Beyond the Broken Mate Bond

After breakfast, the pair made their way to Zenith Tower.

Too put off to sit in the front, Seraphina insisted on riding in the back. "I feel a little nauseous. I'll feel better in the back where I can get a bit of fresh air."

Kaden didn't press on the matter. "Sure thing. I'll try to keep the drive smooth."

Pulling up outside the entrance of the office building, Kaden got out to open the car door for Seraphina.

Seraphina stepped out of the car, only to be surrounded by pack members during the morning rush hour.

Two pack members stepped forward eagerly.

"Luna, it's great to see you. Alpha Kaden often tells us about your love for caramel lattes. I'm happy to grab one for you since I'm on my way out," one of them said with a huge grin.

Another chimed in, "I'll get you something to munch on. Are those red velvet cupcakes still your favorite?"

Kaden chuckled, pulling the Luna closer protectively. He said, "That's enough, you two. At this rate, you're going to spoil her rotten. She has been eating too well lately. Her bond ring is getting too tight for her."

"Don't pin this on us, Alpha. Luna is as stunning as ever. I'm sure the ring is the problem. I bet it shrank in the wash!" The wolf, who offered the latte, refuted in a joking manner.

Kaden smacked the pack member in good nature. "Don't be silly. Shrank in the wash? As if moonlight silver shrinks, but you should get the latte for Sera. Just a small cup will do."

"That's what you're missing, Alpha. You adore your Luna. Her happiness is your whole world. So if she's happy, the rest of us can breathe easy."

Kaden laughed and uttered gleefully, "Right, right. It looks like you've found my greatest weakness."

Every wolf guffawed.

The crowd practically ushered Seraphina into Kaden's office. She was offered fruit, snacks, tea, and everything under the sun.

Kaden took the time to pull up a TV series on his computer for Seraphina. "I should get to work now, Sera. Keep yourself occupied here. Let the assistant outside know if you need anything."

Seraphina asked deliberately, "Where's Lyra, your new assistant? Why haven't I seen her today?"

Kaden replied, "I have no idea. I'll get someone to check up on her in a bit."

Before leaving, Kaden ran his fingers along Seraphina's hair dotingly and murmured, "Wait for me here. We can grab lunch together later."

Kaden took off.

The council elders made their way out shortly after.

Spotting Kaden's phone on the desk, Seraphina rushed out after him and caught the council members talking.

"The rooftop? The Alpha and Lyra are getting bold with their little adventures."

"Well, they can't help it. No one expected the Luna to pay a visit out of the blue. They had no choice but to switch locations."

"Are we making sure that the Alpha is getting his contraceptive supplies?"

"Don't bother. I noticed that the Alpha had several boxes tucked away in his pocket when he was heading up."

"Heh. Alpha Kaden sure is something else to buy protection right under the Luna's nose."

"He adopted a human to run the errand. It's handy to have these runners around. You can get just about anything."

A realization dawned on Seraphina. The relentless calls this morning were from the human courier.

Kaden had placed an order first thing in the morning, instructing the runner to buy protection. He must have been looking forward to the rooftop rendezvous if he was making sure everything was in order so early.

"I wonder if he has bought enough with him. Last time, Alpha Kaden messed around with Lyra in the car all day. Lyra was walking funny when she came to work the following day.

"We can always send more when he runs out. Our job is to keep the Alpha happy anyway."

"Weren't you talking about putting the Luna's needs above everything else?"

"Tsk, what does she know? A cup of coffee and a sweet treat can keep her happy. Given the Alpha's standing, it's no surprise that he keeps a few she-wolves on the side. With his power and influence, he's free to sleep around so long as the Luna is kept in the dark."

"That's true. She looks naive, so keeping this from her should be a cinch."

As the conversation went on, Kaden arrived. "Keep your mouths shut around Sera, you hear me?"

The council elders nodded. "Got it, Alpha. You don't have to tell us twice."

One of them asked, "Why did you bring the Luna here today, Alpha Kaden? You and Lyra have to hide out on the rooftop, and we have to watch what we say."

Kaden shot him an angry look. "Seraphina is the pack's Luna. She has the right to be here. Don't question her presence."

"Yes, of course."

Kaden issued a warning with a scowl, "Take good care of Sera. She wasn't feeling her best yesterday, so don't give her anything cold or raw. One more thing. Not a word about Lyra and me, or you are out of the pack. Have I made myself clear?"

The council elders nodded with anxious grins. "Crystal."

Seraphina didn't stick around to hear the rest of the exchange. She swiftly returned to Kaden's office and placed his phone in a pile of snacks.

Moments later, Kaden entered the room. He was as refined and gentle as ever. "What are you chowing down with such delight, kitty?"

The pet name "kitty" made Seraphina's stomach churn.

Fighting back the nausea, Seraphina asked, "Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting now? What brings you back?"

"I left my phone here. Have you seen it?"

Seraphina shook her head. "No."

Kaden rummaged through the pile of snacks and retrieved his phone. "It somehow fell in the pile. Enjoy your treat. I should get going now."

Ring.

This time, the ringing came from Seraphina's phone. She took the call.

"Hello there, may I speak to Ms. Flint?"

"Yes, this is she."

"Ms. Flint, we've issued the ticket for your flight, departing a week from now. Please present your passport at the time of boarding."

"Are other forms of identification required besides the passport?"

"No, your passport is all you need."

"Thank you."

Kaden looked confused when Seraphina ended the call. "Passport? What do you need your passport for?"