Chapter 39

Hades’ POV

The sun wasn’t scorching, but I still sought a cold shower after returning from a brief meeting. My mind hadn’t stopped racing since last night. Serena. Her name alone got my heart pounding and my balls dangling.

I stepped into the shower box, turning the knob until icy water rained down on me. The droplets hit my skin, but instead of soothing the fire within, it only intensified it. The steam from the water curled around me, and every inch of my body felt like it was burning.

My hands braced against the tiled wall, the coldness barely a balm for my heated thoughts. I imagined her here. So near. Her scent—fuck, her scent had invaded my senses last night, and now it was embedded in my brain. My desires surged to the surface, raw and uncontainable.

I could almost see her, standing in front of me. Her lips parted slightly, her blue eyes locked on mine. The thought of marking her burned across my skin, the hunger for that bond consuming every logical part of me.

The more I imagined, the harder it became to restrain myself. I looked up at the showerhead, letting the water pelt my face. But it did little to wash away the need that coiled in my chest.

My breathing grew ragged. Soon enough,my body betrayed me. My dick was rising, and I cursed under my breath.

“Ugh, fuck.” The words echoed against the shower walls.

I hadn’t had sex in a long time. Now, all of my self-control was gone. Her scent—the scent I’d finally gotten to perceive last night at the ball—had triggered every dormant instinct in me.

After what felt like forever, I forced myself to stay under the freezing water until the heat in my body settled to a low simmer. Slowly, I stepped out, grabbing a towel and drying off before getting dressed.

When I finally made it downstairs, Quinta was in the kitchen, dishing out lunch. She turned at the sound of my footsteps.

“What’s with that look, Alpha Hades?” she asked, eyeing me with those sharp gray brows of hers.

I exhaled, running a hand through my damp hair. She took a step closer, her faded features softening as she tried to decipher my expression. What a waste of time.

“I noticed you came back yesterday looking lost. What’s wrong, boy?”

“Nothing.”

Quinta gave me a long, hard look. She wasn’t one to let things go easily.

Eventually, the pressure became too much, and I opened up. “I finally got to perceive my fated mate’s scent last night at the ball.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, really? So…”

“She’s fated to three people,” I added before she could say more. “Aeson, Caiden, and me. She’s our assistant and our fated mate.”

Quinta gasped. “That’s… strange and…” She trailed off, her eyes filled with concern. “Oh my. What’s going to happen now? It seems complicated.”

“Now we just have to do nothing, I guess. Let her decide.”

“Decide?”

“Yes. She can’t have all three of us as her mate, so she plans to reject two.”

“Goodness. Poor you.” Quinta leaned against the counter, eyes studying me. “What do you want?”

I looked at her, my voice low and insistent. “I want her.”

I didn’t care how I sounded. I didn’t care if I looked desperate. I couldn’t stop thinking of Serena. The pull between us was undeniable.

Quinta’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “You’re not hiding it very well, you know.”

“I don’t care,” I admitted.

“Bold as ever,” she teased. “But tell me this—what happens if she doesn’t choose you?”

My jaw clenched. “I’ll cross that bridge when it comes.”

Quinta nodded slowly. “Fair enough. But, Hades… if you want her, you better fight for her.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. And as much as I hated to admit it, she was right.

But do I really need to fight for her?

Quinta must have seen the hesitation in my eyes because she didn’t hold back. “You should’ve made your first move when you found out she was your mate instead of whining about her not having a wolf, like that’s some huge credential.”

I rested my hands on the counter, nodding slowly. “Blame me.”

Quinta dropped the spoon she was holding and crossed her arms. “Is it because she now has a wolf that you want her? Or is it just about having her body? Do you want something real and strong, or are you just looking for a quick fix and plan to bounce because you think you don’t stand a long-lasting chance with her?”

My gaze shot up, and my jaw tightened. “What do you take me for, Quinta? Come on.”

She was blunt as ever. “Hey, I’m just saying, Hades. You don’t know what love is like. You’ve never loved anyone intimately. All you’ve had are flings. You’ve always moved on easily.”

“So what do you think?” My voice was quieter this time, but heavy with something I didn’t want to name. “You think I’m undeserving?”

“Well…” she began.

“I know I am.” The words slipped out before I could stop them. My fingers flexed on the counter. “She sees me that way too.” I tried not to show my disappointment, but I knew Quinta could see right through me.

Her face softened. Without a word, she pushed a plate of food toward me.

I didn’t look at it. My eyes remained on the counter. “Last night changed everything. I realized Serena is a true gem in the sand—something I can’t ever let go of. I think a lot is at stake.”

“I understand you, Hades,” she said softly. “But you know things will get tougher. I’ve seen you, Aeson and Caiden roll together well, but sharing one woman?” She shook her head. “I doubt any of you would want that.”

I grabbed the fork, jabbing at the food but not eating. “So?”

“So, don’t act like a dum-dum,” Quinta replied with a teasing smile. “Win her over. Show her who you really are, not the cranky jerk she thinks you are.”

“How?”

“Let your heart lead. Stop trying to act like you’re just winning her over for sport.”

I lifted a brow, skeptical. “That simple, huh?”

She rolled her eyes. “Meet up with her. Spend time with her. Talk to her, and treat her like the queen she is.”

I stared at her, and she just kept going. “The girl isn’t going to fall for smooth words and surface-level charm. She needs to see your heart. Be honest about how you feel. Show her that you’re not just another arrogant alpha.”

Her words hung in the air, striking something deep inside me. I dropped the fork and sat back, lost in thought.

And then reality hit me. “Serena’s moving to Aeson’s pack today,” I muttered.

Quinta’s eyes widened. “Today?”

“How can I connect with her if she’s going to be there?” I shook my head. “No, Quinta. I don’t think it’s going to work. Serena and I… we’re farther apart than ever.”

“Shut up,” she snapped, narrowing her eyes at me. “Swallow your pride. Treat her like the queen she is.”

I lifted my gaze to meet hers. Her words were clear, her expression firm. She wasn’t going to let me give up.

I dropped the fork completely, musing over what she’d said. Could I really do it? Could I break down the walls between us before it was too late?

The thought burned in my chest, but the answer still felt so far away.