Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 479: Chapter 479 - To be buried beside the woman I love

Everything that had gone down that day hit them so hard that they completely forgot one major detail—their marriage was still supposed to be a secret.

The second Ira asked her question, Voren slowly turned toward her with an icy stare that made her heart slam against her ribs. ”So that’s why it’s still a secret,” he said, his voice staying calm but carrying a chilling warning that sent shivers through the whole helicopter.

”If you tell anyone, you might end up joining my mother when she’s laid to rest.”

Ira’s eyes went wide as saucers. She slapped both hands over her mouth and nodded frantically, promising without a word that she wouldn’t breathe a single syllable. Alpha Voren was way too terrifying to test.

The rest of the flight dragged on in total silence. By the time they finally got back to the hotel, exhaustion had sunk deep into everyone’s bones.

Voren carried Seraphine the whole way to their suite, her body limp and peaceful in his arms. She hadn’t stirred even once.

He gazed down at her serene face, his heart melting with a fierce wave of love and protectiveness.

After everything they’d been through at the cemetery, there was no way he was letting her crawl into bed covered in that cold, dusty, damp grime.

As much as he hated waking her, a hot shower would help wash away the day and let her truly relax.

He carried her straight into the bathroom. The moment her bare feet touched the cool marble, Seraphine slowly blinked her eyes open. She looked around sleepily before a soft smile curved her lips. ”The shower?”

Voren nodded. ”You’ll feel so much better afterward.”

She didn’t argue. The warm water cascaded over her, rinsing away the dirt from the burial ground, but it couldn’t touch the deep sadness still lodged in her heart.

When they finished, Voren wrapped her in a thick, fluffy towel and carried her back to the bedroom like she was the most precious thing in the world.

He settled onto the bed with Seraphine resting comfortably on his lap, then picked up a soft towel and gently dried her long hair with slow, careful strokes. He didn’t want her catching a chill.

After a few minutes, he looked down at her tenderly. ”You should eat something.”

Seraphine shook her head slowly, her eyes distant and heavy. ”I honestly lost my appetite the second I saw where my mother-in-law was buried.” She swallowed hard, sadness washing over her face. ”No Luna deserved a place like that. But... she still looked so beautiful.”

She leaned into his chest with a quiet sigh. ”Ian at least took good care of her body. He couldn’t give her a proper burial, but he made sure her body was treated right.”

Voren nodded, his expression thoughtful. ”I have a feeling that dress was Olivia’s wedding dress.” His face darkened with anger. ”And honestly... I wouldn’t be surprised if Dad bathes Mom himself and dresses her as carefully as if he were protecting the most precious treasure in the world.”

A small, heartbreaking smile crossed his lips. ”I know that’s exactly what I would’ve done.”

Seraphine lifted her eyes to him. Even behind his calm mask, she could see the raw pain hidden underneath. ”I’m still wondering what your father’s wish will be during the Full Moon Festival.”

Voren went quiet, his gaze drifting far away. ”If I were in his place...” His voice dropped to a whisper thick with emotion. ”My only wish would be to be buried beside the woman I love.”

Seraphine stiffened instantly. She sat up fast and cupped his face with both hands, her voice trembling. ”Voren... there’s still so much life ahead of us.”

His eyes met hers, already glistening with tears. ”Baby...” He covered one of her hands with his own, his throat tight. ”If you died... the only reason I’d keep living is if we had a child who was still too young to take care of themselves.”

A single tear slipped down his cheek. ”But if I were standing where my father is right now, nothing else would matter.”

Seraphine’s heart twisted painfully. She understood him completely. She pressed her forehead against his. ”I know,” she whispered softly. ”I think that would be my wish too.”

Then a gentle smile curled the corner of her lips. ”But your father has another reason to keep going. There’s a grand pup on the way.”

Playful warmth sparkled in her eyes. ”And I’m only just beginning to love having him as my father too.”

A small smile finally broke across Voren’s face. ”You’re right,” he breathed out. ”That changes things.” His fingers brushed some damp strands of hair from her face.

”Now we should get some sleep. The Full Moon Festival is only about fourteen hours away.” Curiosity flickered in his eyes. ”Have you already decided on your wish?”

Instead of answering right away, Seraphine leaned forward and captured his lips in a slow, deep kiss that lingered with all her love. When she pulled back, she rested her forehead against his again.

”My greatest wish is already sitting right in front of me.” Her smile warmed him to his core. ”I only have one more wish left.”

Voren smiled back, his heart full. ”So do I.” He brushed his thumb across her cheek with pure affection. ”When the Full Moon Festival is over, I’ll tell you mine.” He squeezed her hand gently. ”And hopefully, you’ll tell me yours.”

Seraphine leaned closer until she was straddling his lap, her arms loosely wrapped around his neck. A playful smile danced on her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ”That depends,” she teased. ”On how well you please me tonight.”

Voren froze, his heartbeat suddenly racing unevenly. Ever since she had collapsed, he had sworn to himself they wouldn’t be intimate until he was absolutely sure she was strong enough.

He hadn’t planned on changing that but now his wife was looking at him with those teasing eyes and that irresistible smile.

He let out a slow breath, torn between wanting to give her everything she desired and needing to protect her and their unborn child. For the first time, he found himself wondering which choice he would regret less.