Chapter 105: Beneath the Blossoms

Seraphine's POV

The sun felt warm on my back as I knelt in the garden, fingers deep in dark soil. Spring had fully arrived at Shadowmere, and with it came an explosion of color—tulips pushing through the earth, lilac bushes heavy with purple blooms, roses beginning to bud along the cottage walls.

I'd thrown myself into this work over the past few days. It was easier than thinking. Easier than wondering why Kaelen hadn't come to see me in almost a week. Not since that night when I refused his mark in the cabin.

The memory flashed back unbidden—his hands on my body, his mouth claiming mine, the way my body had responded even as my mind screamed no. The way I'd stopped him before he could deepen the mark.

Because of her.

I yanked a weed from the soil with more force than necessary. Vespera's face appeared in my mind—pressed against him, her hands on his chest, the way he'd let her touch him. Until he completely cut her out, I wouldn't give him what he wanted. I wouldn't be anyone's second choice.

But it had been days now. Six days, to be exact. Six days of silence through the bond, of not seeing him, of wondering if he'd chosen her after all.

Maybe he has. Maybe that's why he hasn't come.

I shoved the thought away and focused on the dirt under my fingernails.

"Someone's taking their frustration out on the plants."

I jerked my head up. Cordelia stood at the garden gate, a knowing smile on her face.

"Just pulling weeds," I said, wiping dirt from my hands onto my already filthy pants.

She walked closer, breathing in deeply. "It smells incredible here. You've really brought this place to life."

I glanced around at my work—the neat rows of herbs, the flowering bushes I'd pruned back to health, the small vegetable patch I'd started in the corner. It did look good. Better than I'd expected.

"You have a gift for this," Cordelia continued, settling onto the wooden bench. "Growing things, nurturing them. You'd make an amazing mother someday."

My hands froze mid-reach for another weed.

I couldn't even protect one child.

Ember's face flashed in my mind—those bright green eyes going dim, blood spreading across her small chest. The way her hand had gone limp in mine. My throat tightened.

"I couldn't even protect a kid," I said, my voice coming out harsh. "Don't know why you'd think—"

"Sera." Cordelia's tone was gentle but firm. "What happened to Ember wasn't your fault. You know that."

I did know that. Intellectually. But knowing and feeling were two different things. That little girl had died because Damien's wolves were hunting me. Because I existed.

"It's Saturday," Cordelia said, clearly changing the subject. "You shouldn't spend the whole day buried in dirt. Come on, let's go out."

"Out where?"

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Let's visit the school. See how the pups who stayed behind are doing. Evander's there today."

My stomach dropped. "I can't face those pups. Not after—"

Not after I poisoned them with that bread. Not after I caused Ember's death.

"You already faced them. At the funeral, remember?" She stood up, brushing off her pants. "And I made sure everyone knows what happened with the bread wasn't intentional."

I wanted to refuse. The thought of seeing those children's faces, of possibly seeing fear or blame in their eyes, made me want to hide in this garden forever.

But hadn't I promised myself I'd stop running? That I'd fight to belong here?

"Fine," I muttered. "But I'm bringing flowers."

I gathered a basket of fresh-cut blooms from the garden—bright tulips, fragrant lilacs, some early roses. As we walked toward the school, I couldn't help but notice how different the town felt today.

People rushed past us with unusual energy. Young women giggled in clusters, clutching fancy envelopes. Colorful ribbons and flower garlands hung from shop doorways. The air itself seemed charged with something—anticipation, excitement, nervous energy.

A group of young guys jogged past, carrying wooden barrels toward the Pack House. Several women darted by, their arms full of decorative items, discussing something about "setup" and "tonight."

"What's going on?" I asked as another woman ran past, nearly colliding with me.

Cordelia's expression shifted slightly. "Spring mating party. It happens every year around this time."

"Mating party?"

"Spring is when wolves are most... receptive," she explained. "Hormones run high. The pack throws a big celebration to help unmated wolves find partners. It's meant to help the pack grow—more mated pairs means more pups, stronger numbers."

Something cold settled in my chest. "Who goes?"

"Just the ones who are eligible. Unmated adult wolves. It's invitation only."

My jaw clenched. Through the bond, I felt a sharp pang. The mark on my neck pulsed, as if responding to my thoughts.

Two young women passed us, one waving her invitation excitedly. "Mine has the moonlight seal! So pretty!"

"I heard there will be tons of Alphas this year," her friend whispered. "Best chance to find a strong mate."

"What about people in... complicated situations?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Like, involved with someone but not officially marked?"

Cordelia paused, choosing her words carefully. "Technically, if someone isn't marked, they could receive an invitation. But you're marked, Sera. You won't get one."

"But what if—" I stopped myself.

What if Kaelen gets one? What if he's been avoiding me because he's planning to go? What if he's already decided Vespera is the better choice?

"Sera." Cordelia grabbed my arm gently. "Don't overthink this. The mark on your neck means something. Even if things are complicated right now."

Complicated. That was putting it mildly.

We were practically fucking in that cottage six days ago, and now he won't even look at me. And there's going to be a party full of available women, and technically he qualifies because we're not publicly mated...

I touched the mark on my neck. It felt warm under my fingertips, pulsing with a steady rhythm. But the bond itself had been quiet for days. Too quiet.

"If I even thought about going to that party," I said quietly, "he'd kill me."

Cordelia squeezed my arm but didn't argue.

We continued walking, but my mind wouldn't let it go.

What were we really? The mark said I belonged to him, but did he belong to me? Or was I just convenient when Vespera wasn't around?

Six days. He hasn't come to see me in six days.

"Sera?" Cordelia's concerned voice broke through my thoughts. "You still with me?"

"Yeah." I forced a smile. "Just thinking about the pups."

Liar.

The school came into view—a sturdy stone building with a large playground out front. Through the fence, I could see pups running around, their laughter carrying on the spring breeze.

And there, sprawled on a bench in the walkway, soaking up the sun like a lazy cat, was Evander. Several pups circled around him, clearly enjoying his relaxed supervision.

I stood at the edge of the playground, gripping my flower basket. My heart hammered. These pups. After everything that happened with the poisoned bread, after Ember's death—would they even want to see me?

"You work too easy," Cordelia called out to Evander as we approached. "Maybe I should give you some of my responsibilities."