Chapter 7 Over my dead body
Sera's Pov
I didn’t breathe when Brielle’s father stepped out from behind the trees.
Elder Rowan. Head of the Pack Council, also Brielle’s favorite weapon.
And the man staring at me like he’d just solved a puzzle he’d been obsessed with.
“You should’ve told him,” he repeated, stepping closer. “It would’ve made things… easier.”
I straightened. “I don’t know what you think you know, but—”
“Oh, child.” He chuckled. “Don’t bother lying. Not to me.”
I said nothing.
He walked in a slow circle around me, studying me like a specimen.
“grey eyes . Talent beyond explanation. Instincts of a wolf far older than your body. And the Alpha’s son reacting to you like he’s drowning.”
He stopped right in front of me.
“You’re Selene Ashford.”
“No,” I said sharply.
He smiled wider. “Yes.”
Fear twisted in my stomach—not because he was right, but because he wouldn’t shut up about it.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“To keep the pack safe,” he said. “From spies. From threats. From dead little ones who suddenly reappear under new names.”
“I didn’t reappear.”
“Didn’t you?” he asked lightly.
The wind shifted, carrying a familiar scent.
Caden was still close, I felt safer to know he hadn't gone far.
I needed Rowan gone before Caden heard anything he shouldn’t.
Rowan stepped closer. “I knew something felt off when you walked into our territory. Too strong, I mean too perfect even, and familiar. My daughter was right to be suspicious.”
“I’m not Selene,” I said again, voice flat.
“Then prove it.”
My heart thudded once hard. “How?” I asked.
Rowan’s smile vanished, “Come with me.”
“No.”
His eyes darkened. “You don’t have the luxury of saying no.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
Rowan leaned in. “If you don’t come willingly, I’ll accuse you publicly. And believe me, the council will listen.”
I rolled my eyes. “On what grounds? I broke school records? Shocking.”
“You know that’s not all,” he murmured. “You know exactly why I’m suspicious.”
I swallowed the urge to punch him.
He actually wasn’t wrong. That was the major problem.
Rowan straightened, satisfied with my silence.
“Good. We leave at sunrise.”
“I’m not going,” I said again.
“Then I’ll drag you.” A growl cut through the trees.
Both our heads snapped toward it.
Caden stood halfway between us, eyes filled with rage, chest rising and falling like he’d run through every forest in the state.
His gaze locked on Rowan’s hand, too close to me.
“What are you doing?” Caden growled.
Rowan smiled calmly. “Just having a conversation.”
Caden’s wolf pushed forward. “Step away from her.”
“Why?” Rowan asked lightly. “Afraid I’ll hurt your little mystery girl?”
Caden’s jaw flexed so hard I heard the crack.
“Now,” he said.
Rowan didn’t move. “You’re awfully protective, Alpha.”
“I’m not Alpha yet.”
“You’re acting like you are.” Rowan chuckled. “Funny, considering you don’t even know who she is.”
Caden stiffened. “I know enough.”
“Oh?” Rowan lifted a brow. “Then you won’t mind if she comes with me in the morning. Council business.”
Caden stepped forward, eyes blazing. “She’s not going anywhere with you.”
Rowan smirked. “You don’t have a choice.”
Caden shoved Rowan back so fast the elder stumbled.
“Touch her again,” Caden said in a low, lethal voice, “and I don’t care if you’re on the council or the moon damn throne itself, I’ll put you through a tree.”
Rowan blinked at him, surprised. Then he chuckled. “Interesting.”
He turned to me. “If you run, Sera, I will find you. And next time, I won’t be polite.”
He walked off, disappearing into the shadows.
Caden waited until Rowan was completely gone before turning to me.
“You okay?” he asked.
Oh no.
He wasn’t supposed to be nice right now.
I folded my arms. “You scared him off.”
“Good.”
“He’s an elder.”
“Don’t care.”
“You can’t threaten the council.”
“Watch me,” he said.
His eyes softened, just a fraction. “Did he hurt you?”
“No.”
“You sure?”
“I said no, didn’t I?”
He exhaled shakily. “Sera… what was he talking about?”
“Nothing.”
“That wasn’t nothing.”
“He was running his mouth.”
Caden stepped closer. “Sera.”
I didn’t look at him. I couldn't bring myself to.
He closed the distance, gently tilting my chin up so I had to meet his eyes.
“Why does everyone think you’re someone else?” he asked quietly. “Why does Rowan think you’re Selene?”
I jerked my chin out of his hand. “Because your pack likes conspiracy theories.”
He didn’t laugh. Instead, he whispered, “Do you hate me?”
The question hit like a punch.
“What? No.”
“Then why won’t you look at me?”
“Because you’re acting weird.”
“I’m acting honest.”
“Well stop.”
“I can’t.”
I groaned. “Caden,”
“I can’t stop thinking about you.” His voice was raw. “I can’t sleep. I can’t train. Every time I close my eyes I see you and I feel, something.”
“Not my problem.”
“It is if it’s a bond.”
“It’s not a bond.”
“Then what is it?” he demanded. “Why does my wolf react to you? Why do I smell Selene every time you walk past me?”
He stepped closer.
“Tell me why I feel like I’m losing my mind.”
My throat tightened.
“Caden, you need to back off.”
“No.”
“Back. Off.”
“No.”
His eyes locked on mine—even the grey didn’t scare him anymore.
“Tell me who you really are,” he whispered.
“Just Sera.”
He shook his head slowly. “I don’t believe that.”
I stared at him, panic clawing up my spine.
“Caden,” I whispered, “please. Just let it go.”
We stared at each other in complete silence, something tight pulling between us. Then twigs snapped and we shifted our gaze to the sound. Three council members approached, their eyes darting with annoyance. All armed.
They looked angry, I knew something was wrong immediately I heard Rowan’s voice.
“Caden. Step away from the girl.”
Caden growled. “No.” He stepped in front of me.
Rowan raised a hand. “Then we’ll take her by force.” The enforcers shifted. My heart was beating too fast.
Caden stepped in front of me.
“Over my dead body.”
Rowan smiled. “That,” he said softly, “can be arranged.”