Chapter 0209

"Why?"

"Because he's the one who took my mother from me. I finally tracked him down six months ago." My gaze drops to the floor. Admitting this makes my stomach twist with shame, even though I know the bastard deserves every ounce of pain I've given him.

"He keeps denying it. Swears he didn't kill her. But I know he's lying."

"How can you be sure?"

"They found him crouched over her body, covered in her blood. When someone tried to stop him, he ran like a coward. My father spent years hunting him. Then I took over. Eighteen years he's evaded justice. I won't let him die until he tells me why."

She stays silent, fingers twisting in the blanket.

"If this is too much for you, I'll end it now."

Her voice cracks. "You're my mate."

"Yes. I knew the moment I saw you. Valeria wasn't strong enough to sense the bond until today."

"I never wanted a killer." The whisper shatters me. How can I promise never to take another life when the monsters who hurt her still breathe?

"I'm an Alpha. Violence is in our blood. I won't lie—I've killed before. I'll kill again to protect this pack. To destroy anyone who harms what's mine. And the ones who hurt you? I'll tear them apart with my bare hands."

I reach for her. "I want to fix this. I'll do whatever it takes. But don't ask me to spare the leeches who put a price on your head. I don't kill for pleasure. Only necessity. Let me prove that to you. Dorian and I can't promise more."

Her eyes lock onto mine. "You terrified me."

"I'm sorry. I never wanted you to see that side of me. I thought you were still out. Planned to clean up before you returned."

Cradling her hand between mine, I lay myself bare. "Give me a chance to show you I'm not a monster. Maybe I'm harsh. Maybe I'm ruthless when my pack is threatened. But with you? I want peace. You calm the storm inside me. I'll try to be gentler, if that's what you need. Just... don't walk away."

Tears burn my eyes—something that hasn't happened since my mother died. For her, my mate, my Seraphina, I'd bleed myself dry.

She studies me for an eternity before speaking. "Fine, Sebastian. One chance. Valeria wants Dorian. Evelyn and Nathaniel believe in you. For them, I'll try."

I press my lips to her knuckles. "You won't regret it."

'Screw this up and I'll rip out your throat myself,' Dorian growls.

'Our mate comes first. Fix this so we can claim her properly.'

"Hungry? I can have food brought up. Or better—let me take you out. Show you more of Nightshade territory. We'll get dinner, buy you real clothes. You must be sick of wearing borrowed scraps."

"A shower first. Then we'll go. I... I'd like to see my new home."