Chapter 3

Lucia

I had very few belongings—everything fit into a single suitcase.

When I came downstairs, Severus was already waiting by the front door.

Seeing me dragging my luggage, he stepped forward to take the suitcase. When our fingers touched, I felt an electric current shoot through my entire body, making me shiver involuntarily.

I reminded myself it was just the instinctual reaction between an Alpha and Omega—I couldn't lose composure in front of him.

Severus opened the car door for me, gentlemanly inviting me in.

As I got into the car, I was still somewhat dazed. I couldn't help but look back one last time at the place where Antony and I had lived together for five years, my eyes filled with sorrow.

"Stop looking." Severus took my hand, his voice low. "From now on, your life can only include me."

He was right, but my heart still felt like it was being pricked by needles.

It wasn't lingering attachment to Antony, but because those were five years of my life I'd invested. Good or bad, they were memories impossible to erase.

Severus's fingertips paused when they brushed over my ring finger, his gaze dropping to the ring on my hand.

It was a very ordinary diamond ring that I'd pestered Antony into buying for me in our second year together.

I'd once treasured it like a precious jewel; now it was just a cold piece of jewelry.

I removed the ring and gently placed it in Severus's palm, saying with a faint smile: "Do with it what you will."

Severus looked at me suspiciously: "You're willing to give it up?"

I nodded seriously.

Expressionless, Severus rolled down the car window and threw the ring out, then pulled out a tissue and wiped his hands with distaste.

"Are you upset?" I asked tentatively.

"That thing was too cheap." Severus turned his head toward the window. "You'd better think carefully if there's anything else. I don't want you bringing his belongings into my home."

His words sounded like jealousy.

The thought of the Alpha who struck terror into the pack displaying such boyish petulance in front of me made me laugh softly.

"What are you laughing at?" Severus turned to look at me.

"Nothing." I suppressed my laughter, saying quietly: "I just think you're not as difficult to get along with as I imagined."

Severus gave me a long look but said nothing more.

The car stopped in front of a luxurious estate in central New York.

Severus's home was even more spacious and magnificent than I'd imagined—dozens of times larger than Antony's house.

The estate was filled with butlers and wolf guards responsible for security. I felt like I was entering a castle.

"Your room is on the second floor." Severus pointed upstairs. "I live next door to you. Don't worry—I won't touch you before we hold the official mating ceremony."

Severus was just as I'd imagined—gentlemanly and refined.

I secretly breathed a sigh of relief and followed a servant to my room.

The room had been carefully decorated with everything I could need. The closet was filled with expensive clothes, and I was amazed to discover that Severus even knew my clothing sizes.

I noticed a stack of blank manuscript paper on the desk, my gaze lingering for a moment. Though the days of making a living by writing had been tough, the sense of accomplishment after completing each interview piece had been more real than any amount of money.

I sat on the bed, looking at everything in the room, feeling like I was in an unreal dream.

Yesterday I was still living with Antony; today I'd become his adoptive father's Luna. Life truly was unpredictable.

At dinner, Severus said to me: "I have to go to France tomorrow and won't be back until next week. What about you?"

I thought for a moment, then told him: "I want to find something to do. I can't always depend on you. Does your pack have a news office or external publicity department? I used to write columns for a small newspaper in my pack and did some interviews. I want to try exploring this world in my own way. After all, I am your Luna—I should probably learn about wolf history, customs, and..." I grew less confident as I spoke, since I hadn't even truly adapted to being a Luna yet, "our future territory."

Severus first stared into my eyes, then pondered for a moment before speaking hesitantly: "There is a department specifically responsible for internal pack news, external media releases, and archival organization called Dusk Moon Communications. It's just that... Antony has already arranged for Elena to go in as editor-in-chief."

My heart leaped with joy and I was about to thank him, but hearing his words, my heart sank. I hadn't expected Antony to arrange his first love by his side so quickly.

"I'll have Elena fired tomorrow," Severus said calmly.

"No need." I smiled. "We've already broken up—who he arranges has nothing to do with me. Besides, I don't want people saying I'm abusing my power."

Severus studied me for several seconds, as if judging whether I truly didn't care anymore. Finally, he nodded: "Alright, I'll make arrangements tomorrow. You can be a senior investigative reporter, reporting directly to the communications director. You won't have to answer to her."

"Thank you," I said quietly.

Severus turned to look at me, his eyes carrying a hint of teasing: "Just thank you?"

I thought for a while, realizing that since I'd already moved in and would eventually truly be with him anyway, there was no need to be so distant. So I leaned over and gently kissed his cheek.

Severus froze, then wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me into his embrace.

Suddenly weightless, I found myself sitting on his lap. Before I could react, Severus cupped my chin and kissed my lips.

Unlike kissing Antony, Severus's movements were gentle, as if handling a rare treasure.

Perhaps due to his age, Severus lacked Antony's impatience. He was more like an elder guiding me, drawing me step by step into his rhythm.

At first I was nervous, but as his kiss deepened, I gradually relaxed, slowly wrapping my arms around his neck and breathing in the cedar scent emanating from his body—so pleasant it was almost intoxicating.

Severus's hand slid from my cheek to my neck and continued downward. When it reached my collar, he hesitated for a moment before finally releasing me.

"Good night." He forcibly suppressed the desire in his eyes, kissed my earlobe, then turned and went upstairs.

Watching his retreating figure, I felt a long-lost sense of security.

That night I slept soundly, feeling much lighter after breaking free from Antony.

The next morning, I deliberately wore a crisp business suit and pulled my hair up high before heading to the address Severus had given me.

"Hello, I'm the new investigative reporter," I politely greeted the receptionist.

The receptionist looked down at the registry, then looked up and smiled at me: "Please follow me. I'll take you to complete your onboarding procedures—the editor-in-chief is already waiting for you."

I followed the receptionist through the lobby and was about to enter the elevator when I heard a familiar voice behind me: "Lucia? What are you doing here?"