Midway through my walk, a car pulled up beside me.
The door opened, and Kael sat inside. “Seraphina, get in.”
I glanced at the bustling crowd around me. No one seemed to notice Kael sitting in the car. Without hesitation, I climbed in.
“You’re bold. Aren’t you afraid someone will see? I’m worried I’ll be torn apart.”
I thought of Vivienne’s angry glare when she left earlier. Although I wasn’t afraid of her, I was concerned she’d bring endless trouble into my life. That wouldn’t be good.
“I’m not afraid. I’ll protect you.” Kael pinched my cheek lightly. “What about your friends?”
“They found out about us. They told me to go on my own and didn’t want to come with me.”
“That’s great. Honestly, your friends are quite tactful.” Kael laughed heartily.
I watched his laughter, feeling irritated. “Stop laughing.”
“I want to make our relationship public. Can I, Seraphina?”
“No!” I refused immediately.
Kael’s expression turned hurt.
“Seraphina, why? I really like you. Don’t you like me too? Now, those monsters won’t target you anymore. Can’t we have a proper relationship?”
“I’m still scared. You know what happened before. I dated Lucian, and he hurt me terribly. I’m worried…”
Deep down, I still believed Kael, the playboy, would lose interest once he got what he wanted. Then, he’d move on to someone else, leaving me behind like an old, discarded toy.
Damn it. Just thinking about it filled me with fear. I couldn’t let that happen!
“Seraphina, can you tell me what I need to do to make you feel safe? Please.” Kael sighed, clearly troubled.
“I don’t know. Maybe we should take it slow.” I hesitated before offering this small reassurance.
Even as I said it, I felt a pang of sadness inside.
I could be physical with Kael, but I wasn’t ready to be his girlfriend.
I knew what it meant to commit to a relationship. If that commitment broke, I’d be devastated.
Maybe it’s because I’ve always had endless hopes for love. Once I fell into a relationship, I’d inevitably pin all my expectations on Kael.
I’d start to want more from him.
But that wasn’t a good thing.
Kael was a werewolf, and I was human. The gap between us was too wide. In the future, we couldn’t possibly stay together long-term.
Every girl dreams of being with the one they love, of having a lasting relationship.
Living like this-secretly-was exhausting.
But I knew this was the only way.
Kael stayed silent for a moment before hugging me. “Fine. Then I won’t look for you later. Do you remember the training grounds we used before? It’s not far from here. You can wait for me there.”
“When will we meet again?”
I was worried about Kael’s decision.
Would something like last time happen again?
“I’ll try to finish within thirty minutes.” Kael kissed my forehead.
Soon, we arrived at the party.
Since we had driven, we were among the first to arrive.
There weren’t many people yet.
I stepped out of the car first, and Kael drove off.
I made my way to the training grounds where we used to meet.
It was a secluded spot, far from the party. There were no people, no lights-only the faint glow of the party’s lights in the distance.
Anxiety crept into my heart.
Maybe it was everything I’d been through recently. I couldn’t help but feel scared.
I didn’t know if monsters might suddenly emerge from the dark woods nearby.
I called out, “Marek, are you there?”
A moment later, Marek appeared. “Seraphina.”
Seeing him calmed me.
In the distance, the party had started. Music blared, and laughter and cheers filled the air.
Everyone seemed happy, probably dancing and drinking by now.
Evelyn and Judy were likely enjoying themselves at the party too.
But I was here, with Marek.
I turned to him. “You’re always watching me. Don’t you have your own life?”
“I’ve sworn loyalty to Kael. His orders are my life.”
“Doesn’t that make you lonely?”
“Loneliness doesn’t matter.” Marek smiled faintly. “I’ve been used to it for years. I used to live in the forest. I’ve only recently come to the city. Following you has allowed me to experience some of the city’s novelties.”
Looking at Marek, I suddenly felt like I was seeing a child.
He really was just a child, wasn’t he?
For some reason, I felt a twinge of pity for him.
“I think I should take you out sometime,” I said.
Marek hadn’t experienced much. I could only imagine how he entertained himself in the forest, like a child fascinated by anything new.
“Where would you take me?” Marek asked, smiling suddenly.
“Lots of places-shopping, buying things, amusement parks. You’ve never been, right?”
Marek shook his head. “I’ve seen them but never played or had much interest.”
“You should try. I bet you’ll love it!”
Hearing this, Marek seemed intrigued.
“Seraphina, do you love Kael?” Marek’s sudden question caught me off guard.
I froze, surprised by his directness.
“I don’t know,” I said.
“For humans, two people in love usually marry and have children, right?”
“Yes.”
“It’s the same for werewolves, but we’re different. We find our mate through the Moon Goddess’s guidance.”
Marek’s gaze became complicated as he spoke.