Unless the boyfriend is a wolf.

A week passed faster than Seth could notice. She truly enjoyed the time she had to spend by herself. Aside from that, she grew close with the guard's family.

It turned out that Henry's wife - Alyssa, was a fashion designer, to add, an amazingly talented one.

Their kids were absolutely adorable, both in preschool. Seth gladly looked after the little ones while their parents went out on some dates.

Even though she was a stranger, someone they just got to know, everyone grew to love her as part of their family. She didn't stay in the guesthouse since most of the time the kids didn't agree to sleep if they couldn't share the bed with Seth.

However, after the first week, Seth was granted a little more freedom; Alyssa even invited her to join her for a shopping spree.

Soon after both women arrived back home, Henry had to drive back to the Council territory.

Luciano noticed his absence, and the Alpha demanded to meet the guard. As much as they didn't want to let go of the man - he had to comply. Even when Alyssa tried to call the Council territory and beg for her husband to stay home - her words fell of deaf ears.

Seth overheard the call, she knew that Alyssa lied about being pregnant and that she needed Henry around, but on the other side of the line was Luciano.

No matter how she tried - the Alpha didn't listen. He wanted to have what was his for others to get back what was theirs.

“Before you get there, make sure you stop somewhere to take a shower. Perfectly, buy a new set of clothing beforehand. Get yourself a bar of strong lavender essence soap that will kill my scent - that one works the best. And, please, be safe. He has my phone number, and so do you - if anything, give me a call.” Seth instructed the male.

She worried about any step her new family took. She wouldn't forgive herself if something happened to Henry.

A week ago, she didn't have a reason for such panic, but they found out that Luciano had beaten someone up to a near-death state the day before. All because this person joked that they knew where Seth was.

The Alpha was raging, still being a part of the competition - climbing the ranks until he finally reached the top. After a week, the competition would conclude, and if Luciano managed to take the title - he would get Seth back without a problem.

The Council couldn't hide her anymore; he would announce her as their future Queen and demand her location.

“He will be careful, but so should you. You're an amazing woman; anyone out there would be happy to have you as theirs. All of us noticed it nearly instantly, but now you are a part of a family, and the family stands up for each other,” Alyssa approached Seth from behind, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Both of them were incredibly supportive, ensuring that Seth didn't lack a thing and always had someone to talk to.

“Besides, it's not like you're picking up his calls,” Henry laughed off Seth's words right before her phone went off again. “Speaking of the Devil,” he added. Luciano had tried day and night to reach her.

If Seth had to check her incoming calls - all of them would be Luciano and Luciano only. He attempted to call her from the numbers of his friends, but Seth made the mistake of answering only once.

It was a weekend, and she decided to do some cleaning up in the guesthouse. If she had to stay there for longer, she wanted a place of her own, which she rented.

Henry and Alyssa disagreed, but they had no other choice but to accept her offer to rent their guesthouse. Seth enjoyed that day more than others - the fulfilling feeling of accomplishment favored her throughout the day.

That was until an unknown number called her around late evening. She didn't bother to rethink her decision, too sleepy to see anything suspicious about the sudden call.

Seth watched how Alyssa and Henry held each other, hugging and kissing before he had to leave. At some point, kids joined their parents, and Seth sunk back in memories - rethinking the little bit of conversation she had with the Alpha.

~~~

“Hello?” She placed the phone next to her ear and yawned, more than ready to jump into bed and have a well-deserved rest.

While the caller didn't speak - her eyes scanned the spacious room, wondering if her new friends would mind if she did some renovations around the place.

Seth had nothing better to do, and the guesthouse needed some work done around it. When she left, at least the family would have something that reminded them of her.

“Kitten,” as soon as one word left his lips, Seth felt the wave of electric shivers traveling down her spine.

She couldn't utter a word, her throat as dry as a desert. She nearly lost her balance, surprised beyond limits - receiving a call from Luciano was the last thing she expected.

So much for hoping that he had managed to calm down and forget her. No matter how much Seth thought of reasons why she left or why she shouldn't be near - all of her feelings were so mixed; they didn't make any sense.

She hoped that Luciano would find someone new and replace her, but at the same time - the thought alone hurt her.

“L-” she attempted to say his name out loud, but the lump forming in her throat made talking difficult.

“Don't be shy, kitten. Say it, say my name. Luciano. Hopefully, you haven't forgotten that it's daddy for you. God, I miss you like crazy. Kitten, your absence is driving me fucking crazy.” Each word was nearly forced through gritted teeth. The Alpha, once again, surprised her by showing off the anger and desperation he felt. “Listen, little one, do not hang up; I'll track your fucking location and come to get you. Please, don't be afraid; I won't hurt you, however - I will kill anyone who's trying to take you away from me. Just a fair warning.”

Seth could hear the smile forming on his lips as Luciano promised to kill Henry and his family. The only good news about this situation was that Luciano didn't know for sure that she was with the guard.

Seth didn't answer and did the opposite of what Luciano asked. She ended the call and turned off her phone, fearing that he had managed to keep her on the phone for long enough.

That night Seth couldn't close an eye - she walked around the backyard and made sure that an uninvited guest wouldn't arrive. It was the first time when she thought of leaving the family.

~~~

“Seth, you're still with us?” Alyssa shook her a little, bringing her out of her thoughts. Henry had already gotten into the car and was ready to leave, but Seth ran to the vesicle.

“Listen, if he catches you, just promise that you'll tell him around where I am, okay? Make him give me a call from your phone, and I'll decide where he can meet me. If I have to choose between my safety and your family - I choose them. Be careful, Henry,” Seth didn't stay with him for any longer. She wouldn't accept the answer he would give.

Luciano was after her, no one else, and risking others because she was a little scared would be unfair. They had done so much for her; it was time to return the favor.

Seth carefully brushed past Alyssa, throwing a weak smile at the woman. This wasn't a time for her to be around the kids - all Seth wanted was to lash out in anger.

The thought of everyone trying to control her life while she wished for nothing but freedom upset Seth.
She grabbed her phone and called her best friend; Anton would know what to do. He has been in such situations many times before.

It took nearly an hour for Seth to explain all details, including insane amounts of sex with Luciano and the quickie with Dominic. Of course, Anton had a lot to say after hearing the drama with multiple men.

“To set the record straight - you slept with two, and there are two more after you, right?” Anton sighed.
Seth pictured her friend sitting down on their worn-out sofa, grabbing the pillow and bringing it to his chest. It was a thing Anton did whenever he sought some comfort.

“Yeah, and then there's…” Seth couldn't manage to finish her sentence even if she tried; as usual, Anton was the one to finish it.

“And then there's the one you slept with a couple of times. I still can't believe that you slept with an Alpha and actually did it more than once. Is there something you are trying to hide? Seth, I feel like you're holding something back from me. Don't act as if I don't know you; it hurts me. Besides, I can try to give you a piece of advice only if you tell me everything.” He did have a point.

Based on his voice tone, Seth knew that Anton wanted to help her - it wasn't him being nosey or anything.

“Well, as it turns out, my father has promised me to a pride leader. Technically, one of those Alphas might be thinking that I'm getting married by choice. This is messed up, I know. I'm not sure if this will be an important detail, but I spent a night in his bed - and I'm not talking about having sex. He held me throughout the night, we cuddled, and I woke up trapped in his arms. I never do such things; something is wrong with me. I know there must be something wrong,” Seth let out a deep sigh, cursing under her breath.

She found it difficult to fight the smile as she thought of that night. Perhaps it was something she needed - just sleeping next to someone who made her feel safe.

Seth was aware of her place, and she never assumed that she should stay for a night. It was a pleasant change, for once, feeling as if she matters.

“Girl, you're fucked. Honestly, the only thing I can tell you is to follow your heart. Don't let anyone decide the path you would walk, same as you haven't let even your father do that thus far. Seth, you are an amazing woman, and I'd do anything to be with you if only I were straight, so I understand those Alphas. Look at yourself in the mirror for once, and do your best to notice everything beyond beauty. Any man would be lucky to have you in their life. But now, I think you need a walk or something. Get out of there, go to the forest, some fresh air might help you to think. As you get there, just drop the negativity and breathe. The answers will come your way when least expected.” Anton smiled as he spoke.

Seth knew that her friend was weird, always talking about irrelevant things, but this time he was right.

She thanked him for the time and advice before proceeding to question if Anton was alright. Nothing much changed in his life, but for once, he had a boyfriend, not a one-night-stand.

He was dating the wolf from the gas station for a while now and even planned to move in together. Seth couldn't hide that she felt a little sad for the news, but the joy over Anton's love was far more important.

Unlike other times, their time wasn't limited - the new boyfriend arrived, and Anton had to end the conversation. Seth felt like it wasn't enough but decided that it should be since the most important thing was that Anton was safe and happy.

“Well, walk it is then,” Seth mumbled under her breath and threw a coat over her shoulders.

Since she didn't bother to tell her friend about the terrifying experience in the forest, she rather went as far away from it as she could.

After a while of roaming around, Seth accidentally found a small town, perhaps a mile away from the guard's home.

It was beautiful; people around here were friendly and happy to show her direction anywhere. She didn't think about any problems, for some reason - Seth forgot all about the Alphas.

There was no longer raging Luciano or Dominic that would ruin any conversation she had with a guy.

She did miss Vlad and Ryder a little - both of those men were a bit of a mystery for Seth.

Even though she came across many different clothing stores, Seth kept walking around the town until she found a place selling toys. Henry's kids were marvelous; both of them deserved the best, and what's a better way to say thank you to a kid than buying them a toy?

Seth was happy to get rid of all thoughts and waste time by choosing the perfect gifts for kids.

However, Seth didn't notice how fast the time actually went - it was getting dark outside. She paid for her purchase, thanked the nice lady and left the store.

When she stepped outside the building, a low groan escaped her lips - it had started raining.

“So much for a great time on my own. Real smooth, Seth,” she whispered under her breath, rolling her eyes.

She thought about staying under the roof until the rain stopped, but getting back home would take enough time even if she didn't wait, so there was no other way but to go. As soon as she made her first step, a tall man held an umbrella over her head.

“Thank you; this won't be necessary, sir,” Seth pointed her finger at his hand, which held the umbrella.

Even though the male smiled while looking at her - Seth felt that something was wrong. It wasn't just the sudden appearance or weird approach; it was his scent. The male was a lion.

“I overheard you talking to yourself. Your name is Seth; it's such a coincidence because my fiance has the same name. Weird, right? Two women, both named after a man. Bizzare.” The male showed off his teeth; they seemed sharp enough to cut flesh.

Seth couldn't help but feel like she needed Luciano again. Usually, she would deal with the man without a problem, but this lion terrified her for some unknown reason.

“Sir, please step back. I'm waiting for my boyfriend here, and he won't be happy to see a lion next to me,” Seth muttered, turning her face away. She had to come up with some sort of a lie, hoping that it could stop him.

“Huh, interesting. Who would ever hate on lions? Sweetheart, we are as peaceful as we can be - everyone likes us.” The man spoke with such pride, it wouldn't be a surprise that he held a higher position. He seemed as if he was thinking of something, bringing a finger to his face, tapping it against his cheek. He took a deep breath and grinned, about to speak up again: “Unless..”

“Unless the boyfriend is a wolf. Get the fuck away from her, pussy.”