Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 88: Chapter 88 – I’ve got everything under control

Leon had already reached the painful conclusion that Ravyn’s hatred toward Seraphine had grown far beyond anything that could be softened through reason, patience, or negotiation, although a stubborn part of him still clung to the fragile hope that someone like Voren might step forward and show enough fairness to prevent whatever humiliating challenge Ravyn clearly intended to throw at her.

The tension in the room had become thick enough to feel like a weight pressing down on everyone present, and Leon found himself watching Ravyn with quiet unease, because the cold satisfaction written across the man’s face made it obvious that he had been waiting for this moment.

Seraphine turned her gaze toward Leon and offered him a warm smile that carried genuine gratitude, and the softness in that small expression eased some of the tightness that had settled in her chest since the moment Ravyn announced the challenge.

The sincerity in Leon’s concern reminded her that not every powerful man gathered in this room had allowed arrogance or cruelty to erase their sense of decency, and that realization created a strange comfort that she had never expected to find in a place like this.

”Thanks, Leon, but trust me when I say I’ve got everything under control,” she replied gently, her voice steady and reassuring even though the situation unfolding around them could have easily rattled someone less prepared.

Leon studied her face carefully, searching for any sign that her confidence might simply be a mask hiding fear or stubborn pride, and the complicated mixture of concern and belief inside his eyes revealed how much he wanted to trust her words while still fearing that she might be underestimating the danger standing only a few steps away.

”Please, Sera,” another voice spoke suddenly from behind them.

Both Leon and Seraphine turned in surprise when they realized that James had moved from his seat without either of them noticing, his expression carrying the kind of quiet worry that belonged to someone who felt responsible for the situation unfolding before him.

”Leon is right,” James continued as he stepped closer, his tone calm but firm as he addressed her. ”I can speak to Mr. Ashkael for you, because when Mr. Walker sets his mind on something, he never fails to get what he wants, and Mr. Ashkael always stands firmly on his side.”

Seraphine listened quietly as father and son spoke, and the sincerity behind their words made it impossible for her to dismiss their concerns as simple interference.

The truth was that both men were acting out of genuine responsibility, because they had been the ones who brought her into this gathering, which meant they felt accountable for whatever consequences might follow.

If circumstances had been different and they had belonged to her world rather than the human one, explaining the situation would have been far easier.

Unfortunately, the truth connecting werewolves and humans remained hidden behind centuries of secrecy that could never be broken carelessly.

To humans like Leon and James, werewolves did not exist beyond the pages of fantasy stories or whispered myths, and the sacred nature of her world meant that crossing the invisible boundary between the two realities always carried risks that few people truly understood.

Long ago, most werewolves had focused only on preserving the traditions and structures of their own society, rarely allowing themselves to blend into the human world beyond necessary interactions.

Over time, however, a small number of them had begun living among humans and learning the rhythms of their lives, and many of those who succeeded in that integration discovered something they had never expected.

They envied humans.

Not for their power or their strength, but for the freedom with which they loved.

Human relationships unfolded in ways that were beautifully unpredictable, shaped by choice, affection, and emotional connection rather than the powerful pull of a predetermined mate bond.

That difference had stirred such deep curiosity among some werewolves that they had even prayed to the Moon Goddess, asking to be freed from the invisible chains of destiny so they could experience love the way humans did.

Standing here now, watching the quiet loyalty in Leon’s eyes and the fatherly concern written across James’s face, Seraphine finally understood why her ancestors had once looked at humans with envy.

These two men treated her with a level of kindness and thoughtfulness that she had rarely experienced among her own kind, and the warmth of their protective instincts stirred emotions she had never expected to feel in a place filled with ruthless businessmen and dangerous power plays.

For the first time in her life, Seraphine realized that she felt genuinely cared for by them in a way that had nothing to do with politics, hierarchy, or obligation.

”Mr. Hawthorne,” she said softly, meeting James’s gaze with sincere appreciation, ”trust me when I say I have a plan, and if you give things a little time to unfold, everything will start making sense.”

James opened his mouth as if preparing to continue the argument, clearly unwilling to let her walk straight into what he believed would be humiliation, although Leon reached out and gently stopped him.

”It’s alright, Dad,” Leon said quietly, his voice carrying the calm acceptance of someone who had made a decision. ”I trust her.”

Then his attention returned to Seraphine, and the worry in his expression resurfaced despite his words.

”But Mr. Walker looks like he’s ready to tear you apart,” he admitted honestly.

”I know,” Seraphine answered without hesitation, her calm tone filled with the kind of certainty that could easily unsettle anyone expecting fear or doubt. ”But he can’t actually do anything to me, so stop worrying and enjoy the show.”

With that quiet reassurance, she turned and began walking back toward the center of the room where the rest of the circle waited.

Before she could take more than a few steps, Leon reached forward and caught her arm, pulling her gently but firmly back toward him.

The unexpected movement brought her straight against his chest, and before she had time to react, he wrapped his arms around her in a brief embrace that felt instinctive rather than planned.

From Seraphine’s perspective, the gesture carried no romantic meaning at all, although the simple warmth of the contact still surprised her.

The clean scent of his cologne lingered faintly around him, and the familiar human fragrance carried a calm simplicity that contrasted sharply with the tense atmosphere surrounding them.

For a fleeting moment, the embrace reminded her of peaceful days that had nothing to do with revenge, strategy, or power struggles.

When she finally stepped back and turned around again, the expressions waiting for her across the room told a completely different story.

Voren’s eyes had darkened noticeably, and Ravyn’s gaze burned with a cold intensity that left little doubt about the conclusions forming inside his mind.

Both men watched her with the kind of possessive hostility that suggested they had interpreted Leon’s gesture in a far more personal way than it had actually been.

Seraphine dismissed the silent accusations without giving them a second thought, because she had no intention of explaining her personal interactions to anyone in this room.

She was divorced.

That simple fact meant she was free to spend time with whoever she wished, and no one here had the right to question that freedom.

Drawing in a slow breath to steady herself, Seraphine stepped back into the center of the circle where all eyes turned toward her once again.

”I’m ready,” she announced clearly, her voice carrying across the room with calm confidence. ”Go ahead and reveal the next option.”

Ravyn watched her with an expression that darkened noticeably as a slow, dangerous smile began to spread across his face, the kind of smile that promised humiliation rather than entertainment.

”Well then,” he said coldly, allowing the silence to stretch just long enough for everyone present to feel the heavy tension building in the air, ”it’s good that you’re ready.”

His eyes remained locked on hers as he delivered the challenge with cruel satisfaction.

”Number three requires you to strip and give me a lap dance.”