THE ALPHA KING'S GIFTED MATE

MEETING SERAPHINA

CHAPTER 8: MEETING SERAPHINA

EVERLY:

The fire burned softly, and I enjoyed how its warmth seeped into my skin. I sat next to Kaelan and put my head on his shoulder, with my eyes closed. I didn't want to feel intimidated by his presence which had a way of making everything around him feel smaller and less significant.

As the Alpha King, he seemed to have an aura that made his mere existence larger than life. I often found myself in awe, even when I tried to pretend not to notice him.

We were in the middle of a conversation, when someone coughed behind us. I followed Kaelan's gaze and saw a beautiful girl standing behind us. I've been here for a couple of weeks and this is the first time I've seen her.

She was strikingly beautiful, with blonde hair that flowed to her back and flawless skin. Her sharp, high cheekbones gave her an air of confidence that I often wished I had.

She wore a snug leather jacket over a fitted white shirt, and she paired it with skinny jeans and boots that made her look cheeky. There was something undeniably intimidating about her—perhaps it was the way her bright blue eyes seemed to cut through you like a blade, or the way her full lips pressed into a thin line as she looked displeased.

Her gaze landed on Kaelan and for a brief moment, her lips parted as if she almost gasped but she quickly composed herself.

Kaelan’s expression was calm and unreadable and as my eyes met hers for a fleeting second. I decided to break the ice.

“Hi,” I said warmly, with a smile on my face.

Her head tilted slightly in acknowledgment, but she didn’t respond to my greeting. Rather, she turned her gaze on Kaelan, her blue eyes shimmering with an emotion I couldn’t quite name.

“Alpha,” she said, her voice smooth yet carrying a subtle edge, “Good evening. I didn't know you'd be here.”

Her tone was casual, but her body language betrayed her. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her jacket, and her eyes darted briefly toward me before settling back on Kaelan.

“Seraphina, you're back. Nice to have you back,” Kaelan replied warmly, his deep voice resonating in the room.

Seraphina’s jaw tightened, and her blue eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at me again, this time with disdain.

“Thank you, Alpha. Well, I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“You’re not,” Kaelan assured her, though his attention was already shifting back to the fire.

Her lips twitched, as if she were forcing back a scowl, and I could feel her jealousy radiating off her like heat.

I suspected that she might have something personal to do with Kaelan and that made my stomach churn. I know I wasn't in a relationship with Kaelan yet, but I could feel the mate bond between us and he was a man I would like to have by my side for the rest of my life.

Not knowing a better way to react, I stood up and headed to my room.

—

Morning dew settled on the petals, and a gentle breeze stirred the trees as I moved around the garden the following morning. The estate was quiet and very peaceful, but I didn't feel peaceful in my heart.

A soft tap on my shoulder startled me. “Everly,” he called, his voice still raspy with sleep.

I turned to see Kaelan. He looked just as handsome in the early light as he did in the dark. His eyes softened when they rested on me.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he said, his voice low and sexy as it echoed in my chest.

“Morning,” I replied with a warm smile, trying to calm my racing heart. How was it that just his gaze made my heart race?

“Did you sleep well?” he asked as his eyes swept over me as if he was searching for any sign of discomfort. I nodded, and his shoulders relaxed a bit.

“I’m here to enjoy the feel of nature,” I murmured, glancing around the garden, then back at him.

“Alpha Kaelan,” I began, my voice barely a whisper, “Why would someone like you… someone so powerful…” I trailed off, unable to finish the question, afraid of the answer. ‘I still don't get it.”

He watched me in silence for some seconds and then spoke, with a voice laced with softness and strength. “I didn’t choose this, Everly. We’re destined to be. You’re my fated mate. The bond we share is something rare, and sacred. It means you and I are bound, in a way that goes beyond choice.”

I swallowed, trying to process his words. “I know about the mate bond,” I said as I met his gaze, the term heavy on my tongue. “But why me? I’m… I'm nobody and I have nothing to offer you.”

He shook his head, stepping closer. “Everly. To me, you’re everything.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, a strange warmth spreading through me. I wished it came straight from his heart. As if he read my thoughts, he lowered his head and placed a kiss on my lips.

I shuddered as a spack of emotions shut through my entire body. He watched for any reaction from me and smirked when he saw the effect his kiss had on me, making me blush.

“I have a meeting to attend with some CEOs in town. I'll be away for the entire morning. You'll be okay?”

“Of course.”

“See you later, then,” he said as he took his leave.

—

As soon as Kaelan left, a figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with sleek, blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Her expression was cold, and as she assessed me, I felt a sense of unease.

“You are the little miss who thinks she can take my place?” she said, her voice smooth, yet edged with something sharp.

I assessed her with suspicious eyes, “It depends on what you mean, Seraphina.?”

Her lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I am the strongest female warrior in the Crescent Moon Pack. Haven't you heard about me?”

“No, I haven't.’ I said, shaking my head.

“Well, I deserve a place beside Alpha Kaelan as his Luna and not some weak creature like you who has nothing to offer.”

I felt a flush of embarrassment as I lowered my eyes.

“You’re ashamed, aren’t you?” she taunted, stepping closer. “You know deep down you’ll never be enough for him, that you’re just a placeholder for the real power he desires. And when the time comes, when you’re no longer useful… he’ll choose me.”

A chill ran down my spine, but I held my ground. There was something predatory in her gaze, and she didn't bother to hide her simmering hostility.

“Kaelan is quite fun to be with and he can make a lot of promises.” Seraphina continued, her tone laced with bitterness. “But don’t think that makes you safe. In this world, promises can be broken.”

Her words hit me so badly but I quickly composed myself. ”Well, it's not in your hands to decide what happens between Alpha Kaelan and me. If you failed to attract his attention and capture his heart even with your warrior status, then that's your misfortune. It has nothing to do with me.”

Before Seraphina could respond further, I turned and left, heading towards the forest.

Ruby, my Wolf stirred for the first time in months. I felt overwhelmed by her presence which seems to have taken over my senses, leading me deeper into the forest.