"We're going home now," Kael said.

I only nodded. My chest still felt tight after what had just happened. Throughout the walk to the hospital parking lot, Kael kept holding my hand. His black car was already waiting. As soon as we got in, he closed the door and let out a long sigh.

"He really dared to come near you," he said.

I said nothing, staring out the car window.

"I don't want this problem to get any bigger. I've already rejected Lucian. I've already chosen you. I don't want to go back to that past," I said.

"I know, and I trust you. But I also can't just stand still when someone who once destroyed you tries to approach you again."

I took a deep breath, then closed my eyes for a moment. "I'm afraid he won't stop."

Kael touched my shoulder, then pulled me into his embrace.

"Listen, Sera. I am Alpha Stormfang, and you are my Luna. No one will touch you without permission. Lucian has to know his limits. If he crosses the line, I won't hesitate to..." He stopped, holding back his last words. I knew what he meant war.

I held his fingers tightly.

"I don't want war. I just want to live peacefully with you and our child. That's all."

Not long after, the car stopped in front of the house. Kael got out first, then opened the door for me. As soon as we entered the house, the scent of lavender from the diffuser welcomed us. Our child was sleeping in the next room, and the house staff had already made sure everything was safe.

Kael closed the door softly, then looked at me.

"Take a shower and get some rest. I'll make sure the house is secure tonight."

I only nodded. After taking a warm shower, I stood in front of the mirror. The reflection of my face looked paler than usual. The memories from earlier hit me again, Lucian's shattered face, his pleading words, and Kael's protective gaze.

I wiped my face. "It won't be easy for me to work in the same hospital as my ex, but I'm sure I can do it."

When I came out of the bathroom, Kael was already sitting on the sofa with his laptop open, clearly talking to someone.

"Strengthen surveillance around the house and the hospital," he said to the person on the other end.

"I don't want anyone approaching my Luna without permission. Understood?"

I stood at the doorway. "Kael?"

He turned, his face immediately softening. "Come here," he said, extending his arms.

I walked closer and sat beside him. He wrapped his arm around me, pressing his forehead gently against mine.

"I'm sorry if I seem too protective," he said.

I smiled faintly. "I know. I don't want to lose you either."

There was a brief silence. Kael closed his laptop, then pulled me closer.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll assign a personal guard for you at the hospital. Not only to protect you, but also to show Lucian that he needs to know his place."

I shook my head slightly. "You're overdoing it."

Kael looked at me seriously. "You are Luna of Stormfang now. You have the right to feel safe."

I exhaled. Deep down, I knew he was right. Lucian probably wouldn't stop that easily, because I knew his nature when he wanted something, he had to get it.

***

The next day.

After finishing my shift at the hospital, my body was still tired after a full day leading surgeries and dealing with emergency patients. My steps felt heavy as I exited the main doors. I just wanted to go home, take a shower, and rest.

But my gaze stopped when I saw, in the parking lot, Amanda with a tear-streaked face running toward Lucian. She caught his arm, her voice weak but panicked.

"Lucian, please, listen to me!"

Lucian brushed off her hand roughly, his expression filled with anger. "That's enough, Amanda."

I stopped a few meters away. The distance made it impossible to hear what they were saying, but I could clearly see the tears streaming down Amanda's face. Whatever was happening between them, I didn't want to know. It wasn't my business anymore.

At that moment, the sound of an engine reached my ears. A luxury car stopped right in front of me. The back door opened automatically, revealing the man who could always melt my heart, Kael.

"Get in," he said.

I stepped closer, but couldn't stop myself from glancing back. My eyes met Lucian's. For a split second, he was looking at me his eyes full of something I couldn't name. Regret, longing, or obsession? I didn't care anymore. I turned away and got into the car.

Once the door closed, the warmth of the cabin and Kael's familiar masculine, woody scent filled the air. He gently placed his hand on my head, brushing through my hair a gesture that always made me feel safe.

"Tired, hmm?" he asked.

I nodded lightly. "A little. Today was really tough."

Kael smiled, then leaned down to kiss my forehead.

"You've been working too hard, but I'm proud of you. My student has become a great surgeon," he said.

"Thank you, love. It's all because of you."

The car began to move. Through the window, I caught one last glimpse of Lucian standing still in the parking lot, with Amanda crying beside him. The sight was such a contrast — my painful past and my future, sitting right beside me now.

Kael took my hand, holding it tightly.

"Don't think about anything tonight. I just want you to relax. After dinner, we'll rest, alright?"

"Alright, Alpha Kael."

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. An unknown number appeared on the screen. I answered and heard a deep, familiar voice on the other end.

"It's me, Lucian."