My Sister Stole My Mate And I Let Her (Seraphina) novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Chapter 189 WHAT’S NEXT?

SERAPHINA’S POV

Maya was waiting for me on my porch steps when I got back home.

“So,” she began, the casual tone belying the weight of the morning as I walked toward her, “you survived the handoff.” She spread her arms. “How’s your heart?”

I laughed softly, trembling between relief and lingering anxiety as I stepped into her embrace, resting my head on her shoulder. “Intact, I think. Mostly.”

She stroked my back in soothing circles. “A part of it is tucked in that his little backpack, I’ll bet.”

I managed a smile. “You bet.”

“Well,” she said, forcing extra cheer into her voice as she pulled back. “I blocked off my entire day and even blew Ethan off. Retail therapy?”

I laughed, grateful for the shift. “Retail therapy, yes. Definitely yes.”

I didn’t even bother stepping into the house. Not ready to face the empty silence of a home without Daniel, I turned straight back to the car.

***

Retail therapy wasn’t just my favorite activity with Maya; it was a welcome change of pace—a chance to exhale, to let the heavy weight of the morning lift.

As we browsed through racks of clothing and small home decor, Maya filled me in on the latest OTS news.

“Jessica left,” she said offhandedly, flipping through a rack of sweaters. “Officially. She handed in her notice last week.”

I froze, glancing at her. “Jessica? She left? But...” I scoffed. “Is she that salty about third place?”

“The opposite, actually,” Maya answered. “I don’t know if you know this, but she was never fully a part of Shadowveil.”

“She wasn’t?”

“Nope.” Maya pulled out a coral sweater and held it up to my neck, her brows drawn in concentration.

“Shadowveil sentinels rescued her from an attack while she was traveling alone—she’d been near rogue territory, I think, but I don’t know all the details—and Lucian extended her amnesty so she could safely recover from her injuries. He was supposed to oversee her official induction when she got better, but I guess he’s been dragging his feet.”

She shook her head and returned the sweater to the rack. “Anyway, since she wasn’t officially Shadowveil, her LST position attracted offers from other packs. She and her teammates got plenty of interest, and she quickly took advantage of it.”

Maya lowered her voice. “My guess is she did it to save face in case Lucian rejects her.

I nodded slowly, processing.

Part of me was taken aback that Jessica had decided to step away completely from Lucian’s pack rather than trying to carve a place for herself. Another part of me worried about Roxy and how—or if—Jessica’s departure would affect her.

Maya noticed my silence and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Hey,” she said gently. “The whole point of retail therapy is to keep you out of here,”—she tapped my temple—“ so stay with me, okay?”

I laughed softly, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. “Yes, Miss Cartridge.”

We continued through the shops, examining fabrics, comparing colors, and laughing over silly accessories.

Maya teased me each time I slipped into melancholy, and every laugh came easier than the last.

After a while, we settled into a small café for coffee and a quick snack. Maya’s eyes sparkled as she leaned back in her chair, sipping her latte.

“So,” she began, her eyes twinkling. “What’s next for the indomitable Sera?”

I snorted at the nickname. “What do you mean?”

She shrugged. “Daniel’s off forging his own path. You can’t just wait around for him. You have to live your own life, too.” She leaned in. “How about starting a new book?”

I almost choked on my latte. “Wh-what?”

Maya smirked. “I missed you so much during the LST that I went and read a bunch of your books.”

My eyes widened, and an incredulous laugh slipped out of me. “You did?”

She nodded, smirking. “For someone unlucky in love, you sure know how to write sexy male leads and sizzling chemistry.”

My cheeks burned. “Oh gods.”

She laughed, nudging me. “So, anything new in the works?”

I exhaled. My writing career, Elaine, my 300-word sequel that I’d abandoned when I joined OTS—it all seemed like a lifetime ago.

“Honestly, I haven’t thought—”

“Sera?”

I turned.

Standing a few steps from our table, elegant in a flowing ocean-blue dress, was Luna Selene of Seabreeze Pack.

“Luna Selene,” I said, startled but smiling as I quickly rose to greet her.

“Please,” she laughed softly, “I told you—it’s just Selene. Friends, remember?”

I laughed. “Right. Hi, Selene.”

Her smile brightened. “Oh, I’m so glad I ran into you. I was hoping to catch you before I leave the city.”

Maya arched an eyebrow, leaning back in her seat with a curious smile.

Selene stepped closer, warm sincerity in her eyes. “You were sensational, Sera,” she said, and my chest swelled even as my eyes welled. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the gold.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice shaky.

Little dimples popped up on her cheeks as her smile deepened. “I wanted to remind you that my invitation still stands.”

My mouth parted, no words coming out.

I hadn’t really thought about her offer to join Seabreeze since she’d made it, but now, the thought of leaving, of joining a new pack when my son just took his first steps to become Alpha, made me hesitate.

I wasn’t sure what my own heart wanted yet, and the uncertainty rooted me in place.

Selene noticed my hesitation and laughed softly.

“My invitation to visit,” she clarified with a wink. “My daughter—goddess, she adores you. After watching the Trials, she’s declared you her ‘Luna of inspiration.’”

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