Chapter 43

Serena's POV

My eyes shot open, and I sat up in bed, breathless. The dream still clung to me like a second skin. I pressed my hands to my chest, trying to steady the wild rhythm of my heart. My nipples were painfully hard beneath my silk nightwear, poking out in full defiance. I bit my tongue, blaming Everly for planting such thoughts in my mind last night that resulted to the dream.

“You’re being too hard on yourself,” my wolf purred in my head, her voice sultry and teasing. “You’re reacting this way because you don’t want to accept the truth.

I groaned. “What truth?”

“As much as you don’t want to admit it, you desire them,” she declared smugly.

“No,” I snapped. “You’re lying.”

But my wolf merely chuckled, and I knew there was no point arguing further. The dream, their touch—everything felt too real.

I swung my legs over the bed and made my way to the bathroom, hoping a cold shower would snap me out of it. After I got ready and dressed, I tried my best to shake off the lingering heat, but my wolf’s words kept echoing in my mind.

At breakfast, my mother chirped, “Oh, don’t forget. When you return tonight, bring Hades for dinner.”

I nearly choked on my toast. “That’s a terrible idea,” I said sharply, wiping my mouth.

“I love terrible ideas,” she sang, winking at my father. He chuckled like it was some inside joke.

I rolled my eyes and hurried out the door, leaving their playful banter behind.

The drive to work did little to cool me down. The dream’s intensity still had my nerves frayed. I stepped into the company and headed toward my office, determined to stay professional. I was here to work, not fantasize.

But fate had other plans.

I passed by the break room and saw Aeson, his broad shoulders hunched as he leaned against the counter with a steaming mug of coffee. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and the way he sipped from the cup was unreasonably captivating. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, and I realized I was staring—hard. My mouth went dry.

As if sensing my gaze, Aeson’s head turned, and his intense eyes locked onto mine. My breath hitched. He looked like sin personified, and the corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly.

I bolted before I could embarrass myself further, my pulse racing.

I turned a corner and almost bumped into Caiden. He was reviewing something on his tablet, but when his gaze flicked to me, a slow smile curled his lips. His suit hugged his frame perfectly, and I couldn’t help but notice the way his muscles tensed beneath the fabric.

“Serena,” he greeted smoothly.

“Caiden,” I said, my voice cracking.

I took off again before he could say anything else, heat crawling up my neck.

Then, as if the universe hadn’t punished me enough, I nearly collided with Hades near the elevator. He leaned casually against the wall, his arms folded. His usual smirk danced on his lips. There was something wicked in his eyes, like he knew every single thought running through my head.

“Running somewhere?” he teased, his voice a dark, dangerous purr.

Why is he acting like this now? Typical.

I felt like I was drowning. Without answering, I fled to my office, slammed the door shut behind me, and locked it. My chest heaved as I pressed my back against the door. My heart was hammering, every pulse in my body alive with an ache I couldn’t shake.

What was happening to me? I thought I had gained respite but a sharp knock on my office door made me jump, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest. I didn’t have to guess who it was—I could feel them. Their distinct scents—spicy, woodsy, and darkly intoxicating—filled the air, making my wolf stir restlessly.

“Serena,” Aeson’s deep voice called out. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I answered too quickly, pressing my back firmly against the door as though I could somehow hold it shut, even though it was already locked. My fingers trembled, and I clenched them into fists to steady myself.

“You don’t sound fine,” Caiden added. His tone was calm but edged with concern.

“I just need a moment alone,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady.

There was a long silence. I could feel their gazes piercing through the door, the weight of it making me shiver. My body betrayed me, warmth pooling in places I tried to ignore.

“Let us in if you need anything,” Hades finally said, his voice softer than usual but no less commanding.

I held my breath until I heard their footsteps retreat. Only then did I exhale, sinking to the floor. My wolf growled in frustration, but all I could feel was confusion and need.

The day passed without much interaction with them, though I could still feel their presence lingering in every corner of my mind. Embarrassment from my dream clung to me like a second skin. I managed to keep my head down and work seamlessly, hoping the hours would tick by faster.

Just thirty minutes before closing, the phone rang. I reached for it with a sigh. “Serena speaking.”

“Come to my office,” Hades’s deep, soft voice hummed through the line. “I need you to help with something.”

I wanted to scream “no,” but my mouth betrayed me. “Alright,” I said, ending the call. He’s my boss anyway. Just a quick task, nothing more.

When I got to his office, Hades was seated behind his desk, exuding his usual composed authority.

“I need you to sort through these reports for discrepancies,” he said, gesturing to a pile.

I nodded, settling into the chair across from him. My hands moved, but my focus wavered under the weight of his gaze. My heart hammered in my chest, but I tried to ignore it.

A few minutes passed before I briefly closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to regain composure. When I opened them, Hades was suddenly next to me, leaning in. His warm breath brushed my cheek, and I nearly jumped.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice low and apologetic.

I opened my mouth to scold him, but the way he looked at me—intent, vulnerable, yet guarded—stole my words.

“Can you not come to dinner tonight?” I blurted out. “With my family?”

He frowned. “Your mother—”

“Forget about her. Just don’t come.”

His expression darkened. “Do you despise me?”

“What?”

“You seem to hate me. That’s why you want me away.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“Then why do you push me away?”

I swallowed hard. “You think I can keep you away?”

He stepped closer, eyes intense and searching. “No. But it feels like you’re trying.”

My hands trembled. “What do you want? For me to grovel at your feet? Why, Hades?” The words spilled out before I could stop them. “I used to detest you because of how cranky you were. And now...now that you’re so close all the time, I feel—”

I stopped, biting my lip.

“You feel what?” His voice was a soft demand.

I met his gaze, and he moved even closer, his face inches from mine. “You can hate me all you want, but don’t push me away. I spent a decade without you. I can’t spend another minute apart now.”

“That’s it. Always about you,” I shot back. “What do you think I want?”

His eyes softened. “You?”

“I want you away from me,” I said bluntly, though the sharp pain in my chest made it feel like a lie. His expression became gentler, and guilt churned inside me.

My heart? It ached, too—for no sensible reason. Ugh.