Chapter Four
Seraphine’s POV
Rowan’s sultry laugh echoed in my mind as I trudged back to the packhouse, the memory of him with Mina burned into my soul. My wolf clawed at me, her fury a storm I struggled to contain. She wanted to confront him, to demand answers, to make him pay. But I couldn’t–not yet.
My thoughts raced like a tempest, my chest a cauldron of pain and fury. By the time I reached my room, dawn had broken, spilling pale light across the forest. Shadows stretched long and thin across the walls, accusing and cold. The space felt alien, as though the betrayal I’d witnessed had seeped into every corner.
Sleep was impossible. I sat on the edge of my bed, my claws extended and retracting, the only outlet for my restless anger. By the time Rowan’s messenger hawk landed on my windowsill with a neatly tied scroll, I was raw with exhaustion.}
The note bore his familiar scent, a blend of pine and cedar. “Morning, love. Sorry about last night–patrol duties ran late. How about we spend the day together? Anything you want, I will get you.“]
My hands tightened on the parchment, crumpling it. How could he write so casually, so warmly, after what I’d seen? How could he lie so easily?!
When Rowan arrived at the training grounds to meet me, his golden eyes softened with concern as they took in my disheveled state. His smirk faltered, replaced by a look of genuine worry.
“You didn’t sleep,” he said, stepping closer, his hand reaching out to cup my face.
I took a step back, my voice sharp. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not,” he insisted, his brows furrowing. “Let me take care of you today. I’ll make it up to you.“}]
I said nothing, letting him guide me toward the training grounds. If he thought he could smooth over his betrayal with soft words and tender gestures, he was mistaken.
Instead of the usual meadow or village market, Rowan led me to the warriors‘ clearing. The air buzzed with raw energy as pack members sparred under the watchful gaze of seasoned trainers. The scent of sweat and earth mingled with the hum of determination.
“You used to love coming here,” Rowan said as we reached the edge of the training area. A lone wooden training dummy stood waiting. “I thought it might cheer you up.”}]
I didn’t respond as he placed a wooden blade in my hands.
“Go on,” he urged, stepping behind me to adjust my stance. His touch was light, his breath warm against my neck.
“Remember what I taught you?” he asked, his tone softer now, almost coaxing.
I gritted my teeth, the memory of Mina in his arms flashing in my mind. Rage surged through me. With a sharp cry, I swung the blade, the impact resonating as wood cracked against the dummy.
Rowan chuckled softly. “That’s more like it.”
He stayed close, guiding my movements, his voice low as he corrected my posture. Anyone watching might have thought we were a perfect pair–Alpha and mate, moving in harmony, bound by love and loyalty.
But I couldn’t ignore the way his gaze darted to the trees, as if searching for someone. Each glance was a fresh wound, a reminder of the lies coiling around us like a serpent.
When the session ended, Rowan led me to a shaded area beneath an ancient oak. We sat in the cool grass, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “Feeling better?” he asked, his voice laced with hope.
I forced a small smile. “I guess.“}
A rustle in the nearby woods caught his attention, and for a moment, his relaxed facade cracked. He stood abruptly, his movements tense.”
“Wait here,” he said.”
I watched him disappear into the trees, his posture stiff. Unable to suppress my curiosity, I trailed after him, keeping to the shadows. Rowan’s scent grew stronger, mingling with another that made my wolf bristle–Mina.
The clearing ahead revealed a small cabin hidden among the trees, its door slightly ajar. I pressed myself against a tree as Mina stepped out. She was stunning, her dark curls falling all over her shoulders. She wore a flowing black dress, the cloth moulding to her in all the ways that made my stomach turn.
“You’re late,” she teased, her voice carrying a low growl.”
“Pack business,” Rowan replied, stepping closer.
Mina smirked, her eyes gleaming as she reached up to adjust the collar of his shirt. “Always so responsible. But you still made time for me. That’s all that matters.”}
My claws dug into the bark of the tree as I watched her trail a hand down his chest, her touch lingering. Rowan didn’t pull away. Instead, he moved closer, his lips brushing hers in a way that made my wolf howl in fury.
The bond between us became weak, an echo of what it once was. I always believed it to be too strong to be broken, but Rowan had proved me wrong.
I walked away, my movement slow and sure as I moved back into the shadows of the forest. Each step was a war ongoing to keep my wolf from taking over, to suppress the white–hot anger flowing through me.”
The moon had started to rise, its pale light casting long shadows across the forest floor. My wolf paced restlessly under my skin, her
