Kael’s words filled my heart with a sweetness that was almost intoxicating. I couldn’t deny it-my heart was racing, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly happy.
I couldn’t explain why, but hearing Kael say those things made me realize how much he cherished me. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. I couldn’t help but marvel at it.
No one had ever treasured me this way-not even Lucian, when we were together. Back then, I was always the one giving more, the one being patient. He didn’t want me to make our relationship public, and I complied, waiting quietly for the day he would finally acknowledge us. But all I got in return was his betrayal.
Thinking back now, our relationship had its happy moments, but there was more pain that I had ignored. I had become so good at convincing myself to overlook the hurt, numbing myself to it.
But after spending so much time with Kael, I finally understood what it meant to be truly cherished. Kael’s love and care for me were unlike anything I had ever known. I had dismissed it before, assuming it wasn’t real because of his reputation as a playboy. Then, when I discovered he was a werewolf, I pushed him away even more.
But now, I realized Kael was the one who valued me the most.
I wrapped my arms around him, and he held me close. He chuckled softly and said, “So, Seraphina, are you finally realizing that my life isn’t as easy as it looks?”
“Maybe,” he continued, “in your eyes, I’m just some rich guy who’s good-looking, surrounded by women, with great grades and a boxing career. But all of that took a lot of time and effort.” He kissed my cheek as he spoke in a low voice.
For the first time, I learned about Kael’s difficult upbringing. Despite being born into wealth, his father had treated him with harsh discipline. And he’d lost his gentle, loving mother at a young age.
I couldn’t imagine the pain he must have endured all these years.
We held each other for a while before Kael let me go. “Come on, let me take you to school,” he said.
I nodded and followed him downstairs.
David was waiting for us. He greeted me with a smile. “Looks like you slept well last night. You look great today.”
I forced a smile back at him. “Good morning, doctor.”
But inwardly, I felt guilty. I hadn’t slept well at all-Kael had kept me up all night. The fact that David thought I looked well-rested only made me more embarrassed. I quickly grabbed Kael’s hand and pulled him away.
Once we had left the hospital, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“So, Seraphina, are you feeling better now? Nothing hurts, right?” Kael asked.
I shook my head. “No, I’m fine.”
My body had healed completely. Not a single scar remained, as if last night’s events had all been a bad dream.
“That’s good,” Kael said, visibly relieved. He reached for my hand and held it as we walked.
He stopped the car a short distance from my school. I knew he was being cautious, not wanting to draw attention to us by driving onto campus.
“Well, Seraphina, this is as far as I’ll go. I know you don’t want our relationship to be public yet, so this is safer.”
Kael leaned in, gently cupped my chin, and kissed me softly. “Go to class. I’ll pick you up after school.”
“You don’t have to. Marek will protect me,” I replied.
“You’re right,” Kael said, nodding thoughtfully. “But that reminds me-Marek’s abilities aren’t strong enough yet. If he encounters a werewolf like us, he won’t stand a chance. I need to help him improve.”
“You’re probably right. I don’t think he’s ever had formal training. His abilities are just the result of years of survival instincts.”
“Exactly,” Kael said firmly. “For him to protect you better, I’ll come up with a plan to enhance his skills. When you start working at the Eagle Club part-time, I’ll have him train with me. That way, he’ll be stronger, and no one will be able to hurt you.”
I nodded. “Alright. I’ll head to class now.”
I walked into school with my backpack, though I hadn’t brought my books. After everything that happened last night, I hadn’t gone home to pack them. Fortunately, Evelyn had brought them for me.
She handed me the books when I sat down beside her. “Seraph, what’s going on? Were you with Kael again last night?” she asked, her tone teasing.
I nodded. “Yeah.”
I wasn’t sure how to tell her about Vivienne being a werewolf and attacking me.
Evelyn gave me a knowing smile but quickly changed the subject. “I heard there was a huge fight last night. Someone said the walls were smashed. How could anyone have that kind of strength? Do you think it was werewolves?”
“Yes,” I answered honestly. “It was werewolves.”
“Oh my God,” Evelyn whispered, her face pale with worry. “When will this end? I’m so scared. What if I get attacked one day? I have some abilities, but they’re useless against powerful werewolves.”
I tried to comfort her. “They won’t attack random people. Just avoid being out late at night, and you’ll be fine. Look at me-I’ve been targeted by werewolves, but I’m still okay.”
My reassurances didn’t seem to help. Evelyn’s expression remained troubled.
“Seraph, I think you’re different from the rest of us,” she said suddenly.
I froze. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t you feel it? You’re not like ordinary people. Most people have a scent-something natural, even if they try to cover it up with perfume. But you… you’re different.”
I stared at her, unsure of how to respond.
“For a while, your scent was sweet, almost intoxicating. It wasn’t always there, but I noticed it a few weeks ago. Now, it’s gone. I don’t know why, but maybe that’s why the werewolves don’t hurt you. People like me don’t have that kind of protection.”
Evelyn’s words left me unsettled. What was she sensing about me that I couldn’t see?