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

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​​

Throughout the drive, Duke was holding my hand and rubbing the back of my palm with his thumb.

His every gentle stroke told me that he is there for me and that he needs me in the touching distance.

I was lost in his handsome profile, remembering that yesterday we were in a similar position, yet our relationship changed since then drastically. Or maybe those were my feelings that changed. I opened up and allowed my urges to guide me to the man who makes me believe that anything is possible.

Before leaving his apartment, Duke gave me a key and said how other than him and Sergio, now I also have a copy and my heart soared at the thought that he is allowing me to come into his space anytime I want.

This relationship with Duke gave me a sense of freedom that made it easier to breathe, and there was also fervent anxiousness that swelled inside me every time I thought I will be apart from him.

What's up with this desperate need to be with Duke? Only his touch could soothe my unease as if it was telling me that unless we are together, I will not be at peace.

I had no idea at what point we reached in front of Aldus's villa.

My stomach tied into knots at the thought that I need to leave. Now.

My time with Duke came to an end, and it was not enough. No amount of time with Duke will be enough.

Duke turned off the engine and looked at me sorrowfully. "I don't want you to go."

My heart ached. "I don't want to go." That was the truth.

Duke took both of my hands in his and squeezed them a few times. "Then don't. I have enough money, we can leave the UK, and Europe… start somewhere anew, just the two of us."

"Are you talking about eloping?"

"I'm talking about the two of us, leaving this drama behind."

Yes. Yes. Yes! I would go anywhere with him and the sheer thought of us being alone, just the two of us, made my soul sing.

I let out a long sigh, reminding myself that we need to face the reality. "That sounds romantic, but we both have people that are relying on us. We can't act in the spur of the moment because we will regret it later."

"Do you regret it?"

I didn't get it. "Regret what?"

"Anything in the last twenty-four hours."

I realized that he was asking about my time with him, in his apartment. His expectant expression was laced with concern, and I had to tease him a bit. "I have one regret."

Duke's handsome brows furrowed. "What is it?"

I made a dramatic pause before responding, "I didn't taste your omelet."

Duke shook his head in relief and chuckled. "I will make it again, next time you stay at my place, and anytime you want."

"Next time.", I repeated, like a promise.

"Call me after the event. I won't be able to sleep until I hear that you left that place and that you are safe."

I wanted to call him as soon as I step out of that hotel, but Aldus will be with me. I could imagine Aldus rolling his eyes or teasing me about being lovey-dovey with Duke.

"Will a text do?"

Duke didn't approve. "Anyone can send a text. If I don't hear your voice, I will assume that you collapsed again. Considering how scheming Richard and Jonathan are, and that you will be at that event with them, I don't know if I will be able to stop myself from finding them and ripping their heads off."

I stared at Duke, touched by his concern, and surprised by the amount of violence. If he is a werewolf, I wouldn't think much of it, but for a human to talk about ripping off heads is too much.

Why was I happy that he would rip someone's head off? And I actually found it hot. I was never in favor of violence! Maybe after three years with creatures, it started rubbing off on me. Or maybe I'm so in love with Duke that no matter what he does, I will approve.

"I will text you as soon as I'm out and call when I have privacy. In the meantime, please don't do anything reckless."

"How can you call protecting what's mine, reckless?"

"Yours?"

"You are mine, Serina."

The possessiveness in his voice made me hold my breath and I felt myself getting aroused. Seriously! What is wrong with me?

But he was right. I am his, just how he is mine.

We belong to each other, and if he is attending an event with Magda and without me, I would be on the edge as well.

Will Magda be in attendance? I guess I will find out once I reach there. I wondered if she would recognize me as Sanya.

I cupped Duke's cheeks and kissed him longingly, trying to soak in his flavors to last until the next time we meet.

"Yes, Mateo…", I whispered into his lips. "I am yours."

I love how Duke's eyes lit up every time I call him by his real name. I love everything about Duke.

…

I dashed into the villa and headed straight for my room, knowing that Maria is there, waiting to help me get ready.

"I will be done in fifteen minutes!", I shouted toward Aldus who was standing next to the stairs with his arms folded over his chest.

"You are not apologizing?", Aldus asked stiffly.

I paused. "Uhm…"

Aldus shook his head in disapproval. "You made so many mistakes that you don't know for what to apologize first."

I pressed my lips into a line. He was right.

I lied about where I was going, and I ended up endangering myself, twice. Anything else?

"Was it worth it?", Aldus asked.

"What?"

Seeing my confusion, Aldus asked another question, "Did you have fun?"

"I had the best time of my life.", I responded honestly, unable to suppress my smile.

"I'm glad you are back safely.", Aldus said with a frown and his serious expression made my smile falter.

"Serina, I hope that going forward you will take calculated risks. Be aware of your limitations and don't bite off more than you can chew. I can see that your head is in the clouds, but you need to always be aware of your identity no matter how love-stricken you are. Don't allow yourself to be defenseless in an unprotected area. Your ability drained you and this time you were lucky. What would happen if you woke up in a strange place, chained to a wall with ability restraining arrays around you? Did you forget what happened during the event that was organized by the Council? Do you think that Drago would be able to protect you if those people came after you?"

I cursed myself internally.

Aldus was right.

I was so consumed in my desire to be with Duke, believing how the worst that can happen is for me to sleep for a few hours. What if those hooded guys came after me? Duke might be strong and capable, but that counts only if he is facing a human. Against creatures and abilities, Duke is no more than a child facing a grownup. I didn't put only myself in danger, but I endangered him as well.

"I apologize, father. It will not happen again."

Aldus rolled his eyes and gestured with his hand upstairs. "Go and get ready. We are running late as-is."

I obediently went to my room to get ready.

I knew that Aldus didn't believe me, but I decided to stay away from Duke until I learn how to shut down my ability.

If I'm going to be with Duke, I need to stay vigilant and I can't give in to my urges if that means that I will be powerless. How else am I going to protect him?

If something happens to Duke due to my negligence, I will never forgive myself.

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