Kael’s words left me deep in thought. He appeared so humble, cautious, and earnest in his attempt to negotiate with me. I had to admit, I couldn’t bring myself to coldly reject him again. After all, he hadn’t harmed anyone.
“I’ll try to understand,” I finally said.
“But let’s keep our interactions minimal until I can fully accept who you are.”
I pushed Kael away, creating some distance between us, and then returned to the unfinished tasks at hand. Kael stood nearby, his voice tinged with amusement. “Alright, Seraphina. I’m already happy that you’re willing to try to accept me.”
I sighed. I wasn’t as thrilled as Kael. I should have drawn a clear line with him, but now, out of pity, I found myself softening toward him. I felt ashamed of my own weakness. I was too tenderhearted.
“Someone’s coming. I’ll leave so you don’t have to deal with any more trouble. I’ll wait for you, Seraphina,” Kael said before vanishing like a gust of wind.
Even though I’d seen Kael appear and disappear suddenly several times now, I still wasn’t used to it. It felt like my worldview was constantly being challenged.
Someone pushed the door open, and after finishing cleaning the gym, I left. I cleaned several more areas before my shift ended.
Before coming to the Eagle Club, I had prepared myself thoroughly. But now, I realized things here weren’t as difficult as I’d imagined. Interacting with Kael wasn’t as repulsive as I’d expected either.
However, when I ran into Rebecca, she walked up to me with a smile and patted my arm. “Seraphina, are you really not dating Kael?”
“No,” I denied.
“You can tell me the truth. It’s fine. I won’t tell anyone,” Rebecca said, her eyes still filled with suspicion.
She clearly didn’t believe me. On twitter, only a handful of people actually took my word for it-mostly because Kael hadn’t denied the rumors.
Thinking about it, I realized I needed Kael to publicly deny any relationship with me.
“I really have nothing to do with him.”
“But Kael does treat you differently, doesn’t he? He said you two were friends, but I feel like it’s more than that,” Rebecca said, crossing her arms and furrowing her brow in thought.
She was undeniably a gossip enthusiast, and I was certain of that. But based on what she was saying now, I began to sense something. “Wait, Rebecca, so when you told me my job was to cheer for Kael, was it because Kael told you we were friends?”
“Of course. Why else?” Rebecca laughed. “Kael was especially happy about it.”
So that was it. No wonder she had told me to dress up and cheer for Kael the whole time. I hadn’t understood the meaning behind it at first, but now it all made sense.
Suddenly, I realized how difficult my job here truly was. The Eagle Club revolved entirely around Kael. Everyone followed his lead, and the tasks assigned to me were inevitably tied to him, all aimed at keeping him happy.
The realization left me feeling particularly down. When had I become someone whose sole purpose was to entertain another person?
I may be poor, but I’ve always worked hard to support myself. Even at the bar, I refused to take on roles like being a hostess. I’d rather work as a server, even if it was more labor-intensive. At least I was happy.
But now, everything had changed. I had become Kael’s plaything. Even if I didn’t want it, everyone was pushing me toward him. It was terrifying.
Leaving the boxing club, the cool breeze did little to lift my spirits. I felt as though a heavy stone was weighing me down. I tried to relax, rubbing my shoulders, but the muscles remained tense, refusing to loosen.
Just then, a hand rested on my shoulder, massaging the tight muscles.
“Seraphina, you look exhausted. Let me help you relax,” Magnus’s voice came from behind me.
“Thank you,” I said.
Magnus, being a doctor, had a professional touch. His thumbs worked the junction between my shoulders and neck, instantly easing the tension. The stiffness in my neck and shoulders gradually melted away, and I no longer felt as drained.
I could also feel the warmth of Magnus’s fingers spreading through my body, comforting me. It was just like him.
Strangely, Kael’s body temperature was also higher than normal, and so was Magnus’s. I hadn’t met many people with such unusual body heat.
Kael was a werewolf… so what about Magnus now?
No, if Magnus were one too, he wouldn’t be so distant from Kael. Werewolves had their own tribes and territories, much like wolf packs. If this was Kael’s territory, he would know every wolf here. If an outsider appeared, he’d recognize them immediately.
Thinking this, I felt a pang of guilt. For a moment, I had doubted whether Magnus was human.
It must be because my nerves were so frayed lately. I was starting to suspect everyone of being a werewolf.
God, I couldn’t help it. Anyone in my position would become paranoid and question everything.
Once Magnus finished the massage, I turned to him with a smile. “Thank you, Magnus.”
“Don’t mention it, Seraphina. We’re friends.”
His gentle blue eyes, filled with warmth, enveloped me. But at that moment, I remembered what Magnus had said to me on the phone last night, and my heart began to race again.
I looked away, focusing on the bushes nearby.
“Did you just get off work too?”
“Yes, I’m heading home to cook.”
I was surprised. “How’s your cooking?”
Given Magnus’s high standards for food freshness, I imagined his own cooking must be exceptional.
“I think it’s pretty good. Why don’t you come to my apartment and try it for yourself?”
“Really? I wouldn’t be intruding, would I?”
I wasn’t particularly eager to return to my apartment. Evelyn and Judy would likely be out partying until late, and if I went back early, I’d just end up overthinking things alone.
“Of course not, Seraphina. It’d be my honor to have you over,” Magnus said with a smile, tugging lightly at my shoulder bag. “Shall we go?”
I was about to agree when I suddenly felt someone’s gaze on me. I turned and saw Marek, the boy, hiding nearby, his eyes fixed intently on me.