Author's note: this is from Sergio's point of view

- - -

​​

I was glad when the young master started giving me his phone for safekeeping while he was in a meeting.

For me, it was a sign that his focus was back on work instead of chatting with a silly grin on his face.

I didn't need to peep into his message history to know that he was chatting with the girl who has a demon for a father.

Why her, Moon Goddess? Was I such a bad wolf that you need to punish me like this?

My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when the young master's phone rang with "Serina" as the caller's ID. It even had little hearts next to it!

I let it ring all the way, not wanting to talk to her. She can leave a voicemail.

She called again! How persistent!

I didn't want to answer, but if the young master saw many missed calls he would scold me.

Our relationship deteriorated from that wretched reunion, and I didn't want to risk making it worse. How am I supposed to protect the young master if he is pushing me away?

I couldn't believe that the girl is here. In this building. Why is she putting a target on the young master's back?

I didn't want to see her, but then she mentioned Aldus and I knew I had no choice in this matter.

The most confusing thing was that my wolf came alive from the moment I met Seraphina in the hallway at the reception.

Every time I expressed hostility, he would growl in protest, and he howled with joy when she mentioned meeting with him. Strange.

My wolf still didn't talk, but I definitely heard him make noise to express his opinion after more than a decade of silence.

What's about Seraphina to make him act that way?

And why was her scent familiar? I'm quite confident that I never came this close to her, yet her scent reminded me of something.

Oh, the Moon Goddess! Is she my mate?

My heart resumed beating normally when I confirmed she is not.

Sure, she is nice to look at and my wolf is oddly protective of her, but there is nothing more than that.

I don't want a mate. Werewolves lose themselves from the moment the bond is detected, and I don't want to go through it. Period.

Seeing how my young master happily abandons his reasoning whenever Sanya (aka Seraphina) is mentioned, I can't imagine how worse it would be if he is actually a werewolf and she is his mate.

I don't want to go through it.

No, no, no… never!

I decided a long time ago that if my mate shows up, I will put all my efforts into resisting that pull.

- - -

Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

- - -

The separation from Serina was getting to me.

I was back to being irritable and harsh to everyone around me, but I couldn't control my temper. The only person I wanted to be with was not by my side and it was killing me from the inside.

Yes, we video chatted twice a day, but I needed her in touching distance. The moving picture that can't be hugged and the voice from my phone were not enough.

I started leaving my phone with Sergio when I attend meetings because I would end up staring at the screen with the hope that Serina will text or call me. Her every message made my heart jolt in happiness, but at the same time, my mood would plummet because it was a reminder that we are far apart.

Sure, I could just turn off my phone, but what if she calls with something important?

I understand that Serina needs to work, and her father needs her, but I need her as well.

My eleven o'clock meeting was nearing its end, and Mr. Douglas was still talking. For the last half an hour, he was trying to convince me how we should make changes to our main hedge fund.

I knew that Mr. Douglas wants to prove himself as he recently got promoted, but I believe in numbers, yet he failed to impress me with his analysis and predictions. The more he spoke, the more I wondered if I should demote him.

"Mr. Orsini, can we stay longer so that we finish this?", Mr. Douglas asked.

I rubbed my face forcibly while trying to suppress my irritation. I knew that his definition of 'finish' means the part where he convinces me to make changes.

Usually, I'm up for a good discussion and I love to see them defeated when I share my insights, but this time, I was not in the mood to play.

I reminded myself that it's not his fault I'm missing my girlfriend.

Girlfriend. Seraphina is my girlfriend. I liked that thought and I hated the distance between us.

"We can finish this in my office."

Yes, we could stay in the conference room, but when they come to my office, there is a sense of urgency. I didn't want to refuse this chance for Mr. Douglas to realize his mistake, but I also didn't want to drag this more than necessary.

Other managers dispersed, while Mrs. Smith tagged along with us. It seems that she is supporting Mr. Douglas with his suggestion, and I wondered if he offered her some benefit or maybe they are sleeping together.

Ah, everyone has someone, only my bed is cold and I'm consoling myself with video chats.

Mr. Douglas was talking through the hallway, and I wondered if Serina sent me any messages during the last two hours, since I gave my phone to Sergio.

I found Greg at his desk, in front of my office, as usually.

"Did anything happen in my absence?", I asked him to what he shook his head and lowered his gaze, avoiding mine.

Greg is normally outspoken, and this timid response is not like him, but I assumed that he was uncomfortable with Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Smith who were behind me.

For some reason, Mr. Douglas was still talking. He was repeating himself, which told me that he was out of arguments and that this will be done quickly.

I made one step toward my office and stretched my arm for the doorknob when a familiar scent hit my senses.

Ah, I'm going crazy!

I opened the door and froze at the sight of Serina sitting on the sofa in my office, smiling at me. She tilted her head, entertained by my shocked expression.

Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Smith didn't expect that I will stop abruptly, and they bumped into my back, but I barely noticed.

I rubbed my eyes while wondering if my madness took physical form.

My office smelled of jasmine on a rainy morning with a hint of Japanese wisteria and Serina was right there on the sofa that is extra-wide with the purpose of me living through some of my fantasies that included Serina visiting my office.

"Mr. Orsini?", Mr. Douglas called with confusion obvious in his voice.

"Uhm… do you see a woman?" I gestured toward Serina.

I knew that my question sounded like I lost my mind, but maybe I did.

Mrs. Smith and Mr. Douglas exchanged bewildered glances before Mrs. Smith responded, "There is a young woman. On the sofa."

This was the confirmation I needed. I'm not imagining it. Serina is here.

Oh, God!

She is here!

"Out.", I growled.

Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Smith jolted. They didn't know to whom I said to get out, but they never heard me speak in such a crude manner.

"What?", Mr. Douglas asked.

"Out!", I exclaimed.

Seeing that they are not moving, I literally pushed the duo out of my office and locked the door behind them.

Serina giggled, her sounds were the most beautiful melody to my ears.

"Surprise!"

---

If you are not reading this at 'W e b n o v e l . c o m', then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.