Chapter 73: The Art of Lying

Seraphine's POV

Blood rushed to my head. My breath caught in my throat. The kitchen suddenly felt too small, too hot.

Cordelia's eyes drilled into me. "Did you go to the party?"

I couldn't breathe. My chest tightened. The question hung in the air like a blade.

Lucian shifted against the doorframe. His gaze moved to me, expression neutral. Watching. Waiting.

Evander frowned slightly, sensing the tension. But he didn't interrupt.

My eyes darted left, then right. I couldn't help it. Classic tell of a liar.

Shit.

Cordelia's eyes sharpened. She caught it. Of course she did.

I forced myself to look at her again. My jaw clenched. Say it. Just say it.

"I..." My voice shook. My throat felt like it was closing. "I didn't go."

The lie tasted like acid. My stomach twisted violently. I thought I might throw up.

"I stayed in my room all night. I... I listened to your warning."

My hands balled into fists. Nails digging into my palms. The pain kept me grounded.

Cordelia stared at me. Silent. Those seconds felt like centuries.

I watched her eyes change. Disappointment flickered there. Understanding. She knew.

Lucian's gaze moved between us. He said nothing.

Cordelia took a deep breath. Her expression became complicated—disappointment mixed with understanding, helplessness, and something protective.

"Okay." She finally spoke, voice calm. "I believe you."

But the way she said "believe" was too deliberate. Too careful. I know you're lying, but I'm choosing not to call you out.

Guilt crashed over me. My eyes stung. "Cordelia..."

"Since you stayed in your room," she interrupted, tone lightening but her eyes still carrying depth, "you should be well-rested today."

She was giving me an out. Drawing a line.

Evander read the room. Didn't push.

Lucian seemed to understand too. Stayed silent.

I looked down. "Thank you..." The words barely audible. Soaked in shame.

---

Evander walked to the counter, breaking the tension. "The dough looks ready. When are you planning to bake it?"

Relief flooded through me. Thank God for this man.

"It needs a bit more time to rise."

"Can I try some? When it's done. I heard you're doing great at Martha's bakery."

"Of course." My voice steadied slightly.

I started preparing the baking sheet. My movements were mechanical but practiced.

Cordelia moved to the sink. "Kaelen putting you in the bakery was the right choice."

I paused. This was the first time she'd openly praised Kaelen's decision about me.

"You need your own space. Need to find where you belong."

There was meaning behind her words. Not just about work. About my place in the pack.

---

Evander started sharing stories from teaching. His tone was light, humorous. He made Cordelia laugh—that genuine, carefree sound.

Lucian joined in, cracking jokes occasionally. The atmosphere gradually relaxed.

I placed the bread in the oven. Warm heat and the smell of baking filled the kitchen.

Cordelia made tea, handing a cup to each of us. "Come on, sit. Let's wait together."

The four of us sat around the table. Evander and Cordelia naturally close, fingers intertwined.

Lucian asked about the bakery. His tone friendly, not probing.

I talked about Martha's techniques, customer reactions. My smile became real.

"See? You're good at this." Cordelia smiled. "You belong here, Sera."

In that moment, I felt something I hadn't in a long time—warmth. Like real family.

My eyes burned. Not from pain. From this acceptance.

"Thank you... thank you all."

The front door slammed open. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway.

All conversation stopped. My smile froze.

The bond jolted violently. Kaelen was back. His emotions hit me—anger, exhaustion, something suppressed and dark.

His tall figure appeared in the doorway. Gray-white hair slightly disheveled. Those black twin pupils swept across the room.

When his eyes found me, they stopped. Held. His gaze was deep, unreadable.

Vespera followed close behind. She wore a deep purple dress. When she saw our cozy scene, her lips curved into a cold smile.

"How heartwarming." Vespera's voice was sweet but sharp. "Our Luna is... doing housewife work? How... quaint."

The warmth shattered instantly. The laughter from moments ago now felt mocking.

I set down my teacup. Slowly. Deliberately.

A cold smile spread across my face. "Fresh bread does a great job covering the stench of a bitch in heat."

Vespera's face changed. She clearly hadn't expected that response.

The air froze. Cordelia's eyes flashed with surprise and approval.

Lucian coughed, hiding a laugh. Evander stayed neutral but his eyes showed appreciation.

The bond pulsed with Kaelen's shock and something else. Satisfaction? I didn't look at him.

Vespera opened her mouth to respond, but I'd already turned away. Moved to the counter. My back to all of them.

I checked the dough's rise. My movements focused, practiced. As if Kaelen and Vespera didn't exist.

Kaelen's twin pupils burned into my back. The bond transmitted his complex emotions—anger, frustration, but also a hint of challenged excitement.

"Sera..." Cordelia started gently.

"The dough's ready." I cut her off. Voice calm. "I need to shape it and bake it."

I began kneading again, dividing it into portions. My movements were efficient, completely focused on the work.

To my wolf, being in the same space as Vespera—that bitch trying to take what was mine—was an insult.

But I wouldn't let emotions control me anymore. Wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.

I shaped each piece carefully, placing them on the greased baking sheet.

Someone moved closer. Vespera. She deliberately walked to the counter, standing too close.

Her hand reached out toward the dough. "Let me see what you made—"

I pulled the tray away. Fast. Decisive. "Please don't touch."

Polite but ice-cold. My eyes sharp. No retreat.

Vespera's hand hung in mid-air. Her face darkened.

The bond erupted with violent emotion from Kaelen. His wolf responding to my territorial behavior with primal recognition.

I opened the oven, sliding each tray inside. Adjusted the temperature. Set the timer.

The oven door closing echoed loudly in the silent kitchen.

I wiped my hands, turned to face everyone. "Thirty minutes."

I removed my apron, hanging it on the hook.

"I'm going out for air." My tone calm but firm.

Cordelia looked concerned. "Where are you going?"

"Just walking nearby." I answered with my back to them. "When the bread's done, I'll be back. We can taste it together."

I walked to the door. As I passed Kaelen, our eyes met briefly.

His twin pupils burned with something intense. The bond hammered against my chest.

But I didn't stop. Didn't explain. Just kept walking.

"Sera—" Kaelen's voice low.

I didn't respond. Pushed the door open and walked out.

Behind me, a low growl rumbled. Disapproval of my attitude. But also suppressed frustration.

A small, satisfied smile touched my lips.