The employees were shocked when they heard a female voice from the other end and addressed their president as 'husband.'
Zephyir stared at them, and they scrambled away.
In the dimly lit room of the branch office, Zephyir's brow quirked ever so slightly. 'She has never initiated a call before.'
Seraphyne's change in tone didn't go unnoticed.
"Go ahead," he encouraged, his curiosity piqued. 'She must be up to something.'
His role as the Alpha had often required him to make weighty decisions for the pack, and he was well accustomed to these kinds of conversations.
Yet, this was a unique situation.
The woman he married under specific circumstances was now reaching out to him in a way he hadn't anticipated. 'Way back, it was also her who needed my help, but she didn't know how to ask for it.'
'She used to be so silent, but she's actually competent, and she knows how to get what she wants. Guessing was never my thing, but when I proposed the marriage, she didn't decline and hasn't reacted violently.'
Seraphyne inhaled deeply, steeling herself. "You see, I've been thinking about some ways to contribute to the pack and its members. I believe that there are certain needs that haven't been fully addressed yet."
She bit her lip, the hesitation in her voice noticeable. "I'm considering opening a small shop within the pack's residential area to provide essential goods and services to our members. It's just a thought I had, and I wanted to discuss it with you before proceeding."
'The Alpha should bite this reason. I can't think of other reasons to open a shop. Well, I can't just say I actually want to increase my savings because the money did not belong to me but to the original Seraphyne. And I will feel guilty if I spend it.' Seraphyne thought.
Zephyir's silence was calculated, his thoughts processing her words. As an Alpha, he was protective of his pack, ensuring their well-being and safety.
Hearing his Luna express such intentions was both unexpected and intriguing. 'How did she become concerned about the pack all of a sudden? And who would have expected her to open a shop and take the initiative to solve small problems for the pack? Something must have happened to her during her stay in the pack!'
"I appreciate your initiative," he finally responded, his voice measured and thoughtful. "But why do you think the pack members require such a service? Aren't their needs already being met?"
Seraphyne took a deep breath, sensing the opportunity to explain her idea further. "It's true that the pack's needs are being met, but there are certain inconveniences they face. With a shop conveniently located within the pack's area, it could make their lives easier. Moreover, I'm hoping this venture could provide some of our members with additional employment opportunities."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Of course, I wouldn't proceed without your approval and guidance. I value your input, and I believe that your perspective as the Alpha is essential."
In the midst of her explanation, Seraphyne was well aware of the weight of her words and the delicate balance she needed to strike.
She was speaking not only as the Luna but also as an individual who wanted to contribute positively to her new home and community. She thought, 'It might be a small help to me, but it can mean a lot more to ordinary residents living here. This talk is making it hard to concentrate and think!'
"I see, you have a point..."
On the other hand, Zephyir's deep voice was so captivating to hear over the phone, and Seraphyne found herself addicted to hearing the distinct tone of his words.
'His voice is delicious, and I can get lost just by listening to him speaking. I can even start to imagine how he looked in person. Thirty-six is not that old, and I bet he must be just like how Werewolf-themed books describe their Alpha. Hot and Spicy!'
There was a certain fascination in the way he spoke, each sentence carrying a weight of authority and masculinity. It was a voice that had commanded respect and admiration, and now it held her attention with an unexpected allure.
'I've had lots of boyfriends before, but his voice can only remain unmatched!'
Listening intently, Seraphyne absorbed his response. The Alpha's inquiry had been rational, as he was accustomed to considering the needs of the pack members thoroughly. As she had expected, he was cautious, weighing the potential benefits against any unforeseen complications.
She maintained her composure, knowing that the crucial part was about to come. "Your perspective means a lot to me," she continued, her voice sincere.
"I believe that by addressing the minor inconveniences our members face, we can foster a stronger sense of unity and support within the pack."
As the conversation unfolded, she couldn't help but wonder about the soul space she had discovered within herself. It was a realm hidden from everyone's knowledge, even from Zephyir himself. She knew that she couldn't reveal this aspect of her existence, no matter how curious or puzzled she might feel.
The reasons for her secrecy were twofold. First, the concept of a soul space could be considered supernatural, and in the werewolf world, where practicality and tradition reigned, such notions could be met with skepticism or even fear. She didn't want to draw attention to herself as an anomaly, possibly triggering mistrust or unwanted scrutiny.
Secondly, the soul space was a reservoir, a resource she could utilize to make informed decisions and potentially influence her actions. If word got out that she possessed such a unique power, it could attract both unwanted attention and potential dangers.
Werewolves were creatures governed by instincts and hierarchies, and someone with her abilities could be seen as a threat to the established order, not to mention other races like vampires and demons.
Seraphyne understood that keeping the soul space hidden was crucial not only for her own safety but also for the pack. 'Maybe at the right time, I can confess the existence of the soul space to him. But without enough strength, I'll only put myself and all of us in danger.'
'But at that time, it should be a time where our emotional foundation developed so deep that he could start to read my mind through my eyes.'
Her goals were to make a positive impact and provide support, but revealing the extent of her abilities could inadvertently disrupt the balance of power and the pack's dynamics.
'I don't know how strong an Alpha is, but if he's not strong enough to protect me from the rest of the world, I might as well bury this soul space as a secret till I leave this world.'
And so, during this conversation with Zephyir, she remained careful not to let slip any hint of the extraordinary knowledge she held within herself. Instead, she focused on her intentions to create a service that would genuinely benefit the pack while seeking his guidance and approval in doing so.
"Thank you for understanding, husband," Seraphyne replied warmly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
As the conversation drew to a close, she could sense Zephyir's cautious approval of her idea, and it brought a sense of satisfaction to her. This was a small step toward her goal of stabilizing her future and establishing her place within the pack.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they bid each other farewell, and Seraphyne ended the call.
She leaned back in her seat, taking a deep breath. "It would be great to talk to him a little longer, but I don't know what else to say."
She had managed to navigate the conversation smoothly, avoiding any mention of her hidden abilities or the soul space.
When the call ended, Zephyir closed his eyes and recalled what Lucas mentioned to him.
Lucas, one of the pack's key members and an advisor to Zephyir, had informed him about the events, especially Kieiran getting into trouble and Seraphyne stepping into her role.
He described how Seraphyne had handled the matter with a mix of diplomacy and authority, effectively diffusing the situation and protecting Kieiran's interests. Zephyir had listened to Lucas's account, impressed by Seraphyne's capabilities.
It was during this conversation that Lucas had hinted at Seraphyne's potential to be more than just a new wife. He had mentioned her keen observations, her quick thinking, and her ability to navigate complex situations with ease.
Zephyir had taken note of these qualities, recognizing that there might be more to his new wife than met the eye.
'How could someone change so much after meeting for the first time?'
'Her confidence seemed to crawl out of her shell. There might be more surprises waiting for me back home, and I must hurry!'
Zephyir and Seraphyne were thinking of the same thing.
This flashback served as a reminder to Seraphyne that she was capable of asserting herself within the pack and making meaningful contributions.
While her focus had initially been on stabilizing her future and avoiding attention, she realized that she could use her unique skills to positively impact the pack members and the dynamics of the community.
"Things will get better and better..."