Seraphina’s POV

At exactly eight o’clock Monday morning, I stood on the top floor of Nightshadow Industries, my heart hammering against my ribs. The skyscraper practically dominated an entire block of Silver Moon Harbor’s most prestigious district, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the entire harbor sprawled beneath us like a glittering jewel.

"Welcome to Nightshadow Industries, Miss Knight." Claire greeted me with elegant grace, radiating the natural authority of a mature female, though her eyes held genuine warmth. "Let me introduce you to everyone."

The office décor was sophisticated and refined—rich mahogany furniture accented with silver details, and the Nightshadow family crest gleamed from every corner in polished chrome. Everyone I met was polite and welcoming, though I could sense their slight hesitation when interacting with me. After all, omegas were indeed rare in such high-level corporate environments.

"The boss is still handling pack business out of town and won’t return until the weekend," Claire explained as she showed me around my work area. "You’ll be working directly for our Alpha—it’s quite an honor."

Alpha... I swallowed hard. As an omega, I’d never imagined I’d one day work so closely with one of the most powerful Alphas in the entire werewolf world.

"Sera, relax. We can do this," Ayla whispered soothingly in my mind.

Around mid-morning, my phone buzzed with Ophelia’s message: the elementary school had confirmed Adrian’s appointment for this afternoon. I stared at the screen, anxiety tightening in my chest. This was only my first day—how could I possibly ask for time away?

But Adrian came first. Always.

I found Claire reviewing documents near the windows. "Ms. Claire?" My voice came out smaller than intended. "I hate to ask this so soon, but there’s something I need to attend to this afternoon. It’s about my little boy."

She set down her papers immediately, her attention fully on me. "You have a son?"

"Yes." I twisted my hands together. "Adrian. He’s four and a half. There’s a school interview today that I really can’t miss."

"Of course you can’t." Claire’s response was instant, no hesitation. "What mother would? But what about his father?"

The knot in my stomach loosened slightly, though another tightened. I forced myself to meet her eyes. "I’m raising him on my own. His father... we met briefly. I never even learned his name."

The words hung in the air between us. I waited for the judgment, the disappointment, the subtle shift in how she saw me.

Instead, Claire stepped closer and placed a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Seraphina, look at me." Her voice was firm but kind. "You’re standing here, working hard to build a better future for your child. You didn’t hide the truth when you could have. That tells me everything I need to know about your character." She squeezed my shoulder gently. "Go. Be with your son. First days are always chaos anyway—nothing here can’t wait a few hours."

My throat tightened with unexpected emotion. "Thank you. I promise I’ll make up the time—"

"Stop." She waved away my words. "Just make sure that boy of yours gets into a good school. That’s what matters."

During lunch, I met Ophelia and Adrian downstairs from the building. My little boy looked adorable in the new clothes I’d bought him, his dark brown curls catching the sunlight, but what drew attention most were those eyes—deep blue with silver flecks that looked exactly like...

"Mommy!" Adrian launched himself into my arms, his smile capable of melting my heart entirely.

The elementary school was wonderful. Adrian passed his interview with flying colors and immediately began playing with the other children. Interestingly, the other kids seemed naturally drawn to him, clustering around him like he was their chosen leader. The teacher commented that she’d rarely seen such natural leadership qualities in someone so young.

"He’s delightful," the teacher said softly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "You and your husband have done an excellent job raising him."

I just smiled awkwardly without responding.

I settled back into my workspace around half past one, still smiling from Adrian’s enthusiastic chatter about his new classroom. With Claire still away, I began sorting through the documents I’d reviewed earlier. Sunbeams poured in from the massive windows, painting warm stripes across my desk.

A sudden ring shattered the quiet.

My pulse quickened. This must be it—my inaugural call at my new position. I wiped my palms on my skirt and lifted the receiver.

"Good afternoon, Nightshadow Industries executive suite. How may I assist you?"

Dead air greeted me. Had the connection failed? Then came a sound—an exasperated exhale that spoke volumes. The voice that followed made my breath catch.

Gravelly. Commanding. Laced with barely restrained annoyance and an undercurrent of authority that seemed to pulse through the phone line.

"I need Claire."

My wolf cowered instinctively. I gripped the receiver tighter, willing my voice not to waver.

"She’s currently unavailable, sir. Perhaps I could take a message or assist you myself?"

An uncomfortable silence stretched between us. I could sense his displeasure building like storm clouds.

"And who might you be?"

My fingers dug into the desk’s edge.

"Seraphina, sir," I managed, forcing confidence into my tone. "I’ve just started as the new executive assistant."

"Listen carefully. When I arrive, Claire needs to be thereーwaiting. Not catching up on emails. Not finishing her coffee. There."

"Understood, sir. I’ll relay that immediately." Something made me add, "Should I let her know who’s requesting her presence?"

The response came like thunder.

"Your BOSS!" The words seemed to vibrate through the handset.

Click. The line went silent.

I remained motionless, phone still clutched in my hand, the dial tone buzzing in my ear. My fingers trembled as I finally replaced the receiver. A strange mixture of dread and adrenaline coursed through me.

"Dear Moon," I breathed, pressing my palms against my flushed cheeks.

What had I just done? My first day, and I’d already provoked the Alpha who controlled this entire organization.

"Seraphina?"

I startled so violently my chair rolled backward. Claire stood at the entrance, her expression shifting to alarm. "You’ve gone completely pale. What’s wrong?"

It took me three attempts to form words. "He phoned."

Her eyebrows lifted. "And?"

"You were out, which apparently was... problematic. He wants you ready when he arrives. Right away." I exhaled shakily. "He wasn’t pleased. At all. Possibly furious."

To my complete bewilderment, Claire burst into delighted laughter.

"Oh, Seraphina," she chuckled, settling into her chair with obvious amusement dancing in her eyes. "You look perfectly intact to me. Do you know what happened to the last girl who answered one of his calls?"

I shook my head mutely.

"She quit. Immediately. Didn’t even finish out the day." Claire’s smile widened. "And you’re still here. That’s rather impressive."

"Impressive?" My voice came out as a squeak.

"I think I just sealed my own professional death warrant."