But it was hard to dwell on the missing piece of me when the other pieces were larger than life and filling me with more delight than guilt.
And maybe that was the real gift of tonight-not forgetting the missing pieces, not pretending the wounds didn’t exist, but realizing that love, happiness-in all their forms- was still possible.
That I could be both broken and healing, grieving and glowing.
SERAPHINA’S POV
The hotel was entirely ours for the night.
The steam-kissed air drifting from the outdoor pools, the faint notes of sandalwood and mineral water, the low hum of chatter and laughter echoing down the cedar-paneled halls
-it all belonged to us.
At some point, I began to wonder if this was less about welcoming me back and more about a mini vacation for OTS.
I loved it either way.
As the party began to wind down and people began to retreat to their rooms or out into the pools and spas, I wondered what the rest of the night would hold in store for me.
I thought Lucian might ask if I wanted to stay with him.
The way his hand lingered a fraction too long on my lower back as we walked toward the elevators told me he was debating it.
His eyes, warm but restrained, flicked toward me more than once, like he wanted to speak but was waiting for the right moment.
My pulse skittered with every stolen glance, my skin prickling with anticipation. Staying with him overnight was a big step, especially only after one date, but I didn’t think I would say no if he asked.
But before he even could, Maya popped up between us like a whirlwind in silk pajamas, looping her arm through mine.
“Sorry, Lucian,” she declared mock sternly. “I let you pick her up and have her for the party, but I’m claiming Sera tonight. It’s strictly a girls’ night.”
Lucian’s brow rose ever so slightly, but the corners of his mouth twitched in that fond exasperated smile he reserved for when he was dealing with Maya.
He looked at me then, one brow arched as if to ask silently: ‘Are you sure you want that?’
I was surprised by my reluctance. As much as I wanted to spend time with Maya and catch up, the thought of leaving Lucian’s side made me feel bereft.
But I nodded. “Yeah, she’s right. We need to catch up.”
Maya smirked in victory and tugged me toward the elevator, tossing a flippant wave over her shoulder.
“Don’t pout too much, Alpha. You’ll have her back tomorrow.”
Lucian’s chuckle followed us into the elevator, low and indulgent, and the sound warmed my stomach even after the doors closed.
Maya’s room was on the last floor, tucked near the end of the corridor.
When she flung the door open, I was met with the scent of eucalyptus and citrus oils she’d already set to diffuse, plus the unmistakable crinkle of snack bags spilling out of a tote, and wine bottles in coolers.
“Pajamas,” she ordered, pointing toward the neatly folded set she’d placed on the bed. A pale peach cotton set, soft to the touch, embroidered with tiny white moons along the hem.
“I bought them for you; put it all on, no arguments.”
I unfolded them, and my eyes widened when a matching pair of lingerie fell out. I picked up the three strings masquerading as a thong and the matching ‘bra’. I would be shocked if it covered anything more than my nipples.
“Maya,” I sighed.
“What?” She smirked.
I laughed, shaking my head, but slipped into them anyway while she fussed with arranging bowls of fruit, chocolates, snacks and fizzy drinks across the little coffee table.
When I emerged, Maya was already curled cross-legged on the bed, her hair in a loose halo around her head, eyes glittering with mischief.
She patted the space beside her like a queen beckoning a courtier.
“So,” she began the moment I sat down, “progress report. You and Lucian. Spill.”
I groaned, flopping back onto the pillows. “Progress report, Maya? It’s a relationship, not a reconnaissance mission.”
I winced when she squealed, drumming her hands on the bed excitedly. “A relationship!
You have no idea how happy that makes me, Sera.”
I smiled. “Yeah, me too.”
She shrugged, tearing open a bag of Takis. “To be honest, I was worried.”
I turned to her, propping my head up with my hands. “About what?”
She tossed a piece at me, which I caught clumsily.
“About your trip with Kieran,” she said, and the spicy corn chip turned to ash in my mouth.
“What about it?”
“I mean, you were stuck on a tropical island with him for days.” She shifted closer, those sharp eyes of hers tracking my movements. “Anything happen between the two of you?”
“I-what do you mean?”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re gonna make me spell it out? No…bold romantic encounters under the moonlight?” She waggled her eyebrows, unaware of how accurately she’d hit the nail on the head.
I cleared my throat, sitting up and turning away. “You read too many romance novels.”
She arched a brow. “That’s not a denial.”
I coughed, reaching for a bottle of sparkling water. I downed half its contents before I spoke again. “Of course it’s a denial. I’m with Lucian, remember? I thought you were Team
Lucian.”
The corners of her lips twitched. “Yeah, I am.”
She threw a handful of chips into her mouth. “Just wanted to make sure you still were, too,” she mumbled as she chewed.
“I am,” I insisted.
She nodded. “Such a shame, though.”
“What?”
“How romantic would it be if Lucian and Kieran had to fight for your heart?” She dropped the bag of Takis and began to gesticulate animatedly. “The old versus the new; two Alphas battling for the ultimate price”-she pointed to me and smirked-“your heart.”
I shot her a look, trying not to mentally replay every single time Lucian and Kieran had stood off with me in the middle.
“Come on, it’ll be awesome. Lucian would obviously win, and Kieran’s heart would be dashed in the process.” She spread her arms out. “That, my sweet Sera, is what I call justice.”
I snorted. “Sorry to dash your hopes, babe. Never gonna happen.”
It was incredulous enough that Lucian wanted me, but the thought of two Alphas fighting over me was more absurd than…
I couldn’t even think of anything more absurd than that.
Her pout was so exaggerated I had to laugh again. “Fine, ruin my fantasies. Be boring.”
I shook my head, chuckling. “If you’re so desperate for a love triangle fantasy, why don’t you find another male wolf for Ethan to battle with?”
She scoffed. “I don’t think there’s another male in existence that can measure up to Ethan.”
My smile widened. “So, I take it you two made up?”
Instantly, the playfulness softened into something warmer. She leaned back against the headboard, a dreamy little smile curving her lips. “Yeah, we did. Things are good. Really good, actually. We’ve found our rhythm, I think. Less fighting, more laughing.”
I squealed, leaning in to hug her. “That’s amazing, Maya! I’m so glad.”
She squeezed me tightly. “There is something else…”
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