Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 382: Chapter 382 - Over here, the pack members would absolutely adore you

If that nightmare had never happened, Seraphine never would’ve ended up trapped in that miserable excuse for a marriage. The realization slammed into her chest harder than she expected, stealing her breath for a second.

For years she had dragged herself through crushing loneliness, heartbreak that never seemed to end, and disappointments that piled up until they felt like they might break her.

She had carried wounds so deep they never really healed, no matter how hard she tried to pretend they had.

But then again, if that one night had never happened, she might never have gotten Esperanza.

That thought softened the sharp edge of her anger, just for a moment. Espe was the brightest, most incredible gift she had ever received in her entire life.

The peace didn’t last long, though. Another painful thought slipped in and wrapped its fingers around her heart.

What if things had been different? What if no one had ever interfered and torn their lives apart? Maybe Esperanza would still be here, but she would have been theirs, hers and Voren’s from the very beginning. After all, the little girl had inherited that same beautiful dark hair as Voren.

Seraphine’s chest tightened so hard it hurt to breathe. The spatula in her hand slowed to a stop as a storm of emotions swirled through her, raw and overwhelming.

Voren noticed right away. His eyes narrowed with concern as he watched her face change from a soft smile to something close to breaking.

One second she had looked happy, and the next her eyes were shining with unshed tears that threatened to spill over.

He stepped closer without hesitation and gently brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch full of tenderness.

"Baby, what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?" he asked, his voice low and warm.

Seraphine turned toward him, her eyes already glistening. The sight of her like that made Voren’s heart twist painfully in his chest.

A shaky breath slipped out of her. "V..." Her voice cracked with the weight of everything she’d been holding back. "They stole over sixteen years from us."

Tears finally broke free and rolled down her cheeks. "This should have been our life all along." She glanced around the warm kitchen, the comforting smell of breakfast filling the air, the snow falling softly outside the windows, the simple, perfect happiness they were finally sharing.

A life that had been ripped away from them for so long. "They made us hate each other when we should’ve been together the whole time."

Voren felt like someone had punched him straight in the gut. The pain hit him just as hard, sharp and unrelenting.

He hated thinking about everything they had lost, the years, the memories, all the moments they could never get back. But right now, Seraphine needed him more than anything, so he shoved his own hurt down deep and focused completely on her.

He cupped her face gently with both hands, his thumb brushing away the tears that kept falling.

His eyes darkened with fierce determination. "It’s okay, baby," he murmured, his voice steady and strong. "They’re going to pay for every single thing they did. Every last one of them."

Without another word, he pulled her into his arms. Seraphine melted against his chest, letting his familiar warmth wrap around her like the safest, most protective blanket in the world.

For a long moment neither of them spoke. She just listened to the steady beat of his heart while he held her tight, like he would never let anything hurt her again.

Then the unmistakable smell of pancakes starting to burn reached them both. They froze at the same time. A second later Voren let out a deep chuckle that eased some of the heavy ache between them.

"Looks like breakfast is trying to save itself," he said with a grin.

Still holding her close, he walked them over to the stove. Seraphine couldn’t help laughing through her tears as he reached over and turned off the burner without letting go of her for even a second.

"The pancakes survived," he announced, his lips curving into that charming grin she loved so much. "And damn, they look delicious."

Keeping one strong arm wrapped securely around her waist, he grabbed a plate and started serving breakfast with his other hand. It wasn’t the smoothest process, a couple of pancakes nearly slid right off the spatula, but Seraphine giggled softly at the sight.

"You know I can stand on my own, right?" she teased.

"Not happening," Voren answered instantly, the possessive look in his eyes making her cheeks flush with warmth. "This is exactly where you belong."

Once everything was plated, Voren sat down and pulled her straight onto his lap. They didn’t even bother with separate forks.

They just shared the same plate, taking turns feeding each other bites in the coziest, most intimate way. The simple moment felt so perfectly right that it made Seraphine’s heart swell until it almost hurt.

She stared at Voren for several long seconds, the love and affection shining so clearly in her eyes. "I love you, V," she whispered softly. "So much. You have no idea how much I’d give for you."

Voren lowered the fork, his chest tightening with emotion. For a moment he couldn’t even speak. Around everyone else he was always strong, fearless, untouchable. But with her, every wall he had ever built came crashing down.

He took her hand and intertwined their fingers tightly. "Baby, I love you so much it actually hurts," he said, his voice rough with feeling. "It kills me knowing I wasn’t there for you all those years."

Regret flashed across his face, deep and genuine. "If I could go back and change everything, I would in a heartbeat." He lifted her hand and pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles. "Now I just want to get us back to the city as fast as possible, so I can finally put my last name right next to yours."

Seraphine burst into bright, happy laughter as joy flooded back into her eyes. She leaned forward and kissed him, a quick, sweet kiss full of promise and love. "I can’t wait either."

The rest of breakfast passed in peaceful, easy warmth. No arguments, no heavy worries, just the two of them wrapped up in each other’s company and enjoying every second.

By the time the plate was empty, Seraphine leaned back against his chest with a thoughtful look on her face. "I guess we should head out and take care of those injured warriors now."

Voren nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yeah. I’ll have Kael bring a silicone mask for your disguise." A playful glint sparked in his eyes. "And I’ll definitely help you get dressed."

Seraphine blushed instantly, a pretty pink spreading across her cheeks. "I can dress myself, V," she protested, though she was smiling.

Voren’s amused expression only deepened as he leaned in and captured her lips in another kiss, this one brief but intense enough to make her heart race wildly. When he pulled back, the warmth still lingered on her mouth.

Then her gaze dropped, her eyes widened, and a deep blush covered her face. Without another word she practically ran toward the closet. If they stayed like this any longer, there was zero chance they’d make it to the hospital today.

Voren laughed softly under his breath, then mind-linked Kael. ’Bring the disguise items.’

The response came back almost immediately. ’Thank you, Alpha.’

He ended the mind link and changed into jeans and warm winter clothes. A few minutes later the closet door opened and Seraphine stepped out. They both froze for a second... then burst out laughing. Somehow they had picked matching outfits again.

Seraphine looked incredible in fitted jeans, a cozy turtleneck sweater, and a black coat draped over her shoulders. Voren looked her up and down with clear appreciation. "You look beautiful, and thanks for the delicious pancakes."

Before she could reply, a knock sounded at the door. Moments later they heard someone shoveling snow outside. Voren walked over and opened it. Kael stood there clearing the entrance, cold air rushing in with him.

The Beta straightened up right away. "Alpha, I brought everything you requested." Then his eyes landed on Seraphine, and his expression changed completely. Respect filled his gaze as he lowered his head. "Luna, it’s an honor to meet you again."

Seraphine waved her hand dismissively, a small smile stretching her lips. "Stop being so formal." She shook her head lightly. "I’m not Luna yet."

Kael looked genuinely confused, like the idea didn’t even make sense to him. "You don’t need a title to be a Luna, Luna Sera." A warm smile spread across his face. "Over here, the pack members would absolutely adore you."

Seraphine froze instantly.