Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

While Seraphine and Corvine were completely wrapped up in everything surrounding MindNest, caught in the whirlwind of preparations, pressure, and expectations, Desmond and his wife Nessa had been quietly working behind the scenes, putting together something special just for them, with Humphrey and Kylie gladly joining in on the plan.

At the Stone mansion, grand dinners weren’t anything out of the ordinary. Lavish meals, beautifully set tables, and a steady flow of indulgence had long been part of life there.

But this time, this felt different. The atmosphere carried a softer, more thoughtful energy, like every detail had been chosen with intention and care.

Live violinists filled the space with gentle, flowing music, their notes wrapping around the room like a warm embrace, while professional Thai massage therapists had been brought in, ready to melt away every ounce of exhaustion clinging to Seraphine and Corvine.

The message didn’t need to be spoken out loud. It was written in every note, every scent, every thoughtful touch - you’ve done enough. Now rest.

"Congratulations, Sera," Kylie’s voice came the moment Seraphine stepped inside, her arms already opening as she crossed the space and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Thanks, Mom..." Seraphine’s voice came out soft, emotion catching in her chest as she held onto her. "I thought you had already left."

Kylie pulled back just enough to look at her, her eyes glowing with pride, her hands still resting on Seraphine’s shoulders as if she didn’t quite want to let go. "How could we? This is one of the biggest moments of your life."

Her gaze softened even more. "You did amazing."

Seraphine let out a quiet laugh, though it trembled at the edges, and pulled her into another hug, lingering this time, soaking in the warmth, the familiarity, the comfort she hadn’t realized she missed this much. "It feels better... having you here."

"Alright, enough of that," Nessa cut in, though there was nothing harsh about her tone, just a practical firmness that carried its own kind of care. "Eat quickly and go get that massage. The music is already set for relaxation, don’t let it go to waste."

That did it.

The weight of everything. The stress, the long nights, the emotional strain, rose all at once, pressing against Seraphine’s chest until it almost spilled over. "This is the best day I’ve had since coming to the city," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

And when the massage finally came, skilled hands worked through every knot of tension buried deep in her body, she didn’t even realize when her eyes closed.

She slept like someone who had been holding herself together for far too long and had finally been given permission to let go.

✧༺♥༻✧

It was close to midday when a soft knock echoed through her room.

"Sera."

Corvine’s voice followed, calm but firm enough to pull her out of sleep.

She groaned quietly, burying her face deeper into the pillow before forcing her eyes open, her body still heavy with the kind of rest she rarely allowed herself.

She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept this deeply at home, except during her cycle, when her body demanded it. But this felt different. Lighter. Like something heavy inside her had finally been set down.

"Sorry to wake you," Corvine said as he stepped in, his gaze lingering on her just long enough to take in how peaceful she looked, "but you need to get ready for your trip. Damon called. He’s leaving the pack, so I’ll take you halfway."

Seraphine pushed herself up slowly, her lips forming a small pout as she ran a hand through her hair. "I’m still so tired..."

"I know," he replied gently, though there was a quiet urgency beneath his tone. "That’s exactly why you need to head back soon. Your cycle could start today or tomorrow, so it’s better you’re already there. And... Alpha Humphrey and Luna Kylie want to say goodbye before they leave."

That wiped away the last traces of sleep.

A flicker of sadness crossed her face. "I was hoping to play one last game of chess with them..." she admitted, her voice softer now. "But it’s okay. I’ll get ready and see them off."

By the time she finished freshening up, the household had gathered for breakfast, the mood warm but laced with the quiet awareness that departures were coming.

Humphrey spoke first, his voice thick with emotion as he looked toward Desmond and Nessa. "We truly can’t thank you enough for taking care of our little girl. She’s happy here... happier than we’ve seen her in a long time. And knowing she isn’t out there alone, exposed to everything..." He exhaled slowly. "Having you both as parental figures brings us peace."

Desmond’s gaze drifted to Seraphine, a proud smile settling on his face. "If anything, we should be thanking her. Ever since she came into this house, things have been... unusually fortunate for us. Sera isn’t just a guest. She’s a blessing."

His words lingered before he added, more openly now, "Honestly, I’d love for her to become a permanent part of this family."

Corvine cleared his throat almost immediately, a subtle but unmistakable warning.

Desmond paused, then chuckled lightly, adjusting his words. "What I mean is... Sera is already family."

Kylie’s eyes flickered with something deeper, like disappointment, clearly noticing that Corvine still wasn’t ready to voice what everyone else could already see.

Humphrey’s expression darkened slightly as another thought crossed his mind. "I just hope she finds love again someday and gives us more grandchildren." His jaw tightened. "What Ravyn did to her, and to that child...I’ll never forgive him."

The table fell quiet for a moment, the weight of those words settling heavily in the air.

Seraphine cleared her throat, her fingers tightening slightly around her glass. "Mom... Dad... I think it’s time you both know the truth."

Kylie froze, her cutlery slipping from her fingers and clinking softly against the plate. "What do you mean?"

Seraphine took a slow breath, steadying herself. "Corvine never carried out the order to kill my child."

Silence.

"So... that means..." Humphrey leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper.

"She’s alive," Seraphine said, her voice fragile but certain. "She has to be. Somewhere out there."

The words hung between them, fragile and powerful all at once.

"I’ve been searching," she continued, her gaze dropping briefly before lifting again, determination and helplessness tangled together in her eyes. "But it’s been hard. There’s nothing, no name, no face, nothing hold on to."

Humphrey’s brows pulled together. "Why didn’t you tell us earlier?"

Seraphine shook her head slowly. "Because it felt pointless. We don’t even know who she is or what she looks like... I can’t hold onto something I can’t even picture."

Her voice softened, carrying a quiet resignation. "I can’t let myself live on hope alone."

"But you’re wrong."

Kylie’s voice cut through the heaviness, steady and certain.

Seraphine’s head snapped toward her, something fragile and bright igniting instantly in her chest.

"There is a clue," Kylie continued, Seraphine’s heart skipped. "There is?"