Amara – Reunion

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Before Duke could respond to my cheeky remark about his assistants sitting in his lap and massaging him, we heard the door closing.

I wanted to ask who could that be, but then I remembered that other than me and Duke, one more person has the key to Duke's apartment.

"No wonder you are cooking…", Sergio grumbled as he sat at the table while eyeing two plates with the omelet.

"Hi, Serina!", Ash greeted enthusiastically.

Based on their business suits, Sergio and Ash were about to head to work.

"Hi, Ash…", I responded awkwardly while making sure the bathrobe is secured tightly around me so that no private part is exposed.

It's not a secret that I'm dating Duke, but this was the first time Ash to see me here.

Based on the fact that it was morning, and I was wearing a bathrobe, he could easily guess that I spent the night here. How embarrassing.

I thought of changing into my clothes, but it would be too obvious. I totally gave up on that idea when I saw that both Ash's and Sergio's attention was on the food.

Werewolves.

I pushed my plate toward Ash. "Take this. It's early for me to…" I stopped talking when Sergio grabbed the plate.

"Thanks!", Sergio said shamelessly and dug the fork in food to start eating, ignoring my outraged expression.

Duke groaned in frustration and gave his plate to Ash. "Have this. I will make more for me and Serina."

I looked at Duke's dejected expression and wondered if I will ever get to taste his omelet.

"I assume you are not going to work.", Sergio said with a mouthful while observing Duke's casual outfit.

Duke smirked. "Serina is here, and I have you to watch over the company. I will come when I find the time. I'm using my privileges as the boss."

Sergio shook his head and didn't comment further.

I was glad that the relationship between Duke and Sergio stayed the same. OK. Maybe not the same, but they are talking.

After I told Duke the truth about his father being the Supreme Alpha, Duke spoke with Sergio, and they cleared the air between them.

Actually, Duke already knew that Sergio was hiding something from him, but he didn't know what it was.

Duke didn't blame Sergio too much because he knew that it was Duke's father behind the request to keep Duke in the dark, and Sergio only followed orders.

Sergio was not happy that Duke found out the truth, but he will get over it. Well, Duke already heard everything and it's not like I can take it back. Besides, it's better this way. No secrets.

Out of the four of us in the room, the only one who didn't know about Duke's background was Ash.

I observed Sergio. He didn't look good. "Did you lose weight?"

"Lately, Sergio is putting all his efforts into work and training Ash.", Duke responded while cutting bell pepper.

Why would that be the reason behind losing weight?

My attention was drawn to the even sound of a knife hitting the chopping board. I stood up. "Let me help you."

Duke refused my help. "No need. Sit and relax. I want to do this for you.", he spoke sweetly.

In the next moment, Duke glared at Ash and Sergio. "They will leave as soon as they are done eating."

I didn't insist. Considering my non-existent cooking skills, I would probably be in the way. 

"How is work, Ash?", I asked.

Ash's eyes lit up. "I'm learning a lot…" He was talking about percentages, risk tolerance, hedge funds, and some other things which reminded me why I'm relying on Duke to handle my investments.

I noticed that Ash didn't mention Zoe or anyone else from Fynn's packhouse, and I knew that Ash preferred to stay in London on weekends (Zoe complained). Ash spent a lot of time with Sergio, at work and outside work hours, and they would often go outside London, shift into wolf forms, and go for a run.

I was glad that Sergio took Ash under his wing. Since Ash started working as an intern, he matured considerably and instead of seeking fun, he was focused on learning the foundations that will be needed for building his career. I was not sure if that was a phase, or something permanent, but even Duke praised Ash's results and commitment to work, and I knew that getting Ash out of Fynn's packhouse was the right thing to do.

"Less talking, more eating.", Duke grumbled when he sat at the table with two plates filled with steamy yummy goodness. Again, half of the omelet was for me, and the other half for him.

Sergio and Ash swiftly emptied their plates and left.

"I'm glad they are getting along well.", I told Duke. "I was worried how Ash will adapt to an independent life."

"I wouldn't call it independent. Serge is spending most of his time with Ash. He even stopped frequenting nightclubs."

I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Sergio toned down his playboy habits in order to give a good example for Ash.

"I'm happy to hear that Ash coming here impacted Sergio positively also.", I said.

That still didn't explain the loss of weight, though. I had a feeling that I'm missing something important. However, Sergio is a grown werewolf, and he probably doesn't need my nagging to watch over his health. He ate that omelet just fine.

Duke got a bite-sized piece of omelet on his fork and held it in front of my mouth. "Take a bite before something else happens. This is the third omelet I made for you, and I insist that you eat it."

I remembered that first time Sergio interrupted, but then I was too busy with Duke in order to eat. The omelet Sergio ate earlier that morning was the second one made for me and this was the third.

I obediently opened my mouth and allowed Duke to feed me. It was delicious.

I didn't bother with getting a fork. Duke fed me and himself, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

"How was the event last night?", Duke started small talk.

I didn't want to tell him about the kidnapping in order not to worry him.

"Exhausting.", I said.

"Business?", Duke guessed.

"Not really. It's more… politics." I realized that I didn't tell him much about my father. Our talks were mostly focused on werewolves. "Aldus Mezzanotte is vampire royalty. His parents are holding the power, but my father is also very influential. As such, many want to sway him in order to gain his support that can propel them higher, and they don't want to allow him to support their competition. Last night's event was hosted by a guy who is involved in a power struggle. No matter how fancy they make it, it's exhausting when I need to weigh my every word and expression in advance."

"The higher one is, the more dangers he is facing.", Duke said, and I realized that he was talking about himself as well.

"Don't worry, Duke. You have me, and my father will also watch your back."

Duke looked at me gratefully and started sharing his thoughts.

"I spoke with Serge about people who might be after me because of my father, but he didn't have any specific names. He doesn't know who was behind the attack on the Bluemoon pack, but he is confident that other creatures were involved..."

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