Chapter 163: Chapter 163 The Impossible Welcome

Seraphina’s POV

This home meant everything to me. Julian had constructed it like a fortress, ensuring I would never want for anything within these walls.

Here I was again, preparing to flee. The circumstances were different this time though. My belongings were carefully packed, everyone knew my plans, and I fully intended to return when the time was right.

The living room felt impossibly quiet as I stood there one final time. Golden sunlight streamed across the hardwood floors in perfect angles.

This was more than just a beautiful home. Every corner held precious memories. I breathed deeply, allowing my wolf to absorb the familiar scent that had become our sanctuary. We will return, I promised her wordlessly, even as her spirit began to fracture.

I squeezed my eyes shut, spun around, and stepped onto the front porch.

Caleb and Penelope were securing the final pieces of luggage into the massive SUV. The children bounced around restlessly, gripping their beloved stuffed animals close to their chests.

My first stop was Ma and Pa. Their faces showed concern mixed with resignation.

"This still doesn’t sit right with me, Seraphina," Pa grumbled, wrapping me in an embrace that carried the scent of warm sunshine and weathered timber.

"I understand, Pa. But you need to remain here where nothing can harm you. You can’t simply appear at some unknown pack," I repeated my earlier explanation. "Plus, you’re protected here. Julian will ensure your safety."

Ma’s arms tightened around me. "Don’t take too long. We’ll be here waiting."

Their decision to stay brought me tremendous comfort. I couldn’t bear the thought of them returning home alone without protection, and I believed this arrangement would benefit them. Most importantly, Pa and Julian had developed a genuine friendship. I no longer felt that crushing weight of forcing my human family into dangerous wolf politics.

My mother and father came next. They embraced me and said their goodbyes despite their obvious disapproval of my departure.

Finally, I faced Julian.

He appeared carved from granite. His eyes held depths of anguish. My wolf thrashed wildly inside me, shredding my composure. Julian’s wolf responded with equally devastating sorrow, releasing a bone-deep howl only I could detect. We were bonded mates. This separation would tear us apart immediately.

He remained silent. Instead, he seized me, crushing his lips against mine in a kiss that felt like permanent farewell, though neither of us believed it truly was. The kiss burned with intensity and desperation. Our wolves clawed desperately through our connection, fighting to unite, terrified of the void about to divide us.

When we finally broke apart, gasping for air, Julian pressed his forehead against mine. "Will we survive this, Seraphina?"

My voice came out hoarse but unwavering. "We’ve endured far worse, Julian. Don’t you remember? We’ve conquered everything thrown at us. This is nothing. Just some temporary time apart."

I managed a smile, touched his cheek gently, and whispered my love for him. Then, before my resolve could crumble, I pivoted and hurried toward the vehicle.

"Tell Daddy goodbye, babies," I instructed Theo and Elena while fastening their seatbelts.

"Goodbye, Daddy! Visit us really soon!" Theo shouted, his small hand waving frantically.

I slid into the front passenger seat beside Caleb, who would be our driver. Penelope settled in the back row with the children.

The engine rumbled to life. Reality crashed into me with breathtaking force.

The vehicle began rolling forward. We were actually leaving. I refused to glance back at Julian standing there, rigid and solitary. I simply couldn’t.

You require this. You require this separation. You must become Alpha. You have responsibilities. I repeated these mantras endlessly. I had to concentrate on what lay ahead. I had to remain strong for my children and my future pack.

I felt grateful that Theo and Elena were still too young to grasp the complicated adult situation. The previous day, I had explained simply: "Daddy must stay to care for his pack. We need to go somewhere else temporarily. But we will return, and Daddy will come see us." Since wolf children aren’t raised with human legal concepts like custody disputes, they had no understanding of divorce. Perfect. Julian and I weren’t ending our relationship. We were simply pressing pause.

The journey stretched on endlessly. The children’s initial excitement faded quickly, replaced by irritability. We made one brief stop for snacks and restroom breaks, but otherwise maintained steady progress. Eventually, blessed silence filled the car as the exhausted children fell asleep.

As we approached pack territory, my pulse began accelerating. Anxiety formed an icy knot in my stomach. I held Alpha status now, yet I still felt like the intruder who had murdered their previous leader.

Caleb sensed my growing tension. "Remember our discussion, Luna," he murmured seriously. "The instant we arrive, you display zero vulnerability. You are the Alpha. You won the challenge. You are a White Wolf. You don’t cower."

I nodded firmly, clutching the door handle. "Understood."

Our speed decreased. The massive metal gate marking Nebula Fang’s entrance came into view. We stopped just outside and waited.

Three large black SUVs soon appeared behind us. These contained my security detail, Dorian’s former warriors who now served me. They had accepted my leadership, but the remaining pack members presented the real challenge. Regardless of my fair victory, I had still killed their Alpha. They possessed every right to despise me.

"Are you prepared?" Caleb inquired.

I drew a steadying breath. I could remain in the vehicle. I could be driven directly to the Fang house, perhaps concealing my nervousness until reaching safety. But that wasn’t how an Alpha should begin.

"No," I announced. "I’m walking through that gate."

Caleb appeared startled. "Luna, are you certain? It would be wiser to evaluate the reception first."

"I’m absolutely certain," I stated firmly, releasing my seatbelt. "I’m walking in. They need to see me. They need to see their Alpha."

Caleb exhaled but nodded respectfully. He exited and opened my door.

I stepped onto the dusty road, feeling intense sunshine on my skin. Caleb and Penelope positioned themselves beside me as we approached the intimidating gate. Security wolves opened it gradually, metal scraping against pavement.

My new pack awaited.

Approximately fifteen wolves stood in formation beyond the entrance, dressed casually but wearing grave expressions. They formed the official welcoming committee, designated leaders meant to introduce me.

I lifted my chin proudly, releasing my Alpha aura and ensuring my white wolf energy radiated clearly. I was the Alpha. I possessed power. I belonged here.

I studied their faces, prepared for their hatred, ready to defend my position. I was ready for anything.

Then I spotted the man leading the group. The one expected to greet me, obviously their spokesperson.

My jaw fell open. My carefully maintained Alpha composure dissolved completely.

This was impossible.

Standing there, imposing and solemn, waiting to welcome me to Nebula Fang, was Nolan.