Chapter 0216

The realization hits me hard—Sebastian hasn't just been alone his entire life. Beyond Nathaniel's father, who only taught him how to lead a pack, no one has ever shown him real love or affection.

I set down the scissors and comb. Leaning into him, I run my fingers through his freshly trimmed hair. My thumbs trace his eyebrows, then drift down to his closed eyelids, finally brushing over his lips. He kisses my fingertips gently.

A soft smile touches my lips. "I haven't slept without nightmares in years. Not until I came here. You and Dorian... you keep them away."

His voice is rough with emotion. "You make me feel whole, Seraphina. That hollow ache I carried for so long—I'd forgotten it was even there. That's why I'll do anything to keep you with me. I've never felt this complete before."

I pull his head against my chest, and his arms wrap around me tightly.

After a moment, I ease back. "Come on. Want me to wash your hair in the tub?"

His eyes darken. "Will you join me?"

This closeness between us is intoxicating. Maybe it's just the mate bond pulling us together, but I don't care. I want to be the one who heals him. The one he turns to when the world breaks him. The one who transforms his pain into something beautiful.

We're like two jagged puzzle pieces—mismatched and damaged—yet when we fit together, we become something whole.

"Yes," I whisper.

The way his face lights up steals my breath. I cup his cheek. "You should smile more. It suits you."

He turns to press a kiss to my palm. "You give me reasons to."

Standing, he moves to fill the tub. "Where's the broom? I'll clean this up."

While he fetches towels, I sweep the hair clippings and return the chair to the bedroom.

When I reenter, he's already undressed. "Get in. Let me rinse this hair off you first."

The roles reverse from earlier. Cradling his head, I pour water over his dark strands, the musky scent of his shampoo mixing with his natural aroma. As I massage his scalp, his eyes drift shut, tension leaving his body under my touch.

I take my time, savoring this rare vulnerability.

After rinsing, I stand to undress. His gaze burns as it travels over my body. Slipping into the water between his legs, I lean back against his chest.

"Thank you for the haircut," he murmurs in my ear.

I tilt my head to meet his eyes. "Thank you for trusting me with your truth. I want this to work, Sebastian."

His arms tighten around me. "We'll make it work. I promise."

The water laps gently as we hold each other, two broken souls finding solace in the unlikeliest of places.