Chapter 53

Serena's POV

Caiden's fingers traced slow, teasing circles over my entrance, sending shivers down my spine. My breath hitched as a strange, unfamiliar heat pooled deep inside me. Instinctively, my hand shot out, gripping his wrist, halting his movement.

His gaze flicked up to meet mine, dark and commanding. "Look at me," he murmured.

I swallowed hard, obeying without thought.

A slow smirk curled at his lips. "Relax. I'll be gentle," he promised, his voice a smooth whisper against my skin. "Let me take care of you."

I barely nodded before I felt the lightest pressure, his fingertip edging in, testing. A sharp breath escaped me, my body tensing.

"Easy," he coaxed. "You're too tight, Serena. Let me in—don’t fight it." His free hand traced soothing circles on my thigh, trying to ease the tension rippling through me.

I whimpered, my head falling forward as unfamiliar sensations overwhelmed me. But just as I began to let go, a face flashed in my mind—Aeson.

My breath stilled. My chest tightened.

Then, another face—Hades.

A sudden shock pulsed through me, snapping me out of the haze Caiden had pulled me into. My eyes flew open just as I felt his fingertip push inside.

"No," I gasped, jerking back, gripping his wrist even tighter.

He froze, his gaze flickering with confusion. "What?"

I shook my head, unable to explain. The weight of something unspoken pressed against my chest, suffocating me.

Caiden’s expression darkened. His mouth opened, as if to push for an answer, but a sharp knock on the door cut through the thick air between us.

"Is someone in there?" A woman's voice, sharp and impatient.

Caiden groaned, frustrated. His jaw clenched as he turned his gaze back to me.

“Seriously?" he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair.

I exhaled shakily, my pulse still erratic from the intimate moment we had just shared. My hands trembled as I tried to steady myself, regaining control.

Caiden pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for me to stay quiet.

I shook my head. "Just go," I whispered.

His eyes narrowed. "Serena—"

"Please," I insisted.

Another knock, louder this time. "I know someone’s in there!"

Caiden growled under his breath, clearly annoyed.

"Go," I repeated, my gaze unwavering.

He held my stare for a long moment, tension crackling between us. Finally, he exhaled sharply and stepped back, his jaw tight with reluctance.

I slid off the counter, hastily smoothing down my skirt and running a hand through my hair, trying to compose myself.

With a final glance at me, Caiden pulled the door open and stepped out, nearly brushing past the impatient woman.

Two young girls walked in immediately after, their giggles halting as their eyes tracked him.

"Was that Alpha Caiden?" one whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"It was him," the other confirmed. "What was he doing here?"

Their eyes snapped to me as I reached for the sink, turning on the tap, pretending to wash my hands. I could feel their silent questions as they exchanged a glance but said nothing.

One of them fixed her makeup in the mirror, her lips curling with curiosity. "You think he was meeting someone?" she mused, throwing a side glance at me.

My stomach twisted, my pulse still unsettled. A strange, unshakable guilt curled in my chest, making my hands tremble under the running water.

Why had I stopped Caiden? Why had Aeson and Hades suddenly invaded my mind at that moment?

“You are connected to them.” The quiet whisper of my wolf made me still.

“You will keep carrying this burden, this guilt, unless you make a choice. Either let all three claim you as their mate… or reject two and choose one.”

I inhaled sharply.

I wasn’t ready for that. Not yet.

Straightening, I shut off the tap and turned to leave, but something on the counter caught my eye—Caiden’s handkerchief.

I must have dropped it when he placed me there. Without thinking, I picked it up, the fabric warm against my fingers.

With one last glance at my reflection, I pushed open the door and stepped out, leaving the lingering tension behind.

As I stepped out of the restroom, my legs moved reluctantly, as if unsure whether to run or stay. My body still buzzed with unspent energy, my mind clouded with too many thoughts at once. But then, I stopped.

Caiden stood just a few feet away, leaning against the wall, his gaze fixed on me. My breath hitched as I watched his tongue flick out, dragging slowly over his fingers—his fingers.

I gulped, blinking against the silly need that flared inside me. My cheeks burned, and my stomach twisted with something I didn’t want to name.

Gathering my composure, I walked up to him and cleared my throat.

His eyes lifted to mine, dark and knowing, his lips still curled in a smirk. "You taste good other than smelling nice," he murmured, his gaze sweeping lazily over me, making my pulse stutter.

"Don't look at me like that," I muttered, throwing his handkerchief at him in an attempt to deflect whatever this was.

I turned to leave, but his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist.

"What's wrong?" His voice had lost its teasing edge, laced now with curiosity.

I rubbed my hand, avoiding his gaze. "Nothing."

His grip didn’t loosen. "Then why are you acting off?"

I shook my head, refusing to meet his eyes.

"I know you were tense in there," he said, his voice lower now, more serious. "Because it’s your first time. And maybe that wasn’t the best place to make your hidden fantasies start coming true."

"No… No." I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of my own hesitation. "You're wrong, I just—" My words faltered.

He studied me, his smirk creeping back.

I quickly asked. "What did you call it? A test run, right?"

His brows lifted playfully. "About that…"

"I just hope you’re not thinking of telling… you know… Aeson or Hades about—"

He stiffened. "About what?"

I couldn't answer and the way he looked at me seemed like he figured something.

He chuckled darkly. "Was it because of them?"

I clenched my fists.

"You shouldn’t bother about them," he continued. "You should’ve just let me make you feel good. Aeson screws around when Aurora isn’t available to satisfy him. He acts noble, but he’s no saint." His tone hardened. "And Hades? He’s like me, just better at keeping secrets."

"Why are you telling me this?" I whispered.

"So you don’t feel guilty for anything," he said simply.

"Caiden…"

"Just accept me, Serena," he urged. "Reject them."

I inhaled sharply, my heart pounding. "You…"

"I’m not perfect," he admitted, his voice raw now. "I was a playboy, yes. But I’ve changed. And it’s only been ten days since I met you, and I’ve already quit my reckless life." He exhaled sharply, his grip on my wrist tightening slightly. "Why can’t you just spare us the wait and choose me?"