Chapter 13
935 Words
At the dining table, a woman sat upright and graceful, her silver hair neatly tied up and her blue eyes blazing. I recognized her even before she turned to look at us.
Elena Bloodfang, former Luna, Gabriel’s mother, and the very figure who always made my breath catch every time I came to this house.
Gabriel immediately stopped beside me. I could feel the tension in his body. His breathing changed quickly, but his face remained cold and calm, like an Alpha facing a threat that must not be known by anyone.
“Gabriel, you finally came out.”
Gabriel placed his hand on my back as if trying to calm me.
“Mother, I did not know you were coming tonight,” Gabriel said.
“Of course you did not know. I wanted to see for myself how the condition is of your foster child whom you claim to care for like your own blood.”
Those words made my throat tighten. Her tone was too gentle to be called angry, but every syllable felt like a thin blade slicing slowly.
“Good evening, Mrs. Bloodfang. I just came home from campus, so…”
Her eyes shifted to me quickly, sharp like a hawk’s.
“Yes, I can tell.”
Gabriel looked at his mother, his face beginning to tense. “Mother.”
But Elena only looked at him briefly before turning back to me. “You know, Seraphina, I have always wondered why Gabriel protects you so much. I used to think it was out of responsibility. But as time goes by, I begin to feel there is something more.”
My heart seemed to stop beating. I lowered my head, trying to endure that piercing gaze. Gabriel walked toward the table, trying to divert the conversation.
“What exactly did you come here to talk about?”
“To make sure you do not forget who you are. You are the Alpha of Bloodfang Pack, not a man who can act as he pleases. Many eyes out there are waiting for a reason to bring you down.”
“I know my limits.”
“Do you?” Elena looked at us alternately, her gaze dropping slightly to my hand that had been still at my side. “Your limits seem to be blurring.”
“You misunderstand,” Gabriel said.
“Misunderstand? Do you think my eyes are blind? I know you better than anyone. The way you stand next to that girl is more than enough to explain everything.”
“Seraphina lives here because I am responsible for her expenses. Nothing more,” Gabriel replied.
Those words made my chest ache. I knew he was lying to protect us, but somehow the sentence felt like a deep, small wound.
“As a foster child, you should remember your place, Seraphina. This world will never treat you the way they treat wolves.”
I lowered my head, my voice almost trembling. “I understand, Mrs.”
Gabriel opened his mouth, but Elena raised her hand to stop him.
“I will be staying tonight. We will talk more tomorrow morning without interference.”
Gabriel nodded slowly. “Very well, Mother. I will prepare the guest room.”
Without another word, Elena stood and walked toward the hallway. Her footsteps were calm, but the air around her grew heavy. The aura of a former Luna remained there, strong, authoritative, and leaving no room for defiance. Once the guest room door closed, the atmosphere in the dining room returned to silence.
I took a long breath and looked at Gabriel. “She knows.”
“Not entirely yet. But yes, she suspects.”
“What will we do?” I asked softly.
He walked closer, touching my shoulder gently.
“For now, we stay quiet. Never look at her for too long, do not raise suspicion. I will handle the rest.”
“But what if she really knows? What if she tells the Council?”
Gabriel’s gaze turned cold. “If that happens, there will be nothing left of this pack but ashes.”
I swallowed, feeling the hairs on my neck rise. He was not threatening his mother, but I knew Gabriel would protect our secret in any way, even if it meant going against his own blood.
“I do not want to be the reason you lose everything,” I said.
He looked deep into my eyes, then touched my cheek. “You will not be the reason for my downfall.”
I wanted to answer, but footsteps were heard again from the corridor. Instinctively, Gabriel drew back, giving me a look to stay silent. Elena appeared in the doorway, standing tall as she watched us both.
“I almost forgot, tomorrow night there will be a dinner with Alpha Silvermoon. They are bringing their eldest daughter. Perhaps it is time you consider marriage, is it not?”
Gabriel looked at his mother without answering. Meanwhile, my body instantly felt cold. Elena’s words were like a lash striking my chest, reminding me of who I truly was in this house, not part of their world.
When Elena finally returned to her room, I was still standing in place. Gabriel looked at me for a long moment, then approached.
“Do not listen to her. I will not marry anyone.”
I looked at him, trying to hold back tears. “But you know we cannot continue like this.”
He held my face gently. “As long as I am still breathing, Sera, nothing will separate us.”
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