Chapter 6: Meeting at Moonrise Restaurant
1149 Words
Chapter 6: Meeting at Moonrise Restaurant
(Aiden's POV)
I frowned, feeling slightly puzzled by Marcus's revelation.
"The Northern Territory has never interfered in our Southern Territory's affairs before," I said slowly. "Why would they suddenly take over the Silver Moon Pack?"
Marcus spread his hands and shrugged with his typical nonchalance. "Well, I don't know the exact reasons. I heard that the Silver Moon Pack had originally intended to defect to the Northern Territory, so the former Alpha took the initiative to let Kaelen take over the Alpha position."
He paused, then added with a knowing smirk, "After all, who would complain about having too much power?"
The casual way he discussed such a serious threat irritated me. This could completely destabilize our territory's power balance.
After delivering his bombshell news, Marcus checked his expensive watch and stood up to leave. His designer suit was perfectly pressed, a stark reminder of his own pack's prosperity.
As he reached my office door, he turned back with an afterthought. "By the way, don't forget Julian is returning to the Southern Territory tonight. It's his birthday celebration."
My expression lightened slightly at the mention of Julian. He'd been my college roommate and one of my closest friends for over a decade.
"We're all meeting at the Moonrise Restaurant at 7:00 tonight," Marcus continued. "It'll be good to have our old gang back together. Don't be late."
After Marcus left, I sat alone for several minutes, weighing my options. Finally, I decided to call the villa and check on Seraphina.
The phone rang twice before Martha, the Omega I'd assigned to watch Seraphina, answered.
"Alpha Aiden," she greeted respectfully. "How may I assist you?"
"I need to speak with Seraphina," I said curtly. "Transfer the call to her immediately."
"Of course, Alpha. Please hold while I locate her."
I drummed my fingers impatiently on the desk. Five minutes passed before I finally heard Seraphina's voice on the line. My patience was already wearing thin.
"What took you so long?" I asked, unable to hide the annoyance in my tone. "What were you busy with?"
In the past, Seraphina always answered my calls within seconds, no matter what she was doing. This delay was completely out of character for her.
Seraphina's voice came through calm and unfazed. "I was applying herbs to my legs. I hope I can walk normally again soon."
I knew she came from the legendary Caelus healing lineage. Even without her sight, she could probably identify herbs by their scent alone. But I wasn't particularly worried about her recovery attempts.
The healers had already confirmed that without her wolf, it would be impossible for her to recover with herbs alone. Her efforts were essentially futile.
"I might have to work late tonight," I told her, deciding not to press the issue. "I'll be back very late."
The truth was, I didn't want the hassle of bringing her to Julian's party. I remembered how she'd always tried so desperately to fit in with my friends over the years.
She would spend hours preparing homemade healing herbs as birthday gifts, only to face their undisguised disdain. They'd always seen her humble presents as beneath their status.
Bringing her tonight - blind and wolfless - would only invite further humiliation. It would reflect poorly on both of us.
(Seraphina's POV)
I didn't care when Aiden would return. My only concern was my precious pubs, Caspian and Elara.
"I could go to the training grounds to pick them up," I offered, trying to keep my voice light. "I'd like to bring them home myself."
There was a pause before Aiden responded. "They're still in training sessions. I've already arranged for guards to escort them back safely."
His dismissive tone sparked anger in my chest, but I forced myself to remain calm. Instead, I decided to test another boundary.
"Actually, I've been thinking," I said with false brightness. "I plan to return to my position as head healer at the Blackwood Pack's healing center soon."
This had been my career before everything fell apart. My life's work. I was determined to reclaim it.
"It's time I picked up my professional duties again," I continued. "Our pack needs experienced healers."
But Aiden completely misunderstood my intentions. I could practically hear the smug smile in his voice when he responded.
"Sera, are you so eager to stay closer to me?" he said with false gentleness. "Just bear with the recovery process for now. You’re my Luna after all, I promise you can come back to work anytime you want."
His arrogant words made my stomach turn with disgust. I had earned my position through my healing abilities and three revolutionary healing techniques I'd developed myself.
But his tone made it sound like he was offering me some generous favor with his position as my Alpha and husband.
I stared at my reflection in the bedroom mirror - pale, exhausted, but with cold determination burning in my eyes. Forcing a sweet smile, I replied, "Aiden, thank you."
The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.
No one would believe that my annual salary as Chief Healer had been only one dollar. One single dollar.
Aiden had convinced me that the pack's finances were desperately tight.
He'd told me heart-wrenching stories about pups in the pack orphanage not having enough resources to survive the harsh winters.
Moved by his pleas, I'd agreed to treat other pack members using my healing abilities in exchange for pack resources.
Besides, I'd essentially donated my million-dollar annual salary back to the pack.
Touched by what I thought was our shared sacrifice, Aiden had promised me that all his money would always be mine and he would never let me down. He'd even given me an additional credit card as proof of his commitment.
I retrieved that card from my bedside drawer. The black metal felt cold against my fingertips as I dialed the bank's customer service number.
"Good afternoon," I said when the representative answered. "I'd like to check the status of this account."
After providing the necessary information, the woman said. "Ma'am, I'm sorry to inform you that this card was canceled by Alpha Aiden five years ago. The account has been closed since then."
I stared at the useless piece of plastic in my hand, a bitter smile crossing my face.
"Aiden," I whispered to myself, "Is this what you meant by never letting me down?"
Just then, my personal phone vibrated twice with incoming text messages. The only person who would contact me at this hour was my best friend, Zara.
Zara: Seraphina, you asked me to investigate Evelyn's background information. I found some absolutely explosive news!
Perfect timing. Since Aiden wouldn't be coming home tonight, I could take this opportunity to meet with Zara.
I quickly typed back: Let's meet tonight at the Moonrise Restaurant, the room we often reserved.
- Writer
