Seraphina’s POV

Dawn crept through my windows, painting everything in soft golden light. The memory of yesterday still clung to me like honey – that stolen day with Julian had been everything I’d dreamed of. Pure magic. But fairy tales don’t last, and harsh reality waited for us back at the pack grounds.

I’d made up my mind before my feet hit the floor. Staying busy was the only way to survive this. Today would be dedicated to visiting our pack elders, checking on their health and spirits since my last rounds. These visits brought me genuine comfort. Something about their weathered wisdom and patient smiles drew me in. I’d always found peace with the very young and very old – their worlds felt honest in ways the rest of life didn’t.

My packed schedule served another purpose too. Distance from Julian. I refused to let him think one perfect afternoon had wiped the slate clean, that his sudden attention could erase years of indifference. He needed to earn this. Our bond wasn’t some light switch he could flip whenever convenient. Avoiding him seemed like the perfect strategy until fate had other plans.

Because visitors were coming.

The news arrived in breathless whispers – the Alpha of Nebula Fang was en route. I’d never laid eyes on him personally, but his pack’s reputation preceded him. Nebula Fang commanded respect and wariness in equal measure. They wielded serious power. I could practically taste Julian’s anticipation, his hunger to meet this legendary leader.

My feet carried me toward the packhouse, mind already spinning with preparations. Organization was my domain. The women here might despise me, but they knew better than to question my standards when it came to perfection. All those years of trying to catch Julian’s eye, proving myself worthy of his attention – it had felt empty, like grasping at shadows. Today felt different though. First impressions carried weight. What this Alpha witnessed on our territory would speak volumes about our character.

I fired off instructions with military precision. Every surface needed to gleam, every dish required flawless execution, and our grounds had to look immaculate. No detail could be overlooked.

"You were born to be Luna." Julian’s voice cut through my concentration like a blade. I’d been adjusting place settings when his words hit me. He meant them as praise, but they landed heavy as stones. He spoke like my destiny was already carved in marble, a role crafted specifically for him and his needs.

But I didn’t want to be just any Luna. I wanted to be his Luna, the woman meant for him alone. No amount of perfect planning could change that burning truth in my chest.

Tension thickened the main hall’s atmosphere. Footsteps approached – confident, measured steps that made Julian straighten. Then our visitor appeared.

Dorian commanded attention the moment he walked through our doors. Towering height, eyes like deep forest pools, and a smile that could melt steel. Undeniably attractive. Yet when our gazes met, nothing stirred inside me. No butterflies, no racing pulse. My heart belonged elsewhere, completely claimed by Julian.

"Alpha Julian." Dorian’s voice carried smooth authority. "Finally meeting you is an honor."

"The honor belongs to us, Alpha Dorian." Julian’s response held newfound respect. "Welcome to our territory."

They exchanged pleasantries, weaving careful connections through polite conversation. I watched mutual respect bloom between them, possibly even shared vision. At some point, I considered slipping away. Their pack business discussions held zero appeal for me, but leaving felt rude.

Minutes passed as their conversation flowed naturally. I could genuinely picture them becoming friends down the road. They even shifted into personal territory, with Julian boasting about his perfect mate. The irony wasn’t lost on me – he knew nothing real about who I was.

Dorian revealed his single status and commitment to finding his fated mate rather than settling for chosen. Rare dedication. I respected his refusal to trap some innocent girl with empty promises.

"We’re grateful you made this journey, Dorian." Julian’s eyes held thoughtful calculation. "We’d be honored if you stayed several days. Perhaps you might discover something here you’ve been seeking."

Dorian’s mouth curved into a knowing smile. His gaze drifted, settling on me with uncomfortable intensity. "Perhaps," he agreed, the word hanging between us loaded with unspoken meaning. He didn’t elaborate, but warmth flickered in his stare, lingering longer than felt appropriate.

Maybe I was imagining things, but his words seemed directed at me. I wasn’t accustomed to any kind of attention around here, and the unfamiliar focus left me unsettled.