Alpha's Regret: Claiming My Stolen Twins

Seraphina’s POV

Dawn broke through my window, but the light brought no comfort. I wished I could erase what happened between Julian and me last night. The confusion twisted inside me, leaving me unsure whether to feel disturbed or relieved that our first kiss had finally occurred.

My pulse hammered against my ribs like a caged animal. That moment when his lips touched mine had stunned me completely, sending me fleeing into the night. Heat crawled up my neck at the memory, mixing embarrassment with something I refused to acknowledge. Fury seemed safer. Rage could protect me from whatever this was.

I forced myself out of bed, my feet meeting the cold wooden floor. The house lay silent around me, offering the peace I desperately needed to untangle the chaos Julian had created in my mind. I doused my face with icy water, hoping to shock some clarity back into my thoughts.

My morning routine became my anchor. Combing my hair, choosing clothes, preparing simple food helped ground me in something real and manageable.

The orphanage called to me today. Those innocent faces, their pure laughter, their simple need for affection represented a world I could navigate. There, my purpose felt clear and my heart found its home. I needed to check on the children, ensure their wellbeing, and perhaps remember what truly mattered in life.

The walk provided blessed solitude. No conversations, no expectations, no need to navigate the wreckage of my crumbling world. For once, I could think about something beyond my own disaster.

Two figures in the hallway caught my attention as I approached the orphanage. Caleb stood there, his usually stern expression softened by genuine warmth as he spoke with someone I couldn’t immediately identify.

Caleb commanded respect among the pack’s warriors despite his quiet nature. He earned my trust through actions rather than words.

"Seraphina, good morning," Caleb greeted me warmly. As I drew closer, I recognized his companion and my stomach dropped.

Alpha Dorian stepped forward, extending his hand. "Luna Seraphina, what a pleasure to see you again. Caleb’s been sharing wonderful stories about your dedication here." His voice carried smooth confidence, his grip firm but respectful.

I managed what I hoped passed for a smile, cringing internally at the Luna title. "Alpha Dorian. I trust our pack has been treating you well." I’d personally ensured he received our finest accommodations and most attentive service.

"Everyone’s been incredibly gracious. Your people have remarkable hearts," he replied, echoing what visitors always said about our pack.

Strange how they could show such kindness to outsiders while treating me like an unwelcome burden.

Caleb gestured toward the children’s playroom. "We were just heading in. Dorian expressed interest in meeting the little ones."

Surprise flickered through me. Visiting Alphas rarely showed genuine interest in orphaned children. My curiosity was definitely piqued.

We entered together, Caleb and Alpha Dorian leading the way. The children’s enthusiastic chorus of greetings filled the air as their faces transformed from shy hesitation to pure joy.

Alpha Dorian lowered himself carefully to their level, moving slowly to avoid startling anyone.

"Hello there," he said, his voice gentling considerably. "I’m Dorian, and I’ve heard you’re all incredibly special people."

What unfolded next left me speechless. Alpha Dorian didn’t merely go through polite motions. He settled cross-legged on the floor, helping them construct elaborate block towers they gleefully demolished. He listened with complete attention as little Ivy, all serious dark eyes, explained the intricate mythology behind her dragon artwork. When Oliver’s shoelaces tangled hopelessly, Dorian’s large hands worked with surprising delicacy to free them. His natural ease with the children was remarkable. He asked about their favorite games, their biggest dreams, their preferred colors, treating each child like an individual worth knowing rather than a charity case.

I observed this display, grudgingly impressed despite myself. He possessed quiet strength wrapped in genuine warmth that seemed to embrace everyone around him. Any child would be fortunate to have such a protector. Yet even witnessing his obvious goodness, melancholy settled heavily in my chest. Julian’s scent lingered in my memory, the pressure of his mouth against mine. My feelings for him burned like wildfire, consuming and impossible to extinguish no matter how I fought them.

The heavy wooden door creaked open suddenly. Julian filled the doorway, his predatory gaze sweeping the scene before settling on me, then shifting to Alpha Dorian surrounded by chattering children waving colorful drawings. A muscle jumped in Julian’s jaw as the room’s atmosphere shifted from joy to electric tension.

"Seraphina." His voice dropped to a dangerous rumble that sliced through the children’s happy chatter. "What exactly is Alpha Dorian doing here?"

I straightened defensively, irritation flaring. "I discovered him here when I arrived, Julian. He’s our guest, spending time with the children." Ice crept into my tone. His accusatory manner, as if I were some misbehaving child caught in wrongdoing, infuriated me.

Julian stepped closer, his stare boring into Alpha Dorian. "And you saw no need to inform me?"

"Inform you?" My anger blazed higher. "Why should I? So you could rush over here and interrogate me about every conversation I have? I don’t appreciate your tone, Julian. I found him here as a guest. Nothing more." His jealousy radiated like heat waves, thick and suffocating, stoking my fury.

Before I could unleash more words, before he could hurl additional accusations, Julian stalked toward me. The children sensed the shift, falling silent with wide, confused eyes. Alpha Dorian looked up, surprise and concern flickering across his features.

In front of everyone, before these innocent children and our distinguished visitor, Julian’s hand captured my chin. His thumb traced my lower lip, sending shockwaves through my system. I gasped, my mind screaming protests while my body betrayed me, frozen by his overwhelming presence. Then his mouth crashed against mine in a fierce, possessive kiss that stole my breath and my dignity. This wasn’t tenderness. This was ownership. Declaration. War.