41 Chapter 41

41 Chapter 41

Seraphina’s POV T

The late afternoon sun painted Silver Moon Harbor in shades of gold and amber as Damien drove us toward the harbor district, his expensive car gliding smoothly through the Friday traffic. Adrian was practically vibrating with excitement in the backseat, his small face pressed against the window as he pointed out every interesting building and boat we passed.

“Look, Mommy! That boat is huge!” he called out, his voice bright with wonder. “Do you think people live on it?”

“Some people do,” I replied, turning in my seat to smile at him. “They’re called houseboats.”

“Could we live on a boat, Mr. Damien?” Adrian asked, his attention immediately shifting to our driver. “That would be so cool! We could

sail around the world and see whales and pirates!”

Damien chuckled, that rich sound making warmth spread through my chest. “Pirates might be a little dangerous for everyday neighbors,”

he said, catching Adrian’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “But the whale-watching sounds like an excellent idea!”

I’d changed into comfortable jeans and a soft sweater as Damien had suggested, grateful to be out of the formal work attire that had defined my interactions with him until now. There was something liberating about sitting beside him in casual clothes, like we were just a normal couple taking their son out for an afternoon adventure instead of a complicated tangle of mate bonds, dark pasts, and

unresolved tensions.

“Where exactly are we going?” I asked as Damien turned onto Harbor Street, the familiar scent of salt air and seaweed drifting through

the car’s air conditioning.

“Somewhere I used to go when I was Adrian’s age,” Damien replied, his voice carrying a note of nostalgia I’d never heard before. “My

father used to take me there when pack business got too overwhelming. He said every Alpha needed a place where they could just be a

person instead of a title.”

The car pulled into the parking area of Harbor Point Marina, where dozens of boats bobbed gently in their slips and seagulls wheeled

overhead in lazy circles. The setting sun turned the water into liquid gold, and I could hear the soft sounds of waves lapping against the

docks.

“Whoa, Adrian breathed as we climbed out of the car, his wide eyes taking in the forest of masts and the bustling activity of the marina.

This place is amazing!”

Damien came around to our side of the car, and I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach as he moved close enough for me to catch his

intoxicating scent. His hand found the small of my back with casual possessiveness that sent electricity shooting through my nervous

system.

“There’s an ice cream stand at the end of the main pier,” he said, his breath warm against my car as he spoke quietly enough that only I

take a walk

heart do a little flip. Here was one of the most powerful Alphas in the werewolf world, and he’d spent time researching what a four-year-old boy might enjoy on a

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41 Chapter 41

softly, my

down the weathered wooden pier, Adrian running ahead to peer over the railings at the boats below while Damien and I followed at a more sedate pace. The

teenage boy working the ice cream stand,

eyebrows.

my preference

office conversations.

rocky road. “This is the best ice cream ever!” he announced around a mouthful of chocolate

Damien, you’re the best!”

said gently, ruffling Adrian’s dark curls. “We’re not at work

found myself stealing glances at Damien when I thought he wasn’t looking. With

sleeves rolled up to reveal strong

examine a particularly impressive yacht. “Come look at this boat! It’s like a floating

warm fingers catch my

training, but his touch was gentle

said quietly, his voice barely audible over the sounds of

“For what?”

on the back of my hand, such a simple gesture but

had anything like this. The three of us together… it feels

made my throat

he could respond, Adrian’s delighted shriek cut through our intimate moment. “The

please, please?”

building what Adrian declared to be “the most epic sandcastle in the history of the world.” Damien, despite his expensive clothes and commanding presence, threw himself into the project with surprising enthusiasm. He helped Adrian dig a moat, construct

driftwood nearby, watching these two males in my

need a flag!” Adrian announced, standing back to survey their

a business card. With quick movements, he tore

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41 Chapter 41

with delight. “Now

in brilliant shades of orange and pink, we packed up our beach supplies and made our way back toward the car. Adrian was drooping with exhaustion but fighting sleep with the determination of a child who

day to end.

tomorrow?” he asked hopefully, his small hand slipping trustingly into Damien’s

a boat next time?”

that sounds like an excellent plan,” Damien said, lifting Adrian easily when the little boy stumbled

night’s sleep so you’ll have enough energy for tomorrow’s construction

the time we reached my apartment building, Adrian was sound asleep against Damien’s shoulder, his

around the Alpha’s neck.

Damien said quietly as we climbed the narrow stairs to my floor. “He’s heavier

my keys, hyperaware of Damien’s presence behind me in the narrow hallway. The familiar

confined

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