SERAPHINA'S POV:
The gossamer fabric clung to my curves, and my pale skin glowed faintly in the candlelight. With my naturally cold and timid demeanor, I looked like a fallen moon spirit—a sight meant to entice.
The guards had said the Alpha Heir was still working in his study. I waited for a full two hours before heavy footsteps echoed outside.
The doors swung open. Gideon Carlisle stepped into the room. Earlier today, his mother, Matriarch Isadora, had mentioned sending a servant to his bed, but he clearly hadn't expected to find me already waiting in his private chambers. His dark brows furrowed slightly.
I looked up at exactly the right moment. My violet eyes were shimmering, carrying a perfect balance of shyness and submission, meeting his gaze directly.
But Gideon just stood there. He looked at me with the same calm indifference one might use to appraise a piece of furniture. There was no lust, no surprise in his eyes—only a cold, almost detached scrutiny.
His oppressive Alpha aura made my chest tighten. Biting my lip, I forced myself to stand. "Alpha Heir... please allow me to help you out of your clothes."
As I approached him, a flush warming my cheeks, Gideon actually took a step back.
Everyone in the Pack knew he was a man who lived by rules. He visited his Luna, Eleanor, during the full moon, and his other females on strictly scheduled days. I knew that if he accepted me, a breeder Omega, it would mean adding another exhausting obligation to his routine.
Rutting without purpose drained energy, and Gideon was clearly unwilling. Just as he opened his mouth, undoubtedly to dismiss me, a knock came at the door.
Agatha’s voice filtered through. "Alpha Heir, the Matriarch ordered me to bring you the Elk-Blood and Moon-Herb elixir."
It was a potent Alpha stamina brew. It was Isadora’s way of forcing his hand.
Gideon let out a quiet sigh. It was no secret how obsessed his mother was with getting a grandson, especially since his younger half-brother already had two pups, parading them around the Keep daily to flaunt in front of the Matriarch.
"Leave the elixir, Agatha. Tell my mother I understand," Gideon replied, his voice deep and resigned.
Agatha’s receding footsteps sounded almost cheerful; she clearly knew her master would never outright defy his mother's wishes regarding the Pack's lineage.
Once she was gone, Gideon turned his cold gaze back to me. "Let's get to bed, then."
He raised his arms, waiting for me to undress him.
Having served in the Matriarch’s quarters, I was used to this. I stepped forward, my hands moving deftly to remove his heavy outer coat, secretly studying him as I did.
In my past life, I had never dared to look at him. The other maids always whispered about his god-like beauty. Seeing him up close now, the rumors were true. Sharp jawline, eyes like midnight, a physique carved from granite. If I had to endure this to change my fate, at least the man I was serving was breathtaking.
After removing his shirt, I gently untied my own sheer outer robe. It slipped to the floor, leaving me in nothing but a crimson silk camisole embroidered with delicate lace.
The vibrant red contrasted sharply with my milky skin. My chest heaved slightly, the delicate curves of my body fully exposed—a living, breathing painting of temptation.
Any other male in the Pack would have lost their minds and tackled me to the rugs. But Gideon wasn't a normal man. He barely spared my body a glance, his eyes quickly returning to their icy calm.
Just as I was frantically wondering what my next move should be, he reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me under the heavy furs of the bed.
Under the heavy velvet canopy, I threw my arms around Gideon, pulling him close.
I was actually quite pleased at this moment. Secretly, I slipped a small, specially treated piece of white cloth under the pillows—my proof of the night. Even though, as a designated breeder Omega, I wasn't strictly required to present proof of consummation to the Matriarch or his official mate, my past life had taught me to always leave a backup plan. Even when serving the Alpha Heir, I couldn't afford to leave any loopholes for my enemies.
