Chapter 77: Chapter 77 He Found Me
Seraphina’s POV
An icy tremor raced through my body, settling deep into my bones. The evening air was warm for this season, yet I couldn’t shake the chill that had nothing to do with temperature. My wolf paced restlessly in my mind, her agitation bleeding into my consciousness like spilled ink.
"Tell me what’s wrong," I demanded silently.
Her response came wrapped in cryptic reluctance. Soon you will understand, she whispered before retreating into silence, leaving me drowning in dread.
I forced my attention back to Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, who stood before me with faces glowing with anticipation. Their long-awaited adventure stretched ahead of them, a dream they’d nurtured for decades. My heart swelled with genuine happiness for them. These two souls had poured years of their lives and every penny they owned into raising me, shaping me into the woman I’d become.
Theo wasn’t sharing my bittersweet joy. His small arms wrapped around my leg as tears streamed down his cheeks, watching the only grandparents he’d ever known prepare to leave us.
Even as I smiled encouragingly at the Jenkinses, my chest tightened with loss. I would miss their gentle guidance, their soft laughter, their unwavering support. Yet beneath my sadness lurked a darker relief. I didn’t want them here for what was coming. The thought felt selfish, but my protective instincts screamed that distance would keep them safe.
We exchanged final embraces filled with whispered promises to stay in touch, then watched their car disappear down the winding road. Goodbyes always left me hollow, though I knew they’d find happiness in their travels.
The unease my wolf had planted refused to fade. I walked toward the pack house with Theo’s hand clutched in mine, but as we approached, I spotted a cluster of pack members gathered outside. Their worried expressions made my stomach drop.
"What’s happening?" I asked, drawing Theo closer.
A woman turned toward me, her eyes wide with fear. "Something terrible occurred near the perimeter. They won’t let anyone get close, but the rumors..." She shuddered. "They say it’s horrific."
My carefully controlled anxiety exploded into full panic. My breathing became shallow as my pulse hammered against my throat. I forced myself to relax, rolling my shoulders down from where they’d climbed toward my ears. Just breathe, Seraphina.
My first thought flew to Julian. I reached through our bond, searching for any sign of distress. Relief flooded me when I felt his steady presence, unharmed but radiating dark tension.
He appeared then, his commanding presence cutting through the crowd’s nervous chatter. His expression was harder than granite as he surveyed the gathered pack members. "Everyone disperse immediately," he ordered, his voice carrying absolute authority. "Return to your homes and duties. I will handle this situation."
Without sparing us even a glance, he strode past and disappeared into the pack house. The rejection stabbed through me like a blade. Here was a man claiming he wanted to be Theo’s father, yet he couldn’t spare a moment’s acknowledgment for his supposed family.
The sound of his office door slamming echoed through the building.
My heart clenched with worry despite his coldness. I couldn’t control how deeply I felt his pain, even when he showed me nothing but indifference. Theo had already been distracted by other children who’d gathered to speculate about the commotion.
"Go play with your friends," I encouraged softly, giving him a gentle nudge. "I’ll be right back."
His curiosity about the other kids won out over his earlier sadness. Soon he was laughing and chasing the others, his tears forgotten. Only then did I feel comfortable leaving his side.
My feet carried me hesitantly toward Julian’s office. The air around his door felt thick with darkness, an oppressive weight that made breathing difficult. I pushed the heavy oak door open slowly, wincing at its protesting creak.
Inside, shadows seemed to swallow the light itself. Julian sat hunched over his desk, powerful shoulders rigid with tension. His fists were clenched so tightly I could see his knuckles straining white. When he lifted his head, his eyes glowed with barely contained fury.
The emotions crashing through our bond told me my own anxiety was amplified by his torment. His pain was becoming mine, twisting through my chest like barbed wire.
"Stay back," he snarled, his voice more beast than man.
But he was my mate, the other half of my soul. I was the only one who could reach him when darkness consumed him like this. Ignoring his warning completely, I moved forward, feeling the oppressive atmosphere part reluctantly around me.
Without a word, I climbed onto his lap, positioning myself so I could face him directly. I pulled his head against my chest and wrapped my arms tightly around him, offering myself as his anchor.
"Talk to me," I whispered against his hair. "What happened out there?"
His body remained rigid for several heartbeats before gradually melting into my embrace. The dangerous glow in his eyes dimmed slightly as my touch worked its magic on his wolf.
"You don’t want this knowledge, Seraphina," he murmured, his voice thick with anguish.
"Yes, I do," I insisted, tightening my hold on him. "Whatever it is, tell me."
A violent shudder ran through his massive frame. "Someone left a pile of bodies on our territory."
The words slammed into me like a physical blow. All the air rushed from my lungs as my body went completely still. I stared blindly over his shoulder, my mind struggling to process the horrific image his words painted. Bodies. Here. On our land.
The terrible truth crystallized in my mind with sickening clarity.
"He found me," I whispered, ice flooding my veins.
