Free Web NovelChapter 288: Chapter 288 - I’ll answer every single question you’ve got
Seraphine rubbed her heavy eyes, the city lights streaking by like glowing ribbons outside the car window. New York never really slept, and even this late the streets buzzed with honking taxis and late-night delivery bikes weaving through traffic.
She felt wiped out, body sinking into the soft leather seat as the long day finally caught up to her.
"Voren, what are you up to?" she asked, her voice coming out all slow and sleepy.
He turned toward her with that familiar half-smile, eyes crinkling at the corners like he found her adorable even half-asleep.
"It’s not me pulling anything. It’s all those questions you’ve been carrying around. And looking at you right now, you’re gonna need a good few hours of solid rest before we dive into any of that."
She nodded, brain fuzzy, but something tugged at her. She fished her phone out and called Corvine before she could second-guess herself. He answered quick, sounding a little relieved to hear her voice.
"Hey, it’s me. I’m staying the night at Voren’s with Marigold. You can come grab me tomorrow, alright?"
Voren leaned closer to the phone, his shoulder brushing hers. "I’ll drop her off myself in the morning."
Corvine’s tone turned serious now. "Sera, you forgetting your calendar? If you’re just gonna sleep straight through, that’s fine, but today or tonight starts another cycle."
The words snapped her wide awake. The sleepy fog vanished, replaced by that deep, familiar ache blooming in her chest, the desire to go back toward the pack lands beyond the city edges, where the trees stood tall and the air carried the scent of pine and earth instead of exhaust and street food.
She missed it already, that sense of belonging that always grounded her, allowing her wolf to numb the pain from her period.
"You’re right," she said, sitting up straighter. "I’ll come back tonight then."
Voren’s brow creased slightly, his jaw tightening just enough for her to notice in the passing streetlights. He stayed quiet for a beat, watching her closely while she wrestled with the decision.
She didn’t want to show up looking worn out and sick around Marigold on this first real visit. The little girl deserved better than that.
After making a couple quick calls, Voren turned back to her, his expression easing as his fingers relaxed against the steering wheel. "Call Corvine back. You’re staying the night. There’s a way to ease that period pain.
Seraphine raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. "How?"
"I don’t have the full picture yet, but my dad’s gonna lay it all out when we get home. Just trust me here."
She let out a small breath and passed the update along to Corvine, caught off-guard by his interest, even as he tried to keep his tone light.
"I’m dying to learn how to numb that mess too. You better share the tips, okay? Just in case I fall hard one of these days."
Seraphine’s warm chuckle came through the line. "I hear you." She indeed hoped that Corvine would find true love or better, his fated mate.
The rest of the ride melted away. Seraphine dozed off again, the gentle motion of the car and the low hum of the city lulling her under. When the car finally slowed and stopped, a bright, bubbly voice yanked her right back.
"Mommy! Mommy, mommy!"
Her eyes popped open. Marigold stood there on the driveway, arms thrown wide open, face glowing with pure joy. She looked so much stronger and brighter than those tough hospital days, cheeks full of color, eyes sparkling under the mansion lights. Jasmine stood a step behind her, smiling softly with that quiet protective warmth.
Seraphine stepped out fast, dropping into a crouch on the smooth stone so she could pull Marigold into her arms. The little girl’s warmth hit her chest like sunshine, chasing away the last heavy bits of tiredness. "There you are, my little princess."
Marigold wrapped her tiny arms tight around Seraphine’s neck, squeezing with all her excitement and giggling right in her ear.
Voren led them up the wide front steps into the mansion, and Seraphine took everything in as they walked.
The place sat in one of those nicer pockets just outside the main Manhattan rush, close enough that you could still hear the distant city heartbeat but far enough for breathing room and big trees lining the property.
Inside, the whole house felt alive and welcoming. Bright colors covered the walls and furniture, cheerful yellows, soft blues, and rich purples that screamed kid friendly.
Low shelves held toys and picture books, soft rugs covered the floors so little feet could run without worry, and everything looked warm instead of fancy and cold.
"It’s beautiful," Seraphine said, her voice full of real wonder as she glanced around.
Marigold lifted her head from Seraphine’s shoulder, grinning big. "Daddy picked all my favorite colors! If you like something different, we can change stuff to match yours too."
Seraphine laughed softly and brushed a wild curl behind the girl’s ear. "Thank you, sweetie, but these colors are perfect. Purple’s so rich. I really love it."
Voren walked them straight into the dining room. The smells hit her all at once, fresh pancakes, warm blueberries, oats with cinnamon, and a bunch of other cozy dishes that made her stomach growl loud enough for her to smile.
She set Marigold down gently in the chair right next to hers and leaned in close. "Princess, which ones are your favorites up here?"
"Pancakes, blueberry muffins, and oat!" Marigold pointed with both little hands, practically bouncing in her seat. free𝑤ebnovel.com
Seraphine started fixing a plate for her without thinking, cutting the pancakes into small bites, adding just the right amount of berries, and making sure everything looked fun and easy to eat.
It came so naturally, because she used to take care of Bryan and other sick children at the pack hospital. Jasmine watched from across the table, her eyebrows lifting in quiet surprise.
By the time Seraphine finished, she looked over and realized Voren had already put together a plate for her, lighter stuff, nothing too heavy, perfectly portioned.
He caught her confused glance and gave a small nod at the food, his eyes warm. "Thought you’d want something gentle on your stomach since you’ll be resting soon after this."
They ate in that comfortable kind of quiet, forks scraping softly against plates while Marigold hummed happily between bites. The food tasted even better than it smelled, warm and filling in all the right ways.
When everyone finished, Voren stood up and tilted his head toward the hallway, his expression gentle but firm.
"Guest room’s ready for you. Go get some real sleep."
She didn’t fight it. The big bed felt like sinking into a cloud after everything, and sleep took her fast and deep.
It was well past lunch when her eyes finally opened again. Soft sunlight poured through the tall windows, painting the room in warm gold.
The first thing she did was sit up, looking around for any sign of Marigold. Voren appeared in the doorway like he’d been waiting close by, leaning against the frame with his arms loosely crossed over his chest.
His face stayed calm, but his eyes held that focused spark, like he’d been thinking hard while she rested.
"She’s napping in Jasmine’s room," he told her, voice low and easy so he wouldn’t wake the house. "Didn’t want her bouncing around and disturbing you."
He pushed off the doorframe and stood taller. "So... you ready now? Ask me anything. I’ll answer every single question you’ve got."
