distancing yourself away from me?"


    "Desmond..." I was about to get away from his hold to turn at him but he wouldn''t allow me.


    He sniffed. Then I gasped softly when I felt my shoulder getting wet. That''s when I realized Desmond ced his closed eyes on my bare shoulder. And my husband was crying?!


    "My seraphim... Do you hate me? Do you feel disgusted? Is that the reason why you do not want me to touch you anymore? You do not trust me? Please... Just tell me what you really feel."


    I gritted my teeth as I felt my eyes sting. My heart was constricted because of this. "Cinnamon, please release me now," I said meekly.


    But his hold tightened. "I don''t like..." He frowned, sounding like a kid who had gone into tantrums. "I want to hear your thoughts. I want to hear theming from you. I don''t want to feel your feelings. I just want honesty from you."


    Suddenly, my heart felt troubled. I even felt his feelings that my actions of keeping my real thoughts were hurting him.


    "Cinnamon..." The spice of my life was Desmond. "Allow me to see you," I said softly.


    He lessened, tightening his hold, enough for me to spin around to look at him. My heart broke for this man who was already crying.


    He had never shown this vulnerable side to anyone except me, as his mate. It was why I said this before that behind his cold facade was the mncholy and lonely emotions he was hiding back then.


    "Desmond..." I raised my hand to cup his cheek. He sniffed and looked at me with his teary eyes.


    "Seraphim... Do you wish for me to stay in the guest''s room because you cannot stand to stay beside me? I will... I will stay there. I just don''t want you staying away from me. My wolf and I... are hurting." He knelt before me and hugged my waist. "Please... I know. I know you felt disgusted. I can feel what you are feeling and you can feel mine, too. What would you like me to do in order for you to trust me again, seraphim?"


    Tears welled up in my eyes. "I..." I don''t know what to say to him. It was hard... to trust my mate. I felt like I was being thrown into an abyss and there was no one there to save me.


    Desmond buried his face in my stomach as he cried. "I cannot justify my actions. It is my fault that I fell for that scheme. I... I will kill him for making me suffer like this and taint my mate bond with you."


    I sighed, feeling mncholy for this again. He would resort to violence. Again.


    "Cinnamon." Desmond looked up to


    meet mine. I wiped his eyes using


    my hands. "Just... allow me to assess this. It is true that I am disgusted to allow you to touch me." His eyes widened. That hurt me when his amber eyes shone with pain. "You cannot make me forget about it. But... I am trying my best." I sniffed as I wiped my eyes using the sleeves of my dress. Then I smiled brightly. "Your seraphim will do her best to forget it."


    Desmond stood up and cupped my face. "I have hurt you... I should have... I''m such an asshole to even-"


    "Do not resort to violence..." I sighed. "Just allow me to assess this. I will do my best... I guess." I averted my gaze.


    What was I thinking? Forget? Would I be able to forget that harlot whoid on top of my husband and slept on it?


    "Seraphina." I snapped back and tilted my head. "If you hate me, just tell me. You can tell me all your feelings. It''s valid. If I am hurting you so much, please tell me," he pleaded. "Just... Just do not stay away from me. It pains me."


    I stared at his eyes. His eyes were dancing how he adored and cherished... how he loves me.


    Do I really have to resort to distancing myself away from him?


    My Mother Moon Goddess, what must I do?


    Inhaling and exhaling, I intertwined our hands together causing Desmond to gasp softly.


    "Cinnamon..." I bit my lower lip as et


    tears cascaded down my cheeks: "I hate feeling this way... Everytime I wouldy my eyes on you and the


    the


    time I saw you with that... couldn''t continue my words.


    "Yes, seraphim? Tell me. Tell me all your worries," Desmond said softly.


    Sniffing, I looked up into his eyes. "I am hurt. My wolf and I are hurt by your actions. You do not know how much I want to forget that image of you being naked and..." I really didn''t want to say it. "I had been hunted by it." Then knelt to the floor when couldn''t take it anymore as I covered my face with my hands. "I was so hurt I wish I could run away from here. Desmond... It was eating me if I kept hiding this from you. I... I didn''t even know how to even tell these suffocating thoughts that kept on reying in mind." I clutched my hair. "I felt like I am going insane, I don''t want to trust you ever again," I


    exined and broke down, crying.


    "Seraphina!" I felt Desmond''s hug. "Your reasons are valid! I understand you now, my seraphim."


    I cried to my heart''s content until I let out all the emotions I felt. Desmond was there... My husband was there with me listening to all my insecurities...


    the thoughts that were eating me. He never left me. Instead, he listened to them.


    Albeit I knew that my words were hurting him, Desmond stayed by my side.


    I couldn''t help hugging him back and kissing him passionately. I vented out all my feelings that were meant for Desmond only.


    My cinnamon...


    At that moment, Desmond and I started to work things off. We returned from the top, trying to understand each other. We finally reached the conclusion that we should forgive and forget.


    I did my best. I really did my best to forget those memories that kept interfering in my head. If I looked troubled, Desmond was always there for me to ease my thoughts.


    I was humming bringing a tray of freshly brewed hibiscus tea and some cookies when I smiled remembering that I would see Desmond''s smile if he saw me when I brewed his favorite tea drink. I had no servants with me because I want to be the one who must serve this to my dearest Desmond.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As I arrived at the front door, I was about to knock and mind link my husband when the door suddenly swung open.


    There, I frowned and came to meet Hazel, Harvey''s sister.


    Hazel looked surprised to see me but then, she smiled sweetly. Then she curtsied before me. "Greetings, Luna Seraphina," she greeted me in her oh- so-sweet tone.


    I nodded. "Hazel, long time no see," I said nonchntly. "I didn''t know you had returned to the pack until now."


    She chuckled softly. "I have just arrived, Luna Seraphina. We have a two-week academic break. I have decided to return to the pack and present myself to Alpha Desmond as soon as I have arrived."


    "Ah..." I uttered, uninterested. I secretly gnashed my teeth seeing her round brown eyes looking at me with a ridiculous stare. I was about to utter another word to tell that she should get out of my way when Desmond went out.


    "Seraphim..." His face brightened up when he saw me.


    I tilted my head, smiling at my husband. "I have brought you some snacks, cinnamon. I thought that you were already famished."


    Desmond softened. "Come here, my Luna."


    I nced at Hazel arrogantly when I saw her huge frown sitting on her face before I sweetly smiled at Desmond. "Yes, my Alpha." I smirked at her and rolled my eyes when Desmond wasn''t looking.


    I caught her rolling her eyes before she turned her back when Desmond closed the door. At that moment, I felt victory. When I looked at Desmond, he had a mischievous grin ying on his lips. "If looks could kill, Hazel would be dead by now," he uttered, chuckling.

 Chapter 3: Envious

    Chapter 3: Envious


    He knew...


    Desmond knew that I was getting irritated at Hazel''s presence ever since the day I arrived here in his pack. I was very unhappy when I saw her getting to stick with him even though from the time Desmond and I met, I hadn''t epted him as my mate.


    "What business did she have to do here, cinnamon?" I asked when I poured him some tea in his cup. Even though I knew that she presented herself as proper etiquette, I still wanted to know what she did. I wanted it toe from Desmond.


    After I bestowed him his tea, Desmond guided my waist to have me sit on hisp before he wrapped his arms around my waist causing my heart to race rapidly. Especially when I came to smell his alluring scent of thebination of citrus, orange, and cedarwood.


    He smelled exotic to me. And I found it attractive.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    He nted a soft kiss on my shoulder before he answered, "She greeted me and told me that she would stay at Harvey''s manor for two weeks. She said that she is looking forward to seeing me?" he said, unsure.


    I red at him, squinting my eyes. His eyes widened at my darkened expression.


    "S-Seraphim, I only told you what she said. I am being honest here!" He raised both of his hands.


    Since he didn''t block his feelings, I could feel that he was feeling troubled and that he had yet to convince me that he was telling the truth. "Are you certain?" I frowned.


    He nodded. "I swear in the name of the Moon Goddess."


    I stayed silent, ring at him while he was starting to get annoyed. Not to me. Desmond looked like he wanted to summon Hazel and made her want to punish her for creating a new misunderstanding between us again.


    Indeed, this wasn''t the very first time that we had misunderstood each other due to Hazel''s presence.


    "|"


    "Forgiven," I butted in before he could spout some words that would lead us to have a bad day.


    Desmond frowned but his expression softened the moment I buried my face to the crook of his neck. I felt his hands rubbed to my back as I purred under his touch.


    "Cinnamon, if she ever touches you again, I swear, I am going to kill her." I nted a soft kiss on his neck. "I just want you to know that your Luna will murder her. You must be aware of that as the Alpha of our pack."


    He chuckled. "Mmm... How scary you must be, Luna Seraphina?" He grazed his lips to my ear.


    I clung to his neck. "I only learned this from my husband," I whispered seductively and caressed his sturdy chest.


    I heard his ragged breath as his lips started to trace the slenderness of my neck. "Well... my wife is a fast learner then. I love it when my wife is being possessive just as I am to her," he whispered softly.


    I leaned forward to kiss the corner of his lips. "Why don''t you show me how possessive you are, cinnamon?" I smirked after whispering in my sultry pitch.


    Desmond growled immactely as he smirked back before he pinched my nk. "How do you want me to show it? Rough or gentle?"


    I bit my lower lip, feeling aroused. "How about... a little force?" I gulped, wanting to moan.


    He arched his eyebrow before he grazed his nose to my jaw. "Then, rough and force?" I cleared my throat as I nodded.


    Before Desmond and I could descend our lips into each other, a knock from the door came to disturb us. But that didn''t halt Desmond as he lowered his head and was about to capture my lips when the knocks were getting louder.


    "Alpha, it''s Oakley. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you."


    "Damn it... That son of a bitch..." I chuckled when his expression darkened. He red at me, growling. "You seemed to have fun, seraphim."


    He groaned in protest when I stood up from sitting on hisp before I kissed his cheek. "We can have funter. For now," I paused andpelled him to look up at me by cing my finger on his chin. "Do your duties as the Alpha of our pack." I winked.


    Desmond frowned before he sighed. "I will have you for myselfter, seraphim. I won''t take no as an answer," he said as I was about to leave.


    I turned my head at him and smirked. "Well... Make me, then," I challenged.


    He growled when I opened the door whileughing. Oakley greeted me with a bow before I tapped him on his shoulder.


    "Calm him down for me, will you, Oakley?" I teased Desmond before I waved my hand at him and left him a flying kiss causing him to frown more. "Seraphina!"


    Iughed after Desmond called my name when I was in the hallway.


    I finished all my Luna duties as well when I returned to my study room. Desmond and I had a different study room. At first, he wanted us to be in the same room, however, I wished that we both had different rooms. He disagreed at first but eventually, he agreed.


    I decided to retire by going outside and saw my husband having fun ying with the offspring of our pack members. I smiled gently seeing him chuckling and chasing them.


    He wasn''t fond of kids before until we got to meet each other. He was cruel for enlisting them to the draft until I spoke up and expressed my thoughts that I didn''t want to ept him as my mate if he wasn''t going to change his ways of ruling.


    He changed. He changed for me. He slowly fell in love ying with the pups here the moment we married each other.


    I could already imagine Desmond being a good father for our future pups. I bit my lower lip and mindlessly ced my hand on top of my stomach, sighing.


    I could have wished I was pregnant, too...


    "You have been sighing for the nth time? What is the problem, seraphim?"


    I snapped back and gasped when Desmond dropped his hands on my shoulders. I looked at his reflection in the mirror as soon as we were done having our evening meal and retiring in our chamber.


    I halted frombing my hair andpelled a smile. "I saw you enjoying ying with our pack members'' pups. Don''t you feel envy that until now, I am still not pregnant yet?" I asked and stood up, sighing one more time.


    Desmond cupped my face and looked at me, concerned. "Seraphina¡ª"


    "We were married for five years already, Desmond. Am I the problem as until now we haven''t conceived a pup?" I felt my eyes getting teary. "I know that even if you are not telling me, you also want us to have our pup already..."


    He hugged me. "Seraphim, you know I am not pressured that we can have a pup. You know that already, right?" he asked in a soft tone which I nodded. "I am telling the truth. You can feel my feelings." I nodded.


    He was right. I didn''t feel any trouble with him or he wasn''t making any issues about us not having a pup yet.


    "Don''t you feel envy from time to time?" I asked as he sat in the bed and made me straddle him. "That we are not a family?"


    Desmond smiled and leaned his forehead to mine. "Why would I feel envy when I have you?" He tightened his hug. "I have you, Seraphina. We are still family."


    I buried my face in the crook of his neck. "But we are husband and wife. Family is when you said that there is a pup," I retorted, sighing.


    He forced me to look at him. His expression softened than before. "Seraphim, we are still family regardless if it is just the two of us as husband and wife. Perhaps, this is not the right moment to be granted us a pup."


    "What if there is no right moment? That we are not blessed by the Moon Goddess to have a pup?"


    "Then, there is no problem. We can


    have Daniel be trained as the next


    Alpha." He was indicating his nephew is the son of his younger brother, Den. I snapped back when he gently pinched my nk. "We can still live happily after, Seraphina. Just as I promise."


    I got teary-eyed from his words. Desmond wasn''t bothered by not having a pup. I bit my lower lip thanking the Moon Goddess that She had made me fated to this cruel man who was so understanding.


    "Desmond..." I hugged him so tight.


    I used him that he slept because


    I thought he wanted to have a pup. It was all because of the aphrodisiac that led me to be like that which almost caused the crumble down of


    I


    our mate rtionship. I thought that I wouldn''t be able to trust Desmond anymore but I was wrong, Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    After we made love that night, Desmond said something in my ear. "I made Count Urba suffer for almost ruining my marriage with you."


    I stiffened as my eyes widened. "You did not?" I said in disbelief.


    His expression darkened as he sighed. "What happened to me... We almost broke apart, seraphim. Fret not since I spared his life. I am certain we will


    not cross paths anymore."


    I creased my foreheads. "You killed him?"


    "Almost." He shrugged and smiled darkly.


    I didn''t say a word. But I actually felt relieved that he thought Count Urba had some lessons he wouldn''t forget so I wasn''tining.


    "Alright," I said and snuggled closer with him. "Let''s sleep now. The harvest season is tomorrow."


    "Hmm." Desmond nodded and smiled before he kissed my forehead. "Good night, seraphim."


    I kissed his jaw and sniffed his alluring scent. "Good night, cinnamon."

 Chapter 4: The Real Problem

    Chapter 4: The Real Problem


    Today was the cotton harvest season here in the Rising Diamond pack.


    It was a fruitful year again because we got to harvest more cotton this year. Cotton was one of the main agricultural products of the Sowinski Kingdom. We sold and distributed them to the cotton fabric manufacturers here from our local area. Sometimes, we were exporting them to the three different kingdoms called Estasia Eria Kingdom, Yuanzhong Kingdom, and Waevalon Kingdom.


    I giggled as soon as I saw Desmond joining with the fellow men. He had a huge frown on his face seeing that he really didn''t like harvesting cotton because it annoyed him when some of the strands of the cotton stuck to his clothes.


    ''It seems you are enjoying harvesting, cinnamon,'' I mind linked him while chuckling.


    Desmond looked for me in the crowds and spotted me. He yfully rolled his eyes. ''I cannot believe I have to do this every year just to impress our pack members,'' he mind linked back.


    ''Come. I''ll wipe your forehead, cinnamon.'' I waved my handkerchief.


    Desmond''s face brightened up. He didn''t hesitate to leave even though all of our men, who are not pack warriors, were still working in the fields.


    The women who were with me were teasing me when their Alpha wasing in my direction. I only chuckled and met him.


    He sighed in exasperation. "Do I really have to do this?" he asked as I wiped the beads of sweat forming on his forehead and neck.


    I pecked his lips. "Of course. You need to show yourpassion that you cared for your pack members."


    His arm instantly snaked around me before he pulled me against him. "I only cared about you, seraphim," he whispered seductively, causing me to inhale sharply and grin. "But I know this makes you happy to boast and be proud of me to your fellow women so I will keep doing this for you." He growled immactely.


    I licked my lips and chuckled. "Ah, Desmond... You are really turning me on," I whispered back.


    His hand dug to my side. "Then, I shall make them watch how I pound you so fast and make you scream my name. Shall we do that?"


    I distanced my face and shot him a re. "There are kids here."


    He grinned. "Is that even a problem? I can tell their parents to take them away and-"


    I covered his mouth. "No, no. Calm your horses, cinnamon. We are in the middle of the harvest festival right now. So, go back and fulfill your duty as a farmer." I gently tapped his cheek, smiling sheepishly.


    Desmond frowned but he sighed and smiled before he kissed my lips. "Alright. Be sure that I have a reward for doing this," he said meaningfully.


    "Of course." I winked. "You can do anything you want from me." That was enough of a bargain for this man to y the role of a farmer.


    "Tsk, tsk. Then, shall I tie you up in the bed and make you beg me?"


    "I said, anything, cinnamon." I rolled my eyes. But I felt my wolf squirm at his words.


    "Spanking?" I nodded. Desmond grinned. "So, anything, huh?"


    "Don''t forget rough and by force. That is not what you didst night." I frowned, acting like I didn''t like it.


    He squinted his eyes at me. "I am being gentle because I don''t want¡ª"


    "How many times do I have to tell you that I like it rough? And do not pity me. I am not weakling." I drew closer to him. "You''ve gone too soft to me since we married, Desmond. Where is the primal instinct of making me feel trapped in your arms, huh?"


    He growled. "Don''t insult me, seraphim."


    I chuckled. "I am not insulting you, cinnamon. I am just telling you that you can go extreme on me. I will take them and be a good slut for you," I said seductively.


    "Oh, is it?" There was a sly smile on his lips. "Then you shall receive themter," he whispered to my ear. "Thank you for the lewd invitation, Marchioness Beryl-Verlice. I shall attend to itter tonight," he whispered darkly.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "Yes, Marquis Verlice. I am looking forward to it." I bit my lower lip when Desmond gently pinched my chin.


    "I love you," he said before pecking my lips one more time as he stepped back.


    "I love you, too." I felt butterflies fluttering in my stomach as my wolf was feeling needy of our mate.


    Desmond''s face brightened up at my response. Then he happily returned to the cotton field. I could already tell that saying I love you to him was making him happy.


    I could still remember that time when I finally epted him as my mate and reciprocated my feelings for him. Desmond didn''t expect that he wouldn''t have to force me by that time.


    We were tooplicated before. I almost refused him because he was too much. What I mean too much is he was too cruel for my own good. He was so obsessive and couldn''t control his jealousy. Back then when I was first arriving at this pack, we argued a lot. No one backed down and... we couldn''t deny we so wanted each other.


    I smiled, reminiscing about those crazy memories. I could have wished if the Moon Goddess meant us to have a pup, I wished to tell our pup that their father was being hrious.


    I could already tell that if our pup is a girl, Desmond would be so overprotective with our daughter.


    Later that night, we had a big celebration all over the pack. It was a festive event that happened every time we got to harvest cotton every year. Every pack was celebrating it so we were not the only ones who were having to celebrate and harvest this morning.


    Tomorrow, it would be the continuation of the celebration and Alpha King Azarius would show himself in the festival. Desmond and I had already nned to go to the capital tomorrow to attend the meeting with the Alpha King Azarius.


    I was enjoying talking andughing with my pack members when I came to spot Desmond who was speaking with Harvey right now. Then I furrowed my eyebrows when Harvey showed Hazel to Desmond.


    I tried to hear their conversation


    using my sensitive hearing but we were surrounded by our pack


    members in one area and the crowds were too noisy so it was hard to hear it. I excused myself as I swam through the sea of crowds and was about to call Desmond because it was bizarre that he didn''t get to tell me that he would leave for a moment.


    My heart sank as soon as Desmond and Hazel went along with each other.


    I furrowed my eyebrows as I got to see them going to our manor.


    "What is happening?" I murmured as I tried to get off from the crowds without being seen by our Betas and Gammas.


    I looked at my bracelet and thanked myself that I was wearing it. It would mean so much to me to wear this because this bracelet has an incantation to hide my scent. I was using it because I had ns to make fun with Desmonter.


    With careful walking, I headed straight to the manor and went inside after seeing Desmond and Hazel go there.


    I went in the direction where Desmond''s study room was located. That was where I could smell his scent. I carefully removed my heel shoes so that they wouldn''t make a noise on the marble floor. I walked barefoot while heading to the study room of Desmond.


    "Why are you choosing me to have this task, Alpha?"


    I inhaled quietly when I came to hear Hazel''s flirty voice. I was already at the door which wasn''t closed enough so I was able to hear what they were about to talk about.


    "Because you are fit for this, Hazel. And I don''t want to worry my wife anymore."


    My heart stopped when Desmond mentioned my name. I carefully knelt on the marble floor without making any noise so I could peek in the hole of the doorknob.


    There, I saw Desmond leaning on his desk while facing Hazel who was holding a parchment.


    "Hmm..." Hazel hummed as she chuckled. "Oh, I see. Luna does not know about this, am I right, Alpha? You should have brought this topic to her."


    I furrowed my eyebrows. What on earth were they talking about? What were they referring to me?


    "I will eventually tell her."


    Hazel chuckled. "I don''t think Luna will approve of it. Me? You will make me a surrogate mother? Luna Seraphina doesn''t even like me, Alpha." My eyes widened in surprise. Surrogate mother? What-


    "I asked Anderson to conduct a test between Seraphina and me to see which one of us is having a defective state. He found out that Seraphina is infertile. It is the reason why we cannot bear a pup even after being married for five years."


    I stiffened and felt like something exploded in my body right now. Me? Infertile? My heart sank more. So... am I really the problem as to why we haven''t conceived a pup?


    Is that the reason why he was speaking to Hazel? To make her a surrogate mother?


    "Alpha, do not act so naive. Luna will not approve it even if you discuss it. She''d rather not have me to surrogate your pup because she feels threatened about my presence."


    I clenched my hands when I saw her stepping forward towards Desmond whose expression was still stoic.


    "Seraphina will understand. She has


    been troubled that until now, we haven''t had a pup yet, Hazel. I know that she wants to have a pup already even if tell her that I am not worried if we can have one or not," Desmond said as he crossed his arms over his chest.


    I gritted my teeth when Hazel was already in front of Desmond and leaned forward to him. I wanted to open the door and smash that flirty expression


    of her but I couldn''t find myself moving at my ground.


    When I looked at my hands, I found them shaking. Shit... What I heard tonight was making me shiver right now.


    "I can agree to be the surrogate mother, Alpha. But there is one condition."


    "What is it? For my wife, I will do anything."


    I immediately returned my gaze back to the hole upon hearing his icy tone yet... there was desperation. When I checked Desmond whose eyebrows were furrowed while


    Hazel''s


    ning face was so close


    to him, I already knew that wouldn''t


    like what was going to happen.


    "Spend one night with me, Alpha. That is all for my condition," Hazel said before she descended her lips to Desmond causing my eyes to widen in


    shock.

 Chapter 5: To Abscond

    Chapter 5: To Abscond


    "Seraphim, are you alright?"


    I snapped back. "Huh?" I blinked and looked at Desmond who was tilting his head, looking at me. "Are you saying something?"


    He creased his forehead before he sighed. "I am asking you if the food is to your liking. You haven''t touched it. Isn''t appetizing for you? Shall we change to a different restaurant?" he asked. There was a concerned expression on his face.


    I shook my head as I looked down at my food. He was right. I haven''t touched it. "I don''t have an appetite right now, cinnamon." I forced a smile as I sighed.


    "Is there... something wrong?" Desmond asked, hesitant as he took my hand.


    I nced down at his hand. I secretly gnashed my teeth. I almost smiled bitterly before I put up my real smile. "No, cinnamon. We have been eating a lot for the past two days so I think I am still full. You know what I mean..."


    We had arrived at the capital two days ago to attend the meeting with Alpha King Azarius. Since we arrived there, the pce never failed to provide us with some snacks and meals which always made me full.


    Desmond chuckled. "Right... I thought there was something I should worry about. Is there anything you want? Tea?"


    "That will do." I nodded my head, smiling.


    As soon as we were finished, we walked into the za, enjoying the vibrant and spirited night here in the capital. We saw many food stalls as there was a carnival there as well. Desmond and I spent our time there before we returned to the inn where we were staying.


    "Seraphim."


    "Hmm?" I nced at him when he settled beside me as he hugged me from behind as soon as weid down to the bed. "What is it?" I asked softly and caressed his arm.


    "I wish to discuss something with you once we get home."


    My eyes widened as I felt my stomach somersaulted. I inhaled and exhaled, blocking all the emotions so Desmond wouldn''t feel it. "What would you like to discuss?" I asked and turned around to ster a sweet smile. "Do you wish us to elope?"


    Desmond chuckled and bit his lower lip. I could tell that he liked what I teased him. "Well, do you wish to?" he asked as he knew that I was kidding. "Hmm..." I hummed softly. "Of course, yes. I would like to go to any ce as long as I have you, Desmond."


    He hugged me instantly. "Ah, seraphim, you are making me and my wolf feel skittish right now." I felt him kissing my head. "I wouldn''t get enough of you, seraphim."


    I forced a smile, feeling heartbroken. "Me, too, cinnamon. Me, too..." I said softly.


    Looks like he was going to tell me about the surrogacy once we get home. It could mean that Hazel epted it with Desmond... with Desmond epting the condition Hazel uttered at that moment.


    My husband... My mate...


    He betrayed me again.


    This time, he was not controlled by the aphrodisiac. He did it of his will to spend a night with her.


    It hurts.


    This hurts more than I ever caught him.


    I pretended that everything was alright. I blocked all the emotions I felt so Desmond wouldn''t dare to feel what I felt right now. Because if he knows that I am troubled right now, he wouldn''t leave me alone until I told him.


    We returned to our pack after we had thest meeting with Alpha King Azarius. I was nervous as soon as we arrived. I tried my best not to appear nervous when I got to see Hazel. I squinted my eyes at her when our eyes met.


    But I caught her smirking before she nced at Desmond.


    I felt my heart clench when I caught Desmond looking at Hazel. I secretly gritted my teeth in annoyance. I also feel useless right now.


    "We will have a meeting at the moment in my study room, seraphim," Desmond said as soon as we arrived at our chamber.


    "I''ll bring some refreshmentster then," I stated when he helped me change my gown. "Desmond, you shall summon a servant to help me here." I was indicating the part where he was helping to dress up.


    He frowned and shook his head. "I want to help you." He smiled.


    "What refreshment do you want to drinkter? Tea? Juice? Or-"


    "You."


    I shivered at his reply. But I smiled sheepishly and turned around to tap his cheek. "Naughty." Desmond only grinned. "Go now. I shall disturb the meetingter." I winked.


    His expression softened as he nodded. "Please do, seraphim." He winked back.


    I kept my smiling face when he left but I vanished as I changed it into a bitter one. Then I went to the walk-in closet and took the vial that I needed. I also started packing my things by taking a few clothes. I even took some of the jewelry that has high value and some trinkets so I could sell them. I decided that I would leave it here in my pack.


    I couldn''t take staying here knowing that Desmond slept twice with other women.


    I am not a fool to stay here anymore.


    Damn him!


    My wolf was feeling furious and agreed with me. Desmond knew that my wolf and I hated Hazel yet he had some discussions with her to make her a surrogate mother. Most especially, it seemed like he agreed to her condition based on the nces they exchanged earlier.


    It pained me...


    I settled my things to the nearest room where Desmond''s study room was located before I took the vial with me and went to the kitchen area. I told the cooks and other servants that I could handle


    vel


    everything here. They nodded and left me alone. It was a good thing that they wouldn''t suspect me of anything once I mixed the


    high-condensed sleeping draught


    potion to the tea.


    I inhaled and exhaled to calm myself hearing my heartbreaking slowly as I went to Desmond''s study room. I knocked on the door before someone opened it only to see Desmond with a beaming smile on his face.


    "I brought some refreshments to everyone here," I said with a gentle smile and showed them the tea I brewed. I felt relief because the two Beta, Harvey and Oakley, and the three Gammas, Jupiter, Solomon, and Nichs, were here and gathered around.


    "Greetings, Luna," they said in unison and bowed their heads before me.


    I nodded my head and poured them some tea before I sat at the armchair where Desmond was sitting. "Has the discussion just started?" I asked Desmond as I was referring to the one he told me that they would discuss the budget of building a new packhouse.


    He held my hand. "We are still weighing the cost of it, seraphim." He kissed the back of my palm which suddenly pained me.


    His hand... It was the same hand he used to hold Hazel.


    "Would you mind if I listen here?" I asked as I tightened my hold to his hand, indicating that I was starting to rebel against this marriage.


    Desmond nodded, smiling. "I don''t


    mind. You know that you can barge in whenever you want toe here." I nodded. Then he turned his head to


    the gentlemen who were here. "We also need to discuss what building materials we should use here Oakley alreadymunicated to the contractor and indicated here the materials we can use for the new


    packhouse."


    I remained a stoic expression as soon as their discussion deepened. I waited. I patiently waited until all of them drank the tea I prepared. Then,ter on, they copsed.


    I held Desmond''s body and reclined him to his seat when he fell asleep as well. Then I checked his breathing and made sure that he was really


    sleeping.


    I really made sure the vial I mixed was a high-condensed one since all of them had a high tolerance for poison, especially Desmond. For someone consuming this, it would take twelve hours to have them in a sleep state.


    For someone who had a poison tolerance, this would onlyst for three hours.


    To make sure that I wouldn''t be able to follow Desmond immediately, I also put a drug that could make someone physically weak.


    Sighing, I kissed Desmond''s lips as tears fell from my eyes. "Didn''t I already tell you that I can forgive? I told you that if this happens again, I will not forgive you anymore," I whispered to his ear. "Because today, I, Seraphina Beryl-Verlice, reject you as my mate, Desmond Verlice."


    His body irked as he gritted his teeth while his eyes were closed. Then momentster, his closed eyes were streaming tears.


    I hissed at the pain as I let the tears fall from my eyes the moment I twisted the doorknob to leave.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "S-Seraphina..."


    I gasped hearing Desmond''s weakened voice. I turned my head as my eyes widened seeing him standing up, unstabilized. "H-How..." I couldn''t continue my words when he copsed and knelt to the floor having his eyes on me as he was crying.


    He was supposed to be asleep! Even if I rejected him, he must remain asleep.


    "W-Where are... you going..." He reached for me but he couldn''t as he sobbed. "Why... Why did you... reject me? What... did I... do?"


    I harshly wiped the tears away from my eyes when was assured that he wouldn''t be able to move from his ground. "You should ask yourself," said before I bit my lower lip when a sob escaped from my lips. "Farewell, Desmond," I bid one more time when his eyes finally closed. "There is no more second chance for you," I said coldly before I decided to take my things.


    I made sure that when I reached the gates, they wouldn''t notice what happened to their Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. I held my head high when I arrived


    and ordered the pack warriors to open the gates for me. I surmised that they hadn''t been alerted yet since I knew that Desmond would fail to mind link our pack warriors guarding the gates.


    "May we ask where are you going, Luna?" one of them asked. "Did Alpha allow you to go out?"


    I red at him coldly which caused him to stiffen. "If Desmond did not allow me to go out, I wouldn''t be here," I said in my icy tone.


    "But... usually, Alpha is going with you, Luna..." he reasoned in a meek tone.


    I approached him and showed my power as the Luna of this pack. "You dare to question your Alpha''s decision? The obvious is right in front of you.


    Are you dumb or what?" I retorted.


    He lowered his head. "P-Pardon me, Luna. We... We will open the gates for you."


    "Good. Hurry up!" I ordered angrily to make them haste to their movement.


    I needed to get away as soon as possible. I had to make sure that Desmond wouldn''t follow my scent already as I was wearing the bracelet to hide


    my scent.


    I nced at the pack gates one more time before I transformed to my wolf form. Along with me were the essential things I needed to hide from my


    husband.


    Farewell, Rising Diamond pack.

 Chapter 6: Working as a Seamstress

    Chapter 6: Working as a Seamstress


    "Seraphina, grab me some electric blue taffeta, will you?"


    I nodded my head as I went to the shelves for fabrics where they were arranged by fabric type and by color. Then I took the electric blue taffeta and bestowed the fabric to Nicia who was busy hand sewing a new cicada gown ordered by Lady Helga.


    I returned to my seat to finish the bo matching the ball gown for Lady Helga. Nicia and I were the ones handling this while my other fellow seamstresses were busy dealing with the new customers from the nobledies.


    I took the needle and ckces to sew it to the brim of the blue hat. "Are you going to stayte again, Nicia?" I asked when I continued sewing. Nicia nced at me. "Probably. It is not as if we have a choice. We didn''t even have a break for work, Seraphina." She grinned.


    I chuckled, huffing. "You are right." But I sighed one more time. "I do not know what to exin again to Sander if Ie homete and he is waiting for me again."


    "If only Madam Ibanez was considerate of our working hours and paid us with the right amount..." She paused when the door swung open, revealing the woman in her fifties wearing a vivid yellow gown and miniature hat on her head serving as headwear.


    "Speaking of the bitch..." I mouthed at Nicia causing her to grin.


    We both flinched when Madam Ibanez mmed our working table. "Did I even pay the two of you just to chit-chat?!"


    We lowered our heads immediately as we both exchanged meaningful nces.


    "M-My apologies, Madam Ibanez," I spoke in my sincerest tone.


    I winced in pain when she grabbed my hair and forced me to look at her. "Apologies? Apologies? Do you think that shall be enough topensate for catching you two chit-chatting at work? Do you want your debts to escte dramatically, you ungrateful bitch?"


    I bit my lower lip, not wanting to cry as I endured the pain I felt at the roots of my hair. She grabbed my hair like she wanted to take them out.


    Then the next thing Madam Ibanez suddenly made me feel dizzy.


    "Seraphina!"


    I held my forehead when we all heard the loud thud of my head being hit on the table. I didn''t cry when she left me thereafter I heard Nicia''s cry when Madam Ibanez pulled her hair as well.


    Unlike me, she didn''t bang her head on the table.


    "If I ever catch you two again chit-chatting, perhaps, twentyshes with wolfsbane must be the suitable punishment for the two of you!"Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I groaned as my lips quivered when I touched my forehead seeing blood in it. There was a huge impact she created by banging my head on the edge of the table.


    "Are you alright, Seraphina?" Nicia asked as she approached me and checked me.


    "I''m alright..." I scoffed, didn''t shed a tear. She fished out her handkerchief and went to the sink to soak it in water before she tended me to clean the blood from my head. "This pain is nothingpared to when I gave birth to my son, Nicia." I chuckled softly.


    Nicia shook her head. "But it is still painful. Tsk. Madam Ibanez really does not know her limits when hurting her workers..." she sobbed.


    "We are werewolves so the wounds will heal quickly." I shrugged as soon she was done cleaning my forehead and head. "We must get back to work. We didn''t want to get caught by madam." I sighed and massaged my temple when I felt a little dizzy from that banging of my head.


    Nicia wanted to protest but she nodded her head and agreed.


    I went home by the time it was already ten in the evening. I was walking my way back home when I came to see a shop where some of the people were eating some good meals. I sighed and averted my eyes from them, ignoring how they smelled so good.


    But I didn''t have much earnings because I was penniless and didn''t get proper wages from Madam Ibanez.


    It was always inadequate even if we met the date set to expect by our noble clients.


    I arrived in a dpidated t after walking for fifteen minutes from the shop of Madam Ibanez. I opened the door and locked it.


    Then I got teary-eyed seeing my son hugging a stuffed toy beside him while he was sleeping on the crumbling couch. I knelt before him.


    "You were waiting for me, weren''t you?" I sniffed after whispering as I kissed his forehead before I decided to bring him to my bedroom. I melted and felt helpless because of my situation.


    I went to my small dining room where a small kitchen was also there. I cried when I saw that Sander made dinner for me. It was a rice porridge my son made for me.


    He was only six years old yet he already learned so fast what he must cook just by teaching him a few recipes I knew.


    "Sander..." I enjoyed eating it while I felt bad as a mother that my son was already doing this for me.


    I would make it up to him. As always. It was a good thing that I have a day off tomorrow.


    I went to check my savings hidden


    under the bedside table. I bit my lower lip. Lonly have two gold coins, a few silver coins, and some copper coins saved here from working at Madam Ibanez''s tailoring shop. I nced at my son who was


    sleeping soundly. Content belongs


    to NovelDrama.Org


    Perhaps, I could take my son to the nearest public garden here or maybe to a seaside here in Alverton.


    I looked at the wardrobe where my wolf was urging me to check it. I hid the money I saved and went to Sander and I''s wardrobe to see the wooden box that has a lock on it. Sighing, I caressed it and shook it a little causing them to be clinking.


    I used the locked key I had and opened them. There, I saw a bunch of gold coins and a few pieces of luxury jewelry I had never touched for years.


    "I think it is time for us to live in a decent t..." I sighed seeing the rundown surrounding. I chose to stay with my son because I never intended to use them that came from... the past.


    I sighed and stared outside the window. I wonder how he is right now. Since I ran away from our pack, I never had any news when I traveled away


    from the Rising Diamond pack located at Penrith took three days to get there.


    I stayed by my son''s side as soon as


    I got to decide where we must go for my day off. gentlybed his hair and nted a soft kiss for my little boy-no, he was my little man because Sander grew mature a soon as he realized that we were living in poverty. I hate to see that he also had to be more understanding that his mother needed to work hard just so we could have a good life.


    "Mama..." Sander said, half-asleep. He rubbed and tried to look at me with his droopy amber eyes. He wanted to see if I was already here.


    "Shh... It''s alright, son. You can go back to sleep..." I gentlybed his hair and kissed his forehead one more time.


    His frail little hands clung to my neck as he buried his face in the crook of my neck. "Mama, I missed you..."


    I got teary-eyed and hugged him. "I know, my little man. Mama missed you, too. My apologies for alwaysing sote and going out so early for


    work..."


    Oh, Sander... I missed my son and I spent less of my time with him. It hurts to see that my son would have to beg for my time and I needed to work to provide for the needs he needed.


    "Mama... I understand..." Then I heard his soft snore after he spoke.


    I heaved out a sigh. "Oh, Sander..."


    I swear, I will make amends with you, my son.

 Chapter 7: Little Man

    Chapter 7: Little Man


    I woke up the next morning having Sander, not in my arms. I panicked and got up from the single bed where we both slept.


    "Sander?" I went to the dining room to see brown-colored bread, made from barley flour with rye, on the table. Then I heard a hissing sounding from a pan and saw Sander''s small back and messy golden hair locks inherited from mine. "Sander..." I called when I found out that he was cooking. My son named Sander stiffened before he turned around and smiled. "Good morning, Mama!" He instantly hugged me.


    I hugged him so tight and carried him in my arms. "You''re cooking for Mama again, little man." I checked what he was cooking and saw that he was cooking some salmon. Upon finding it out, I couldn''t help kissing his forehead as I felt a little bad that he was doing this for me. I must be the one who must do this to him but it turned out to be otherwise.


    "I woke up early, Mama, to catch a salmon in the river for our morning meal!" He beamed.


    I lifted him down and knelt before him. "I must be the one doing this work as your mother, not you, Sander," I said softly.


    He was always like this. Ever since he easily learned to cook, he would always wake up early and cook for me.


    And the fact that he was just six years old that would turn seven in the next few months.


    "Mmm." Sander shook his head which made his hair locks go along with him shaking it. "Mama, I want to help you. Mama is always tired when she goes home sote. I want to do something for Mama."


    I sighed, teary-eyed. "Sander..." I hugged and kissed his cheek. "My little man... You''re too mature for my own good." I felt like I did not deserve to be his mother. I also couldn''t believe that I carried this little man for three months and gave birth to this world. He was really too mature.


    "I will protect you, Mama," my son said and hugged me back.


    Sander... Sander was a child who learned everything with just one nce. He learned to speak before he reached a year old. He even knew how to sew even though he was only just watching me. He even knew how to clean even though I didn''t teach him. He even knew how to catch a fish by using his wolf form even though I taught him to use a fishing rod.


    Yes, Sander had his wolf form by the age of five.


    Supposedly, an average person could only transform to his or her wolf form at the age of eighteen. However, Sander was different.


    There was also a reason why he could transform so early.


    Sander has the blood of... an Alpha... that runs in his veins. That was the reason. There was no doubt about that. He really was the son of... Desmond.


    And my son didn''t know that. He didn''t know that he had that blood running through his veins. I only told him that he was a child prodigy that could surpass the limit of an average werewolf and that we were peasants or simply we were rogues that do not belong to any pack.


    Sander had no idea that he was a son of an Alpha. I hadn''t told him about how I absconded from the Rising Diamond pack because of the painful experiences I had because of Desmond''s action.


    "You''re such a sweet boy, my little man. Let Mama handle this and make amends with you, alright?" I winced his hair which made him "Also, today is my day off," I informed him.


    Sander gasped. "Really, Mama?" I nodded. "I-I want to go out with you, Mama!" He hugged my thigh and looked up at me with his pleading look. "Pretty please..." he pleaded.


    "Amusement park or seaside? Pick and we shall go out to eat there." I flipped the salmon before I faced my son with a smile.


    He was about to answer when he suddenly remembered. "B-But Mama... How about the money you will use for it? Can we not pack our food?"


    I inhaled sharply when I got teary-eyed because my son was thinking about the money that I was going to spend. It ached my heart that my son had to think this way.


    I would try to sell a few of theContent ? N?velDrama.Org.


    jewelry I had already decided that


    we must live in a decent t. But


    before doing that, I must be careful because those jewelry were one of a kind meant that Desmond personally made the designs just for me.


    That was... how he expressed his love for me. That was how Desmond showed his devotion to his mate.


    I knelt on one knee and gently poked his nose. "Do not worry about it. We only go out once in a while. I can use the one I am saving in my reserve fund."


    There was a worried expression on his face. "Mama... I am selfish. Let''s not go out anymore." He hugged me.


    I smiled that he was being considerate. "Sshh... Perhaps, I haven''t told you about the other reserve funds I got." I lifted him again in my arms before I finished frying the salmon and ced them on our tter.


    "Other reserve funds?" He blinked.


    "Uh-huh." I nodded. "I never touch it because I want to save it in case you get sick and Mama does not know what to do about how to treat you." I put him down in his seat before t took the sorrel leaves, water, and sugar to make some sorrel sauce for our fried salmon.


    Sander only had a perplexed expression also meant that he didn''t expect I would ever have one. only chuckled while I was grinding the three ingredients before I used a linen cloth to squeeze it into the salmon.


    "Eat up, little man." I urged him.


    "Mama..." He looked at me, looking worried.


    I sighed and smiled again. Should I tell him a fairy tale? "Do you want to hear a story?"


    He tilted his head. "Story?" I nodded. "What story, Mama?"


    I sped my hands together when I put my elbows on the table. "It is about the Luna who found her prince charming and ran away," I started.

 Chapter 8: Bonding Moment

    Chapter 8: Bonding Moment


    "There are so many food stalls here, Mama! I can''t pick one!" Sander beamed as we came to walk to the seaside and saw some food stalls.


    I chuckled and held his hand tightly. "How about we go to a nearby restaurant? I am very sure you haven''t experienceding there, have you?" His eyes widened in awe. "Restaurant?" I nodded, caressing his hair. "I would love to!"


    I fixated on his bowtie and his hat. "There." I cupped his cherub face. "My baby pup grows up so fast. I can''t ept it yet," I said, feeling emotional as I gave him some kisses which Sander giggled at.


    "Mama, I want to grow up so I can protect you. I will look for work and I will earn so hard that Mama won''t work anymore."This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    That made me teary-eyed. "What did I do to deserve you?" I kissed his forehead. He was such an adorable child. I really don''t deserve this pup..... "Because I love my Mama. My ymates teased me that you don''t love me anymore because Mama is not staying with me for the whole day. But I told them you are working for us so we can have a meal to eat. You did not abandon me, right, Mama?"


    "No... Abandon? You?" I almost cussed, wanting to hurt those people who said that to my son. I already knew those annoying neighbors from the corners of the streets were teasing my son with those kinds of words. "Mama loves you so much. There is no way Mama is going to do that," I said softly to assure him. "Do not listen to them, Sander. Alright, little man?"


    He nodded. "Yes, Mama."


    "Good boy." I kissed his forehead one more time before we decided to pick which restaurant would ept us.


    We were dressed in decent and well-dressed clothes. This was my first time wearing a dress that looked expensive. I used to wear expensive dresses years ago. I spent months finishing Sander and I''s clothes. I managed to get some excess fabric from Madam Ibanez''s tailor shop. Sander saw my work and even helped me with how to do his clothes.


    It was our bonding moment as mother and son that I would always cherish.


    We entered a restaurant that screamed luxury and elegance. Because I was once a wife of a nobleman, it was easy for me to act prim and proper even with having a son who was quick to learn how to act like a noble one.


    "This way, mydy."


    I nodded and didn''t utter a word. I nced at my son who was holding his head high. He nced up at me with his little hat on his head. I winked at him which made him giggle.


    I decided to have us on the balcony to see the good scenery of the seaside which fascinated my son. Just looking at him was already enough to take away all the worries I had.


    I also ordered the dishes which I still knew what they taste like and I was sure that my son would like them because we both have simr taste buds. When our order arrived, Sander couldn''t help to express that he was seeing savory crayfish, grilled steak, andsagna. Then his eyes widened when he saw the almond cream tart and blueberry cheesecake for desserts.


    "Mama, can we eat this?" He beamed as his mouth watered.


    Chuckling, I nodded. "Yes, we will eat to our heart''s content, my little man." I gently poked his nose. "Go and dig in."


    I watched as my son ate the dishes to his heart''s content. Moaning in delight... His face was beaming... Then his giggles...


    It was so adorable to watch him. I would cherish this memory I always have with my son.


    We didn''t leave as soon as we finished our meal. I even ordered some chamomile tea while herbal tea for Sander. I taught him how a noble should drink its tea which he eventually learned and drank, learning more of the etiquettes.


    "Am I doing well, Mama?" he asked, showing me the way he was holding his teacup.


    I checked it strictly seeing his thumb and forefinger were holding the handle while his middle finger was supporting the bottom. His ring and pinky fingers were tucked in.


    I nodded. "Yes. Then sip your tea. Be careful it is hot when you drink it," I said softly.


    "Mmm." He nodded and carefully sipped on his tea. I watched as his face turned upside down. "It tastes nd, Mama..."


    I chuckled. "Oh, yes. You did not put any sugar cubes. Here..." I put one on his tea. I even put some milk in it. "Mix it. Then try it again."


    He did what I told him before I finally saw the satisfaction on his face. "It tastes good now, Mama..." He giggled.


    "I''m d you like it."


    I looked at my reflection in the tea, suddenly recalling my old life as a wife of a nobleman. I once had butlers and maids beside me, serving me some snacks and tea. I suddenly remembered that I used to prepare snacks and tea for... that man. And I considered it a bonding moment with him.


    Now that I lived my life as a peasant, going back to being an Omega, not as the Luna of the pack, I needed to thrive harder as I needed to provide something for my son. Sander was only staying at our t. Sometimes he would go out and would tell me that he yed with the other kids from our neighborhood who were also living in dpidated houses.


    We took a stroll around the seaside. We smelled the salty smell of the sea when it mixed in the breeze. We also visited some shops where I bought him a few new clothes for his everyday wear.


    Since I only brought two gold coins with me, I knew that we could purchase some food in the food stalls, especially the meat skewer which became Sander''s favorite. He was so adorable.


    This was our first time going out.


    "Would you like us to do this again on your birthday?" I asked when we were enjoying the meat skewers under the tree.


    "Really, Mama?"


    "Uh-huh. Mama will work so hard so that my little Sander will have a grandiose celebration!" I eximed.


    His face beamed. "Mama! Thank you!" He hugged me.


    "Of course. I love my baby boy so it has to be that way," I said, smiling.


    We took a few strolls and halted in an ornamental shop along the way. It was Sander''s idea that we needed to see something because something caught his eyes.


    "Do you want a pendant or bangle, Sander?" I asked as he was stroking his chin like he was thinking something serious about what to pick he wanted. "Sander?" I arched my eyebrow.


    Then he picked a sterling silver bracelet that was flower petal-shaped. "May I ask how much this is?"


    "That would be one silver coin," the merchant answered.


    His eyes widened as he blinked, surprised at the price. I gently tapped his back. "I will pay for it, little man." I smiled gently. It looked like he wanted it so I fished out a silver coin in my coin purse when Sander spoke.


    "Mama, I will pay for it." I blinked


    when Sander handed out a silver


    coin to the seller. Then my son


    turned to me and took my wrist. I was surprised as to when he did get that coin. "Mama, this is for you. know Mama loves flowers. I want Mama to always remember me when she''s at her work. And I want to tell Mama that I love her very much!"


    "Oh, Sander..." I couldn''t help myself hugging my little man, Sander.


    Oh, dear, Moon Goddess... What have I done to deserve this child? I felt so blessed to have Sander by my side. I didn''t want this tost. I want him to be my forever baby.


    Sander looked at me and saw that I was wiping my tears. "I am just happy," I stated before he could even ask a question. I caressed his cherub cheek and smiled. "I am so lucky to have you, my dearest Sander," I said in a low tone. "I love you so much."


    He giggled when I winced his hair. "I love you more, Mama." He hugged my thigh.


    We decided toe home while we were sauntering our way to the pavement, swinging our hands together. We were happily humming when a strong wind suddenly passed by which my son''s hat flew andnded on the... I gasped when his hatnded beside the foot of a man.


    "Sander¨D" I called my son when he


    immediately went to pick it up but before he could get it, arge hand came to pick it up from the ground. I hastily approached my son and


    !


    turned to the man who was also


    wearing a hat by bowing my head. "Sorry for the trouble, my lord," I said politely, gravely apologizing before I turned my head when the man didn''t say anything. "Sander, what must you say?" I asked when the man


    returned the hat to him, lowering his


    head to look at my son. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I knitted my forehead as I didn''t get a chance to see His Lordship''s face because of his hat but I was certain that his eyes only focused on Sander. Sander blinked and furrowed his eyebrows. "Mama..." He tugged my hand after taking the hat from him.


    "Yes?"


    Sander was about to take something but the man gently tipped his hat to him and me before he immediately stepped back and didn''t turn his head to us anymore. That bewildered me as I didn''t get a chance to see his face. He didn''t even utter a word.


    Was he a mute person?


    He could have at least looked into my eyes, no? Rude... I almost shook my head at that moment but I halted myself.


    I turned to Sander whose eyes still darted to the man who was walking away from us. "Sander, why did you not say thank you to him? That is rude that you did not say that." I softly caressed his hair before I returned the hat to him.


    Sander looked at me. There was bewilderment written on his face. "Mama, why does he look like me?"


    "Who?" I was perplexed. Look like him?


    Sander raised his hand and pointed to something. "That man... He looks like me, Mama. But his face looks mature."


    As soon as he said that, I suddenly


    felt chills down my spine as I looked


    up to follow where Sander was pointing it. I even felt my heart racing wildly when I couldn''t find the


    man we just met a while ago. My hands were fidgeting as I immediately lifted my son into my arms.


    "W-We must head back. N-Now," I said nervously.

 Chapter 9: Not a Word

    Chapter 9: Not a Word


    I was bothered by Sander''s words as soon as we headed back home. Even though days had already passed, I could still feel chills down my spine. I didn''t get a chance to ask him about it and what the man really looked like.


    But if what Sander proimed that the man looked like my son, could it be... him? He was here?


    That was impossible for sure. This rural town was far away from where I lived before. It was impossible that he would be able to find me since I never used my maiden surname or his surname.


    I only used my own name since as a peasant, they don''t have any surname. I knew that I was safe because having a name, Seraphina, was a verymon name here in the Sowinski Kingdom.


    But... if Desmond managed to find me, then I must do what it took to hide my son away from him. There was no way that he had a chance to see our


    son.


    Never.


    After he hurt me... After he made me a fool from our marriage...


    Did he really think that he deserved to know about our son?


    Absconding from his pack... I wasn''t really expecting that I would get pregnant with my pup. What I heard from Desmond himself, I was infertile which was why he was making an agreement with Hazel to be a surrogate mother for our pup.


    That was why I was really surprised when I found out that I was pregnant. I was still wondering how it happened but I was really thankful that the Moon Goddess had bestowed me a pup even if it was impossible now.


    I caressed my son''s golden locks which he inherited from me. The rest of his facial features came from Desmond. As he grew up, he would be looked like his father.


    "You really look like your father, little man," I said softly, feeling sorrow that I even had to see Desmond''s face towards Sander.


    Sander groaned softly and hugged me. I gently smiled and kept him beside me before I kissed his forehead. I must decide now on going to a new t. Once I had my day off, I would let Sandere with me.


    "We finish it!" Niscia and I said in unison as we both intertwined our hands together and jumped in joy.


    We were joyful because, after a restless week, we finished Lady Helga''s cicada gown. What it seemed to rejoice right now as we finished it before the deadline which was three days before that day.


    "We need to tell this to Madam Ibanez first," Niscia said after we both celebrated.


    "Yes." I nodded, silently praying that we would have the approvaling from Madam Ibanez.


    Later that day, Niscia and I were finally free from this heavy work as soon as Madam Ibanez said that she approved it. We packed it in a box so that when Lady Helga would arrive on that day, we could have her try it.


    It was already six in the evening when I went home since we didn''t have much work to do and saw Sander who was sewing... his trousers. I knitted my forehead when I saw him crying.


    "Sander?" His eyes widened as he looked up to meet my eyes. Then he immediately hid the trousers he was sewing. "What are you doing, sweetheart?" I asked and approached him to wipe the tears from his eyes. "Why are you crying?" I asked softly.


    He didn''t answer. He looked away, feeling guilty.


    I sighed, knowing what could have


    been. "Did you fight with the neighbor''s kids again?" Sander bit his lower lip and silenced for a


    moment before he nodded. "Yo


    ripped your trousers again because you transformed to your wolfform?" Another nod. "Why did you fight them again, little man?" asked softly, coercing him to look at me.


    Sander was on the verge of crying when he looked at me. I smiled gently, urging him to tell me. He started sniffing and hugged me. "Mama..." he sobbed.


    "Now, now... What is it, little man?" I gently caressed his hair.


    "They teased me again that I do not have a father..."


    I stiffened as my eyes widened. Did they tease him again? I hugged my son, wanting tofort him. "Don''t listen to them. You are finer without a father, Sander." I felt my blood boil all of a sudden.


    Every time I would think of Desmond, I couldn''t help feeling anger towards him. No matter if seven years had already passed, I couldn''t wash away how he betrayed me twice.


    "But... is Papa dead, Mama?" I secretly gritted my teeth at Sander''s question.


    That would be difficult for me to answer. I do not want to lie in front of him but this part was necessary.


    "To me, he is dead, Sander," I said as I smiled bitterly.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Huh?" He blinked. "D-Do you hate Papa, Mama?" I didn''t answer. I only kissed his forehead to divert his question.


    "I shall prepare our supper. You can stop now. I''ll continue sewing your trousers," I said, going to the kitchen.


    "Mama." I sighed as I knew that Sander wouldn''t drop this topic. "Did... Papa hurt you?"


    "Sander." I looked at him with an earnest gaze. "Please. Not a word about your father. Can you?"


    He was about to open his mouth to say something but I only looked at him, warning him. Sander closed his mouth and nodded. "Yes, Mama..." With that, he returned to our quarters.


    I suddenly felt bad that I had been acting like that to Sander. I couldn''t help feeling bitter whenever he was mentioning about his father. I didn''t even want to discuss it but I knew that Sander had the right to know about who his father was.


    But not right now.


    I was still not ready to tell him about Desmond. I wanted to tell him when I already moved from the past. I didn''t want to feel enraged if I happened to start telling him about Desmond. I would feel bad if didn''t control my emotions and Ished out at Sander.


    I don''t want that to happen.


    Sighing, I must apologize to my sonter. I didn''t want to act like that.


    "I''m sorry, Sander..." I murmured.

 Chapter 10: New Home

    Chapter 10: New Home


    "This is our new home, Mama?" Sander asked with his eyes widened in awe.


    I roamed my eyes around seeing that this new t I rented was well maintained. I was d that I found a caringndy who was so amodating to her tenants, unlike thendy where Sander and I stayed before. Her rent was cheap yet it was dpidated.


    I only rented there because I wanted to live in a simple t that would avoid having me found by Desmond. But I was d that I found a t that would fit in my budget for my wage of being a seamstress and my workce was two blocks away from our new t.


    I looked at Sander and gently caressed his hair. "Yes, little man. This is our new home with no annoying neighbors," I said.


    He giggled when I gently pinched his nose. "Can I go out while you are away, Mama?" he asked. "I saw a river that isn''t far away from here."


    I chuckled. Sander would always love going to rivers and going to hunt some salmon. "As long as you are not going anywhere aside from that river, it shall be fine with me, little man."


    "Yes!" Sander jumped in joy.


    "Shall you help me unpack our things, little man?" He nodded, giggling.


    Now, this should make me feel at ease now. I knew that I wouldn''t have to be troubled by worrying about the welfare of my son since the neighbors here were kind. I was only worried about Sander having such extreme escapades as he had this instinct of checking everything if he was curious enough.


    "Oh? You moved to a new t?" Niscia asked as soon as I told her about it.


    "Hmm." I nced at Sander who was ying outside of the tailoring shop of Madam Ibanez. I usually brought him here if Sander was feeling bored back when we were living in the dpidated t. I returned my gaze to Niscia. "It is about time that we moved out. It is hard to live in that ce." I was referring to the previous t Sander and I lived in.


    She nodded and bestowed a cotton fabric after I told her to get me one. "That is nice to hear, Seraphina. I would love to visit you and bring something to your new home." She smiled sweetly.


    "You cane by if you want," I said happily. I would love to have a new visitor there as well.


    All of the seamstresses suddenly behaved when Madam Ibanez arrived looking at us with her deadly stare. We all looked away and continued our work.


    "Seraphina."This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I flinched when she called my name. Smiling wryly, I turned to her. "Y-Yes, madam?" Alright, Seraphina... Calm down. She wouldn''tsh out at me, would she? I didn''t wish to have a dispute with her again. I didn''t want to fight back.


    "Your son." Her face darkened. "Get him out from the front. He is bringing bad luck to my tailor shop!" She raised her voice.


    I immediately bowed my head. "Y-Yes, I shall tend to it. P-Pardon me, madam."


    She rolled her eyes before she went inside her study room. As soon as she was there, all of us exhaled in relief. Madam Ibanez was a violent person. Although I could match her energy, I was afraid of losing work. It was hard to find some work these days which was why I had been enduring being working as the seamstress in her tailor shop.


    I went outside to call Sander. "I need you to behave, Sander. Madam Ibanez doesn''t like kids so please refrain from running and roaming around the shop. Do you get me?" I asked softly as I caressed his golden locks.


    "Hmm!" Sander answered.


    Later that day, we became busy. Sander was beside me watching me, having a fascination in his eyes. I could already tell that he wanted to insist that he wanted to try it as well but he just patiently watched there.


    We heardughtering from the study room of Madam Ibanez. I was certain that she was having fun chatting with her new client. Then we heard the door opening.


    "His Lordship will look forward to his new tailored tuxedo, madam."


    I nced at the man who was bowing his head to Madam Ibanez. Madam Ibanez fluttered her fan and hid her half-face. "I shall bring one of my seamstresses there, Sir Elron."


    "We will look forward to your arrival," the man named Elron said before he turned his back and left the tailor shop.


    My eyes were glued to the door of the shop, silently thinking that man seemed like a servant from a noble family. It seemed that this shop would get busy again.


    "Listen, everyone!" We looked up at


    the gallery when Madam Ibanez pped her hands to gather our attention. We have a big-time client. His Lordship wants a skillful


    seamstress who can tailor


    a


    tuxedo for the party he is going to attend next month. One of you muste with me to visit the hotel where he is staying at."


    The murmursing from my fellow seamstresses started to ur. I looked down when Sander gently tugged my dress. I smiled when he showed me that he was sewing extra pieces of fabric that were thrown off the floor. Inodded and bestowed him a thumbs up that he got my approval. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    "Seraphina!"


    I immediately stood up. "Y-Yes, madam?" I looked at her when I saw that her face looked like she wanted to explode already. I gulped because it seemed like she looked at me when she called my name.


    She squinted her eyes as I saw her nose was ring in annoyance already. "You areing with me tomorrow. You are taking the measurement!"


    I gasped. "What?" My heart dropped upon hearing that. Shit... I was really hoping not to be chosen for the next clothing that we needed to sew but it seemed I had made a mistake... "But Madam Ibanez "


    I wanted to beg to disagree but she cut me off. "Hush! Not a word from your filthy mouth!" She almost screamed and I felt the screeching sound in my head that almost made my wolf and me insane from that voice of hers. "I have already


    decided so shut the hell up!" Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I gripped my skirt, wanting to bark at her. This made me feel insulted but there was no way I could do that because my work was going to be at risk.


    In the end, I bowed my head. "Yes, madam. A-As you wish."


    She scoffed and returned to her study room again. We all flinched when she mmed the door. Sighing, I turned at Niscia, suddenly feeling stressed at this moment.


    "It is alright, Seraphina. At least, we are going to work together for this new client," Niscia said, trying to lift up my mood.


    I only nodded and sat down beside Sander. "Is it just me or she is always annoyed at me every single time our eyes meet?" I asked, half-annoyed. Niscia chuckled. "She may feel envious that you are more of a beauty than her." She winked.


    I scoffed. "You and your silly jokes..."


    "What?" She fluttered her eyes. "You are really beautiful, Seraphina. You should try entertaining some guys."


    I looked at her in disbelief. "No." I nced at Sander who was busy sewing again. "I have no time for that, Niscia. I am focused more on my son," I said and smiled gently seeing that my son was the light of my life. My little man in my life.


    "For sure, Sander is looking for a father figure already, hmm?" She nced at Sander. "Sander, do you wish to have a new Papa?"


    I inhaled slowly when Sander looked up at Niscia and shook his head. Here we go again... We were talking about Papa again.


    "I don''t want a new Papa. I want my real Papa."


    That made me stiff. I couldn''t even utter another word from this. The determination from Sander''s voice was making me shiver. I didn''t know what to say next but I was thankful when Niscia spoke.


    "Where is your real Papa then?"


    I creased my forehead when I nced at Niscia. "Niscia..." There was a warning in my tone. She knew that I didn''t like talking about Sander''s father because of the past I had with him.


    Niscia smiled wryly. "Sorry..."


    I turned to Sander who had just spoken. "Mama does not want to talk about Papa. Maybe, Papa hurt Mama. If that happens my real Papa hurts Mama, I do not want to see him ever again."


    My eyes widened at Sander''s words. I was rendered speechless that he had said these things to me. Even Niscia looked surprised at what my son


    said.


    Sander looked at me with an earnest expression. "I will protect you, Mama. I will not let anyone hurt you. Even if that is my real Papa. I will fight back for you."


    With that, he hugged me while I was left in a daze. I couldn''t believe it... Did Sander utter those words? Did he seriously not want to see Desmond?


    I was supposed to be happy upon hearing this, right?


    Then, why did I feel otherwise?

 Chapter 11: New Client

    Chapter 11: New Client


    "Mama, please take care."


    I kissed Sander on his forehead. "Yes. Continue to write them, alright? Then, we will proceed to the next lesson once I go home. Be a good boy here, Sander."


    Since we already had a new home, I already introduced Sander to studying more by reading and writing. Though I couldn''t say that I had knowledge about it, I only thought about what I thought would be convenient for my son while I was away.


    The education here was only favorable to all the nobles. It was a good thing that Desmond had made me study lessons when we were still getting to know each other. At that time I was still wary of him but still, I epted the education he bestowed on me since he insisted. It was the time he knew that I couldn''t read and write.


    It was very helpful for me and thanks to that, I could pass my knowledge to Sander.


    I went to the tailor shop early this morning. I even got to meet Niscia along the way. "I hope Madam Ibanez is not here yet," I said when we went to our workstation. "Are you quite nervous to meet madam''s new client?" Niscia asked, slightly worried.


    I shook my head. "Not really. I am really prepared for it. In fact, I already prepared the tape measurement and the journal to list the measurement of His Lordship." Sighing, I didn''t even know what could have been the name of the lord that Madam Ibanez needs to visitter.


    I just wished to finish this as soon as possible. But I was certain that I would get in trouble if I did not do my work right. Madam Ibanez and I would have to brawl and I would end up getting hurt again. Risking my work must not go there.


    It didn''t take long for Madam Ibanez to arrive. She even prepared for the carriage. "Hope on, you peasant," she said, scoffing.


    I only bowed my head as an answer. I must not dare to retort back or else, I would put my job in jeopardy. I wouldn''t want that to happen.


    It didn''t take long when we arrived in another town called Eastborne where Madam Ibanez said that this was where our new client was residing in a luxury hotel. We got down from the carriage.


    I even managed to look up as I heaved out a sigh. I just hope that the lord we were about to deal with was kind enough not to make a hasty deadline schedule. I wouldn''t have to work sote and allow my son to cook for me again.


    I knew that Sander would have been feeling so lonely whenever he was eating alone. I experienced that and I hated to admit that Sander felt the same way, too.


    "Let''s go, slowpoke," Madam Ibanez as she red at me before she huffed and walked towards the entrance of the hotel.


    Sighing, I followed her. I checked the dress I was wearing right now. It was a good thing that I used a much more presentable dress so that I wouldn''t put Madam Ibanez to shame. I would have done that but I didn''t want her to have to put in overtime because of her annoyance with me.


    I couldn''t help but get awed as soon as I saw the interior design of the hotel. I saw the red-carpeted walls, wallmps, and even chandeliers. The wall even had gold intricate designs which added a cozy atmosphere here in the surrounding.


    I knew that I shouldn''t suppose to be surprised about seeing the interior design of a hotel because in the past, I''d always been with Desmond and he always wanted me toe with him when we married for certain businessesing from the pce but I couldn''t help but get awed no matter if I had been in a hotel before.


    We went upstairs andnded on the eighth floor.


    "Damn it... Why does he have to be on this floor?" Madam Ibanez said as she was panting from climbing up the stairs. I almostughed at her statement but I behaved myself when she red at me.


    Calm down, Seraphina... Do notugh or you will be dead at her...


    "Keepughing. Do you wish to work overtime again?" She squinted her eyes at me.


    I pursed my lips into a thin line and bowed my head, apologizing. "P-Pardon me, madam." Ah, damn it. Please divert your attention from me, Madam Ibanez. If you kept ring at me like that, I would really end upughing at your words.


    Huffing, she continued to walk and halted in front of the door. Then she knocked while I stayed behind her.


    The door opened and revealed the man named Elron. He bowed before us and greeted Madam Ibanez. "This way, madam," he said and gestured his hand that we should follow him after we entered their chamber.


    "Thank you, Sir Elron," Madam Ibanez said in a sweet tone. I secretly rolled my eyes with the tone she had right now. It was pretty obvious that she was trying to make a good impression with him since she said yesterday that we have a big-time client.


    "What refreshment do you like, Madam Ibanez?" the man asked politely. "Tea, juice "


    "Tea would be fine," Madam Ibanez chimed in, not letting him finish his words.


    I suppressed the frown. I almost stretched out because of how rude she acted. I knew that we shouldn''t be supposed to chime in like that. We must let the other person finish talking first.


    "I see." Even so, Sir Elron still had a neutral smile before he turned at me. "How about you, Lady..." he paused, wanting to know my name. "Seraphina, good sir," I said and curtsied as a sign of respect.


    Sir Elron waved his hand and shook his head. "No need to curtsy before me, Lady Seraphina. I am just a simple butler of my lord," he said. "Any refreshment do you like as well?"


    "I am good with tea. Thank you," I said before I turned to Madam Ibanez who was ring at me when Sir Elron left. I lowered my head, not wanting to meet her eyes.


    I could already tell that she was getting annoyed each second we were staying in the same room. Even in the past, she had always been like this. She was always


    annoyed with me. Even if she


    just a glimpse of me, she would do anything tosh out at me and


    sometimes, worse, she would hurt


    me.


    I never intended to fight back because the work was important to me more than anything else. I only wanted to have work because I needed to provide everything for my son.


    "I apologize for keeping you waiting."


    I snapped back when Sir Elron


    tea.


    arrived. I roamed my eyes around while he was serving us some tea. wondered why he was the only butler here. I was thinking that came from a noble family, it


    n


    if you


    it was


    WP


    certain that you would have more butlers or servants under you.


    "Lord Verlice shall be here any moment. He is just busy for a while."


    I nced down when Sir Elron served me some tea and some snacks. I murmured thank you to him. I took the teacup when I heard the opening of the other door.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Lord Verlice!" I nced at Madam Ibanez when she stood up. Her eyes were sparkling.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting. My Alpha is here."


    I focused my eyes on the cup of tea I was holding when I stood up as well, not minding the two people approaching. Just before I could take a sip on


    it, I shivered when I heard a familiar male voice I haven''t heard in the past. I looked up and saw...


    "Greetings, Lord Verlice," Madam Ibanez greeted in a flirty tone.


    "Greetings, madam."


    I froze upon hearing another familiar baritone voiceing from someone knew. It was the voice of a man that always sent shivers down my spine. However, I couldn''t smelt the familiar distinctive smell of thebination of citrus, orange, and cedarwood.


    "I see you have brought apanion with you."


    I slowly raised my nce. As soon as I saw the person I never wanted to see for years, I knew that the moment our eyes met, I had fallen into a trap.


    I shivered, wanting to get away as soon as possible. The smile meant something... The smile meant you had messed up with the wrong person and you must be prepared for the consequences of your actions.


    No... There was no way I was facing him right now.


    I must be dreaming right now.


    There was no way Desmond was in front of me, right?!


    Right?!

 Chapter 12: Teasing or Measuring

    Chapter 12: Teasing or Measuring


    "You must be..." Desmond paused, acting like he wanted to know my name.


    I froze to my ground, unable to speak. Shivers kepting, seeing his stare piercing me. Talk, Seraphina! Talk!


    "|"


    "Her name is Seraphina, one of my seamstresses. She will be the one taking your measurement, Lord Verlice," Madam Ibanez answered.


    I inhaled almost sharply when I heard Madam Ibanez say Lord Verlice. I almost pinched myself for failing to hear the surname, Verlice. How could I ignore it at all times?


    Verlice surname was only owned by Desmond himself. The devil in disguise!


    "I see. Seraphina, it is..." I snapped back, feeling my heart was about to explode as I faced my mate I rejected who was also my former husband. I felt shivers down my spine when he mentioned my name as if he was tasting it, wanting to see if it was ording to his taste or not.


    I could feel my hands fidgeting right now when I came to see Oakley, one of his Betas, who was settling beside him. Our eyes met but he didn''t react that he was facing his former Luna of the Rising Diamond pack.


    "Shall we begin the measurement then? I am kind of in a hurry right now," Desmond said.


    I nced at Desmond hearing his soft, subtle tone. But I knew better than anyone else here that kind of tone was just an act so he would look kind and gentle. He was hiding his true self which was menacing and frightening.


    "Come on now, Seraphina. Go on." I flinched when Madam Ibanez ced her hands on my shoulders and pinched me which almost made me bark at her. I red at her, wanting to p the heck out of her.


    But she only widened her eyes, warning me that if I dared to humiliate her in front of our new client, she was going to kill me. That was for certain. Smiling bitterly, I took the measuring tape and approached... my former mate. Every step I took was getting heavy just by walking in his direction. The authority and eerie aura he had right now was making me shiver while his amber eyes were darting at me.


    I felt like I was courting my death once I was in front of him. But I could tell that I felt intoxicated just by having his presence sumb to my whole being right now.


    I just hope Madam Ibanez realized how ufortable I was. But... I knew that it was impossible that she cared for her workers'' feelings. She never cared at all.


    "My lord, I will take you some measures." I thanked myself for finally finding my voice. I was thankful that I didn''t falter in my voice or else, I knew that he would realize that everything was a mess for me right now.


    Rx, Seraphina. Remember what Desmond did to you.


    At that moment, my expression changed into an earnest one and made me stiffer than before. I instantly felt my blood boil upon remembering him and Hazel. He made me a fool. He was a bastard and didn''t deserve to know my son after all!


    "Very well," Desmond said while he was facing me and removed his zer.


    I eyed him up and down as I gulped when his lean body was prating his tunic. I could see his body built that still looked firm and well-toned. Gulping, I stepped forward until I was in front of him.


    "Lord Verlice, I will say it now. I thank you for the opportunity for choosing us to sew your customized tuxedo," Madam Ibanez said with a rejoicing tone.


    "Please kneel a little," I said softly as I could already tell that once she started talking, it would be nonstop and you had to force yourself to listen to every word she was going to say.


    I straightened my back when I felt his hand on my side which was hidden from the point-nk vision from Madam Ibanez''s point of view as the measuring tape was wrapped around his cor. My eyes widened when I looked at Desmond whose lips were stretching out to a small smirk.


    "I must say thank you foring here," Desmond said as I almost gasped when I felt his thumb grazing my nk which sent shivers down my spine.


    If someone was looking at our position, no one would suspect that he was touching me. Because I was too close to him to measure his cor and chest, it would be mistaken that it would be an ident that Desmond touched me.


    But when I felt his hand was just below my breast, caressing and teasing it, I suddenly felt rmed and stepped back immediately. "I-I will write the measurement," I said softly, panicking as I felt my heart hammering inside my chest.


    "What fabric do you wish for us to use, my lord? is it cashmere, cotton, silk, linen, vetvet, wool, or worse?" Madam Ibanez asked as she stood up and showed some pieces of fabric to Desmond while I was taking his measurement in his sleeve which should be taken from the outer side of his arms starting from his cor.


    I halted for a moment after writing down the measurement while Desmond was feeling the texture of the fabrics in his fingers.


    "I shall pick cashmere. My wife always chooses that for me," Desmond said as his eyes darted on me meaningfully before he turned at Madam Ibanez, drawing out a small smile.


    oved


    Madam Ibanez giggled. "Oh, I see. His Lordship already has a wife." I could sense the slight bitterness smeared on her tone which made me want to turn my head at her. "Where is Lady Verlice then?" she asked as she red at me, indicating that I must continue taking measurements. She even erged her eyes again at me which I just nodded and proceeded to take his measurement.


    I took the measurement from his natural waistline to the hem before I listed it down. Then when I came toThis is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    face him and was about to measure


    his inside leg which I needed to measure from the top of the inside leg, near the crotch down to the ankle bone, my eyes widened when I realized that I was facing his crotch, kneeling in front of Desmond.


    "Um..." I was rendered speechless when I looked up to see Desmond''s amber eyes sparkling in... lust?


    As soon as I saw that emotione across his face, I immediately stood up when I realized the awkward position that I was kneeling in front of him like I was doing something... that he would like.


    "What''s wrong?" Desmond asked. His tone sounded concerned but his expression told otherwise as his eyes looked amused.


    "Is there something wrong, Seraphina?"


    I panicked when Madam Ibanez''s tone changed into an annoyed one. I needed to find a diversion so they wouldn''t know that I was ufortable right now. "M-Madam, is it..." I paused and nced at Desmond who was smirking right now. I secretly clenched my teeth in annoyance when I realized that he was ying with me.


    "What?" Her tone sounded impatient. "What on earth is happening to you?" Shit... She would scold me in front of them if I didn''t do something. I cleared my throat. "N-Nothing, madam." I smiled wryly and approached Desmond. "M-My lord, is it possible if you will hold this?" I asked as I bestowed him the edge of the measurement. "I-I need to take your measurement in your inner leg," I said nervously when he arched his eyebrow.


    "Huh..." There was a disdainful expression on his face. "This is not my job to hold this so why must I hold it?"


    "Seraphina!" Madam Ibanez rushed to me and pulled my hair. "What on earth are you doing and you are making thingsplicated?" she said angrily. "Do your work properly!"


    I didn''t get a chance to retort back at her when she pushed me to kneel in front of Desmond. Clenching my hands, I red at her, wanting to initiate a punch to her face. I swear... I was so close to strangling her stout neck.


    "I am in a hurry." I froze when I heard Desmond''s cold, fathomless tone. "Do it now, you peasant."


    I looked up and saw his degrading gaze at me. I secretly clenched my teeth before I bowed my head. "Pardon me, my lord..." I said before I took the measurement and ced the edge of the measuring tape near his crotch causing him to irk at his ground before I measured it down to his ankle


    bone.


    My hands were fidgeting as I measured it. But aside from that, I could have sworn something was growing so I immediately removed my hand from that area and moved away from him so I could measure his centre back length.


    "I-I am finished," I announced as I wrote it down and lowered my head.


    I heard Madam Ibanez sighing in irritation. "On behalf of her, I would like to apologize for her behavior today, Lord Verlice. This is her first time acting like that. I shall punish herter for misbehaving like that."


    I shivered at her words. It could mean that I would be taking overtime work again... Damn it! This was Desmond''s fault!


    "No, no. It is fine. Just let her. She must have been ufortable with my presence." I red at him when he smiled.


    I wanted to smudge that off right now if no one was looking.


    In the end, I coerced a smile and bowed my head. "I apologize, Lord Verlice..." I said bitterly.

 Chapter 13: Never Again

    Chapter 13: Never Again


    "A week before the party. I am hoping it will be finished."


    "Of course, my lord. I shall pay heed to that."


    I sighed in relief when it seemed that Desmond wasn''t rushing to finish his tuxedo. But that didn''t mean that Madam Ibanez would allow us not to have overtime work again. She would rush us for certain to finish it as soon as possible just as she would always do to us.


    Then, she wouldn''t even dare to pay our overtime working hours.


    "One more thing."


    I nced at Desmond when he spoke. His eyes were focused on Madam Ibanez as if he was trying to charm her. I scoffed silently. That''s right... That was how you charmed the courtesan and Hazel, didn''t you? That suddenly made me feel bitter as I remembered the past.


    I suddenly wanted to get away from this ce.


    "Yes, my lord? What is it?"


    "I need a dress that I need to bestow to someone special to me."


    I simply took the macaroon and ate it, not minding what they were talking about but I felt my stomach churning upside down for some reason upon hearing that Desmond had someone special to him.


    Must be Hazel...


    "Did you know her size, Lord Verlice?" Madam Ibanez asked as she fished out the journal and was ready to write it down.


    I nced up, waiting for his words but my heart jumped when I caught him looking at me. I even felt my stomach somersaulted. "Her size is about the same as Lady Seraphina. I want you to take her measurement," he said while his eyes were piercing me.


    "Huh? Me?" I looked at him in disbelief. Was he serious about this? Hazel and I didn''t even have a good body match. She was way more petite than


    me.


    Also, I gained weight and hadn''t regained my body from before ever since I gave birth to Sander. I already thought that I had no time for that since all I had to take care of was my son''s health more than mine.


    "Do you have anyints?" he asked, arching his eyebrow. It was also one way to intimidate me.


    I wanted to say that I have aint but then, Madam Ibanez chimed in. "Go on, Seraphina. Stand up and I shall take your measure," she said through gritted teeth.


    "But, madam-"


    "Stand. Up." She smiled sweetly, indicating a warning re at me.


    I pursed my lips into a thin line before I red at Desmond who had a look of amusement in his eyes. I exhaled sharply and forced myself to stand up.


    While Madam Ibanez was taking my measure, I quietly prayed that we could leave as soon as possible. The more I kept staying here, the more I felt my blood was boiling just by seeing Desmond. I even got to understand that he was now still with Hazel for sure.


    I felt bitterness all of a sudden. He was living his life to the fullest while I was suffering and providing everything for my son. It was good that he didn''t know that he had a son or else, I would try to abscond from him again. As long as he had no idea that we had a pup, it was alright for me to be at ease even though this kind of reunion was something I didn''t expect to experience.


    After seven years, I got to meet my mate that I rejected.


    When everything was final, Madam Ibanez and I decided to leave. That was a relief to me actually because I couldn''t handle Desmond''s stare. I felt like he could even see my soul right now which sent shivers down my spine.


    "Dear me! I forgot my fan back there!"


    I blinked at the sudden outburst of Madam Ibanez. She looked panicking and hyperventting. The fan she usually used was quite expensive and was gifted by one of the noble families who became her clients before.


    She turned at me. "Go back! Get it for me!"


    "Me?" I parroted, wide-eyed.


    Madam Ibanez red. "Who else am I talking to? The carriage?" she asked sardonically.


    My jaw dropped. I opened my mouth to retort back but then I stopped myself. Having no choice, I climbed upstairs again up to the eighth floor. "Damn that bitch... I swear you will have your karma someday," I murmured while cursing silently as I was already in front of the door where Desmond was residing. I knocked three times.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I was greeted by Sir Elron as I curtsied in front of him and stated my business. "Oh, I see. Pleasee in, mydy."


    I hesitated toe in. "Um... Pardon me, Sir Elron."


    "Yes?" He opened the door wide so I coulde in but I stayed there just before their door.


    I roamed my eyes around the inside of the hotel room before I smiled wryly when I heard silence. "L-Lord Verlice is not here already, right?" I gulped, wanting to confirm if Desmond had already left.


    Sir Elron nodded. "Indeed. After you and Madam Ibanez left." That made me relieved.


    "I see," I said, smiling. Now, I could move freely. I got inside when he invited me one more time. "I must check the couch. Madam must have left it there."


    Sir Elron nodded. "I saw it there. You can take it. I settle it in the drawer."


    "Thank you, Sir Elron." I went to the living room and went to the cab which he said was where he kept the fan of Madam Ibanez. Sighing, I opened it and saw that it was there. "Let''s hope you are not going to lose this again," I murmured and rolled my eyes. I even huffed bitterly that Madam Ibanez was being careless.


    "Of course, I am not going to lose you again, seraphim."


    I shivered when I heard a husky whisper in my ear. I immediately turned my head and gasped upon seeing Desmond who was already behind me. My heart even leaped out of my ribcage because of that.


    "What...?" Wait... I thought he already left? "W-Why are you still here?"


    Desmond smiled furtively and


    In¨¦


    stepped forward. I felt rmed and immediately stepped backward until I felt the Cab on my back. I panicked when Desmond didn''t waste any time trapping me in


    between his arms, leaning his arms


    to either side of me. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I leaned back my head when he drew his face closer to me. His intoxicating perfume reached through my nostrils. "I knew that you woulde back


    to get that," he whispered huskily to my ear.


    I could feel my knees wobble right at the moment felt like I was thrown back from the times when I first met him. I calmed myself. Do not fall from this trap again, Seraphina Do not fet him overpower you again and end up getting hurt for the third time.


    "Get off me," I said through gritted teeth. I ced my hands on his chest and was about to push him away from me but I gasped when he suddenly pressed his front body to me. "D-Desmond!" I eximed, flushing at the awkward position I had with him.


    I could have sworn my body reacted when he pressed his front body more and entrapped me with his arms. I shivered when I felt his hot breath fanning against my ear, grazing my earlobe with his lips.


    "I don''t want to," he said in a slow, firm tone. I closed my eyes when his lips went down to my neck. "It has been seven years, Seraphina, since you''ve gone hiding from me."


    I stiffened at my standpoint as I could feel my heart palpitating so fast when he said those words. I felt frightened when I thought that he must have known about our son. I silently prayed that he did not know about that.


    "I have missed you, seraphim," he whispered while his hands were busy wandering around my body causing me to close my eyes in submission.


    I held back a moan as my breath was getting heavier than before. "N-No..." I must not fall from this petty trick.


    Then an image of Desmond seeing the courtesan he slept with and the other thing that he must have kissed and slept with Hazel sparked in my mind. At that moment, I felt my wolf howling in pain upon remembering those memories.


    I ended up pushing Desmond away from me. "Asshole!" I pped his cheek so hard that I felt my heart which was already broken hade to slowly shatter again.


    I had tried to pick up the pieces of the broken pieces of my fragile heart and made sure that no one would shatter it again but just by seeing Desmond again, all the pain and betrayal he did to me were returning like a sh flood.


    Desmond''s face turned sideways while he was touching his cheek. I immediately moved out from leaning on the cab before I decided to get out of


    his hotel room without looking back again.


    Not again, Desmond.


    I am not letting you hurt me again, you asshole!

 Chapter 14: Do Not Pry

    Chapter 14: Do Not Pry


    Things had gotten busier as soon as we had more clients than usual. That was also a time we had to take shifts and have overtime work as well.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I came homete again and saw on the table that Sander prepared for my supper. Sighing, I leaned on my seat, trying to rx as I thought about this week. I really had not enough rest and had no time to spend with my son again.


    "I need to change my job..." I murmured while leaning to the window as I silently heard the soft croak of the crickets.


    I nced at my hands. I used to be good inbat for living as a rogue before. And now, I couldn''t even dare to bring myself to hurt other people just to survive. It was all different now because I had a son.


    I wouldn''t resort to violence just to survive. Though Sander and I were still considered rogues, my life from before was indeed different right now.


    For the rest of seven years, I worked here at Madam Ibanez''s tailoring shop. There was a time when I hade to the point that I put my son in the orphanage as soon as I gave birth to him because I still had things to do such as earning money so I could provide for his needs when he was my baby pup.


    "Are you alright, Seraphina?"


    I gasped and flinched when Niscia tapped my shoulder and offered me a cup of tea. I looked up at her and thanked her. "My nape is aching from bending over," I said, smiling wryly.


    Niscia sighed and massaged the back of her head. "Ah, yes... We have the same case." She circted her arm, wanting to stretch it out.


    I nced at my back to see my fellow seamstresses who looked tired now before I looked at the wall clock seeing that it was already 7 PM yet we hadn''t had our supper and we hadn''t taken our rest.


    "Until when we are going to do this again?" I said, almost whining as I straightened my back and yawned.


    Niscia took a needle and a thread. I could already see the dark circles under her eyes. If I would look at myself in the mirror, I probably had the same facial features as hers.


    When the time reached ten in the evening, I had already left the tailoring shop. While walking on the pavements, I could feel my vision getting blurry. I massaged my temple and leaned on the wall for a moment.


    I felt like I was close to passing out because of hunger andck of rest. "Sander..." I fluttered my eyes as I looked up at the sky.


    This wasn''t new to me. This didn''t happen once that I was feeling tired and feeling like I was about to copse. I just needed to rest for a moment then I should proceed to go home.


    "I can handle this..." I murmured under my breath. "Sander is waiting for me..." I added.


    I rested for a minute there before I felt my legs copse because of how sleepy I was. But instead ofnding on the ground, I felt a pair of arms wrapping around me.


    "Careful, seraphim."


    "Huh?" Seraphim? I slowly looked up at the person who was so close to me. Only one person dared to call me that. I hope I was wrong. To my horror, I met a pair of familiar amber orbs piercing me. I didn''t have to think twice as I knew that I felt a familiar embrace that I thought I had already forgotten due to the passage of time. "Desmond...?"


    I inhaled sharply as my vision was slowly getting better but the hands that were prating my back had given me chills down my spine. But wait... I was inside Desmond''s arms, right?


    Howe I was in this position right now?


    I felt like something had awakened inside me when the memories of the past came to sh in my head. I shivered and pushed him away from me because it frightened me right now as to what he was doing here right now.


    "What are you doing here?" I asked when my vision was not getting blurry after all. Right. All I needed was a little rest then I should be fine to walk on my own and head straight home.


    I almost inhaled sharply seeing his cold demeanor right now. I immediately stepped back, preparing myself if he was going to do something that was against my will.


    "Are you following me?" I asked in a hostile tone when he didn''t answer my question.


    Desmond drew out azy smile. I secretly gnashed my teeth knowing that smile well. It meant that he knew something that he didn''t want to say and the next thing he was going to say was...


    "Good question, seraphim."


    I knew it. Even though years had already passed, being married to him for five years, I already knew his actions, his words, and what things he would think right at that moment. Sometimes, I could read him. Sometimes, I don''t.


    I calmed my heart as I scrutinized him up and down. He was wearing an expensive outdoor outfit. I suddenly felt unconscious as to what I was wearing right now.


    "So, are you really following me or not?" I asked through gritted teeth. I had to remove my eyes from eyeing him up and down. Knowing him... He would tease me if I kept lingering my eyes on his lean body.


    Desmond shrugged. "As I know I just happened to pass by in this street."


    I felt my cheeks heated up in embarrassment for suddenly using him. I nced at my surroundings seeing people passing by. This ce was always vibrant at night as there were night markets and ces to entertain you here.


    "I-I must go now," I said shyly and was about to leave when Desmond yanked my arm. "What?" I asked, creasing my forehead.


    Even though I rejected our mate bond, it didn''t escape from me the feeling of shivers crawling to my skin. His hand that was wrapped at the back of my elbow wasn''t rough yet not gentle.


    But his touch was enough to make my heart go wild.


    "Have you had your supper?" Desmond asked.


    "I am going to leave," I said, insisting.


    I must not let Sander wait for me


    and saw that I still wasn''t at home wanted to say something but I say anything. "Let go of me,


    wellin


    Desmond. Don''t pry your life to me anymore," I said coldly before I roughly yanked my arm back.


    I didn''t wait for him to say anything as I immediately walked past him.


    But I dared to turn my head when


    heard a scoff from him. I almost


    ¤«


    gasped upon seeing Desmond who


    was looking on my way having a bitter smile on his lips.


    "Don''t pry your life?" He smirked. "Of course. Whatever you say, seraphim." He shrugged.


    I just shook my head and decided to turn my back on him. But just before I could march away, he spoke again.


    "I will never forget how you hurt me when I have done nothing wrong with you."


    That halted me. And I felt like my ears were being hit by stones upon hearing that. "What did you say?" Did he say that he had done nothing wrong?


    Desmond changed his expression into a frigid one. "I have done nothing wrong from our marriage and even our mate bond yet you dared to even reject me? How absurd you are, Seraphina."


    "What?" I scoffed, chortling. "Absurd? You called my action absurd?" I felt like something arose.


    I could definitely distinguish that emotion. That pure bitterness and sorrow I felt at that time were returning like waves from the sea.


    He removed his hat and ced it on


    his chest. "Then, what did you call running away from my pack? Isn''t that absurd, Seraphina?" His tone turned into a firm one. I could tell that he was gritting his teeth in annoyance. He was trying his best to


    control his emotions. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I clenched my hands. This man... He was acting like he had done nothing wrong when in fact, he betrayed me.


    "Bastard..." I growled before I transformed into my wolf form and immediately ran away from this ce.


    "Seraphina!" I heard him calling my name but I didn''t even dare to turn my head anymore. I used my wolf speed and went in the other direction to hide my scent. On the street, I was almost close to where my t was located.


    I couldn''t take the risk of allowing Desmond to know where I was living. It was too risky that my son would get to know his father.


    Even though I was really tired, with the help of the adrenaline rush, I made sure that I went to the river to swim there. I even retired there for a moment before I decided to go to the t.


    Upon arriving there, I could feel the tears streaming down my face. I harshly wiped them down.


    "I already moved on... I already moved on..." I chanted as my lips were shivering and sobbing.


    "Mama?"


    I froze when I heard Sander''s half-awoke voice. I immediately took the robe and wrapped it around me before I went to the bedroom to see him


    rubbing his eyes.


    "Sander, go back to sleep," I said softly andbed his hair as I sniffed.


    His droopy eyes looked at me as his forehead was creasing. "Are you crying, Mama?" he asked, trying his best to stay awake.


    I wiped the tears that were threatening to fall from my eyes as I shook my head. "I just read a romance novel," I lied.


    He tilted his head and yawned. "Is it a happy ending?" he asked, curious.


    His question broke my heart. "No... It was not a happy ending in the first ce," I said as I heard my heart breaking into pieces.

 Chapter 15: New Demand

    Chapter 15: New Demand


    "Unfortunately, His Lordship did not like the oue of his tuxedo."


    "What?!" I mmed the table upon hearing Sir Elron had returned this day after Desmond''s tuxedo had been finished the other day and was delivered yesterday.


    "Seraphina..." Niscia halted me from almost making amotion. "You need to calm down," she said softly, cing her hands on my shoulders. "No..." I shook my head. "I cannot possibly calm down from what I was hearing right now..." I said through gritted teeth. "We spent one week and five days just so we can finish his tuxedo! And he would tell us that his master doesn''t like the oue? Outrageous!"


    "Seraphina..." I removed the hands of Niscia from my shoulders. I just couldn''t help getting annoyed hearing this from Desmond''s butler.


    That son of a bitch... He had the nerve to say that he didn''t like how we sewed for his tuxedo? Damn him! He must go to hell!


    "What is themotion here?"


    We all turned our heads when Madam Ibanez who had just arrived from her shop. Wanting to let out my frustration with what was happening right now, I stayed behaved when she halted in front of me with her arching eyebrow.


    "I can hear your screeching voice even from kilometers away. Can you not know how to tone down your voice?" I lowered my head when she raised her voice.


    Biting my lower lip and wanting to talk back, I bowed my head, apologizing. "Do forgive me, madam." It would be better if I wouldn''t say anything to cause a dispute with her. Knowing this bitch right here, she wouldn''t dare to step back unless I smack her head off.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Hearing her scoff, she turned her head at Sir Elron. "What is Lord Verlice''s concern?" If from before Madam Ibanez had this sweet tone in her voice every time she would mention Desmond''s surname, right now, her voice sounded firm and unhappy. Her eyes looked like she had been insulted as soon as she saw that the tailored tuxedo was returned.


    If I was a new employee of Madam Ibanez, I would get awed at her sudden change of attitude.


    But I knew better. She looked unhappy because she never wanted to resort to returning the payment if one of her clients was displeased at the handwork of her workers.


    "My master doesn''t like the oue of his tuxedo."


    Madam Ibanez''s forehead was creasing. "What do you mean he did not like it? We only followed his demand," she said through gritted teeth. Sir Elron gently bowed his head. "It is unfortunate to inform you that he has changed his mind."


    "So? What does he want? Does he want me to return the payment he bestowed?" There was annoyance smeared on Madam Ibanez''s voice. He shook his head and smiled gently. "He has another demand and promises that he shall not take back the payment. Instead, if you meet his demand, Marquis Verlice shall pay triple the price of the tuxedo he paid."


    "What?" I parroted, not liking the words he uttered. "Triple the price for another demand?" I asked bitterly.


    Sir Elron nced at me and nodded his head. "Indeed, you are correct," he answered.


    What did Desmond think? What on earth was this madness about?


    "Madam-" I was about to object to this as I didn''t like the condition that was going to be setter but Madam Ibanez spoke.


    "What is it that he wants this time?"


    My eyes widened when she asked that. I even looked at Niscia finding this insane. I suddenly felt frightened not wanting to know this demand that came from Desmond.


    Knowing Desmond, I knew that it was a kind of madness that he was going to demand something. He would always want the impossible to be possible. I already knew what he already thought and he never changed even though seven years had already passed.


    "His Lordship wants a new tuxedo which must be personally made by Lady Seraphina."


    "What?!" My voice raised as I gasped in no time. "Why me?" I asked, panicking.


    What the hell was wrong with you, Desmond?!


    "Also," he paused and nced at Madam Ibanez. "He also wants her to make his tuxedo to where His Lordship is staying."


    "That''s absurd!" I immediately turned


    my head at Madam Ibanez as I


    ve


    could feel my heart pounding so wild. I could even feel a warm breezee to pass through my nape as I felt shivers down my spine. "M-Madam Ibanez, please!" begged, shaking my head when she looked in my way. "I do not want to do it! He would only just harass me!"


    There. I said it.


    Desmond would only harass me and would make thingsplicated if he was around. I couldn''t possibly make his own tuxedo that he wanted. "Why me?" I asked Sir Elron when Madam Ibanez didn''t say anything. "What does he want from me and he chose me to sew his freaking tuxedo?!" I clenched my hands.


    Sir Elron drew out a small smile. "Be careful on how you nder my master, Lady Seraphina. Please remember his noble rank and he can easily trample you down like a speck of dust."


    I pursed my lips into a thin line when his voice suddenly turned frigid and firm. Judging by how he was acting I was curious to know if he was a new pack member of Desmond after I was gone. I knew everyone back in the Rising Diamond pack. But I did not meet any man that has the


    name, Elron.


    I knew Desmond wouldn''t just hire someone that wasn''t from his pack. So, probably, Sir Elron was a member of Desmond''s pack.


    That was for sure.


    "I ept the condition."


    I gasped and instantly turned my head at Madam Ibanez when she spoke now. That made me feel nervous upon hearing that she was agreeing to this condition Desmond had set.


    "B-But madam!" I protested.


    She summoned her hand to halt me. "Not a word. You are not the one who makes decisions here, Seraphina." She red at me. I felt like anytime, she could strangle me. If so, I was so ready to kick her annoying face.


    "But it is also my right to refuse this! I am the one who shall make his tuxedo after all!" I couldn''t care less now that I talked back to her. I just didn''t want to be the one who must make Desmond''s new tuxedo and do it where he was staying.


    I could tell... I could already tell his hatred because of what I did to sever our mate bond. I knew that he couldn''t just easily forgive me for what I did and I never wanted to ask for forgiveness as he betrayed me.


    He didn''t have the right to even see our son after telling Hazel that I was infertile after all.


    I hissed when an instant, Madam Ibanez used her wolf speed to grab my hair and made me bury my face to the table. I growled and held her wrist. I was about to snap it back when she gripped my hair so tight I almost whimpered.


    "And I have the right to pay your


    wage or not, she said through gritted


    Make teeth. "Choose, Seraphina.


    Make your good stay here and have overtine in my shop or you shall do Lord Verlice''s tuxedo and you can go home so early?" I hissed when she gripped my hair more. Content


    belongs to


    My hands were itching to reach her dress as I wanted to tear her face right now. This woman had no idea that I was a good fighter when I hadn''t met Desmond. She must not underestimate me as I could kill her in an instant if I want to.


    "Choose now or I shall throw you to jail and tell them that you have stolen something in my shop. Perhaps, you did not want to see your son, no?" She smiled wickedly.


    I growled. "You bitch..." Just the mere mention of my name was enough to trigger something inside me.


    Not my son. I was ready to do anything to provide him with anything and bestow all the fortunes I kept working hard for.


    "Choose," shemanded before she forced me to look at Sir Elron.


    When our eyes met, his eyes didn''t show anypassion. His eyes remained stoic. With the way he was looking at me, it was as if he was belittling


    me.


    "Answer!"


    I flinched when she shouted in my ear. I growled one more time before I looked away. "Fine! I will do it!" I said, forcing myself to ept it.

 Chapter 16: River Bank

    Chapter 16: River Bank


    As soon as I agreed that I would personally make Desmond''s another tuxedo, Sir Elron told me the conditions I must do.


    "First, we will fetch you at the public park at six in the morning using the provided carriage by Lord Verlice. Second, you are going to work from six in the morning and five in the afternoon. You are going to work seven days a week so you can finish the tuxedo. We will provide your meal allowance or if you want to stay where Lord Verlice is staying, we will provide you amodation."


    "I thought he is rushing to have it finished? Shouldn''t I take another seamstress with me? I cannot possibly do all the work since I need an assistant to do that."


    Sir Elron smiled. "There is no need for you to take someone with you. Yours is enough. I shall be your helper and Lord Verlice has people to help you as well." That made me silent from what he said. "So, are we agreeing on the terms now?"


    "I want your master to stay away from me," I added. "I do not want him to keep on harassing me," I said through gritted teeth.


    Even if our bond was severed now, my heart was still reacting to Desmond''s presence. That was why I need to take precautions whenever Desmond was around. I was certain that he would do anything to make me suffer from severing our mate bond and our marriage.


    Knowing him, his vengeance was unimaginable which was why he was the only person that I was frightened of.


    In the end, Sir Elron did not bestow me assurance about myst request but he would surely tell it to Desmond.


    Madam Ibanez dismissed us early so I got the chance to go back to our home just before dusk arrived. I really had no choice but to agree with it. Sighing, I looked for Sander but he wasn''t there.


    "Sander?" I creased my forehead as I checked every corner of our t to look for him. He wasn''t here when I roamed around. I didn''t panic as I thought of something where Sander could have gone.


    I remembered that there was a nearby river here. He was also fascinated by the bodies of water so it could possibly be that he was there all day. Sniffing his scent, I looked for him and left the establishment of the t where we were staying.


    I could tell that he was just nearby. That made me feel at ease. It meant that my son never got to go to a far ce. As long as he spotted some bodies of water, he would be there and enjoyed his stay.


    "Mama likes orchids, too!"


    I smiled when I could faintly hear my son''s voice. Now, I was sure now that he was here on the river bank. I took my time as I saw people passing by. This reminded me back in the past as this time when I used to walk with... Desmond. I got a chance to appreciate it while I kept hearing my son''s beaming voice like he was talking to someone.


    "I want you to meet my mama, sire."


    "Sander?" I called when I saw him soaking his feet in the water. I creased my forehead when I saw a man wearing a trenchcoat and a hat who was beside him before he stood up and tipped his hat as a sign that he would be leaving.


    "Mama!"


    I snapped back and turned my head to see Sander running towards me. I smiled and knelt on the ground before I opened my arms. He quickly dashed inside and hugged me so tight.


    "You came home early, Mama..." He sniffed when I stood up and gathered him in my arms.


    "I missed you, too, sweetheart..." I rained some kisses because how I missed Sander so much. I didn''t get a chance to have fun with him because I was always busy with my work. Also, I always went home sote and left the t so early which was why I always felt bad leaving my son alone.


    Sander giggled before he showed me a small bouquet of orchids. "Mama, this is for you. Sire helped me to purchase them in the flower boutique we saw earlier."Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I creased my forehead. "Sire?" I nced up at the man who was with him earlier. I was surprised that he was already out of our sight. "The man sitting beside you," I paused and nced back at Sander. "Is the one helping you?"


    "Hmm!" Sander beamed.


    "I see." I caressed his cheek when I lifted him down. "But Sander... I told you that you must not speak with strangers, didn''t I?" I caressed his head as we started to walk side by side.


    "Don''t worry, Mama. He is kind. I swear," he said, beaming. "We always talked about you."


    "Why would you two talk about me?" I arched my eyebrow, smiling. I already had the feeling that Sander was the one initiating the conversation. "Because..." He hummed and looked up at me. "Because I am proud that my mama is a hardworking mama who always thinks about my welfare. That is why we always talked about you."


    I pursed my lips into a thin line as I felt my heart leap out of my ribcage. The words he just said were making me shudder as I couldn''t help adoring this little man. "Oh, Sander... I really don''t deserve you..."


    I got teary-eyed. As his mother, I always thought of his welfare. I didn''t get a chance to speak with him. Somehow, when he was being like this, felt like I didn''t deserve to be his mother at all. I felt like I always took him for granted which was why I felt bad for him that I always had to go home sote and didn''t get a chance to ponder some time with him.


    "Mama is my Mama. I deserve to have you, Mama."


    Sighing, I hugged him one more time before I wiped my eyes. "Thank you for the orchids, little man. Shall we go home now or would you like us to visit the night market since I go home early now?" I asked, smiling.


    His face brightened up. "Yes, Mama! I would love to!"


    Later that night, we went to the night market to try some dishes in the food stalls we saw. I made sure that Sander enjoyed his night. Perhaps, I would get to appreciate now that I could go home early starting tomorrow.


    And I told Sander about the arrangement I have right now.


    "Really?" I nodded. "Does this mean that I can be with you after your work, Mama?" he asked as heid his head to my thighs when I was leaning to the headboard of our bed.


    "Yes, little man." I gentlybed his hair and kissed his forehead.


    Sander smiled and purred under my touch. "Sire is right, Mama. He told me that you will start going home early soon'' so I can be with you. more do not need to stay in the river for the whole day," he said before he hugged me so tight.


    What he said suddenly picked my curiosity. "Who is this good sire that you always talk to, sweetheart? Is he one of our neighbors here?"


    I only got to hear about this that Sander was talking to a stranger that he didn''t know. At first, I felt rmed because he was talking to a stranger butter on, what he said earlier, my suspicion grew low.


    It seemed the man he was talking to was a good person.


    He shook his head. "He said before that he is from a far away ce. He just came here because he wants to settle something."


    "Settle his business?" I asked, tilting my head a little.


    "Hmm..." He hummed softly as if he was trying to think if he was going to say or not. "Sire said that he is looking after for his son because his mamais at work." He shrugged. "I like talking to him, Mama. He is so fun to be with." He giggled. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I smiled seeing how happy Sander was. It really looked like he was having fun to be with him. But that made me at ease since Sander was distracted somehow and didn''t think of something to run away to y with other neighbors'' kids.


    Perhaps, one day, I must thank that man for trying to entertain my son even though he also had another agenda as to why he was here.


    Somehow, there was this feeling if ever that Desmond and I were still together, would Sander and him be able to have fun as father and son?


    I shook my head. Seraphina, this wasn''t the right time to think about that. Remember that Desmond betrayed you so many times. Halt from thinking this kind of madness.

 Chapter 17: Client, Not Employer

    Chapter 17: Client, Not Employer


    Just as Sir Elron said, I waited at the public park for the carriage. I was surprised when I arrived there early and the carriage was also there. Even Sir Elron was also here.


    "Greetings, Sir Elron," I said, curtsying before him.


    "Greetings, Lady Seraphina," he greeted, smiling. He opened the carriage door for me. "The carriage is ready. We must go now."


    I was hesitant at first because I noticed the carriage I saw right now was the same carriage Desmond and I used whenever we traveled to the pce to attend the meeting. It felt nostalgic when we used to do the deed here.


    I castigated myself and felt my cheeks ring up in embarrassment before I decided to mount on the carriage. I secretly pinched myself for daring to remember those moments we had together. It was all over now.


    It didn''t take long before we arrived at the hotel establishment where Desmond was staying. Sir Elron got down first before he offered his hand to me. I dly epted it as he helped me to get down from dismounting the carriage.


    "Are you not from his pack?" I couldn''t help myself asking when we entered. But I panicked when he smiled. "I-I mean, you kept addressing him as L- Lord Verlice or His Lordship. I thought="


    "He is my Alpha." He didn''t let me finish the words I was about to utter. "Does that answer your question, Lady Seraphina?" he asked politely. "Um..." I was rendered speechless for a moment. "Y-Yes." I coerced a smile.


    We halted when we were in front of the door. I gulped for a moment before I took a deep breath. I even gripped my skirt because I was frightened of what would happen next when there was a moment that I would get to be alone with Desmond.


    I hope... He wouldn''t do anything. I really hope so.


    Sir Elron opened the door. We entered the hotel room and I was greeted by the smell of the familiar gentle, warm, and sensual fragrance of tea. Just by smelling it made me already taste the sweetness of it.


    My heart automatically jumped out of my ribcage when I saw Desmond having a morning meal on the balcony with Oakley. My heart leaped more when his eyes darted on me. I could have sworn his eyes danced in... happiness?


    "Alpha, I have brought Lady Seraphina as per your request," Sir Elron said with a bow.


    I lowered my eyes to the ground and curtsied before him. "Greetings, Lord Verlice," I greeted while I could feel my hands being sweaty right now. "Good. You are here." I looked up and saw him sipping on his tea before our eyes met again. "Have you had your breakfast?" I opened my mouth to speak but he spoke and turned his head at Oakley. "Have a seat and eat a meal with me. Oakley, summon the hotel service crew and tell them I have a beautiful visitor who shall dine with me."


    "Yes, Alpha. As you wish."


    That made me grit my teeth in annoyance. Though his words were familiar because that was the time he also addressed me when I was first brought to his pack and he found out I was his mate.


    Deja Vu was the right term.


    "I do not need it. I already ate before Sir Elron fetched me," I said, finally speaking up.


    Desmond smiled a dangerous one. "You are working under me. What I say right now, you must follow it, Seraphina," he said coldly.


    I smiled bitterly. "I am only working on your tuxedo. You are only our client, not my employer," I retorted.


    If he thought that I would back down just because he used that kind of tone to intimidate someone, well, he was wrong.


    I watched Oakley ce a new te with bacon and eggs. There was even a slice of toasted bread. I could even smell the butter spread on it. Then, there was a red tea was served.


    "I made sure that they prepared your favorite morning meal, seraphim."


    I gasped when in an instant, Desmond was already whispering in my ear. I was about to turn around but I stiffened when he held and locked my waist with his hands.


    "D-Desmond...!" I panicked when he didn''t allow me to turn my body and I couldn''t even move away from him. "Stay away from me!" I ced my hand on his hands and tried to remove them but he wouldn''t budge.


    He chuckled darkly and made me lean to his front body causing me to stiffen on my ground. "Say, Seraphina. Are you going to dine with me or we must stay here until I decide to take you to my sleeping quarters?"


    I shivered at his husky voice. I even gulped, wanting to turn my head at him. But I knew that once I did that, I knew that I could lose this one.


    "Release me this instant, Desmond!" I said through gritted teeth.


    I gasped so loud when in an instant, my front body was already leaning against the wall while Desmond pressed his front body to my back. Damn it! I cussed inside my head and was about to turn so I could fight him but he was quick to press my hands on either side of me.


    "Desmond!" I almost screamed his name and used my wolf strength but it was futile because Desmond was stronger than me.


    Chuckling darkly, I felt his lips behind


    my ear. "Choose wisely, Seraphina. You only have thirty seconds to decide. Do not me me if I shalftie you up in my bed and bestow you


    the punishment you deserve to have.


    What do you think, seraphim?"


    I almost moaned but I hissed when he ruthlessly held my wrists together, inflicting pain on them. I could tell that at any moment he could break my bones if he wanted to.


    "Thirty seconds is almost over. Decide now before I will lose my patience towards-"


    "Fine! I shall dine with you!" I said, making my voice as loud as before so he could hear me. "Get off me! I already answer you, asshole!" I barked. Feeling his body pressed on me, I shivered when he licked my earlobe. "Good girl," he said darkly before I felt him stepping back.


    Frowning, I darted at him with a re before he pulled out a chair for me. Then he gestured his hand implying to tell me that I must take my seat.


    I approached the table but dared to sit where he sat earlier, not on the chair he just pulled out. "I do not need someone to pull a chair for me," I said, almost barking before I took the te and teacup with me.


    Desmond smirked and shook his head before he sat on the chair he pulled earlier. "You never changed, Seraphina. Still, the feisty woman I knew..."


    I only scoffed and hurried to eat the


    meal. I didn''t want to cause any trouble here as I wanted to work right now. The longer I would stay here having Desmond right in front of me, the more I would get ufortable from working.


    I nced up when I felt his amber orbs piercing me. My heart leaped again before I looked down on my food.


    "Can you stop looking at me?!" I said impatiently and almost mmed the table when Desmond never left his eyes on me. Desmond''s lips curled up into a furtive smile. "Ah... But you really liked it when I stared at you. Don''t you remember?"


    I red at him and averted my gaze. Why did he keep on reminding me about the old times we had? Didn''t he already have someone with him which was why he asked us to make a dress for his woman? That suddenly made me feel bitter right now.


    "I''m done," I announced when I finished my meal.


    "Your red tea first," he said and leaned forward. "Didn''t you like to have it after your morning meal?"


    I creased my forehead, finding bizarre what he was doing. "I do not like red tea anymore," I said coldly.


    How dare he make me remember all the favorite things I did every morning... This man... What on earth was he trying to do as he kept acting like this?


    "I hate red tea now." Because it always reminded me of you, I wanted to say.


    When I said that, I could have sworn Desmond''s face darkened. I flinched when he mmed the table causing the red tea to spill on the table. I stood up in no time when the liquid almost reached my dress.


    "Are you insane, Des-"


    I almost choked when he was in front of me and gripped my neck. "Red tea is your favorite tea to drink," he stated, emphasizing every word. "Do you understand me?!"


    "Des... mond..." I dug my nails to his forearm when he gripped my neck more as I was gasping for air.


    What the hell was wrong with him and he suddenly choked me? Was he offended that I never liked red tea anymore?


    His darkened face was palpable. He looked angry but then he realized how I was struggling for breathing. He immediately released me.


    Gasping for air, I massaged my neck as I red at him with abomination in my eyes. I could see the sudden guilt smeared on his face.


    "Seraphina..."


    I summoned my hand to halt him from approaching me. "Don''t evere near me, bastard," I said through gritted teeth. "Let me work in peace!" I


    eximed angrily.


    How dare... How dare he hurt me like that.


    Desmond clenched his hands before he left me alone. "I am going out," he said out loud. He was announcing it not to me but Sir Elron.


    "Yes, Alpha. Have a safe trip," Sir Elron said.


    Desmond nced at me one more time before he averted his gaze and walked out of his door having a hat and a trench coat hanging on his other arm. I looked away as soon as he left.


    My eyes were glued to the red tea liquid that spilled on the table. Somehow, it made my heart ache seeing it spilled.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    And I don''t know what could have been the reason...

 Chapter 18: Old Times

    Chapter 18: Old Times


    "Is he always out every morning andes back this afternoon?" I asked while I was sewing the fabrics.


    It was already my second day working here at Desmond''s hotel and I have a helper. It was Sir Elron who was also dependable on helping me to sew. I was surprised that he could also sew as well. I used the pattern parts from the time Niscia and I made Desmond''s first tuxedo so it was easy on my side-cut fabrics and I didn''t need to retake Desmond''s measurement.


    Though even though it was only my second day, I noticed that Desmond usually went out a lot and wouldter be back this afternoon.


    "Are you talking about Alpha Desmond?" I nodded as an answer while he was busy pouring some tea into my cup. I thanked him and managed to smell the ck tea. "Indeed. He is busy working on something at the nearby town."


    "I see." I nodded my head, didn''t want to ask some further questions as I didn''t want to pry about Desmond''s life. I just wanted to avoid knowing what life he has right now.


    We continued our work until I didn''t realize that it was already noon now. If Sir Elron did not inform me, I would continue working without even worrying about how hungry I was.


    "My apologies. I am not really used to having a noon meal," I said as he served me a meal. It was a beef stew and barley bread.


    He looked surprised. "Are you not eating at noon?"


    I shook my head as I started eating. "We are not allowed to have a break at noon," I said and stiffened at what I said. "I-I mean we are having breaks during the middle of the afternoon." My tone became defensive.


    He only just nodded and didn''t say anything. That was actually a relief to me because he was not the type of person who asked multiple questions. He knew how to respect someone''s privacy.


    Later that afternoon, I was focused on my work, busy hand sewing the coat. Hopefully, I would get to finish his coat within this week so I could proceed to the trousers.


    The door opened and it revealed Desmond who had just arrived from somewhere. I immediately focused my eyes on the fabric before I looked up when Sir Elron stood up and greeted Desmond. I held the fabric so tight before I decided to stand up.


    "Greetings, Lord Verlice," I said, looking to the floor, not daring to meet his eyes.


    Desmond walked in my direction and halted in front of me. I gasped when he held my chin and coerced me to look at him.


    "Why don''t you greet me with a kiss, Seraphina? That would lose my tiredness for the whole day, hmm?" he asked in a husky voice.


    I expressed a disgusting attitude, feeling chills down my spine. "Please unhand me, Lord Verlice," I said through gritted teeth.


    Since I didn''t want to disrespect him and create a negative rtionship with him since it might affect my employer, I had to be polite as much as possible.


    He scoffed and smirked before he drew closer. His intoxicating scent was lingering in my nose. His male perfume was the same perfume he used seven years ago.


    He was only using it because I liked that scent.


    Why hadn''t he changed his perfume then? What was the use of using the same scent? That perfume wasn''t his favorite after all.


    I snapped back when I felt his nose caressing the slenderness of my neck. My eyes widened as I immediately pushed him away from me when I shivered at that sensual touch from him.


    "Can you not?!" I could feel my cheeks flushing right now as I gently brushed where he caressed his nose to my neck. I stepped back, distancing myself away from him. My heart was racing so wild right now as I couldn''t halt myself from feeling nervous now that Desmond was making an action that always made me feel trapped again.


    He smiled sheepishly before he shrugged and sat on the couch. I thanked the Moon Goddess when he didn''t push my limits to be annoyed with him. Shaking my head, I returned to my workstation so I could continue my work while Sir Elron served him a cup of tea.


    "Have you enjoyed your day, Alpha?"


    "Indeed. I have a meaningful conversation with someone. That someone is very entertaining and fun to talk with."


    I didn''t know why but his words made me feel bitter right now. I knew it. He was already seeing someone already.


    "It seems that person always fulfills your day, Alpha."


    "Indeed, you are correct."


    I silently scoffed, rolling my eyes. This was what I always heard yesterday. Desmond was always seeing someone and talked with enthusiasm. I knew that kind of attitude he was showing. If he really liked that person, he would show that by speaking with vigorous and spirited behavior.


    I ignored it and just continued with my work. I didn''t want to pry about his life and knew his escapade.


    Sir Elron sat across me after conversing with Desmond until I didn''t notice the time if I hadn''t looked at the wall clock.


    "Please forgive me. I didn''t notice the time as well..." Sir Elron looked embarrassed and nced at Desmond who was arching his eyebrow.


    I gulped and finally looked at him. I had been ignoring his stare ever since Sir Elron continued his work with me. It felt ufortable but it was bearable somehow... I guess.


    "I shall drop you off," Desmond said and stood up. "Prepare the carriage, Elron."Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I took my things and brought them with me. I immediately spun around when I felt a presence behind me and took the scissors to point at... Desmond who managed to block it by holding my wrist.


    He grinned. "Your agility is impressive as always, seraphim."


    I creased my forehead hearing that endearment again. Seraphim... That made my blood boil for daring to address that. This wasn''t the first time he addressed me.


    I yanked my hand back but I failed when he tightened his hold. "Release me, Lord Verlice!" I said, half-annoyed as I stepped back.


    "Why would I?"


    In a quick motion, I gasped when I was leaning toward the table and Desmond was sandwiching me between the table and his body. He even pinned my hands on either side of me making me feel useless.


    "Desmond! What the hell is wrong with you?!" I felt embarrassed about our position. "You harassed me every single time you are here!" I said.


    But I noticed my voice wasn''t that loud or firm. It was something... that made me shiver more than before.


    "I have missed you so much..." |


    inhaled sharply when he whispered to my ear and put his weight more on me to make me feel that he was heavy that I couldn''t even make him do of getting off him. "Seeing you making my tuxedo makes me want to do something nasty with you, Seraphina. You know... just like the old times," he teased.


    "S-Stop..." I bit my lower lip when his lips reached my neck and I could have sworn I almost moaned. I was shocked at my body''s reaction to that. "Desmond..." I closed my eyes when he reached for my earlobe and sucked it.


    That time... a moan escaped from my lips.


    "Oh..." I could feel myself pooling down there when he kept rubbing his bulging crotch to the cheeks of my behind. My breath started to pant, feeling aroused at this point.


    It was a very long time since I had been touched by a man... My body was reacting and wanting to have a taste of ecstasy again.


    The only man who could give me that was... him-Desmond Verlice, my former mate and husband.


    "Desmond, please..." Please what? What was I pleased about?


    "Even if so many years had passed, you are still the woman who can make me feel excited when ites to this, Seraphina..." I hissed when he roughly grabbed my hair and forced me to look at him. I shivered when I saw anger lighting up in his


    eyes. "But I will never forget how you


    severed our mate bond." Content


    belongs to


    I creased my forehead as waves of memories came to rush inside my head. His betrayal echoed in my mind which suddenly made me furious as I held his wrist and shot him a re.


    "How dare you use me of that? It was your fault in the first¡ª"


    I screamed when my vision turned upside down. It was then I realized I was on Desmond''s shoulder, facing his back.


    "Desmond!" I punched his back and waddled my legs but he was quick to hold them together.


    My heart was pounding so fast when I heard the door opening and gasped when he immediately threw me on the bed. I got up and was about to move to the other side of the bed but I shrieked when he pulled my legs.


    "Damn you, Desmond! Get off me!" I said as I tried to push him away from me.


    He was now on top of me and caressed my cheek. "Do you know how much it broke me when you broke our mate bond, Seraphina?" he asked while his hand was crawling behind my head. "Did you even know how I suffered and almost lost all the things I worked hard for?!"


    I flinched when he shouted angrily at me and gripped my hair while I clutched his shoulders as I felt the pain searing right now.


    His tone... With the way he spoke, it sounded like it was my fault. That he had done nothing wrong for me to do this act and run away from him.


    I slowly opened my eyes and met his angry stare. His words fueled my anger while I remembered him sleeping with the courtesan and with Hazel. Those were the reasons that led me to reject our mate bond and run away from his pack.


    "You act like you had done nothing


    wrong from our marriage, Desmond..." said as my tone was smeared with vexation. "Did you even know how I also suffered while I was in our marriage?! Do not act like you are clean here! Do not act like you are also innocent here!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as waves of anger started to grow inside me.


    I hissed in pain when he grabbed my hair so tight I could feel that he was trying to pull out the roots of my hair from my head. His amber orbs looked like they were in the fire right now with the words he had heard.


    "Then, tell me what I had done wrong for you to even reach the conclusion of breaking the mate bond with me, Seraphina! You could have just talked


    "Talk?" I parroted angrily. "Then, what? You are not going to even listen and keep repeating the same mistake you did! You deserved not to have me after all! You are not someone to trust with. Rejecting you is the best decision I ever made in my whole entire "


    I gasped, wide-eyed when my head went to the side as I felt my cheek searing in pain. I touched my cheek and looked at him in disbelief.


    Did he just... p me?

 Chapter 19: Just This Once

    Chapter 19: Just This Once


    Desmond''s eyes were zing in anger as soon as each second had passed by. He didn''t bat an eye that he had pped me.


    "Rejecting me is your best decision?" He sneered. "If that is so, then why did you even ept our mate bond?! You even married me, Seraphina!"


    I gritted my teeth. "Iter found out that you were not the best decision I ever made, Desmond! That was why I left you. I left you because I cannot take you for being an absurd moron! You should not have be my mate!"


    I was too hurt by that time he knew that I was infertile and did not even dare to tell me. He consulted someone to be a surrogate mother thinking that he was helping me yet he did not realize he should have been truthful from the very start.


    Then, the things he did by sleeping with other women... I would never forget those memories that pped me with the reality that Desmond would dare to choose to hurt me over and over.


    I hissed in pain when he had my hair with his hand, gripping it so tight so he could force me to look at him. Desmond drew closer after I saw an abomination written on his eyes. "Ah... Is that so?" he asked in his husky, dangerous tone. "Then, worrying about whether we can still fix our mate bond is futile after all. How about I let you experience the same pain you bestowed on me, Seraphina? I let you feel the pain I felt at that moment when I questioned myself. I did not do anything to hurt you again."


    I clutched his cor and said angrily, "You hurt me so many times, you bastard. I should do the same "


    My words were cut off when in an instant, Desmond tore off my dress. My eyes widened, horrified at what he did. My body was exposed right now. "Desmond "I couldn''t finish my words when he suddenly mmed his lips to mine. I didn''t even get a chance to think about how I must get away from him but his lips on mine right now made me wash off the rational thoughts I had right now.


    I tried to get him off me but he wouldn''t let me as he pinned my hands on either side of me. He even pinned my body by putting more of his weight on


    me.


    I must stop him... I must stop Desmond...


    But why was I liking this on the other hand? Being forced and taken care of roughly were pooling me right now even if it was against my will.


    "Desmond, stop-" I didn''t get a chance to finish my words when his tongue explored inside of my mouth and started sucking it. I tried to struggle and did my best to use my wolf strength but it was futile. When he left my lips and bruised them with his rough kisses, I was about to scream at the top of my lungs to get some help but it was exchanged with a moan as soon as his lips were on my neck.


    And he started to lick it.


    "Desmond..." I closed my eyes in submission when his lips traveled from my corbone down to my chest.


    I was panting when Desmond held me in one ce and ced my hands on the top of my head. A moan escaped from my lips when he sucked the nipple that made me arch my back.


    "No..." It was so good... yet it felt so wrong...


    His other hand reached for my other breast and started paying attention to them. Ripples of pleasure bolted me after that.


    Then I felt his lips on my earlobe as his hands were spreading my legs. I could even hear him unzipping something before I gasped when he tore my undergarment, making me peel my eyes open.


    "N-No!" I looked at Desmond, horrified when he was positioning himself in front of me. "D-Desmond, please!" My lips were quivering.


    I knew I was deeply aroused just by seeing his cock again but he shouldn''t shove it roughly as I didn''t get to be in a rtionship that involves being taken in bed.


    He looked at me angrily and held my legs so tight that I couldn''t do anything to close them. I shivered when his hand was reaching the apex of my thighs causing me to gasp and flinch before I looked at him with droopy eyes. He started gliding his fingers up and down, making my breath get heavier than before.


    "No..." I closed my eyes in submission when his fingers reached for my clit to shoot more pleasure, forwarding my hips to meet his fingers. "You still like being yed here, huh... You never changed, seraphim..." he said huskily as his thumb was ying with my clit before his two fingers entered inside me.


    I gasped as I expressed a pleasing expression when I felt him curling his fingers. "Oh my god..." I moaned and arched my back as it felt so good being rubbed inside and to my clit.


    Desmond added another finger to enter inside me while his other hand was ying with my clit. I clung to the sheets as I stared at him, panting. I didn''t close my eyes when he was ying my sensitive part. My body was still reacting the same, not closing my eyes as Desmond wanted me to do. He looked pleased that I didn''t close my eyes before he smirked, having a ludicrous smile that sent shivers down my spine.


    In one swift motion, I screamed in pleasure when he shoved his cock inside me causing me to get up, wide-eyed. There was a pain registered in my face as I was about to scream in pain but Desmond was quick to cover my mouth by mming his lips to mine again.


    It did not take long for me to respond. I could not halt myself from responding as I suddenly missed this burning sensation only he could do.


    It has been seven years since Ist kissed him and made love with Desmond. I shouldn''t do this but just this once... I wanted to feel his skin, his touch, his kiss, and his aggressiveness.


    I was a hypocrite but he was the only man who could make me feel this good.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    I joined his rhythm and moved my hips back and forth, meeting his rough thrusts that made me wet so bad. It was so good I couldn''t help closing my eyes to feel this pleasure he was giving me right now.


    "Desmond..." I moaned his name when his pace was so rough that I was starting to enjoy it.


    He never changed. He still knew how he could please me and how he could make me reach my-I screamed when I reached my ecstasy as soon as he yed with my clit.


    I was panting when Desmond was raining me with some wet kisses on my neck before he reached my ear "Your moans are still the best music to my ears, seraphim... How I long to hear them..." he paused and held my waist so tight. "...again!" he said and mmed his hips, making me gasp in surprise.


    "Oh god!" I closed my eyes in submission as I couldn''t handle the pleasure seeking right inside me.


    His cock... Oh, dear me... How could his big cock still fit inside me? This was insane... After those years had passed, his cock grew more than I could imagine.


    I inhaled sharply and clutched


    Desmond''s hair when he paid attention to my breasts again. He exchanged sucking my nipples and licked them like they were his in the first ce. I hissed when he softly bit them which cracked a shot of pleasure to my lower abdomen.


    I kept moaning when he pressed his hand to my lower abdomen.


    "Desmond... More..." I begged. "Faster..." And rougher...


    "No. Beg for it, Seraphina. Beg," hemanded as his pace was gradually slower than before.


    I opened my eyes and saw him


    covered with sweat. His eyes were dancing in desire and lust while his lips looked plumped right now from exchanging hot kisses. My eyes lowered to see his sculpted chest and the V-line of his waist. ?gulped seeing his cock connected to my cunt.


    "Like what you are seeing, seraphim?"


    I looked up and saw him grinning before he suddenly mmed his cock inside as he held my waist so tight he didn''t want to let go. I couldn''t hold back the moan.


    The ecstasy was too much for me to bear. I had to move my head from left to right, clutching more to the sheets.


    His pace grew faster as if he was trying to reach his peak while I convulsed so many times reaching my orgasms so many times. Without a fail, Desmond could make me orgasm with just a few thrusts.


    "That''s right, my little slut. Moan for me," Desmond said darkly.


    His words made everything pleasant for me as I had my onest orgasm before I realized that Desmond was close to his peak now. I held his arm while convulsing from so many orgasms I had.


    "Not inside me... Please..." I pleaded.


    I didn''t want him to release his semen inside me. I didn''t want something that would make me regret itter.


    His face darkened at my words before he scoffed and had his onest thrust.


    I looked at him, horrified. "D-Desmond!" I panicked and tried to get off me.


    But it was already toote. He released his semen inside me.


    My eyes widened in horror as I pushed him away from me. I immediately tucked the nket and covered my body while I was feeling sore, looking at him, horrified at his action.


    "Are you insane?! Are you trying to make me pregnant?!" I asked angrily as my lips were quivering. My breath was shaky when Desmond sat, panting, having a satisfied smile on his lips.


    "It is only one time. It is not as if you can get pregnant so easily, Seraphina." He smirked.


    I stiffened and touched myself down there. My chest rose up and down while I looked disgusted at myself for letting this happen...


    "T-This is wrong..." I said as I got up and removed my dress he tore with his ws.


    I was on the verge of tears as I kept pacing back and forth, trying to think rationally. I looked up and saw a wardrobe there.


    I didn''t think twice as I went to open it. I was surprised that dresses were hanging inside the clothes rack. I stepped back, realizing where I was.


    "Y-You are living with s-someone here?" I asked, petrified.


    Did this mean that he used this room to do some nasty here?! He took me here when someone was using this?!


    I nced at Desmond who had just done fixing his trousers and marched towards me. I stepped backward, staying alert while Desmond drew out a


    smirk.


    I watched him take one of the gorgeous dresses and even undergarments. "Use them." He bestowed them to me.


    "What?" I looked at him in disbelief. Hesitant, I took the clothes he brought.


    "You can use thevatory and take a quick bath," he said before he turned his back and left me stunned to my ground.

 Chapter 20: Spitting Image (part 1)

    Chapter 20: Spitting Image (part 1)


    Chapter 20: Spitting Image (part 1)


    "Just drop me here to the za," I said meekly when we were in the town where my t was located.


    "I''d love to escort you to where you are living, seraphim."


    I froze and red at him as I could feel my heart pounding so fast. Blood rushed to my face, frightened at his words.


    "No, thank you, Lord Verlice," I said calmly, not wanting him to know that what he said was making me nervous. "I''d rather go there alone," I said coldly.


    Desmond stretched out a smirk. If I was still living with him and didn''t reject our mate bond, I could have sworn that I would get to be swooned by that kind of smile he was having right now.


    "Now, now. Do not be so cold to me, Seraphina." He leaned forward and took my hand. I felt shivers down my spine when he brought my hand to his lips. "It is not as if we did not share the same bed earlier. Hmm?" he said, teasing.


    "Because you forced me to!" I said through gritted teeth and took back my hand.


    "Oh?" He had an amusement smile smeared on his lips. He took my hand again. I was irked when he held it so tight it felt like he wanted to break my hand causing me to hiss while he was not breaking eye contact with me. "Do not act like you did not like it, seraphim. You still have the most beautiful melody I have ever heardpared to other women I had bedded with." He grinned.


    His words made me stiff. Did he say... other women he had bedded with? Does this mean that he had been fooling around with women for those years?


    I smiled bitterly. "You never changed, Desmond. You still like sleeping around even before we get married. How much more when we got married years ago?" His smile gradually disappeared.


    I caught him off guard. I took that as a chance to take back my hand. He didn''t say anything but he was surely rendered speechless.


    When I looked outside and the carriage halted in the za, I nced at Desmond who was still not moving. I took that as a chance to leave the carriage without saying anything.


    Only then, Desmond realized that I was not inside anymore. He looked displeased when our eyes met after I closed the door.


    I only curtsied one more time before I immediately transformed into my wolf form so I could get away from the za. Also, it was to get away from his eyes.


    I went to check the river bank if Sander was there but he was not. I sniffed my son''s scent and went in the direction of where our t was located.


    I transformed into my human form when I arrived at my t and opened it. "Sander?" I did not see him in the living room. I nced at the bedroom where I could strongly smell his scent.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I went to check it and was relieved to see Sander sleeping. I smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.


    "I''m here now, little man..." I whispered to his ear and caressed his golden locks.


    Sander slowly opened his eyes. He rubbed his eyes before he smiled and hugged me. "Mama, you''re here."


    "Of course, I am," I said and started raining some kisses on his face which earned him a giggle.


    I helped him to get up andbed his hair when Sander gently tugged the dress I was wearing. "Mama, where''s your dress you wore this morning?"


    I gasped softly and looked down at the luxurious dress Desmond had given to me. "Um... I spilled my drink on my dress. L-Lord Verlice is kind enough to lend me the dresses he has." I castigated myself because I sensed bitterness in my tone.


    I didn''t know that Desmond was living with another woman. I thought he was simply fooling around with someone. Perhaps, this dress I was wearing right now was from Hazel.


    I excused myself and looked in the mirror, perplexed to see the dress was a perfect fit for me. I was surprised when I wore it after I had the corset and bralette with me. I didn''t know that his woman had the same size as me.


    Odd...


    I castigated myself and shook the thoughts off of me. I changed my clothes and nced at Sander who was watching me changing into indoor clothing.


    "It is surprising that I saw you taking a nap at this time around, sweetheart. Is staying at the river bank not interesting to you?" I asked when I finished dressing up.


    Sander shook his head. "I have fun, Mama. I even studied there. Sire taught me something new." He stood up and took the book. "He let me borrow this book, Mama."


    My eyes widened when I took it and was surprised that the book was all about war tactics. Creasing my forehead, I nced at Sander. "Sweetheart... This is not a children''s book..." I said, shocked that Sander could read half of it.


    "Yes, Mama. I know." He giggled. "But it is interesting to read. I finished half of it."


    My jaw dropped. I pinched the bridge of my nose, calming myself. I knew already that Sander was a smart one. But I wasn''t expecting that he was already interested in these topics which could only beprehended by someone at the age of a young adult.


    "Are you more interested in this than the books I brought here?" I asked after a moment of silence, sitting beside my son.


    Sander nodded and smiled. "Yes, Mama. Sire said that if I want to read more books, I can go to the public library." He smiled sheepishly.


    His amber eyes filled with excitement and enthusiasm. He suddenly reminded me of Desmond having the same behavior and couldn''t let go of something that would pique his interest.


    I checked the time on the wall clock. "Why don''t we go there and take more books?"


    His face brightened up. "Really, Mama?"


    I almost gasped because I got to see how Desmond reacted when I got to allow him with an idea that would make him excited.


    Ah... Sander. You are truly like your father...


    I hate the idea that you were bing a spitting image of him.


    Nodding, I decided to change into an outdoor dress before I told Sander to get ready. It was still early which was why the public library wasn''t closed


    yet.


    Also, I need to go to an apothecary


    I


    shop to purchase fertility control. I


    wouldn''t say I could get pregnant


    easily but it was better than I couldn''t get pregnant with


    vel


    Desmond''s other pup. I mindlessly caressed my stomach.


    I was infertile before and yet I still got pregnant and bore my son into this world. It wouldn''t hurt if I started taking it and that would prevent me from getting pregnant. I was afraid that taking another pup into this world would have a hard time providing their necessities. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    "Once we go there, you should remain quiet there. Alright, little man?" I was holding his hand as we were sauntering our way to the public library.


    It wasn''t that far from here which was why it was a walking distance.


    "Yes, Mama."


    Arriving there, Sander looked awed at the countless books that were disyed on the bookshelves. I couldn''t help smiling when he started pointing at the bookshelves he wanted to see. Nodding my head as an approval, Sander quietly and excitedly walked there.


    "Is this your first timeing here?"


    I turned my head to see the librarian looking at me. I was surprised to see her arching eyebrow while she stopped writing.


    "Ah, yes." I smiled. "I have my son with me. He likes to read."


    "He must have been pretty smart," she pointed out.


    "Indeed."


    She stared at me for a moment before she started rummaging in the small cabs that contained catalogs. "I''m riscia. What books is he interested in reading? Perhaps, I can help him find some interesting books for him."


    "Um..." How must I say this to the librarian? "Recently, he has been starting to read this book about war tactics..." I said, hesitant.


    riscia looked surprised. "What? Is he?"


    I nodded. "Yes." I told her about the book she was reading. It was written by the first Alpha King that had been passed down to generations. "Unbelievable..." She blinked, surprised. "And you said he finished half of that book within just a day?" I nodded. "Dear me..." She gasped softly.


    "Mama."


    We turned our heads when Sander arrived and had three heavy books in his hands. "Let me help," I said and quietly rushed to him so I could help him put the books on the table.


    I felt the librarian''s presence behind me and heard her gasp when she got to know what books Sander took. Even I was surprised at the certain topics Sander took.


    The books contained economics, political management, and social and cultural aspects.


    "My word..." riscia spoke. Her astonished tone was enough that she was impressed with my son. "Child, are you certain that you are going to read


    them?"


    Sander looked up and tilted his head in confusion. "Her name is riscia. She''s the librarian, sweetheart. She takes care of the books here," |


    introduced.


    "Oh." Sander, who had a cautious look, suddenly warmed up. "Yes, Madame riscia."


    riscia had a look of curiosity and astonishment. "You are too young to read this. Are you certain that you canprehend all the certain words written here? They are quite deep toprehend for someone like you, dear."


    "I have a good sire that will help me, madame," he said politely. "I can understand all the words. Mama has an encyclopedia back in our home. I even finished them within a week."

 Chapter 20: Spitting Image (part 2)

    Chapter 20: Spitting Image (part 2)


    Chapter 20: Spitting Image (part 2)


    riscia gasped and looked at me. I nodded my head, telling him he was telling the truth. "He can even recite them just by reading them at once..." I said shyly.


    I was surprised when he borrowed one of the books before. Those encyclopedias I purchased were a cheap bargain from a market. I was awed at that time which was why I purchased it. I was surprised when Sander was the age of three, that he could recite the Patriotic Oath of the Sowinski Kingdom which he only heard once from me. It was why at that time, I started teaching him to read.


    Even now, I am still teaching him to expand his knowledge.


    But there were times that he would ask some questions that were beyond my knowledge. I told Sander that I did not know the answer and would do my best to know the answer for him.


    "Incredible!" she eximed, blinking. But then she hushed herself from speaking out loud. "I must help you process them," she said excitedly. She went to her desk and took something from her drawer. "What is your name again?" She looked at me. "And this little boy right here." She smiled.


    "I am Seraphina. And this little man right here is..." I paused.


    "Sander," my son said with a big smile on his face.


    "Alright..." riscia said and bestowed each of us a parchment. "These are our library cards. Your son can try to go here and borrow books whenever he wants." She winked at Sander. "All you need to do after you finish reading the books is return them here safely. Alright?"


    "Hmm!" Sander nodded before he stared longer at her. He must have been starstruck at riscia''s beaming smile.


    I looked at riscia who gave me a thumbs up. I couldn''t help smiling seeing how vibrant she was. If from earlier she looked like she had gone age, right now, she looked different.


    "How old are you by the way?" I couldn''t help but ask.


    riscia looked surprised before she answered. "Eighteen. You?"


    "Thirty-five." I chuckled quietly when her eyes widened.


    "You don''t look thirty-five to me!" she eximed and immediately hushed down when she realized that she made a noise.


    "I know it must be because of how I still looked young. But I am really thirty-five with a son turning seven in the next couple of months," I said and caressed Sander''s head.


    "Oh, I see. But you looked really young... I thought you were the same age as me."


    I chuckled. "Thank you for thepliment then." I looked down when Sander tugged my hand. "Is there something wrong, sweetheart?" I asked when his eyes still darted at riscia.


    "He must have found me odd," riscia said with a chuckle.


    Sander shook his head before he turned at me. "Mama, when I grow up, can I force my wolf to have Madame riscia as my mate?"


    "What?" I parroted, and couldn''t believe my son''s words. "What are you..."


    "Madame riscia, can you be my mate at mying of age?"


    I chuckled nervously and looked at riscia who had a look of amusement right now. "Um... You do not have to answer my son''s silly question, riscia. He just didn''t understand what he was saying right now."


    She nced at me and chuckled. She bent her knees a little and caressed Sander''s head which earned him a frown. "My, my. Unfortunately, I already have my mate, a young one."


    "Then I will steal you from him and take you by hook or by crook," Sander insisted.


    "Sander!" I scolded him, shocked at his words.


    "It''s fine, Seraphina." She winked at me. "Alright. But you need to hurry up because it shall be toote that I am going to marry him." With that,


    she looked at me after standing up


    properly. "He is hrious." Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I covered Sander''s mouth when he was about to say something again. "Indeed. I think we shall take our leave. This little man right here is trying to beical here."


    riscia nodded and smiled. "I shall see you two again then." She waved her hand.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "What in the Moon Goddess''s name is that about, Sander?" I asked when we left the library.


    "I know she will be my mate, Mama." His innocent expression made me think if he was pretending not toprehend what I said or not. "I will have her soon. Age doesn''t matter. Right, Mama?"


    My jaw dropped. His behavior suddenly reminded me of Desmond when he knew that I was six years younger than him. I even had chills down my spine hearing the exact words Sander said.


    "I know you are my mate. I will have you soon. Age doesn''t matter. Right, Seraphina?"

 Chapter 21: His Courtesan (part 1)

    Chapter 21: His Courtesan (part 1)


    Chapter 21: His Courtesan (part 1)


    "By the next two weeks, I would be able to finish your tuxedo," I said to Desmond when we were having a morning meal on the balcony. Again.


    Actually, he threatened me again to eat with him for one week straight which was why I have no choice but to obey or he would inform Madam Ibanez of my disobedience.


    "We will be leaving. You are going toe with me today," he said, ignoring my statement earlier as he wiped his mouth.


    "What?" I looked at him, creasing my forehead as I finished my meal. "But I need to finish..."


    He butts in. "Why every word I say you keep on questioning them, Seraphina?" he said. His tone smeared with a coldness that sent shivers down my spine.


    He was trying to intimidate me. But I knew better how to fight him back, I guess.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "Because what you are saying is always filled with absurdness," I reasoned. "I am working as a seamstress for my employer and you are trying to ruin my schedule..."


    Desmond squinted his eyes. His hand on the table clenched. The veins on his arm were visible. It was enough to take my breath away as always. But I looked away and dared to look at his eyes.


    He stood up and immediately grabbed my arm. "D-Desmond!" I hissed with the way he was holding me again. It was rough and yanking it like he wanted to rip my arm off me. "Release me this instant!" I said, struggling at his hold.


    But Desmond didn''t listen to me and took me back to the room where he had taken me so many times in the past few days. I shrieked when he pushed me to the bed. Groaning in pain from my wrist, I watched him take another dress from the wardrobe.


    I flinched when he threw the dress he picked to the bed. Then he approached and towered towards me. I clenched my hands, ready to fight him if he dared to raise his hand again.


    I held his hand when he was about to caress my face. Desmond scoffed. "You are feisty as ever, Seraphina. You know how I like everything is so challenging when ites to you." He used his other hand to touch me but I was quick to use my other free hand to hold it.


    "I am not going to let you touch me again," I said, barking.


    "Is it?" He arched his eyebrow and drew closer. "But you allowed me to touch you so many times, seraphim. Do not hurt my feelings." He grinned.


    In one swift motion, Desmond was already on top of me and ced my hands on the top of my head.


    "Bastard!" I used my wolf strength to push him off me but he was too strong to even lift a finger. I couldn''t just let us take the bed again as I was still sore from down there ever since he took me so many times the other day.


    I gasped when he licked my cheek causing me to shiver as I looked at him, horrified. "Say, are you going to change ande with me or do you want us to stay here and make you moan in this very bed? Hmm?" he whispered huskily to my ear.


    I looked at him when he distanced his face as he showed this cold demeanor toward me. His gaze looked like he was belittling me and wanted me to choose thetter. That lustful gaze would also be the death of my body if I kept letting him pound inside me.


    "Fine. I''ll change," I said through gritted teeth. "Now, get off me!"


    Desmod smirked. "If I were you, I would choose thetter," he whispered to my ear again. I inhaled sharply when he sucked on my earlobe. "I have been having restless sleeps, wanting to hear your moans again, seraphim. I love how my addiction to your body sumbs to my whole being again."


    I closed my eyes in submission. His words suddenly hypnotized me. I could hear my breath shaky. He never failed to make me realize that my body was reacting to him.


    When I opened my eyes, I realized that Desmond was not in the room anymore. I stared at the ceiling first asking why I was letting myself be burned by his touch and kiss every time he would find a chance to have me.


    Alone. In this room.


    I already felt humiliated for someone who was sleeping here and had to use the dress here that wasn''t even mine in the first ce. I didn''t even meet the woman who was staying here. It was clearly uneptable for her that Desmond and I were doing something nasty like a newlywed couple.


    "I am finished," I said after I finished dressing up and even fixed my hair.


    Desmon, who was busy signing some documents given by Oakley, looked up at me. His stern expression softened upon seeing me.


    I looked away, ignoring how my reaction was reacting to that. His gaze was the same gaze every time he would see me dressing up and dare to say... "Beautiful."


    I clutched my skirt, annoyed that I could still predict his movements like it was as if I was still married to this man.


    Damn it!


    "Settle the new supply today, Oakley. Stick with the same deal we hadst year," Desmond said before he stood up from sitting and approached me. I knew that he was talking about the food supply needed by the Rising Diamond pack members. I used to help him with that work. "We must go now, seraphim." He offered his


    hand. "And don''t you dered his


    to avoid


    my hand because if you dare to do that, I cannot promise not to hurt you again," he threatened and didn''t wait for me to hold his hand. He yanked me towards him, looking at me with his zing eyes. "I am an impatient person. You know that."


    "And I am a stubborn one," I retorted, scoffing. I coughed and held his arm when in a blink of an eye, his hand was on my neck, choking me. "S- Screw you, Desmond!" I said, coughing when his hand on my neck tightened.


    His face darkened as he drew closer. "Keep talking back. Do remember that I shall never forget how you drugged me-us so you can escape from my pack and dared to abuse your power as my Luna. I can sue you and put you in jail, Seraphina. How''s that?"


    I closed my eyes, struggling at his words as I could his anger seeping through me. His action of hurting me was too much that I didn''t expect that Desmond would dare to do this.


    That he woulde to the point he would hurt me.


    Or perhaps, I let him grow to hurt me because of what I did to hurt him back.


    I was about to let my breath out of me but the image of my son shing before my eyes suddenly woke me up and I punched Desmond''s eye before I moved to kick him with my knee. He stepped backward, groaning in pain while I was panting.


    "I am not going to let you kill me just because I severed our mate bond, Desmond..." I said through panting.


    I massaged my neck. This was not the second time he tried to hurt me or more likely, we were trying to hurt each other through this process. Desmond smiled bitterly. "You never know when to stop, do you, Seraphina?"


    "Who are you to even threaten me? Just because of the past I did? Did you even question yourself that the actions I did are because of you?" I stood up and tried to make sense of him.


    He looked annoyed as his face darkened. This time, Desmond didn''t let me escape when he mmed me to the wall causing me to gasp in horror. "Then what did I do for you to reach that fucking conclusion, Seraphina?" he asked. "Tell me!" he shouted angrily which made me flinch.

 Chapter 21: His Courtesan (part 2)

    Chapter 21: His Courtesan (part 2)


    I clenched my teeth. The anger I felt that time when I learned that he wasn''t being faithful to me, was enough to remember those memories. "Why don''t you find it out yourself?!" I screamed back.


    I couldn''t let this man shout at me like he was some sort of my Alpha. I never belonged to any pack now.


    With Desmon''s zing eyes, I could tell that he was holding back to hurt me physically. He stepped back as he heaved out a hiss, looking pissed right now. "We must go." He red at me before he opened his palm.


    I fixed myself and stared at it. I hadn''t recovered from his actions earlier and he wanted me to act now that we were fine just like the past few days? Is he insane?


    "Hold my hand or I shall not allow you to leave my ce ever again. Choose," he warned.


    That made me shiver. Hesitant, I epted his hand. It was because I had no choice but to obey. Sander would be worried about me if Desmond had be truthful to his words.


    "Why don''t you bring your lover with you instead of me? I still have work to do," I said when we were in his carriage.


    Desmond, as gentleman as ever, helped me to mount his carriage. "She is busy. That is why I will have you as her substitute," he said. I noticed the sudden change of coldness in his tone.


    I froze. So, was he really with his lover? Did I hear him right? Then I was her substitute? And we even made a mess in her room?


    "Are you insane?" I could feel my blood boil. This atmosphere right now... I wanted to ruin it over and over.


    Desmond checked his pocket watch, ignoring me. "We still have time."


    "Desmond!" I raised my tone, grabbing his attention.


    His cold gaze darted on me. "Is being my lover''s substitute not enough for you? Or you are waiting for me to im that you are my courtesan, Seraphina?" I opened my mouth to talk back. "You are my personal courtesan. You must pay back all the things I lost since you left my pack. Do not act innocent as if you have never done this to any other man."N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "I am not a courtesan for you nor any other man, Desmond." I wanted to m and ruin his carriage. I wanted to tell him that he forced me to please him on his bed.


    His words were making me feel hurt that he was calling me a courtesan.


    Desmond breathed out, having an amusement expression. "Weren''t you a courtesan before we met? You liked to seduce men just to earn money. Isn''t that right, Seraphina?"


    "Shut up..." My lips were quivering. My hands were fidgeting.


    Hearing these words from Desmond was making my emotions go haywire.


    "And now you are back to that job. Being a seamstress in the morning and a courtesan for me in the afternoon. Isn''t that ironic?" "Shut up..." One more word... I swear... I really swear...


    But Desmond did not stop there. "For those years we haven''t seen each other, bet... you were fooling with men aside from being a


    seamstress. Did you like having


    other men''s cocks pounding inside you like how I was doing to you, Seraphina?" He scoffed, grinning. "Oh, yes. I haven''t paid you for your service. Have no fret. I shall include it in your wage for serving me-"


    I cut him off by pping his cheek. "I said shut the hell up, didn''t I?!" I screamed while tears were streaming down my cheeks.


    Desmond smiled. "Does it hurt?" he asked with a bitter cold tone.


    I looked at him with hatred expressed in my eyes. It was his purpose to hurt me... emotionally. He was degrading me and he was winning.


    I harshly wiped my tears, feeling my heart breaking more the more I kept staying in one ce with him. "Now ! know better that it was so wrong of me to ept you as my mate... You are a coward and moron, Desmond Verlice...." I said, full of abomination before I averted my gaze, keeping tears flowing down from my eyes.


    "Don''t worry, Seraphina. I feel the same way."

 Chapter 22: Out of the Blue (part 1)

    Chapter 22: Out of the Blue (part 1)


    I didn''t know how long we were traveling but I only realized we had arrived at the destination if it only weren''t for the carriage stopping at an establishment.


    Desmond was the one who got out before he turned at me and opened his palm. ring at his hand, I was hesitant to ept it.


    My attention was not on him when I looked up to see the establishment in front of me. I blinked and managed to misstep on the stairs. I almost shrieked from tripping but then Desmond was quick enough to catch me in his arms.


    "Careful." I held onto his shoulders, almost panicking. I could even feel my heart pounding so fast because I was not quick enough to analyze the situation.


    Instead, I was inside my ex-husband''s arms. Our bodies were pressed against each other as we looked into each other''s eyes. Our lips were a few inches from touching each other.


    At that moment, something awakened inside me that made my blood run cold. The whisper had me petrified...


    ''Mate.''


    Desmond and I gasped in unison as our eyes both widened. That whisper from my wolf came out of the blue. It was something to feel... unexpected for us to feel that again.


    It was that moment when I came to smell his distinguished scent. I immediately pushed him away. Even Desmond stepped backward. He looked surprised as well.


    I covered my mouth as I panicked. This couldn''t be...


    I looked at Desmond who was panting. His breath was shaky right now as we looked into each other''s eyes.


    "Just now..." he paused and gulped. With the way he looked right now, I knew I wasn''t the only one who looked shocked and surprised. "Did you feel it?" His tone sounded unsure.


    I heaved out a shaky sigh and nodded. "Y-Yes..." I bit my lower lip, didn''t expect that this would happen. "How is that possible...?" I looked at my hands that were fidgeting right now.


    This couldn''t be happening...


    Desmond and I''s mate bond had been rehabilitated... Shouldn''t this circumstance not happen?


    Desmond looked disoriented as hebed his hair. "We must..." He inhaled and exhaled before he looked at the establishment that was in front of us. He exhaled sharply before he cleared his throat. "We must go," he said afterposing himself and offered his arm.


    I caressed my chest, feeling a little ache on it before I nodded. I swung my hand and identally touched Desmond''s hand.


    "Aww!"


    "Shit!"


    We both distanced each other, shocked at the sudden bolt when our skin touched. We looked at each other, wide-eyed.


    I knew this feeling... This wasn''t the first time I felt when Desmond and I identally touched. It felt like we were thrown back from the first time we met and our hands touched each other.


    Desmond knew it.


    "Marquis Verlice."


    Both of us looked away and saw a beautiful petite womaning on our way.


    "Lady Noli." I turned at Desmond who met the woman named Lady Noli.


    Lady Noli curtsied before him. "Greetings, my lord." She smiled.


    Desmond took Lady Noli''s hand and kissed the back of his hand causing me to frown. "It is my pleasure to meet you again, Lady Noli." She chuckled... flirtatiously. She even yfully hit him in the arm. "I just saw you three days ago, my lord. You act like we haven''t seen each other for years." She started caressing Desmond''s arm.


    I secretly gnashed my teeth as I looked away, seeing them flirting together. I was feeling bitter that they had to do it right in front of me. Was this Desmond''s n to show me that he could get any woman whenever he wanted? If so, then I don''t care about it.


    But my wolf surely acted. She was furious that I was letting Desmond be touched by another woman. I didn''t react as I was still bewildered at the sudden interlinking of our mate bond again.


    This wasn''t supposed to be happening. Why Desmond again?


    "Who is she?"


    I snapped back upon hearing a hostile toneing from that woman. realized that I had never met her ever since I married Desmond before. How long had been they acquainted? Were they sleeping together? Content belongs


    to


    And why was I interested to know Desmond''s escapades after I absconded from his pack?


    Desmond nced at me. "She''s Seraphina. She''s my¡ª"


    "I am his seamstress working on his tuxedo, mydy," I chimed in and curtsied before her.


    When I looked at Desmond, his jaw tightened and his face darkened. I could tell that he was unhappy that I chimed in.


    Lady Noli''s hostile expression changed into a relieved one. That way, I almost squinted my eyes at her. She looked like she was ready tosh out at me if I introduced myself wrongly.


    "Oh, I see," she said in a beaming tone. Then, she ignored me and turned to Desmond. "Do you have any business here, my lord?"


    "Indeed," he answered. "We shall go now." He nodded.


    I gasped when Desmond yanked my arm and dragged me inside the establishment. Lady Noli had a look of bewilderment when she saw how Desmond acted.


    "Desmond..." I called his name when he kept dragging me. "Desmond!" I called his name one more time. This time it was loud enough to make him snap back.


    "What?" he asked, looking pissed as he nced at me.


    "You''re hurting me," I said, gnashing my teeth.


    Desmond nced at the arm he was


    holding. He lessened his hold on me before he checked it. He hissed when he saw that there was a red mark on it. His expression softened as he started caressing the part where it left a mark.


    "My apologies," he said softly.


    I seized back my arm when there was a sensation crawling through my skin. "Don''t apologize if you will hurt meter." I sneered.


    Desmond fell silent. I distanced myself when I noticed a few nobles were looking on our way. I didn''t want other people to think of any malicious ideas so I had to distance myself.


    "Shouldn''t we go inside and continue your business why did youe here?" I asked, not wanting to waste my time here standing up and staying silent along with Desmond.


    Desmond must have realized what I said. "Follow me." His tone changed into a bitter cold one.


    I only nodded as a response and followed him inside this establishment. I went inside and almost felt that I was out of ce if I did not notice the people here wearing luxurious dresses and clothes.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "Greetings, Marquis Verlice." There was a woman wearing a uniform that looked like it belonged to the workers here in this establishment. "We have prepared your demands," she said politely and bowed her head before him.


    "Good." He nodded and nced at me. He gestured his head that I should follow him.


    I twitched my lips to the corner. Even if he wasn''t saying anything, I would follow him since I didn''t know anyone here. Until now, I was still questioning why I needed to be here.


    We followed the receptionist to a private room. My eyes widened upon seeing food dishes served on the long table. Each dish was served on a small


    tter.


    "These are what is on our menu, my lord," thedy said. "You may try each of them and tell us what dishes you want us to prepare on that certain day."


    I creased my forehead. Certain day? What certain day?


    "Here." I snapped back when Desmond approached me and bestowed me a saucer te.


    "Um... What must I do?" I asked, looking up at him.


    Desmond nced at the dishes before he returned his gaze to me. "Food tasting."

 Chapter 22: Out of the Blue (part 2)

    Chapter 22: Out of the Blue (part 2)


    "Huh?" I arched my eyebrow. "For what asion?" I asked and followed him when he started to try one of the food dishes.


    "Do you have any idea what asion it would be?" Desmond asked.


    I took a bite of the buttered shrimp as I thought about what he said. If I would base my experience of being married and being the Luna of his pack for five years, I couldn''t remember having a certain asion that should have happened for the next couple of months.


    "I have no..." I paused as my heart leaped out of my ribcage when I caught Desmond staring at me. "What?" I gulped. Why was he looking at me like that?


    I held my breath when he settled beside me and whispered, "Everything changed since you left, Seraphina. Halt thinking that the things you knew back then when you were my Luna are still the same as of right now."


    I stiffened and suddenly felt embarrassed. I lowered my gaze so I couldn''t see him. I held the fork tightly, wanting to leave this ce immediately. I wanted to get buried six feet below the grounds all of a sudden.


    I knew I wasn''t supposed to think about the matters I did when I was Desmond''s Luna but he asked me. I had no ns to tell him and just wanted to guess it to myself.


    I gasped and straightened my back when I felt his lips at my nape. I turned my head at Desmond who was smiling sheepishly.


    "What-" I touched my nape as I felt shivers down my spine.


    "Continue tasting," he said and distanced himself from me.


    I was rendered speechless while I still felt his kiss on my nape. I looked at thedy who guided us here. She was not looking at me but I was certain that I saw her looking in our direction earlier.


    I inhaled and exhaled slowly to calm my nerves. I must not let his sensual actions affect my whole being. Desmond was just a pervert ever since. He had been like this before.


    I finished tasting the dishes. I felt like I was already full and didn''t want to eat anymore. But while I was tasting them, it reminded me about Sander. He would be thrilled if he got to taste all of these food dishes he hadn''t tasted yet.


    "What are you smiling about?"


    I turned at Desmond who was arching his eyebrow. "Nothing," I stated, shaking my head.


    "You smiled like someone is making you happy already."


    I looked at him in disbelief. What was this bitterness he had on his tone right now? "So, what if it is? It is not like you have to dwell on who is making me happy," I retorted.


    "I bet it is another man." He scoffed.


    I smirked. "You got it right, my lord." With the words I said, there was an unpleasant expression he had on his face. I secretly scoffed. "Are you displeased by what I said?" He didn''t answer. "I bet you are thinking that I ama dirty woman again." I could feel my blood boiling right now.


    Did he really think that I would ever just forget how he insulted me earlier? If he wanted to keep on insulting me, then I might as well annoy him more.


    To avoid a dispute with him again, I excused myself to go to thevatory.


    As soon as I got there, I heaved out a relieved sigh. This splic feeling was starting to eat me. Ever since he insulted me earlier, I couldn''t help but this shallow feeling kept eating me. Desmond really knew how to make me feel worthless.


    He thought of me as a worthless person just because of my past.


    Shaking my head, I looked at the mirror as I stared at myself. I must not let someone define me because of my past. I had changed. I became a better version of myself because of Sander.


    Even if I was hurt by Desmond''s words, I must let it pass. Desmond did not know me these years had passed. We barely knew each other''s lives so who was he to judge me just because he took me so many times?


    "Jerk..." I mumbled under my breath before I decided to leave. I opened the door and gasped seeing Desmond blocking my way. "What... are you doing here?" I asked, nervous.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    His lips curled up into an enigmatic smile. I immediately stepped back upon seeing the kind of smile he was showing. That kind of smile would bring disaster to me.


    "Desmond..." My heart was pounding so fast when he entered and locked the door. I gripped my skirt when he marched in my direction. "S-Stay away or I will shout for help," I said in a low tone, threatening him not to do anything here.


    "Oh? As if you can even shout for help." He grinned.


    At that moment, I felt trapped. I


    evaded him and was about to reach the doorknob when in one swift motion, my back was already leaning to the wall just beside the door opened my mouth to scream for help but he was quick to cover it with his hand.


    Grinning, Desmond drew closer as his other hand was busy lifting up my skirt. I gasped when he reached the apex of my thighs which made me shiver down my spine.


    "Do not be troubled, Seraphina. We will do it... quietly," he said, smiling grimly.

 Chapter 23: What Pleases Him The Most

    Chapter 23: What Pleases Him The Most


    My knees wobbled at his husky whisper. His lips were teasingly caressing my earlobe. I closed my eyes and softly gasped when his hand reached for my cunt.


    I jumped to my feet and held onto his zer when his fingers were ying with my clit causing me to spread my legs and offered myself to him.


    "I haven''t gotten started yet, you are all wet for me, seraphim..."


    I opened my eyes and met his lustful gaze. My breath became heavy as his finger kept brushing my clit up and down.


    "Oh, god..." I leaned back to the wall as my eyes got droopy from the pleasure. I saw Desmond watching me with amusement in his eyes as he knew that my body would easily respond to his touch.


    The worst thing was... our mate bond suddenly reconnected. Because of it, I was getting deeply aroused each second Desmond was pleasuring me.


    "What do you want, seraphim? Tell me..." he said as he lifted up my skirt and exposed me.


    "Desmond..." I gulped when he unbuckled his belt and tied my hands with it. "I... I don''t want this..." I said with a soft tone, I couldn''t have the strength to push him away from me.


    "But your body says otherwise." He grinned and put my hands on top of my head. "Now, be a good girl and do not remove them from your head. Alright?" I looked at his amber eyes. There were signs of threat in them.


    "And if I remove it, what will happen?" I dared to ask, panting.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "You know what I will do if you misbehave, seraphim." His thumb gently brushed against my lower lip. His gazended on my eyes and on my lips. I scoffed. "Everything changed since I left, Desmond. Halt thinking that the things I knew back then when I was your Luna are still the same as right now," I retorted and copied the same tone he said earlier. "Bold of you to assume that I still know how you behave."


    If he thought that he could embarrass me, then I could do the same and keep talking back at him even if it was the moment that he was pleasuring


    me.


    A moan instantly escaped from my lips when his fingers taunted my clit again. "Oh, seraphim... My cock wants your impudent mouth when you talk back like that," he said huskily.


    I groaned in protest when I felt him removing his hand from my cunt. I watched him putting his wet fingers into his mouth. My breath had just been taken away by his action which made me lick my lips.


    Desmond saw it. His lips curled up into his conniving smile.


    In a swift motion, he exchanged our position. My heart was pounding when he took my hand and ced it on top of his trousers. "Please me as you always do, seraphim. I want to feel that mouth of yours..." he said as his other hand was busy teasing the underneath of my breasts.


    My breath thickened as I stared at his eyes which made me hypnotize right now.


    "I don''t want it," I said in a convincing tone.


    But Desmond didn''t believe in my words. "You really like it the hard way, huh?" I watched him unbuckling his belt and pulling down his trousers. "Kneel," hemanded in a low, dangerous tone.


    I looked at him and dared to meet his eyes. I wanted to fight him through a nce but I prevailed over him. With his dominant personality, I couldn''t help myself kneeling in front of him just like I always did the same when I was still married to him.


    I flinched when he held my hair tightly and forced me to look up into his eyes. "Be a slut for me, Seraphina." Without a warning, Desmond shoved his cock inside his mouth causing me to widen my eyes.


    "Mmm!" I gagged when he started thrusting inside me back and forth hitting the back of my throat.


    "Fuck... Seraphina... Your mouth really feels so good," Desmond said, groaning in pleasure when his thrust was fast and hard.


    I held to his waist and closed my eyes. But I tapped him as soon as I felt like I was close to puking the food I ate. Tears also fell from my eyes because of that.


    Desmond removed it and made me rest for a while. When he saw that I was fine again, he didn''t think twice to shove it back again. I gasped and held to his waist when he kept hitting the back of my throat.


    This time it was fast. His fast pace meant that he was trying to reach his orgasm.


    It didn''t take long for him to reach his peak. Momentster, I felt a hot salty liquid inside my mouth.


    "Swallow it," he said coldly.


    I looked at him and shook my head. But Desmond pulled my hair more and roughly squeezed my cheeks before he bent down to whisper in my ear. "Swallow it and lick me clean or I shall shove my cock to your mouth again and again until it gets swollen, hmm?" he uttered in a threatening tone. I clenched my hands. That threat... I must take it seriously. He was not kidding if the time was like this. "Swallow it, seraphim," hemanded one more time.


    With no other choice, I swallowed it while looking into his eyes. I tasted his essence that glided down to my throat. Looking ashamed at how he treated me, Desmond pped his cock to my face.


    "Lick me clean. Make haste."


    I closed my eyes when the tip of his cock was caressing my eyes, nose, and to my lips. I automatically opened my mouth and peeled my eyes open to look at him as I licked him clean.


    I sucked, licked, and nipped his cock just the way he liked it. Desmond leaned at the wall as he softly groaned while still holding my hair and guided my head on what I must do.


    I held his cock with my two hands and licked the tip of his hood causing him to tighten his hold on my hair again. "Seraphina..." I felt aroused when he called my name while I was teasing him by sucking his balls. "God, woman... You are so good..."


    His words were enough for me to make everything good for him. I licked the slenderness of his cock while meeting Desmond''s lustful gaze. He looked pleased and aroused. His ears were tinted red seeing how he was so turned on by my action.


    When I was done, I slowly pulled away making a thin string line of saliva from the tip of his cock to my tongue. Desmond inhaled sharply as he licked inside his mouth.


    "I''m done," I said and was about to stand up but Desmond did not let me. I held his wrist. He was still holding my hair. "Desmond..." I gritted my teeth when he was not releasing my hair.


    He arched his eyebrow. "That is not how you addressed me, seraphim."


    "Then what must I address you?" I was starting to feel humiliated at my position while his cock was pointed in my face.


    "You know what it is. Do not pretend that you have already forgotten it." His lips curled up into a furtive smile. "Come on, Seraphina. Seven years is not that long for you to forget what pleases me the most."


    I pursed my lips into a thin line. I fought nces with him and it seemed that he didn''t want to back down either.


    He gripped my hair so tight. "I am getting impatient with you, woman. Do it now or "


    "Fine!" I said in a low, annoyed tone.


    Desmond pushed my head towards his cock again. "Do it again."


    Clenching my hands, I looked up at him with irritation in my eyes. This man... He really knew how to spark annoyance with me.


    Taking a toll of breath again, I looked down at his already alive, pulsating cock. I gulped. No matter how many times I had seen his cock, I was always surprised to see how big he was. Kalways questioned how it fitted inside me so many times. His cock I was holding right now had managed to bring me to ecstasy so many times.


    Without fail.


    That was for certain.


    I entered his cock inside my mouth and yed it with my tongue. Desmond breathed heavily as he released a soft groan. He started thrusting inside me again. "Seraphina..."


    I sucked him and kept hitting the tip of his cock to the back of his throat. I did my best even though I was gagging and kept pleasuring him to the best of my abilities. I even closed my eyes because this was so humiliating that we had to do this at this establishment.


    This made me recall back to the days where Desmond was so naughty that he wanted to keep


    we went to. I would leave embarrassed but Desmond knew that it also pleased me if I was in situation that would leave me ufortable.


    doing this thing in any me


    True. It pleased me. It was exciting to do those escapades with him.


    But not like this. I wasn''t even his mate and his wife anymore. I must not let him keep doing this thing with him.


    However, why did I feel otherwise and wanted more from him? My body was gradually betraying me every time I received pleasureing from him


    or I bestowed a great pleasure to him that would absolutely please me, too.


    I gasped when Desmond''s pace became brisk. I immediately held to his waist and opened my eyes to see him trying to reach his orgasm again.


    "Fuck..." He leaned his head to the wall and held my head tightly as he thrust more and more until I felt that I was going to pass out fromck of air to breathe.


    It didn''t long for Desmond to reach his peak. I punched him when I couldn''t breathe anymore. He released my mouth while I swallowed his essence just what he wanted. I was panting when I ced my hands on the floor as I caught my breath.


    I even heard his ragged breath as he also was trying to catch his breath. I looked up and saw him closing his eyes. My eyes dragged down to his exposed cock. I clenched my hands because I knew that I still had to lick him clean again.


    Desmond gasped and shut his eyes open to look down at me. He licked his upper lip as the corner of his lips curled up into a smirk.


    "That''s right, Seraphina. A slut like you must feel blessed for licking my cock. Don''t you feel pleased?"


    I lowered my gaze as I felt my wolf was howling in pain from the words he uttered. Even so, my wolf and I were still aroused at how he devalued me. I ignored it and nodded. "Yes. T-Thank you for allowing me to taste your cock again, cinnamon."


    As soon as he heard that endearment when I was finished licking him clean and he zipped up, he caressed my cheek while his eyes sparkled in


    delight.


    "I have missed that endearment, seraphim." He smiled before he mmed his lips to mine.


    Yes.


    That was what pleased Desmond the most... my endearment to him back then.


    My cinnamon.

 Chapter 24: Do Overtime

    Chapter 24: Do Overtime


    I slept through the whole afternoon, tired from today''s event. Desmond decided to go to any establishment. He even went to speak with a party decorator and even asked for my opinion.


    I was thinking by that time if he was preparing for Den''s birthday or his nephew, Daniel''s birthday but I remembered that was impossible since the birthdays of those two were near the end of the year.


    I only woke up when I was already in the arms of Desmond and smelled his scent as my... mate again.


    I didn''t know why the Moon Goddess reconnected our mate bond again but I was not happy to learn about this fact.


    "Put me down this instant!" I said, half-embarrassed as he was going upstairs. "People are watching!" I immediately hid my face and buried it in the crook of his neck because I saw people looking on our way.


    That way, I came to smell thebination of orange, citrus, and cedarwood. With his scent, I could easily distinguish that he was really my mate. Desmond chuckled. "Who cares?" I shivered when his lipsnded on my head. I even heard him sniffing me. "Your scent... I can finally smell you again."


    My eyes widened when I heard his voice croaked. My wolf even purred when we sensed a longing in his voice. That also made me feel goosebumps because I sensed how he sounded happy and longing at the same time. It made my heart ache.


    I looked up and saw his stern expression every time he would look at me was gone. His expression softened when our eyes met.


    It made me recall the days we were happy. It also would lead us to talk all day. Those memories made my heart ache for some reason.


    It made me sumb to the same feeling I first caught when he slept with a courtesan.


    It was so painful that I couldn''t handle how broken I was by that time.


    I snapped back when I realized that Desmond settled me in another chamber. I came to sniff his male perfume lingering around.


    "This is my room. Stay here," Desmond said after he ced me on his bed and went outside.


    I stood up and looked at the luggage he had. I frowned seeing how messy it was. Damn this man... He never changed and didn''t know how to settle his things.


    I picked up his indoor clothes, sighing, and folded them like I used to do before.


    "Seraphina-"


    "Until now, you still do not know how to fold your indoor clothes properly," I said, scolding him. "What are you? A pup?" I snorted bitterly and looked at him.


    Desmond looked surprised while he was holding a ss of water. I mean, his jaw dropped for some reason.


    I stiffened when I realized something and stood up in no time, dropping the clothes I was holding. "I-It''s not what it looks like..." I gulped as I could feel my heart plummet up and down, being defensive right now.


    Damn it... I acted in the same behavior when I was still living with him.


    It was an instinct... when I was still his wife. I didn''t realize that I was acting right now. I didn''t expect that I would be like this regardless of what happened.


    Desmond remained silent before his expression changed into a stoic one. "Here''s your water," he said before he left.


    I bit my lower lip and drank it. I felt embarrassed that I acted that way. I didn''t mean to be like that. I didn''t mean to act as his wife again. "Darn it..." I mumbled, a little frustrated.


    I took a rest and thought of my actions today before my eyes darted to the piles of clothes I took earlier. I looked away and left his room after I nced at the wall clock.


    I saw Desmond on the balcony having a cup of tea while Sir Elron was beside him. "I need to leave now," I said.


    I shivered when his cold rended on me. "No, you are staying here. You must continue your work."


    "What?" I parroted, wide-eyed. Then I looked at him in disbelief. "That is absurd! It is time for me to go home." I felt pissed right now.


    He scoffed a smirk. "You are not going home unless youplete the work hours you lose this day. Without rest this time, Seraphina."


    "I agreed with this setup and now, you are making me take the overtime?" couldn''t help but raise my tone. You took my whole day to go with you because you have been running errands! I cannot ept this! Thave..."...someone waiting for me back home. I wanted to say but I couldn''t.


    My wolf and I suddenly got worried for our son. We couldn''t just stay here to do overtime if he wanted me toplete more than eight of work. My wolf was raging in


    annoyance. Even though


    mate


    bond had been healed and made us reconnected again, our bond


    between mother and pup should


    prevail over him.


    I flinched when Desmond threw his cup in my direction. It was lucky for me that I managed to evade it with my reflexes.


    I clenched my hands, realizing he was returning to being a violent man again. I stared at the broken cup only to be picked up by Sir Elron.


    "You are getting on my nerves today, Seraphina. You always talk back every single time and keep opposing me," he said in a frigid tone. He reclined on his seat, looking at me.


    "I need to go home. No one is going to take care of my..." I gasped and paused when I almost said ''son''.


    "Take care of what?" he asked suspiciously, arching his eyebrow.


    "M-My home," I said nervously. "I forgot to lock it..." I reasoned, trying my best to be reasonable.


    Desmond didn''t say anything. I got nervous because the way he scrutinized me seemed like he was seeing if I was lying or not. I inhaled and exhaled slowly so I could hide how nervous I was right now.


    "I shall have Elron go to your home and lock it himself."


    My heart dropped. "N-No!" I eximed, immediately shaking my head. "H-He must not do that!"


    "And why not?" His arching eyebrow was making me more nervous than before. He was starting to get suspicious.


    "Myndy shall not allow anyone she does not know," I reasoned. My heart was pounding so fast. I hope he will approve of it. I must go home.


    There was no one who would take care of Sander. He would look for me if I did note home.


    Desmond didn''t look convinced. That made me want to be buried six feet below the ground when he spoke, "I am certain yourndy shall understand that the safety of your homees first. Tell us your address and I shall have "


    "No need!" I said, chiming in. "T-There is no need. I shall stay here... I-I will finish my work!" I mustn''t let them know that I had a son from Desmond.


    As much as possible, Desmond and Sander must not meet, or else, he would take away Sander from me. That was for certain.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    If he happened to know that he had a pup with me, he would demand his rights as his father.


    I must not let that happen.


    "Huh..." He stroked his chin. "Your


    heart keeps beating so fast. You know that I can hear it." He slightly tilted his head, looking straight into my eyes. "What are you so afraid of, Seraphina? It is like you are hiding something from me, hmm? Content


    belongs to


    I scoffed, hiding how nervous I really was. "Do not be so absurd. I just do not want you to know where I lived." I thanked myself because I did not


    stammer this time. I finally gained the confidence to talk back with him.


    There was a sly smile lingered on his lips. "Oh? What if I know where you are living?"


    My eyes widened. I could have sworn my face had gone color as well.


    He knew where I was living? Did this mean he knew that we had a pup?


    Shit... This was not good...


    Desmond snickered. "I am just jesting, seraphim. Why do you look so frightened?"


    Relief washed over me when he said that. I chuckled nervously and forced a smile. "I-Is that so?" I could feel how my heart was hammering inside of


    my chest. I knew he could hear it which was why his smile grew wider than usual.


    He nodded. He looked amused as well. Perhaps because of the expression I was showing right now. "Now, go back to work and work overtime before I change my mind." He wiggled his eyebrows.


    I was certain that he was pleased to see that I behaved like this now.


    I coerced a smile and nodded. "Yes... I shall do that." I turned my back and secretly prayed to the Moon Goddess that She would take care of my son. Please don''t think that I left you, Sander. Mama would be back at the daybreak. I swear...

 Chapter 25: Distract Him

    Chapter 25: Distract Him


    I spent my whole evening finishing my work.


    Unfortunately, Desmond was watching me the whole time. He wouldn''t remove his gaze away from me. He kept staring at me while I tried my best to concentrate on sewing his trousers.


    "You know what is best to do at this point, Seraphina?" Desmond asked.


    I tried so hard not to yawn and focused my eyes on the needle I was using. "To sleep, yes," I said, not interested in engaging in conversation with him.


    He chuckled darkly. "Are you that sleepy?" he asked softly.


    I didn''t answer and just released a sigh. I was too tired not to say anything. All I wanted was to finish this. I felt like I was returning to the same workload back when I was working at Madam Ibanez.


    Ah, yes. I would be able to finish this tuxedo and would return to that kind of environment soon.


    I was worried about Sander. I hope he is alright and is cooking his own meal right now. He must have been worried as to why I hadn''t arrived home. I looked at the wall clock and saw that it was already one a.m. One more hour then I would leave.


    Sighing, I looked at Desmond who was staring intently at me again. "Can I make some ck tea? I am close to sleep..." I said as I rested for a while, feeling my hand throbbing.


    "No need. I will make you one," he said after a moment of silence. "Just continue your work there."


    I only nodded and didn''t want to argue with him. It was a good thing that Desmond behaved right now and did not be a violent one unlike he did yesterday or other days.


    When I felt like he was not around, I couldn''t help but bury my head to the table, feeling my eyes getting droopy in no time. Any moment now, I could finally fall asleep. But I must not...


    "Sander..." I mumbled, slowly closing my eyes. Mama would be back, I swear...


    "Sander who?"


    I peeled my eyes open as my heart raced so fast when I heard Desmond speak. I raised my head and smelled the aromatic scent of ck tea and Desmond''s musky scent while my eyesnded on him who was already arching his eyebrow.


    "Desmond..." I inhaled sharply, gulping.


    "Who''s Sander? Your new lover?" He stretched out a smirk.


    It''s our son, you idiot! I wanted to say that but I averted my gaze and nced at the cup of ck tea that was on my table. "It is none of your business," I said as I took a sip but I got burned from how hot it was causing Desmond to tend at me. "I-I am alright..." I hissed softly when my tongue felt burning right now.


    "Allow me to check it. Stick your tongue out," he said, worried, and held my face.


    "I am fine, Desmond." I shivered and distanced myself from him when my wolf reacted to his touch. His touch was waking my senses so I must stay away from him as much as possible.


    But he held my face again. My heart leaped seeing him so close. If he would get closer, his lips might havended on mine. I must do something before he could do that and would hypnotize me with his touch.


    But I felt like it was already toote because I was already mesmerized by his amber eyes. His eye color was inherited by our son which was why I had a hard time moving on from him.


    "Seraphina..." he called my name in his sensual, hoarse voice that made my wolf react to that. His thumb was gently caressing my lower lip. "Desmond..." There was a warning bell lingering in my head when Desmond was drawing closer and closer.


    My breath thickened when his face was near my neck. I heard him sniffing my scent and sighing in relief. I trembled when he breathed on my corbone. With his action, I could feel myself getting wet down there.


    "I can smell your arousal, seraphim." He met my eyes with azy smile. His eyes were surely sparkling in lust and desire while his hands were already teasingly caressing the side of my breasts.


    I leaned forward, yearning for more of his touch. I was supposed to distance myself from him but why was my body betraying me again? Why couldn''t I stay away from him?


    Desmond switched his nce between my eyes and lips. I couldn''t hold myself when my wolf urged me to kiss my mate.


    I kissed him and Desmond did not hesitate to respond back. He groaned and had my legs wrapped around him.


    "You must finish your work," he said through kisses while his hands were cupping my bosom, wanting to remove my dress. "Seraphina..." He groaned when I started kissing his neck and licking his earlobe.


    His hold against me tightened as his breath was bing uneven. I couldn''t help pleasing him more than anything. I was slightly surprised that I still knew where his weak spot was.


    "You will be the death of me, woman..." I ground myself on hisp while raining him some kisses. I felt aroused when I felt his bulging trousers colliding with the apex of my thighs. "Seraphina... if you keep continuing this... I swear you shall extend that you will stay here."


    At that moment, an image of Sander waiting for me at the t came across my mind. I halted and looked at him. His eyes were already glowing as his wolf was trying to take over him.


    Uh-oh... This was not good.


    Licking my lips, I separated myself from him and sat beside him when I realized that I should not have done it to Desmond. "I-I must finish my work," I said after a moment of silence and stood up.


    I gasped when I felt his hand catch my arm and pull me to sit on hisp. I looked at him when his touch was giving me a fragment of sensations flowing through my body. He tightened his hold and buried his face in the crook of my neck.


    "Desmond-"


    "Come back to me, Seraphina."


    I froze at his words. It was faint yet I could hear very clearly. My wolf was squirming right now because it was something we had been longing for as soon as we severed our mate bond with Desmond.


    "I need to finish my work," I said after a moment of silence. I tried to remove his hands away from me but he only tightened them more, not letting me go. "Desmond," I called his name by gritting my teeth.


    "You killed me as soon as you rejected me. Do you have any idea how I could live my life without you?" he asked in a painful tone.


    I closed my eyes, feeling the corner


    els


    of my eyes getting stung. Not this again... I did not want to talk about this topiI need to finish my work, Desmond..." I groaned and attempted to remove his hands but tono avail, he did not allow me. "Desmond... Please!" I pleaded.


    He sighed and released me. I got off hisp and saw his face darkened but he did not say anything.


    I immediately returned to my seat and continued my work. I even drank the tea that almost lost its warmth. I spent my whole hour finishing my work before I told Desmond that I needed to leave.


    He only nodded as a response.


    That suddenly made me feel awkward because his attitude changed again. Sometimes he would go soft, sometimes he would go silent or violent.


    "I shall continue thister," I said one more time as I curtsied before him and turned my back to leave.


    "Wait." I halted and turned my head, perplexed. Desmond stood up from sitting and took a stride in my direction.


    Being cautious, I immediately stepped back. "W-What?" I asked nervously and reached the doorknob but I flinched when he closed the door and pinned me between the door and his front body. "What is it this time, Desmond?" I asked, growling at him in annoyance.


    I closed my eyes when his lips trailed down to my cheek and down my ear. "Let''s get you something to eat outside. Then I shall let you hop on my wolf formter."


    "Huh?" I creased my forehead and opened my eyes. "I can handle going there," I said. "Can you get off me? You are making me ufortable!" I demanded.


    He chuckled darkly. That became music to my ear and I also felt a tingle down there. "You are a pretty liar, seraphim," he said meaningfully.


    I suddenly wanted to pinch myself when I realized what he meant. I was being a hypocrite. How many times did Desmond and I press our bodies together? Then I wasn''t doing anything at that time to push him away.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    This was preposterous. Indeed.


    Embarrassed, spoke, "Fine. I shall go out to eat first and do what you say. So, get off me now!" I didn''t know why but my tone changed when he started rubbing his lower body to my back. I felt like my breath was getting shaky and feeling nervous because of his actions.


    Desmond, why was my body reacting this way whenever it was you?


    "Alright," he said before he got off and took my band to sp it with his. "I knew a town where we can dine there at this hour." He checked the time and saw that it was already two in the morning. "I shall tell Elron to fetch these seven. That shall be enough for you to sleep, hmm?" He turned at me while my eyes were darting on his hand that was on


    mine.


    I snapped back when I felt his intense gaze and nodded. "Yes. That shall be enough." I was relieved because he was being considerate. "Give me


    two days. I can finish your tuxedo," I added.


    "I see." That earned him silence.


    I did not hear anything from him even from the time when he transformed into his wolf form. His elephantine ck wolf with golden eyes was still as gorgeous as ever. It always took my breath away.


    I couldn''t help myself touching his snout. It suddenly brought me back to the past where I always admired his wolf form and until now... I was still


    admiring it.


    "Desmond..." I chuckled when he licked my face. It was his usual behavior that he would always say that I must mount on his back. "Alright. Alright." He huffed and lowered his body after that.


    I couldn''t help smiling because even though he could not mind link me, I could still understand his bodynguage. That suddenly froze me when I was about to mount him on his back.


    I realized what I was thinking and castigated myself before I shook my head in annoyance.


    Even so, I still couldn''t help myself admiring his wolf form just like I always did before. I suddenly missed myself being happy in his arms before. Feeling my heart ache, I hugged his neck and whispered in his ear, "You really know how to torture me..."

 Chapter 26: Cinnamon

    Chapter 26: Cinnamon


    "Thank you for allowing me to ride on your back." I curtsied before him. "And also, for treating me for a meal," I added.


    He transformed to his human form and looked behind which was the town za. "Are you certain you can go on your own?" he asked. "Yes. I can handle it." I just wanted to stay away from you after making my wolf squirm and purr. I wanted to say that but I halted myself. "Alright." He tucked his hands in his pockets. "Go now before I decide to follow you and know where you live." His lips curled up into a smirk. I inhaled sharply and turned my back. I stiffened when a pair of arms wrapped me from behind and smelled Desmond''s distinguished scent. "You are my mate again. The Moon Goddess is really fating us to be together, seraphim," he whispered darkly. "You are still mine no matter if you rejected me."


    I clenched my hands as I didn''t say anything but I tried to remove his hold from me. "Let me go," I demanded.


    "You are mine, Seraphina. Remember that," he said. His possessive words sent shivers down my spine before I felt him losing his hold on me. Then I heard the bone cracking of his body meaning that he was transforming into his wolf form. I started walking away when he dashed out now. That sent me a cue to transform into my wolf form. I had to hurry and arrive at the t. Sander must have worried that I hadn''t arrived home. "Sander?" My heart was beating so loud when I arrived at the t and went straight to the bedroom. I sighed in relief as I was about to cry seeing him still awake.


    Sander''s eyes filled with tears as he dropped the book he was reading. "Mama!" He ran towards me.


    "Hush..." I whispered and lifted him up into my arms. We both dropped to the bed as I scooped him from behind. "Please forgive me. You must have been worried, son." I kept kissing his face when he did not halt crying and clutched my dress.


    My wolf was feeling heartbroken because our pup was crying right now. Now, she was feeling mad at Desmond for doing this to us that we had to take overtime just so we could fulfill the hours I hadn''t worked in the daytime.


    "I thought you left me, Mama..." Sander said through crying.


    "No, sweetheart... Mama is not going to leave you. My wolf and I will not leave you, alright?" I assured him and caressed his back. I even told him I have to work overtime that was why I did not get a chance to tell him because it was also a sudden change from the client''s demands.


    "I hate it when your client demands like that..." Sander sobbed. His tone sounded annoyed and heartbroken.


    "I know, baby." I kissed his forehead.


    Now, my wolf was furious against Desmond. This was his fault in the first ce.


    It took an hour before I calmed him down. I also fell asleep having Sander in my arms. That morning, I exined it thoroughly to Sander so he could understand it better.


    He was reluctant that morning that I would be leaving again. I assured him that it wouldn''t happen again.


    Just as I promised Desmond, I finished his tuxedo after two days of working. I was relieved and Sir Elron and I jumped in joy after that.


    Later that afternoon, as soon as Desmond arrived, I informed him that. He looked unhappy when I showed him but then he nodded his head in approval.


    "Alright..." he said in a dejected tone. "I have already sent the payment to your employer the other day."


    "Yes." I was feeling grateful that I got to finish it. However, there was this feeling of longing for Desmond when my eyesy on him.


    Starting tomorrow, I wouldn''t get to visit his hotel anymore. It meant that we wouldn''t have to do something nasty. I wouldn''t get to enjoy being pleased by his fingers and his... cock.


    I gasped when I felt breathing behind my nape. "And I will miss making you scream my name, seraphim," Desmond whispered in my ear.


    I inhaled sharply as my knees wobbled when he caressed my nk. "Desmond..." I softly moaned when he made me lean to his chest.


    "Tell me you also do not want this to end, Seraphina..." I squirmed when he kept raining my shoulders with wet kisses.


    I closed my eyes as my wolf was getting crazy at the burning sensation we felt with Desmond''s kisses and touch. It was so alluring it made my mind go haywire. I couldn''t think straight, especially since I could feel I was pooling in between my legs.


    "Seraphim... Tell me..." he whispered huskily.


    "Desmond... I cannot fool around with you anymore," I said, moaning softly as I kept rubbing my behind from his bulging front. "M-Madam Ibanez will kill me... Oh!"


    Pleasure shot me when I did not realize Desmond was already ying with my nipples. "No one will know... It will be a secret of just the two of us..." He licked the weak spot in my neck where he marked me from the past. "The mark has been gone... Would you let me do the honor to mark you again, Seraphina?"


    I shot my eyes open and was about to distance myself away from him but he tightened his hold on my waist. "N-No!" I struggled with his hold. "Damn it, Desmond! Don''t mark me!"


    I trembled in fear and used my forearm to block his mouth so he could avoid contacting my neck. I couldn''t be marked by him again. The first time he marked was by force. I must not allow him to do the same thing as in the past.


    Desmond''s lips curled up into a smirk before he went down totch on one of my nipples.


    "Oh, good Moon Goddess!" Waves of pleasure briskly pped my whole being when he made me lean to the table as he kept paying attention to my nipple. I clutched Desmond''s hair as a moan escaped from my lips.


    I arched my back, closing my eyes, to feel the sensation he bestowed on my whole body. His hand was ying with my other nipple while he exchanged paying attention to them.


    "Oh!" I forwarded my hips when I already felt him raising up my skirt and his other hand was ying with my cunt. I already felt how wet I was based on how he yed his fingers on it. "Cinnamon..." I mindlessly said.


    His tongue, mouth, and fingers were so good I couldn''t hold back myself from moaning. I couldn''t care less if Sir Elron was in the other room. What I wanted right now was to receive the pleasure Desmond bestowed on me.


    "Call me that again." I slowly opened my eyes, feeling heady when his fingers were curling inside me as I moaned softly.


    "What...?" I was confused at the moment.


    I gasped when Desmond did not answer but he only pinched my clit which made me irk in pain. "Do not make me say twice, Seraphina. You know I hate repeating myself," he said. His face darkened.


    I bit my lower lip, getting weaker from his touch and the way he was looking at me. He looked like he was belittling me yet it was alluring for me and it was making me shudder in pleasure.


    "Cinnamon..." I uttered which I received pleasure when he yed with my clit.


    Desmond looked pleased as he kept lifting up my skirt and pulling down my undergarments. I watched him staring at my wet cunt and ying it with his already wet fingers. I shuddered when he glided his fingers up and down to my clit which made me lean and arch my back.


    "Cinnamon, please..." Please what, Seraphina? What were you asking to please from him?


    It did not take long when I felt his tongue teasingly licking my clit. I gasped and was about to close my legs when he held them and ced them over his shoulders.


    He pulled out a chair and settled it in front of me, offering it to him. "This is my favorite snack to eat," he said with a grin that made me purr before he buried his face in my wet cunt.


    "Dear me!" I clutched his hair, gasping for air as the pupils of my eyes dted from the ecstasy I was receiving. "Desmond..."


    He halted. I opened my eyes and saw his face darken. I got bewildered when he rose from sitting and towered over me. He then drew his face closer to my ear.


    "If you halt calling me cinnamon while I was pleasing you, I swore that I shall not make you cum, seraphim. Do it again and I swear that I shall make ite true, hmm?" he whispered darkly. "Do you understand me, seraphim?"


    Seraphim... Cinnamon...


    That were the only words he wanted to hearing from our mouths. Those endearments were precious to us back then and Desmond wanted me to utter thetter word whenever he was pleasuring me.


    "Your answer?" He arched his eyebrow.


    I flinched when he pinched my clit. I bit my lower lip at the pain and pleasure. I nodded my head. "Yes... cinnamon," I said, breathless. "Good." He stepped back and turned his back when he went to the cab to get something. I was about to close my legs from exposing my cunt but Desmond spoke a warning. "Close that and I could have sworn that I am going to punish you, seraphim." He growled.


    I clutched my skirt and frowned. "Fine..." I returned my gaze at him when I saw him taking the sewing clips I used to hold theyers of fabric when I was sewing. "W-What are you going to do with that?" I asked nervously when he settled in between my legs.


    "Do not be naive, seraphim." He


    smirked. "You know what we alwaysN?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    do with an improvise like this." I


    gulped, nervous. I would never


    forget that kind of pleasure he would me


    bestow me... He towered over and towered his head to lick both of my nipples. I whimpered when he sucked both of them. That way, I got to close my eyes in submission to feel the sensation I felt crawling through my whole being.


    Then I felt a pain struck to my nipples causing me to gasp and open my eyes wide. "Ouch!" I stiffened, hissing in pain when I realized Desmond clipped my nipples. I looked at him in disbelief. "Cinnamon, it hurts!" I eximed in pain.


    I should have heard a horrified tone in my voice but instead, I heard myself releasing a soft moan at the pain of how the quilting clips were being


    pinched.


    I looked at Desmond who was


    already sitting and ced my legs over his shoulders. "That''s the point seraphim. He winked. He licked his lips when his upper lip curled into a smirk before he waved another quilting clip in his hand. "We will use how


    thister. For now, let use


    sweet you are, seraphim." Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I moaned when he buried his face and licked my cunt. I shivered in delight as I felt the pain in my nipples. His tongue was pleasing me at the same


    time.


    "Dear Moon Goddess..." I moaned and arched my back.


    This was it... Desmond was back in his proper pleasuring ways.


    A pleasure that included pain that pleased me at the same time.


    I was so dead now that I was missing this type of pleasure he bestowed on me, unlike thest time.


    Desmond... You knew what I really liked from the start yet you knew how to tease me...

 Chapter 27: Say It

    Chapter 27: Say It


    "Cinnamon... More..." I locked his head and pressed his face more to my cunt.


    Desmond groaned in delight as he kept giving me the gratification he wanted to give me at the same time, the clips on my nipples were giving me a striking pain yet it was pleasurable in many ways.


    This was it... This was the pleasure I had been looking for. Desmond knew that this was how I must be pleasured unlike thest time that he was being soft on me.


    I knew that I must halt this idea of fucking with him but my body and my wolf were betraying me to allow Desmond to make us insane than before. "Lick me more, cinnamon! Faster!" I demanded when his tongue reached my clit and paid attention to it before he glided down to my opening. Desmond did not fail me as his tongue pleased me more. I felt his fingers entering inside me and curling them. I moaned more. It did not take long for me to reach my peak as I arched my back.


    "Cinnamon..." I kept convulsing when he did not stop licking me, especially on my sensitive flesh which made me forward my hips, convulsing more. "I-It''s too sensitive..." I tried to halt him from licking and ying with my clit but Desmond did not follow me. "Fuck..."


    Even though it was quite painful, I endured it as this pain was just nothing but a pleasure for me. My nipples were mped and my clit was over sensitive yet even if I begged him to stop this, Desmond would not ever do that.


    "In every pain, there must be a pleasure." I heard Desmond say before he used the quilting clip to pinch my clit.


    Ah, shit. That motto... He never changed his ways.


    "Oh..." There was pain registered on my face as my breath became uneven.


    I looked at Desmond who was unbuckling his belt and pulled down his trousers revealing his hard, pulsating cock. "Is it painful, seraphim?" he asked as he leaned forward.


    I gasped softly and was irked when he pinched the clip on my nipples. I bit my lower lip with the excruciating pain as my chest went up and down. Desmond grinned seeing my contorted face right now. He looked pleased now that he could be able to go extreme on me. "Do you still remember your safe word, seraphim?"


    I looked at him with droopy eyes. "Um..." I thought carefully and gulped as I nodded. "Y-Yes, cinnamon," I answered obediently.


    He lowered his head and used his tongue to flick my pinched nipple. I was irked in pain before he started kissing my jaw. "Tell me then," he whispered huskily.


    "Orchid," I uttered, breathless. My favorite flower...


    I felt him smiling under my skin. "Good. You still remember." I shivered when he licked my corbone.


    I hissed in pain when he pinched more of the clips to my nipples. "Cinnamon, it hurts..." He kept flicking them like they were not hurting me.


    "Say your safe word then," he challenged.


    I bit my lower lip as I closed my eyes in pain. I did not say the safe word. Even though it was painful, I never uttered it. When I opened my eyes the moment he stopped flicking my nipples, I saw his condescending smile smeared on his face.


    "Then there''s your answer." He slowly spread my legs and teased his cock to my wet opening.


    I moaned in protest when he did that. I forwarded my hips to have his cock inside me but Desmond was avoiding me.


    "Cinnamon, please..." Stop this torture... I wanted to say.


    "Sshh... Patience, seraphim... We are going there," he said, smirking.


    I gasped in pain when he flicked my clit with his finger. I moaned in pain and pleasure after that. It was so good that it made me want to cum right


    now.


    "I want you inside me, cinnamon... Please!" I said as I got up and wrapped my legs around his torso, pulling him towards me.


    There was a triumphant smile lingering on his lips. "Impatient as always even though you are already in pain, hmm?" He caressed my nk and he started leaving wet kisses on my bare shoulders.


    I moaned in delight when he yed with my under breasts. "Cinnamon..." I wanted to call him by his name but I knew that he was truthful to his warning so I must not disobey him.


    Knowing Desmond, he would say things and make it to reality.


    "Do you want my cock inside you, seraphim?" he asked as he helped me to get down and pushed me to the table. That was getting me aroused each time he would prolong this.


    "Yes, cinnamon..." I hissed softly when my body was pressed by his body as well as the clips clipped my nipples.


    "Count," hemanded.


    "What do you..." I didn''t manage to construct my sentence when Desmond suddenly spanked me. "Fuck!" I held to the desk at the hard strike he hit on my bottom.


    "I said, count!"


    "One!" I said out loud the moment he spanked me hard on my other cheek.


    Spank!


    "Three!"


    Spank!


    "Four!"


    Spank!


    "Five!"


    I was already crying at the count of five because the way he spanked me was so hard and I could feel the stinging pain in both of my cheeks.


    "Say your safe word if you wish me to halt now." I gasped when he spanked me so hard again.


    "Six!" I shook my head, not wanting to give in to his invitation to say the safe word.


    "If you do not want it, say it, seraphim," he said in a husky voice. I flinched when he spanked me again.


    "I-I can still handle it..." I just wanted him to have his cock inside me. "Please, cinnamon. I want you now," I begged.


    I hissed one more time when he pressed his body causing the clips on my nipples to tighten. "Such a good girl you are. Do you wish to be rewarded, seraphim?" he whispered.


    My breath became more uneven with the way he praised me. I nodded my head while enduring the pain in my nipples and in my clit.


    "Use your words, seraphim. Say it." I closed my eyes because his hoarse voice was hypnotizing me for some reason.


    I opened my mouth and said the words he wanted to hear. "I-I wish to be rewarded, cinnamon."


    "What do you want me to give you at this moment?" I moaned when the tip of his cock was teasingly caressing my wet opening again.


    "Your cock..." I gasped when his other hand was flicking my clit. It was painful yet pleasurable. "...I want it inside me. Now, cinnamon," I demanded. "Say the magic word." I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes when he licked my earlobe, teasingly wanting me to lose myposure. "P-Please, cinnamon."


    He chuckled darkly and held my waist. "Ask and you shall receive, seraphim." With his words, he finally shoved his cock inside me, having no hesitation.


    I gasped and moaned at the same time feeling his big, long cock inside me again.


    "You are so wet for me, seraphim. You really know how to take my cock inside you."


    "Dear, dear me..." I moaned as my head was pulled back because of Desmond.


    I couldn''t care less now that the desk was colliding with the wall. All I cared about was Desmond''s cock was able to make me scream his name again after I received waves of pleasure from his touch and the pain.


    This pain I felt added spice to the pleasure I was feeling right now. And Desmond... Desmond never failed to make me feel in heaven.


    "Cinnamon!" I screamed when I reached my peak.


    "That''s right, seraphim. I am your cinnamon. Do you understand me?" he asked in his raspy tone as his pace was getting faster. I only moaned as an answer. But


    Desmond wouldn''t ept thare


    he


    roughly pulled my hair back and whispered, "Do you understand me?" he asked one more time,


    emphasizing each word. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    I slowly opened my eyes and stared back at him. I got to see him covered in beads of sweat while he was panting. He still looked handsome to my eyes and he looked more attractive seeing him in that state.


    "Yes, cinnamon."


    As soon as I answered his question, he grabbed my face and crashed his lips into mine. I did not hesitate to respond back while he was pounding inside me. I clung to him while I was moaning inside his mouth.


    His scent smelled intoxicating which made me more aroused because of the fact that he became my fated mate again. This sex experienceing from Desmond was giving me more ecstasy than before.


    It was so fucking good, to be honest. I couldn''t get enough of him. Even from back home, I always thought of him and the way he took me so many


    times.


    Desmond... He really knew how to get inside my head even though I never wanted to get involved with him.


    For thest time, I would indulge myself in having this invigorating fornication. After that, I would stay away from Desmond.


    I must not involve myself with him again before he demanded things that would lead him to know about the existence of our son. That would be the end of everything if he took the most precious person I kept away from him.


    "Oh my god, cinnamon!" I screamed again and again when I reached my orgasm again as well as Desmond''s.


    "Fuck! You are so fucking good, seraphim!" he groaned in pleasure as he released his essence inside me.


    I convulsed while he copsed on top of me. I could hear our breaths mingled as we both caught our normal breathing. I slowly closed my eyes as I felt tired now.


    Desmond carefully took me in his arms and scooped me. I did not know where he was heading. All I wanted at this moment was to get some sleep but how could I do that when my nipples and my clit were still clipped?


    "Cinnamon..." I called him in a weak tone as soon as I felt the soft mattress on my back and shivered when he undressed me.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "Shh... I''m on it, seraphim," he said softly as I felt him removing the quilting clips on my nipples and clit.


    I


    I slowly opened my eyes and saw


    him settling it on the bedside table.


    Then I realized that I was in his room. I couldn''t even get up right now as all I could do was watch him


    undressing his clothes before he settled beside me. Content belongs


    to NovelDrama.Org


    Desmond settled my head to his biceps and gathered me near his body. "Rest for now, seraphim."


    I nodded my head. "I have to go


    hometer... My business here is


    over," I said as I felt sleepy. I even yawned and crawled more to him. T even buried my head in the crook of his neck as I smelled his alluring musky scent as my mate. "missed this..." I said mindlessly.


    He gently caressed my hair and nted a soft kiss on my forehead. "Me, too. I have missed you."


    I creased my forehead a little feeling the longing in his tone. But even so, I gradually allowed myself being sumbed to slumber.


    But before I could fall asleep, he mumbled something that I could hardlyprehend.


    "I will take you back again, seraphim. You... and our son... I am not going to allow you to run away from me again. I promise you that, Seraphina."

 Chapter 28: To Melt Him (part 1)

    Chapter 28: To Melt Him (part 1)


    Chapter 28: To Melt Him (part 1)


    "Lord Verlice is satisfied with your work so here is your bonus for that," Madam Ibanez said as she scoffed bitterly, bestowing me with the small brown envelope.


    My face brightened up as I nodded. "Thank you, madam!" I said, feeling delighted. I even bowed my head before her. Then I returned to my workstation.


    "Someone is smiling brightly today." I smiled sheepishly when Niscia teased.


    "Someone also received a bonus today," I teased back.


    I got to know that she finished the dress Desmond asked her to do. Somehow it made me feel bitter because it meant that Desmond was supposed to give it to someone. That woman was so lucky...


    "Shall we go out then? Take Sander with you." She nudged me as we took a five-minute break.


    "I have ns for today. Unfortunately. We can go out on this day off if you like." It was fortunate that we had the same day of having a day off on this recent schedule.


    Our day offs shuffled every two weeks. I was so d that finally, Niscia and I had the same day that we had to take our day off.


    "Good idea!" she eximed and hugged my side. "It shall be my first time after several years of working with..." she paused and whispered. "...that bitch." I cackled at her words. "We can have a pic, hmm?"


    I nodded my head. "Yes, yes. Let''s prepare some meal that is good for a pic," I said. It was a good thing I learned to cook now unlike before when I was a terrible cook.


    I studied harder when I escaped from Desmond. It was a good thing I worked on it which I improved throughout these years. Then Sander learned everything from me. I admitted that he was way better than I was.


    After our shift at work, I happily went to the market to purchase some ingredients. I made it certain that I would cook the meal Sander hasn''t tasted yet. I hummed a song while I was walking on the pavement. Then I came to a halt when I saw a familiar man, who was wearing a trench coat and a hat, that made my heart jump out of my ribcage who was near to the alley which I needed to go to because my t was near there.


    I immediately looked away and turned around to go to another route. I was cussing on my mind when I did not bring the incantation jewelry I had with me. That would be supposed to hide my scent from Desmond.


    I wasn''t using it since Desmond couldn''te here near where I was living.


    But howe he was on the street where I was living? Did he know where I was living? Did he meet Sander?


    "Shit..." This couldn''t be... I must hide.


    As I turned to another alley, my heart jumped when I came to meet Desmond which made my eyes widen in surprise.


    "Hello to you, too, seraphim."


    I stepped backward, horrified. "W-What..." My chest rose up and down as I turned my head to see where he was standing earlier. He was gone right there. I did not even notice that he used another route and used his wolf speed to block the route where I was going.


    And his scent... I couldn''t smell his scent as my mate. Was he... using incantation jewelry perhaps?


    "W-What are you doing here, Desmond?" I asked nervously when he walked in my direction having a sinful smirk smothered on his lips.


    "I came to see you," he said, shrugging. "It has been three days and I missed you already. Don''t you miss me, hmm?" He looked at the grocery I purchased. "Are we filling up some stocks today?" He arched his eyebrow.


    My breath was shaky right at this moment. I must calm down before he could hear my heart beating so fast. "Go away. I am in a hurry right now." I was thankful that I got to speak fluently.


    I slowly stepped back and didn''t want to answer his questions. Though his first question had suddenly made my stomach somersaulted. Unfortunately, my wolf couldn''t feel Desmond''s presence as our mate because his scent was hidden.


    "I found where you are living."


    I halted from walking and inhaled sharply. I turned my head to see Desmond having a furtive smile on his lips.


    I could have sworn that my face had gone in color when he said that. If he found where I was living, does this mean he already knew about the existence of our son?


    No way... He must not find out about that. But what if he knew already?


    Should I take a fight or flight?


    "I am just jesting," he said, chuckling.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "What?" I parroted. Was he... telling the truth? "T-Then why are you here?" I asked after Iprehend what he said.


    I stepped backward when he leaned forward. "Well, business as usual, seraphim. You know that I work with His Majesty, Alpha King Azarius, right?" Even though I couldn''t smell his scent as my mate, I could smell his male perfume that reached my nostrils and it was so alluring. With just his perfume, it could make me go insane without fail.


    I leaned backward when I couldn''t handle how alluring he smelled right now. Desmond noticed it so he leaned more.


    "C-Can you not?!" I raised my tone and decided to stay away from him.


    He smiled sheepishly and tucked his hands into his pockets. "So, where do you live, seraphim? Care to let me see it?"


    I forced a smile. "No," I answered immediately. "Leave now and I cannot let you bring you to my t."


    "Why? Are you living with another man?"


    I almost inhaled sharply when his face darkened. I felt like I was hyperventting right now if he kept insisting he wanted to visit my t.


    He would find out about Sander!


    "N-No..." I lied and gulped. "I-I mean I


    have a roommate and my


    roommate doesn''t want any guests." Shit... Would Desmond ever believe Would me if my heart was racing this fast right now? He could tell, right? He


    was a werewolf, too, so he knew the fast beating of my heart Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    "And your roommate is a he?" He growled possessively. He hastily walked in my direction and roughly grabbed my arm.


    "Halt!" I panicked when he looked angry right now. "It is a she, Desmond. I-I will invite you tomorrow and ask her to see if she will agree today."


    That was the time he stopped. But he looked at me with scrutinizing amber eyes. It suddenly made me remember he had the same expression as Sander.


    "Why not now? want it now,"


    Desmond demanded. His hold loosened on my arm. But it made my heart and my stomach


    l


    somersault when his thumb gently caressed me, sending a wavering sensation to my whole body.


    I cupped his face. "Cinnamon..." His eyes widened with the endearment I uttered. "Tomorrow, alright?" I made my tone stern yet soft. It was the same tone when I was trying to convince him but he did not want to believe me because he was too demanding for my good. "Do you get me?" I asked firmly. Content belongs


    to NovelDrama.Org


    I could have sworn Desmond shivered in delight that I was using my firm tone and trying to order him. I knew it pleased him. But... I couldn''t believe


    he was still the same. He never changed.


    He was still the same man I knew.


    I could still make his knees wobble right now just by addressing him with my endearment to him.


    "Your answer?" I arched my eyebrow while I distracted him by caressing his cheek using my thumb.


    I heard him purring. It meant that he was liking it. It did not take long for him to melt as he took my hand to ce a sensual kiss on the back of my hand while looking at me with that intense gaze.


    "Yes, seraphim. Tomorrow..." he said dreamily.

 Chapter 28: To Melt Him (part 2)

    Chapter 28: To Melt Him (part 2)


    Chapter 28: To Melt Him (part 2)


    I bit my lower lip because his answer pleased me. My heart felt overwhelmed because finally... I could make him hypnotize me. If before he was the one who could do that and would use force on me, my approach was a bitmanding yet it could please him just as the way he used the same method on me.


    "Good. I shall see you tomorrow. Same ce. Here," I said, sighing in relief when he agreed and did not insist on anything anymore.


    Desmond rolled his lips to his mouth and nodded. "Yes, seraphim. I will be right here waiting for you." He kissed the back of my palm again before he slowly stepped backward and transformed into his wolf form.


    I was more relieved now that he ran away in the opposite direction. "Dear me..." I mumbled as I made sure that Desmond was out of my sight.


    I used my wolf speed to go to the nearest flower boutique and bought somevender flowers. Having this, it could hide my scent and would mingle with my surroundings. I was even more alert to my surroundings because I couldn''t be certain if someone from Desmond''s pack woulde to see me even though his pack wasn''t located there.


    I arrived at the t and finally could breathe in relief. I was scared at the moment that if Desmond kept insisting on seeing my t right at this moment, he would do anything to leave me with no choice but to bring him here.


    He would see Sander''s things here so as much as possible, I must avoid them meeting each other. He must not know the existence of our son. I was afraid he would take him away from me.


    Or perhaps, I could fool him that Sander''s father was from another man.


    But I couldn''t fool him. Sander looked exactly like Desmond, except for his hair! Desmond would never believe me with that.


    I put down my things and thought for a moment. I must bring Sander away for a while and would take him back as soon as Desmond was not here in this town.


    His business under the orders of Alpha King Azarius was to collect taxes in every establishment. I think he still collected them every year or perhaps, quarterly.


    Even so, this was not good. There might be a bad opportunity that Desmond could meet my son.


    The door swung open and revealed my handsome son. "Mama!" He beamed.


    "Sander..." I immediately hugged and kissed his forehead when he ran toward me. "How is your day?" I asked softly as we both settled on the couch.


    Sander hugged me and leaned his head on my chest. "I met the neighbors'' kids, Mama. I made new friends." Then he looked up. "They are kind. We yed on the river bank this afternoon." He looked delighted right now.


    "Really? Can I meet them?" I asked. I was surprised that I got to know that he was befriending our neighbors'' kids. I have seen my other neighbors and they looked friendly. They have already seen me with Sander before and weed us when we first arrived here.


    Halsey and Griffin were the names of Dami and L''s kids.


    "Hmm!" Sander nodded. "Mama, L said that she wants to invite me for dinner tomorrow night. Am I allowed to stay with them?"


    I blinked. "She invited you?" Sander nodded. At that moment, an idea clicked inside my head.


    If Sander would stay there, there was no chance that Desmond and Sander would meet.


    "Can I go and y with them more?" His face looked hopeful.


    "Of course, of course, sweetheart." That was a relief! "I shall fetch you there. Mama will have a visitor tomorrow."


    "Visitor?" He tilted his head before I nodded. "Who, Mama?"


    How must I say this? His father was going toe here? "Just a friend of mine. He won''t be that long." I caressed his hair. "He?" he parroted, creasing his forehead. "A male?" He frowned.


    My jaw dropped when I realized what I said. "Um... Yes." There was no point in lying with him. I couldn''t keep lying to my son. As long as I did not say that it was his father then it should be fine.


    I guess...


    "He won''t be that long, Sander. We just need to catch up." Like whate kind of catch up, Seraphina? Spend a night with him? I flinched at that moment. I castigated myself for thinking about that.


    His frown did not change. "Can I meet him, Mama?" he asked after a moment.


    Oh, damn it! Not that kind ofN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    question... "You can meet him some other time. For now, shouldn''t you be excited? You have ymates now, eh?"


    His contorted face changed into a pleasant one. "Hmm! I will finish studying first then I will y with them!"


    "Yes, right, right." That made me feel relieved. I managed to divert his attention from Desmond being my visitor tomorrow.


    Goddamn it, Seraphina! We must be careful not to have Desmond and Sander meet.


    I hope everything will be fine tomorrow.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!