5: Los Angeles Again!
1346 Words
Zeraphine's POV
The cool air brushed my face as I stood on the balcony. The entire dinner replayed in my head. Rakura’s disappointed face.
I had left the dinner too suddenly, leaving behind the argument, the tension, and Raukura. She hadn’t forced me, but her words had stayed with me.
I sighed, gripping the railing. The stars above shined brightly, as numerous as the sands of the earth. A part of me wished I could turn back the clock, back to a time when the name Varin didn’t make my stomach churn. But that time was gone, buried under betrayal and pain.
I had to face it.
With a deep breath, I left the balcony and walked down the hall. Raukura’s door was open, and the soft glow of a lamp spilled into the hallway. I knocked lightly before stepping in.
“Zeraphine,” she said, her voice warm and welcoming. She was sitting in her armchair, a steaming cup of tea in her hands. “I thought you’d gone to bed.”
“I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, moving to sit across from her.
She studied me for a moment, her sharp eyes seeing far more than I wanted her to. “I know this isn’t easy for you.”
“It’s not,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I understand now. You weren’t trying to hurt me. You think I need this, don’t you?”
“I do,” she expressed softly. “You’ve grown so much in these four years, Zeraphine. But some wounds need to be faced, not ignored.”
The truth they say is bitter. That should be the reason why her words made my heart ache.
I nodded slowly. “I’ll go. I’ll represent the Awanui family.”
She reached out, squeezing my hand. “Good. Remember, you’re not just a guest. You’re one of us. Hold your head high.”
***
A Few Days Later
The Los Angeles airport was as loud, stuffed and disoriented as I remembered. The mix of voices, the scent of coffee and jet fuel, the distant announcements—it all felt like stepping into another life.
It was always like this at Christmas. The Christmas rush, as Rivara liked to describe it. The planes were adorned with coloured lights and the gigantic Christmas tree stood right at the departure unit.
“Ms. Awanui!” Cassandra’s voice broke through the noise. I turned to see her waving, her dark ponytail bouncing as she hurried toward me.
She has been my assistant in the past four years. Her presence brought a sort of order to my disorganized life. Her attention to detail, meticulousness and charming wit were all indispensable.
“Cassandra,” I smiled, giving her a slight hug as she took my suitcase.
“Welcome back!” she said cheerfully. “How was your flight?” she inquired, handing me a mug of coffee. It was the only thing that could help me get through the chilly air
She had traveled ahead of me, familiarizing herself with the city so I couldn't get overwhelmed.
“Long,” I sighed, following her toward the car waiting outside, “you seem elated”
She nodded, her professional demeanor slipping just a bit. “Well, everything’s ready for your stay. The Starry Night Packhouse has been informed of your arrival. They’ve prepared a suite for you.”
I nodded, climbing into the sleek black car she’d arranged. As we pulled out of the airport, the cityscape of Los Angeles spread out before me. The glittering buildings, the traffic, the buzz of life—it was all so different from the peaceful hills of New Zealand.
But the memories came rushing back.
The hotel room.Varin and Rivara’s laughter.
The emptiness of being cast out by my own family.
“Ms. Awanui?” Cassandra’s voice pulled me back to the present.
“Sorry,” I said, shaking my head. “Just... thinking.”
She gave me a sympathetic look. “If you need anything, just let me know.”
My mind was all over the place as the car swiftly moved close to the gate of The Starry Night Packhouse. The Starry Night Packhouse was even more imposing than I remembered. Its grand stone walls and towering windows loomed against the evening sky, the sight gave off power and pride. The scent of pine and earth filled the air as we stepped out of the car, snow covered the ground.
Cassandra handed my suitcase to a waiting staff member, but my attention was drawn to the figures at the entrance.
Among them stood Varin.
My heart sank. He hadn’t changed much—still tall, with that annoying grin on his face. He probably thought he could pass as prince charming. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his piercing eyes landed on me the moment I stepped closer.
As much as I hated to admit it… he looked good. But I wanted him to suffer, to rip off his hair, down to the last strand.
But not now, I shouldn't be in a hurry.
For a second, he looked shocked. His eyes widened to their fullest extent. Then the mask of arrogance slipped into place.
“Zeraphine,” he said, his tone sharp. “What are you doing here?”
I kept my expression calm, refusing to let him see the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “I’m here representing the Awanui family for your ceremony.”
His brows furrowed in disbelief. “The Awanui family?”
“Yes,” I said, tilting my chin slightly. “As their adopted daughter, I’ve been asked to attend on their behalf.”
His lips curled into a mocking smile. “Adopted daughter? How convenient.”
Cassandra stepped closer, her presence steadying me. “Ms. Awanui is here as an honored guest,” she said firmly.
Varin’s gaze flicked to her, and he sneered. “And who are you?”
“My assistant,” I replied, throwing daggers at him with my eyes.
He laughed, the sound low and cruel. “It’s almost amusing. An Omega who somehow clawed her way into the Awanui family. Do they know who you really are, Zeraphine?”
My wolf growled, her voice a sharp whisper in my mind. “Stand your ground. Don’t let him rattle you.”
“They know exactly who I am,” I said, my voice steady. “And they trust me enough to send me here. That’s more than I can say to you, Varin.”
His expression darkened, but before he could respond, a guard hurried up the steps, looking nervous.
“Alpha Varin,” the guard said, bowing slightly. “There’s a disturbance at the gate.”
“What kind of disturbance?” Varin snapped, his irritation evident.
“A guest without an invitation is trying to enter,” the guard explained.
“Then send them away,” Varin barked.
The guard hesitated. “They’re... insistent.”
Varin let out an annoyed sigh, rubbing his temples. “Fine. Bring them here. Let’s see who thinks they can barge into my packhouse.”
As the guard hurried off, Varin turned back to me. His gaze was cold, his tone dismissive. “Don’t get comfortable, Zeraphine. You don’t belong here.”
I smiled faintly, my voice calm. “We’ll see.”
Cassandra shot me a worried look as Varin stormed back inside.
“Are you okay?” she asked softly.
“I’m fine,” I said, though my hands were trembling slightly.
“He’s trying to push you,” my wolf said, her voice steady in my mind. “But he doesn’t realize you’ve already won by being here.”
She was right. I wasn’t here for Varin. I was here for myself, to prove that I had moved beyond the girl he’d betrayed.
The cool evening air settled around us as we waited for the guard to return. Whoever was at the gate was about to add another layer to this already tense reunion.
- Writer
