Chapter 379: Chapter 380

Chapter 380 Get 5>

Adema As Kane’s car disappeared into the distance, Selene stood still, closing her eyes and letting her thoughts swirl.

This is what I wanted all along, she told herself. I wanted to stay away from him, and now he’s doing exactly that. I should be happy. Finally, I can live my life on my own terms. My family has reclaimed our lost pack. My children have what they deserve–a future under their father’s protection and his name. I don’t need anything else. I can finally have peace.

She took a deep breath, boarded the bus, and headed to the coffee shop. When she’d left the house earlier, she had thought about rejoining her old job. But now, everything had changed. She wasn’t here to reclaim her position; she was here to resign.

The vacation that had upended her life had brought with it betrayal. She had betrayed her brother, and now, with his recovery, she would have to leave the pack and her children behind.

Arriving at the coffee shop, Selene pushed open the glass door, the familiar bell ringing above her. She forced a small, sad smile as she stepped inside, ready to say goodbye to Margot, the woman who had been like a mother to her.

But instead of Margot, Selene saw an unfamiliar young woman behind the counter. She paused in surprise, letting the door close behind her with a soft chime.

The woman turned and smiled warmly. “You must be Selene Hawthorne, right?”

Selene blinked, taken aback. The woman’s face was unfamiliar, yet there was something strikingly similar about her features–

their eyes, the shape of their jaws.

“And you are...?” Selene asked, stepping closer.

“Hi, I’m Vera. Margot’s daughter,” the woman replied with a cheerful smile.

“Her daughter?” Selene’s curiosity turned to delight. “So, you’re finally back! Your mom works so hard for you. It’s wonderful to meet you.”

Vera shook her head modestly. “It’s great to meet you, too. Honestly, I’ve heard so much about you. Mom always talks about how you’re from a royal family and yet you’ve been working here alongside her. She says you’ve been a huge help.”

Before Selene could respond, Margot emerged from the back room. Her face lit up at the sight of Selene, and she rushed over to give her a warm hug. After the embrace, Margot introduced Vera, but they quickly realized the two women had already met.

Margot stroked Selene’s hair affectionately. “We’ve finished all the paperwork. You can come back and work with me again.”

Selene hesitated, lowering her gaze. “I can’t,” she murmured. “I’m going back to my old pack.”

Margot’s hand froze mid–motion. Slowly, she let her hand drop and reached for Selene’s instead. “You’re leaving the pack? For good?”

Though Margot looked visibly upset, Selene could tell she wasn’t entirely surprised. Margot had always known that Selene’s time at the shop was temporary–she was royalty, after all.

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Menu Vera, sensing the heavy mood, suggested they sit and talk. She flipped the shop’s sign from “Closed” to “Open” and began preparing two cups of coffee for her mother and Selene.

“Thank you,” Selene said softly as Vera passed by on her way to the back room to put on her apron.

“Anytime,” Vera replied with a grin. “I’m happy to help Mom while I’m here. I’ll be leaving in two months, though.”

Selene smiled in return, watching as Vera disappeared into the back. She then turned her attention bac k to Margot, and the two women fell into conversation.

The bell above the door jingled again, drawing their attention. Selene and Margot both turned toward the entrance.

Selene froze as her eyes landed on the newcomer. “Grayson?”

Grayson stepped inside, his expression a mix of relief and concern. “You’re back! Where were you? I’ve been calling you over and over.”

Selene’s heart raced. She forced a quick response. “I forgot my phone at home.”

Margot, sensing the tension, got up from her seat. “Why don’t the two of you sit down? I’ll make some coffee.”

Grayson gave Margot a polite nod before stepping toward Selene, but then, something changed.

Mid–step, Grayson froze. His nostrils flared slightly, and his eyes flickered, their color shifting in a way Selene had never seen before.

She followed his gaze and saw Vera emerge from the back room, now wearing an apron.

A low, guttural growl escaped Grayson’s throat. His voice was rough, primal, and filled with shock as he uttered a single word.

“Mate!”

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