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

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~ London ~

Friday, 11:32 AM

I got out of the cab and removed my big sunglasses as I looked up at the building with a big sign "Eclipse" above the main entrance.

I was fidgety from the thrill my mischief gave me.

The event at the Giantshade Industries is tomorrow and I told Aldus that I will come one day earlier in order to catch up with Mona, yet here I am, in front of the Eclipse HQ building, without Mitch or Maria to watch over me.

Of course, there is always a chance that Marius or some other spy working for Aldus is hiding in the shadows, but I reached my destination, and nothing can stop me from getting into this building.

As for the scoldings, I will take them later.

I'm unable to fully shut down my ability, but I can't stay away from Duke either! I'm sure that Aldus will understand. Maybe.

The best part is that Duke has no idea I'm in London!

We spoke this morning on the phone, as usually, and we ended the call with a promise to talk next time in the evening.

I can't wait to see Duke's face when he realizes I'm here!

The automatic double door opened, welcoming me into the main lobby of Eclipse that was adorned in a modern setting with a luxurious feel.

Black shiny marble tiles covered the floor, while several sitting areas were defined by sofas and leather chairs arranged around the coffee tables, on top of gray area rugs.

Straight ahead, before the wall with the elevators, was the reception that consisted of a curved counter with three ladies sitting behind it, all busy on the phones or typing on the computers.

Very professional.

As I made my way to the reception, I took notice of a two-sided fireplace and potted plants that gave it a cozy feel. Above me were contemporary spiraling chandeliers whose mix of LED lights and tear-shaped glass pieces made them look like amazing art pieces.

"Excuse me…", I said when I approached one of the ladies at the reception. "I am here to see Mr. Drago Orsini."

The lady smiled. "Do you have an appointment?"

Darn! In my excitement, I forgot that I probably need an appointment. After all, Duke is THE boss here and not everyone can see him. But if I scheduled an appointment, the surprise would be spoiled.

I didn't want to give up easily.

"I don't have an appointment. I am his friend, and this visit was not planned. I'm confident that he will see me."

The receptionist's smile stiffened as her attitude turned hostile. "And I'm confident that you can't see him without an appointment. Mr. Orsini is a busy man, and his schedule is full. We can't disturb him for every woman who demands to see him."

I didn't like the receptionist's attitude, or her words that implied I'm some random woman who is trying to get close to Duke, but I didn't want to argue.

It was my bad I didn't think about this obstacle. I was elated that I got here, and I was imagining waiting for Duke in his office and then he comes in and stares in shock, while making sure I'm there for real, and then he scoops me into his arms and kisses me senselessly… and I completely forgot about the details related to how I would get into that office.

I got my phone and sighed, I can say goodbye to the surprise part.

Dejectedly, I dialed Duke's number.

It rang all the way and reached voicemail. Is he in a meeting and away from his phone?

I decided to dial again.

I would usually wait before calling the second time, but I came all the way to London, damnit, and I was impatient to see him.

After the third ring, a male voice responded, "Hello?"

This was not Duke. "I wish to talk with Mr. Orsini."

"He is busy at the moment. I can take a message."

Why is a stranger answering Duke's phone? "Who are you?"

"I'm Mr. Orsini's assistant and he is not available. Do you want to leave a message or not?"

Ah, of course… "Sergio, right? This is Seraphina and I am here to see Drago."

There was silence before he asked, "Here, where?"

"Main lobby of the Eclipse HQ. The receptionist didn't let me in because I don't have an appointment, but I wanted to surprise him. I will appreciate it if you come down here and escort me to Drago's office."

He hesitated before responding. "Mr. Orsini's schedule for today is full. I suggest…"

"Maybe I should call my father.", I snapped.

Sergio cleared his throat. "I will be down in a minute."

Was he thinking of brushing me off? Duke told me that Sergio fears Aldus and that he doesn't approve of us being together, but if he thinks that he can play against me and win, he is gravely mistaken. I came here while defying Aldus's warnings and one werewolf is nothing.

It didn't take long before Sergio appeared in the main lobby.

"Miss Mezzanotte…", he greeted me stiffly in a low voice without trying to hide his hostility.

I had enough. I just wanted to surprise Duke. Why is everyone making it difficult?

"Sergio, right? How about you lead the way to a place where we can talk in private. Hm?"

Sergio didn't respond but he walked toward the elevator, and I went after him.

The pale face of the receptionist that refused me a minute ago was priceless. I wondered what's going on in her mind.

He led me into an office with "Sergio Agosti" written on the door and I realized that was his office.

The office had a massive executive desk in the middle with a leather chair and there was a sofa on the side. Minimalistic and practical. The only luxurious thing was the view from the floor-to-ceiling window that covered one wall.

I didn't feel like making myself cozy, so I decided to stand, even though he offered me to sit.

My sight settled on the tall muscular man with black hair who stared at me intently.

Sergio leaned the back of his thighs on the desk with his arms crossed over his chest and didn't bother to start a conversation.

"We didn't introduce ourselves properly. My name is Seraphina Mezzanotte, formerly Sanya Bogdan." I was aware that he knew about my previous identity, Duke told me.

Sergio shook my hand stiffly, barely long enough to call it a handshake. "Sergio."

"I assume that Drago is in a meeting and that is why you answered his phone."

"Yes. When he is in a meeting, he prefers not to be disturbed."

My temper flared. Is he implying that I'm disturbing Duke?

"I will prefer if you drop the attitude, wolf." I spat this last word like it's something dirty. I have nothing against werewolves, but this man was rubbing me the wrong way. "I have no intention of harming Drago and if you look beyond the hostility you might see that we can help each other."

He pursed his lips. "If you don't want to harm him, maybe you should let him go."

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