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

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Fynn was surprised to see me. He obviously expected a helicopter or a call to announce my arrival.

"Can we have a word in your office?", I asked Fynn, and he had no objections.

"Is it something serious?", Fynn asked after closing the door behind us.

"I want to inform you that my father went on an expedition.", I said. "I don't know when he will be back, but until then, you should contact me if anything comes up."

Fynn didn't think it's a big deal. "Last time Aldus left, we didn't get any notice and we were on our own for more than a year. It's good to know that there is someone to manage his affairs."

I knew that Aldus used to disappear randomly, so this story will be believable.

"I will appreciate it if you don't tell others about my father's absence. I fear that there are some who might target me if they find out I'm on my own."

Fynn confirmed that it's not a problem. "My lips are sealed. If you need security, you can always count on us."

I had no intention of taking him on that offer, but I was grateful. "Thank you. I will keep that in mind."

"How did you communicate with my father so far? Is there something regular, or just when the need arises?", I asked while trying to understand the dynamics between Fynn and Aldus. So far, I took all this for granted, leaving it to Aldus.

Aldus taught me about Alchemy and introduced me to Notte Pharmaceuticals, but for almost everything else, he handled the logistics while I was in a role of a helper who followed Aldus's instructions.

Fynn told me that they have a budget from Aldus, that is coming in regular installments as payment for security, and Fynn would send to Aldus monthly reports. Other than that, if they had anything suspicious that involved creatures, they had protocols to alert Aldus, and Aldus would decide on how to handle it.

I asked Fynn for specific examples and that's how we spent nearly two hours.

Ari came into Fynn's office twice to bring us beverages and she gave me queer looks which I ignored until the end of my talk with Fynn.

"Is there a reason why Ari is looking at me like I killed her pet bunny?"

Fynn scratched the back of his head.

This was not the first time for me to notice Ari glaring at me. I knew that she was protective of Fynn, thinking I will seduce him, but even if that's the case, she should mind her own business. Fynn is a single guy and how much I know, he has no girlfriend.

I smirked. "Does she think I plan to eat you up, and that her glare can prevent me?"

Fynn frowned a bit, and I raised my hand before he could respond.

"I don't want to meddle in how you run things here, but if Ari is hostile toward people who talk to you, I suggest that someone else brings refreshments. I came here on business, and not to confront jealous women. This was not the first time, but it's the last time that I will let it slide. Either you tell her to behave, or I will."

I really didn't want to put him in a spot, but the last few days are horrible, and I was tired and easily provoked.

Fynn smiled awkwardly. "Thank you for understanding."

Understanding, my foot! If he didn't sleep with Ari, she wouldn't act so possessive. How much I know, Fynn never found his mate, which means there is a good chance that his mate is somewhere. I really pitied the poor girl, whoever she is.

After re-confirming things related to communication, I wanted to talk to Luca and Zoe.

"About them…", Fynn started and cleared his throat. "You might notice different behavior."

I didn't get it. "Different?"

Fynn nodded and gave me a knowing look. "Bia saw this morning Zoe leaving Luca's room. In her pajamas, with messy hair. Zoe was all flustered and she ran into her room."

I blinked. Was he telling me what I thought he was telling me?

"Correct me if I'm wrong. Zoe left Luca's room in the morning, and Bia saw her. And knowing Bia, everyone is talking about Zoe and Luca sleeping together." Of course, maybe there is a version that Luca forced himself on Zoe because Zoe was flustered and running.

Fynn responded with a nod, looking like a child who is telling on someone and expecting praise, and it ticked me off.

"Is it unusual for two unmated seventeen-year-old werewolves to sleep together?"

Fynn was quick to shake his head. "Well, no but…"

"But?", I interrupted him impatiently.

I didn't know what happened, but I knew that Luca and Zoe are tight, and Luca would never do anything to Zoe against her will. This sounded like something that was blown out of proportion.

Fynn's gossipy way of talking irritated me to no ends and my thin patience snapped.

"Fynn, I know that you are not the Alpha of this group, but there must be something you can do if everyone is addressing you as their leader. Zoe and Luca grew up together, and they have a special bond. Not a sexual one, but one of the siblings where they cherish each other and support when needed. As a grownup, you should either clarify the issue or tell others to mind their own damn business. Spreading rumors that will hurt two teenagers is not something a respectable person would do."

Fynn frowned at my words.

I knew I was harsh, but I had no time or patience for their ridiculous games, and this situation hit a sore spot for me.

"You should think about the consequences of your actions. Words can hurt.", I said curtly. "Luca and Zoe are good kids and if they did something wrong, they will need guidance and not mockery. How will spreading gossips help? I want you to imagine the situation where Bia saw it wrongly. There are so many scenarios that can explain what happened in a different light, but you chose the story where a brother and a sister are sleeping together. What if you are wrong? With everyone looking at them derisively, Luca and Zoe will drift apart, and it will be your fault."

Maybe they are bored of having the same routine for more than a decade, and maybe they don't have anything better to do, but I will not allow them to bully my kids.

I was sick of gossips and rumors. For them, it's fun and they don't think it's a big deal to talk nonsense, but those kinds of things drew a wedge between me and Duke, and it cost us years we could have spent together.

Luca and Zoe are kind and good and as much as they need to be tempered by experiences that life can provide them, this was absolutely unnecessary.

I didn't want to argue with Fynn. He is a grown werewolf and it's not mine to teach him how to be a decent person. He got the message that I'm displeased and that was enough.

"Is there anything else, or can I talk to Zoe and Luca?"

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