Chapter 686 – Guests arrival

Chapter 686: Chapter 686 – Guests arrival

Seraphine knew Corvine cared. That was why she didn’t shut him out completely. "Well, I’m the queen after all."

Corvine’s brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his features. "Care to explain?"

She slid her goggles back into place, the lenses catching the fluorescent light. Her fingers moved with practiced precision over the equipment as she spoke.

"I have my ways." Her voice carried a quiet confidence, the kind that came from knowledge no one else possessed. "As a queen, I have a level of power over other Lunas. Not just because of the crown, but because of an old feud."

Corvine’s confusion deepened.

"I never cared for it since Voren brought me so much joy." A soft smile stretched Seraphine’s, brief and fleeting. "But now, I’ll use it all to my advantage."

Corvine’s mind traveled back. He remembered clearly how most of the Lunas used to visit the Centenary pack. They had built strong relationships with Seraphine, and on the day of Daisy’s co-Luna coronation, most of them hadn’t even bothered to show up.

Seraphine never mentioned them after that. He had assumed they weren’t important. "Can you give me a little detail of this plan?"

This time, Seraphine’s gaze pinned him with suspicion, sharp and knowing. "I’ve told you enough."

She turned back to her work, dismissing him with the quiet authority of a woman who had said all she intended to say.

"The Blood Moon Festival is in two days. Someone like you should be getting ready." Her voice carried a hint of teasing. "I hope you’re aware that you and Liah are in charge of welcoming all those Alphas and their Lunas?"

Corvine was the Alpha. That was an Alpha’s responsibility. He inclined his head, accepting the reminder with grace.

"Alright. I trust whatever plan you have."

He walked away with a faint smile, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor. The moment he reached his room, he reached out to Voren through the mindlink.

’She didn’t give me the details. Only mentioned using the Lunas.’

A sigh crackled through the link. ’Good. Then it won’t be anything dangerous. Thanks.’

---

Corvine was in the shower when the bathroom door swung open.

Liah barged in, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Cory, mom—"

His hand shot out, catching her wrist and pulling her into the spray before she could finish. Water cascaded over them both, soaking through her clothes, plastering her hair to her cheeks. His lips covered hers, swallowing her startled gasp.

When he finally pulled away, Liah’s cheeks were flushed crimson.

"Silly you." She swatted at his chest, but there was no real force behind it. "Mom and dad are in the living room. What are you doing?"

She was stunned by how shameless he was being, standing there with water streaming down his bare chest, completely unapologetic.

Corvine shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You’re acting as if it’s a sin to shower with my wife."

Liah was glad she hadn’t showered yet. But when Corvine’s hands began to wander, his intentions clear, she caught his wrists and pushed him back.

"I said your parents are in the living room." Her voice came out breathless, betraying her. "We need to be fast, so you better tame that beast between your thighs."

A low chuckle rumbled from Corvine’s chest. He stole one more kiss, long and passionate, leaving her dizzy before he finally pulled away.

"This isn’t over."

He helped her dry off with a towel, his hands gentle despite the hunger still burning in his eyes. They slipped through the door that led directly to the closet, dressed in casual clothes, and emerged into the living room looking composed.

Desmond and Nessa were already settled on the sofa, their faces bright with excitement.

"The Grimroot pack is better than I heard about." Nessa’s gaze swept the room, taking in the elegant furnishings and modern touches. "It feels as if you’re living in a seven-star hotel in the city."

She rose and embraced her son, holding him tight. When she pulled away, her eyes found Liah, and her smile softened.

"Thank you so much for bringing him so much happiness."

Liah’s cheeks warmed. "It’s nothing, mom. I already told you. Cory makes me happy."

The two women fell into easy conversation, their voices a warm hum in the background. Corvine led his father to the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind them.

"Dad, why didn’t you ever tell me the truth about my identity?"

Desmond showed no remorse. His expression remained steady, unreadable. "That’s because I wanted better for you."

He moved to stand beside his son, his weathered hands resting on the railing.

"Since I couldn’t train you myself and had been away from the pack for too long, I needed someone stronger and more powerful to do the job." His voice carried the weight of old decisions, old sacrifices. "Had I sent you to your blood pack, trust me, you would have turned out differently."

Corvine absorbed the words, turning them over in his mind. Pieces began to click into place. Atticus wasn’t strong. He was cunning, yes, but weak in ways that mattered. No wonder he had raised a son like Killian.

"You should have still told me." Corvine’s voice came out quiet, but edged with hurt. "Maybe when I was older. It took me by surprise to hear it from strangers."

Desmond inclined his head, conceding the point. Even he hadn’t expected Atticus to bring it up.

"I’m sorry about that. I just never thought they’d bring it up since your presence was rather a threat." His eyes narrowed, studying his son. "But it was clear they wanted your money. Don’t tell me you’re interested in anything there."

Corvine shook his head, a dry smile curving the corners of his lips. "You misunderstand. If you had told me, I would have put them in their place."

"You still did well."

Desmond patted him on the shoulder, then looked around, his expression changing to something almost eager. "So, when do I become a member? And where would I live?"

For someone who had been away from packs and wanted it to remain that way, his eagerness stunned Corvine. But the final decision about whether his father would stay would still depend on his mother.

"You’ll live at the north wing with mom. I’ll have one of the gammas check you in."

Desmond was reluctant, his gaze lingering on the suite around them. He didn’t want to leave.

"Wait. Will it be as nice as this place? "You know me, I—"

Corvine shook his head, cutting him off. "If you don’t like anything there, just tell me."

He changed his mind and took his parents to the guest quarters himself. The moment they stepped inside, Desmond’s jaw dropped.

"What the fuck?" His eyes went wide, sweeping across the elegant space. "This should rather be the leaders’ quarters."

Corvine smiled, a hint of pride in his expression. "The leaders’ quarters was decorated by men. This side was done by a woman." He paused, letting the implication settle. "You can guess who."

Desmond pieced it together, understanding dawning on his face. "Seraphine is amazing but don’t get me wrong, your wife is equally amazing."

He looked at Nessa, something soft passing between them. "Now, I have a pack I can call my own."

For the first time, Nessa said something that calmed him completely. "I don’t mind us moving to the pack. This feels like a vacation home."

They laughed, the atmosphere lighter than any of them had expected as Corvine suddenly asked, "who takes care of your businesses if you move to the pack?"

The couple could not answer, but the bubbly atmosphere was not ruined.

---

Later, Corvine began to receive more members.

Emery, Tallulah, Zane, Nicole, and Callum arrived in a steady stream. Even Augustine appeared among them, her presence a quiet surprise.

The next day, more guests began to arrive ahead of time. The pack grounds buzzed with activity, warriors directing newcomers, gammas checking names off lists, the air thick with anticipation.

Corvine stood at the entrance with Liah, greeting each arrival with the practiced ease of an Alpha. But his composure cracked when he saw a familiar figure step out of one of the vehicles.

Daisy.

His blood ran cold. Was she even supposed to be here?