The True Alpha of Lupine (Seraphina and Ronan) novel Chapter 218

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SERAPHINA

Everything felt wrong.

Wrong in so many ways that it overwhelmed me.

“Seth?” Grace’s gentle voice cut through the whirlwind of emotions stirred by Finn’s unexpected kiss. “Are you okay?” Her brows knitted together, concern evident in her eyes. “I’ve been trying to talk to you, but you seem distant, almost pale. Are you feeling unwell?”

I shook my head quickly, forcing a faint smile to mask the turmoil inside. “I’m fine, really. And yes, I heard about your excitement for spending the night in Alpha Jude’s Academy quarters—just like you always wanted,” I teased softly.

She blushed, a warm glow coloring her cheeks. “So you were listening,” she said, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Jude promised to take a half-day off to care for me and spend time together before we return to our pack. He even asked my father for a few days’ leave so he could stay by my side. He’s been so possessive lately, but honestly, I love that about him. I love how much he cares.”

Seeing her so vibrant and hopeful again after the heartbreak of losing her first child made my heart ache with happiness for her. “I’m truly glad for you, Grace. I hope you and Alpha Jude find the happiness you both deserve and stay together forever.”

She gently placed her hand over mine. “I wish the same for you and Alpha Ronan.”

My body froze instantly, panic tightening its grip on my chest. “W-what do you mean? I’ve told you before, Ronan and I aren’t like that.”

No one could find out about Ronan and me—not a soul—or everything would unravel.

Grace only smiled softly, sliding a small box toward me.

“What’s this?” I asked, blinking in confusion.

“A gift for you,” she said simply.

“For me?” I repeated, curiosity piqued.

When I opened the box, my breath caught sharply. My fingers froze, heart pounding wildly in my chest. Inside rested a delicate pair of women’s earrings. I snapped the lid shut abruptly, my pulse hammering. What had I just seen? Why would she give me earrings?

Slowly, I raised my eyes to meet hers. Grace’s smile was knowing, gentle.

“They’ll look beautiful on you,” she said quietly. “Especially with a black gown.”

My heart stopped. She knew. She knew I was a woman.

“When did you find out?” my voice barely a whisper.

“I had my suspicions from the start,” she admitted softly. “But the moment I hugged you… I just knew.” Her voice was calm and kind, yet her words sent a shiver of fear racing through me. If she told Alpha Gideon or Alpha Jude, it would be the end for me.

Then she smiled again, her eyes warm. “When we meet outside this Academy someday, let’s meet properly, Seth Darven.” She paused, her grin widening. “I’d love to be known as the best friend of the queen who sits on the Supreme Alpha throne.”

My heart pounded as her words settled in. She didn’t know my full identity, but neither my secret nor my gender changed how she saw me.

A small, genuine smile tugged at my lips, mirroring hers. “Sure,” I replied softly, in my true voice.

It turned out she never intended to expose me—not even to her soulmate, the man she loved deeply.

We shared a quiet laugh and talked for a long while, finishing breakfast together before I finally left her room clutching the small box of earrings. I resisted accepting the gift at first, but her insistence was impossible to refuse.

I carefully slipped the earrings into my pocket as I wandered through the quiet corridors of the healers’ wing. There were few patients here; werewolves rarely fell ill. Still, my mind replayed my conversation with Grace. She was such a wonderful soul, rooting for Ronan and me without knowing we were soulmates.

Yet beneath this warmth, a strange unease gnawed at my heart, stirred by what had happened with Finn.

My heart felt unsettled, and I was angry with myself for allowing that kiss. Perhaps I hadn’t expected Finn to kiss me, which left my body frozen, unable to react.