Chapter 76: The Sabotage

Seraphine's POV

The air outside was crisp. Cold enough to sting my lungs but not unbearable. I walked without direction, just needing distance from that house. From Vespera's smug face. From Kaelen's burning stare.

The small town still carried traces of the Moon Festival. Colorful flags hung between buildings, limp in the morning stillness. Shop windows displayed snow-themed decorations—wooden snowmen with painted smiles, felt reindeer with button eyes.

I pulled my coat tighter, tucking my hands into the pockets. My breath came out in white puffs that dissolved into nothing.

The main street was quiet. Most pack members were still recovering from last night's celebration. A few early risers nodded as they passed. I kept my head down, avoided eye contact.

I turned down a side alley, preferring the narrow spaces between buildings. Less chance of running into anyone who'd been at that party. Less chance of seeing recognition in their eyes.

My boots crunched on patches of leftover snow. The alley smelled like damp brick and wood smoke from someone's morning fire.

Jason's not following me. Derek either.

But my wolf stayed alert. Ears perked for footsteps that didn't belong. Eyes scanning shadows for movement.

They're still watching. Somewhere.

The bond pulsed faintly. Kaelen was far away, his emotions a distant storm I couldn't quite read. Anger. Something darker underneath.

Good. Let him stay away.

I emerged onto the town square. The fountain in the center had frozen solid, ice formations hanging from the stone edges like crystal teeth. More festival decorations cluttered the space—a wooden stage where musicians had performed, benches draped with red and gold fabric.

Everyone else gets to celebrate. Gets to belong.

My chest tightened. I looked away, focusing on the cobblestones beneath my feet.

"Sera! Wait!"

I froze. That voice—Cordelia's.

Footsteps rushed behind me. Two sets. I turned slowly.

Cordelia and Evander jogged across the square. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her breath coming fast. Evander carried something dark in his hands.

My scarf. The one I'd left in the kitchen.

They reached me, both slightly breathless. Cordelia smiled, but worry creased her eyes. "You forgot this."

Evander held out the scarf. "Can't have you catching cold."

My throat went tight. Hot pressure built behind my eyes. They came after me. For this.

I took the scarf with shaking hands. "You didn't have to..."

"Yes, we did." Cordelia's tone left no room for argument.

She stepped closer, her hand finding mine. Warm. Solid. Real.

"We're family, Sera."

The words hit me like a punch. Family. When was the last time someone said that and meant it?

But I just lied to her.

Guilt twisted in my gut. Sharp and ugly.

"I don't deserve—"

"Stop." Cordelia squeezed my hand. "Just take it."

Evander smiled gently. "There's a café nearby. Still open despite the festival. Want to warm up?"

I looked between them. Their faces open, genuine. No hidden agendas. No manipulation.

When did I become this person? So suspicious. So broken.

"Okay," I heard myself say. "Coffee sounds good."

---

The café was small. Maybe six tables total. Warm air rushed out when Evander pushed the door open, carrying the scent of roasted beans and cinnamon.

An older woman stood behind the counter, gray hair pulled back in a bun. She smiled when she saw us. "Morning! Take any seat."

We chose a table near the window. I sat facing the door—old habit. Always need an exit route.

Cordelia ordered three hot chocolates. "Trust me, their coffee's shit. But the chocolate is amazing."

The woman laughed. "She's not wrong."

While we waited, I wrapped the scarf around my neck. The fabric still smelled like Kaelen's house. Wood smoke and something darker. It made the bond pulse.

Don't think about him. Not now.

Evander leaned back in his chair, his expression warm. "How's the bakery work going?"

"Good. Martha's patient with me."

"That's great. Cordelia mentioned you're picking it up fast."

I shrugged. "Practice. Lots of practice."

The woman brought our drinks. Three mugs topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Steam rose in delicate spirals.

I wrapped my hands around the mug. Let the heat seep into my cold fingers.

Cordelia took a sip, got whipped cream on her nose. Evander laughed and wiped it off. The gesture was casual. Intimate. Natural.

That's what mates should be.

"What about you?" I asked, needing to focus on something other than my own mess. "Cordelia mentioned you're a teacher?"

His face lit up. "Yeah, I teach at the pack school. Mostly the younger ones. Five to twelve years old."

"That sounds exhausting."

He laughed. "It can be. But it's worth it. Kids are honest. Pure. They don't play games."

Unlike adults.

"Some of them lost parents in territory disputes, others in rogue attacks," he explained, his expression growing more serious. "For those without families, the school becomes their only home, especially during the holidays."

My chest tightened. "They live there?"

"The ones without families, yeah. We have dormitories. Staff who stay with them."

Like Lyralei and me. Orphans with nowhere to go.

Cordelia noticed my expression change. "Sera?"

"I just... I understand that feeling."

Silence settled. Not uncomfortable. Just heavy.

"How many are there?" I asked.

"About seven or eight right now. Ages ranging from eight to twelve."

My hands tightened around the mug. Those kids spending the festival alone while everyone else celebrated.

"The bread I'm making," I said suddenly. "Can I bring it to them? When it's done?"

Evander's face lit up. "They'd love that. Are you sure?"

"Yeah." My voice was firm. "They deserve something warm. Something made just for them."

Cordelia smiled, squeezing my hand. "That's really kind of you."

I took a long drink of hot chocolate. The sweetness coated my throat, warming me from the inside.

We sat there for a while longer. Evander told stories about the kids—funny moments, sweet gestures. Cordelia laughed, her whole face lighting up.

For a moment, I felt... normal. Like maybe I could belong here.

---

We left the café after finishing our drinks. The walk back felt different. Lighter somehow.

Cordelia linked her arm through mine. "Feel better?"

"A little."

"Good. That's all I wanted."

Evander walked on my other side, hands in his pockets. Relaxed. Easy.

This is nice. This is what normal feels like.

We turned onto the street leading back to Kaelen's house. The morning sun had climbed higher, melting some of the snow. Water dripped from roof edges.

Then I saw her.

Vespera stood near the front gate. That deep purple dress looked darker in the daylight. Almost black. She was clearly waiting, arms crossed.

When she saw us, she straightened. A cold smile spread across her face.

"Well. Look who's back." Her voice dripped false sweetness. "Did Luna enjoy her little walk?"

The way she said "Luna" made it sound like an insult.

I kept walking. Didn't slow down. "Better than smelling some bitch in heat."

Vespera's smile froze. Her eyes flashed with rage.

Cordelia stepped slightly in front of me. Protective. "Do you need something, Vespera?"

"Just curious." But her tone said otherwise. "It's fascinating how our Alpha allows such... freedom."

Bitch.

I stopped. Looked her dead in the eye. "You mean how he trusts his mate while keeping desperate bitches outside where they belong?"

The words came out cold. Sharp. Final.

Vespera's face went pale. Then red. Her fists clenched at her sides.

Evander cleared his throat. "We should get back. The bread's probably done by now."

But I wasn't finished. "Enjoy waiting out here. Alone. Like always."

I brushed past her, shoulder nearly touching hers. Cordelia and Evander followed quickly.

Behind us, I heard Vespera's sharp intake of breath. But no footsteps followed.

Good. Stay out there.

---

The kitchen was empty when we walked in. No Kaelen. No Lucian. Just lingering warmth and the rich smell of baked bread.

The timer had long since gone off. The oven sat silent.

"Where is everyone?" Cordelia glanced around, frowning slightly.

"Alpha's always been busy," Evander grinned.

I moved to the oven, grabbing the mitts. Through the glass door, I could see the bread. Golden brown on top. The smell made my mouth water.

But something felt off.