Chapter 14 Have one date with me
Sera's Pov
The next morning I stopped into school again and Mia found me by my locker and tried smiling. “You good?”
“I am now,” I said. “Thanks for yesterday.”
She nodded. “Everyone saw what you did in the cafeteria. They know not to push you anymore.”
“I’m done letting them,” I said, closing my locker.
We headed toward the courtyard and that was when I felt it. A gaze, it was both heavy and familiar in a way that made my heart tighten. I turned and saw Caden standing across the quad, hands in his pockets, watching me like he had been waiting all morning.
Mia nudged me. “He looks like he wants to talk to you.”
“I am not ready,” I muttered.
But he started walking toward me anyway.
I inhaled slowly. Fine. Let him talk.
When he stopped in front of me, his golden eyes dropped for a second as if he was choosing words carefully.
“Sera,” he said quietly. “Can we talk?”
Mia slipped away without a word.
I crossed my arms. “What do you want?”
“I owe you an apology.”
I blinked at that. An Alpha apologizing. To me.
He continued, voice low. “I should have defended you. All those rumors. All those things Brielle said about you. I should have shut it down. I knew it was wrong. I knew you were being hurt. I stayed quiet because I thought stepping in would make everything worse for you.” He swallowed hard. “But it still hurt you. And that’s on me.”
I stared at him. “You really think I care about your excuses?”
His jaw tightened. “It’s not an excuse. It’s the truth. If I had stepped in, Brielle would have turned the entire school against you. She would have used my position to make it look like I was favoring you.”
I didn’t answer.
“Sera,” he said softly, “I want to make it right.”
I finally met his eyes. There was no arrogance there. No Alpha ego. Just raw honesty.
“So how exactly do you plan to do that?” I asked.
He hesitated for only a second. “Let me take you out. One date. Let me prove I’m not the guy who stood by and watched.”
“Oh absolutely not,” I said immediately. “You think you can just ask for a date and everything will be forgiven? No.”
He nodded like he expected that answer. “Fair enough. But I’m not giving up.”
“Try all you want,” I said as I walked away. “The answer is still no.”
I meant it. I was not going to be another girl pulled into Caden Wolfe’s orbit only to be left burned.
For the rest of the day, he didn’t bother me again. There were no stares or attempts or dramatic Alpha gestures. So I assumed that was the end of it. I was still disappointed that he gave up easily.
Until the next morning.
Because apparently Caden Wolfe was not done proving whatever point he had in mind.
I walked through the campus gates and froze.
He was standing right in the middle of the quad with a bouquet bigger than my torso. Roses. Sunflowers. White lilies. The works. Students had gathered around him, whispering. Phones were out. Some girls looked furious. Brielle looked like she wanted to throw herself off the roof.
He saw me and walked straight toward me with that steady Alpha confidence that made the crowd part for him.
“Sera,” he said, offering me the flowers. “I am sorry I didn’t defend you. I can’t change the past, but I want a chance to be better. Have one date with me.”
Someone gasped behind me. Someone else muttered, “Is he serious?” Brielle’s face turned a shade I had never seen on a human being.
I glanced at the flowers. “Caden. This is ridiculous.”
“Maybe,” he said with a small smile. “But I meant every word.”
“Why do you even care?” I asked quietly.
His voice softened. “Because every time I look at you, I feel like I’m supposed to.”
My heart stuttered.
Everyone leaned in like they were waiting for the punchline of the century.
I could embarrass him. Reject him publicly and walk away.
But then he added, “This isn’t a show for them. I am asking you because I want to know you, not the rumors. You.”
Damn it.
I took the flowers.
“Yes,” I said.
Gasps erupted across the quad.
Caden blinked once, stunned. Then a slow smile spread across his face.
Brielle’s jaw actually dropped.
Caden leaned closer, voice a whisper. “Thank you.”
I turned before he could add anything else and walked away with the bouquet.
Mia sprinted after me. “Sera. oh my goodness . You actually said yes.”
“I know,” I whispered. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“Girl, the whole school is about to explode.”
Before I could answer, my phone vibrated.
Unknown Number:
He should have defended you earlier. Do not think one date makes him worthy. Be careful, little star.
I am certain it was Damien.
My stomach tightened.
Another message came immediately.
Unknown Number:
I will see you soon.
The phone slipped in my hand.
What does he mean by soon?