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

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"So, Sergio…", I turned to the werewolf who was stuffing his face with an omelet like he didn't eat in days. "You said your plants bloomed. Is that unusual?"

Sergio's movements paused and I saw that he was thinking about how to answer.

"Drago told me you like plants and you have an impressive collection.", I added.

Sergio nodded and responded to my first question, "I have several rare plants in my apartment. They don't bloom often, but overnight three of them reached full bloom."

My stomach fell. I wasn't thinking about the possibility of impacting plants in surrounding apartments. Or what if there is an ivy crawling on the building's façade and I made it super-lush with the amazing orgasm from last night, and a bunch of people notices?

Luckily, Sergio had no idea that I might be the culprit.

"Three plants bloomed out of…?", I waited for him to fill in the gap.

"Five, that are difficult to mature unless the conditions are perfect.", he responded.

He said that three out of five reached FULL bloom, which leaves to interpretation how much the other plants were impacted, but that's not important. What matters is that I still can't control my ability and I should stay away from Duke (at least the intimacy part) until I figure it out completely, or I will risk exposure and maybe even harm my body.

"Well, congratulations…", I said to Sergio, hoping that he didn't find my questions about the plants suspicious.

I guessed that the plants he mentioned are related to creatures and if Duke is not here, I could talk openly with Sergio, but that also meant Sergio could find out more things about me. Duke was like a shield between us that prevented any excess information from leaking.

"I assume you have a good sense of smell, Sergio.", I said and noticed that Sergio's brows furrowed. "You mentioned the scent of a woman. Does that mean Drago has women here often?"

I felt Duke stiffening next to me and I shot him a grumpy look, indicating that he should be quiet. I finally have someone who can confirm or deny Duke's claims that no woman came here before me, and I didn't want to miss this.

Of course, Sergio could be Duke's wingman, but knowing that Sergio doesn't approve of my relationship with Duke, there was a big possibility that Sergio will make Duke appear as a womanizer so that I leave him.

To my surprise, Sergio shook his head, indicating how that's not the case. I thought he will deny how any woman came here, but his answer came with a twist I didn't anticipate.

"Not women. Woman. One. You. At first, the only thing I could smell when I came here was the food, but when I got into the kitchen, I got your distinct scent."

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise at Sergio's words. How is it possible that Sergio smelled me before when this was my first time in Duke's apartment? I would call him crazy, but he is a werewolf.

My curiosity was piqued. "You sensed my scent? When? How many times?"

Sergio pursed his lips, and Duke spoke before Sergio could say anything.

"Don't listen to him, Serina. His claim of sensing you ridiculous. He is not a dog."

I stifled a laugh at this. Well, maybe not a dog, but close enough.

"I need you to believe me that there were no women here. Feel free to ask Serge, but ask him about if he saw any for real, and not what he imagined.", Duke said to me pleadingly and then glared at Sergio with an obvious message that he should watch his mouth.

I reminded myself that Duke doesn't know Sergio is a werewolf. "Even if Sergio can't pinpoint that it's my scent, he should know if he smelled a female perfume or not."

Duke forced a smile. "The thing is that I bumped into a floral perfume that reminded me of you and I purchased it. Sometimes, when I was missing you I would spray it and Sergio would go crazy saying that I'm into feminine products or I have a woman here."

Somehow, I knew that Duke was lying. "You sprayed around a floral perfume that reminds you of me?"

And it's so similar that a werewolf can mistake it for a real person? I didn't think that's very likely, but what are other explanations? I was definitely never here before, and the fact is that Sergio was more interested in omelet than in woman's scent so maybe he mixed up things. Maybe. But why was Duke squirming under my gaze?

"So, are you moving in here?", Sergio's question saved Duke who was avoiding to answer my question about the perfume.

"No. I have an event later today so I will leave in the afternoon.", I responded to Sergio and turned to Duke. "I'm not sure when we will see each other again. I guess it will depend on how the event goes."

"Sounds like an important event.", Sergio said, hoping to hear more.

Duke groaned in disapproval. "It's the one hosted by Giantshade Industries."

Sergio's eyebrows shoot up. "I thought that Mezzanottes don't attend events. Do you have a secret relationship with Giantshade Industries?"

"There is no secret relationship." I turned defensive.

"Why are you going then?", Sergio continued probing.

"I told her not to go, but it seems that Giantshade Industries is targeting them.", Duke grumbled and I put a big bite of omelet into his mouth before he could complain more.

"My condolences.", Sergio said with mock concern.

I narrowed my eyes at Sergio. "If they dare to make a move against Notte Pharmaceuticals, do you think my father will submit?"

"I never said that.", Sergio responded with haste. "But Gianshade Industries is known to use loopholes, making them untouchable in the eyes of the law while they work under the table and use underhanded methods. It will be tough dealing with them. However, Aldus Mezzanotte is known as much more than just a successful businessman. I'm sure he will take care of Richard Thompson and his spawns without leaving traces behind."

I didn't care that Sergio insinuated how Aldus will get rid of the Thompson family. He was not wrong about it.

"Actually, he is letting me deal with them.", I said with a smirk.

Sergio scrutinized me. "What can you do?"

"More than you think!", I spat back, irritated by his condescending tone. I turned to Duke. "Besides, my Drago will help as well. We will deal with Thompsons together."

I could feel the grip of Duke's hand on my hip increasing under the table. Duke definitely approved.

I pecked Duke on the lips and gave him another forkful of omelet. The shine in his eyes made my heart melt, and I soaked in the happiness that radiated from him.

I giggled when I saw a piece of an egg at the corner of his lips. He is a messy eater.

I picked up the egg bit with my thumb which ended in my mouth while I looked at Duke slyly.

It was tasty, but the fire in Duke's eyes got my full attention.

The desired effect was achieved. Duke groaned at the sight, and I felt the poke against my bottom again.

Why am I playing with fire? Maybe because it feels so good to burn in it.

The moment my thumb left my lips, Duke's hand landed at the back of my head, and he pulled me in for a kiss.

"Ugh!", Sergio groaned in exaggerated disgust. "Thank you for the meal but I have no intention of holding a candle for the two of you. I'm out of here. The two of you continue. I will let myself out..."

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