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

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~ French Riviera, Aldus's villa ~

I plopped on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

The last two weeks I spent organizing Luca's birthday, video-chatting with Duke, and every other second of my time was with Aldus, practicing.

The Giantshade Industries fell into the background ten days ago, when Jonathan Thompson sent a revised proposal for collaboration. This one seemed like a real deal without any side suffering disadvantages, but I refused him the next day.

"Are you sure you don't need more time to think about it?", Jonathan personally called about half an hour after I sent the rejection email and he insisted to talk to me.

"Time will not change my decision."

"Can you elaborate on why you refused? I am sure we can work on something as I am eager to work with you, as a business partner."

"Mr. Thompson…"

"Please, call me John.", he interrupted me.

I ignored him, and repeated, "Mr. Thompson, it would be easier to believe that you are serious to get into a business collaboration with Notte Pharmaceuticals if the CEO of your company is not sending me flowers, chocolates, and jewelry every day."

"Ah…", he exhaled heavily. "Please, give me some time to deal with my father. Don't close the door to Giantshade Industries, yet. I will be in touch."

And with that, Giantshade Industries stopped contacting us.

I hope the old man will resist whatever John is trying to do because the more they are focused on their internal problems, the more time I have to focus on practicing to control my ability.

Even with all the mess happening, the only thing I could think about was how much I'm missing Duke. It's like a piece was torn from my chest and there is a gaping hole that only Duke can fill. I'm doing my best to channel that energy into practicing. I don't think I can stay within limits of hugging and kissing if I see Duke, and I don't want to put him in danger again by passing out.

I now understand how frightening Aldus's ability is. I could feel the vitality leaving my body, my cells withering in agonizing pain, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. The paralyzing feeling of helplessness is absolute even though Aldus assured me he will not cross the line and take more than what I can handle.

Every day was torturous, and I really need these few days to recharge.

My body is fine, as it heals and recuperates quickly, and my energy replenishes with sleep and food, but mental scars will take time to heal.

The good thing is that I achieved resisting him partially.

The practice feels like I'm summoning an energy shield that covers my body, but the shield is still full of holes, and it takes me some time to lift it up.

Aldus told me that I will be completely safe from external force taking what's mine when I have that shield up as my second nature.

I told him how that's impossible, but Aldus retorted that he is doing the exact same thing.

"Why do you think your pheromones never affected me?", Aldus asked smugly.

"You have the shield up all the time?", I asked in disbelief.

"That's one of the reasons why I'm not an easy target. As a pureblood vampire, my speed and strength are not to be underestimated, no one truly knows the extent of my abilities, and the shield I have is preventing them from weakening me in advance."

I understood his point. That's why those three hooded creatures attacked me and not him.

Constantly having a perfect shield sounded like a lot of work, and I was eager to find a quick-fix so that I can see Duke. After all, my goal was not to erect a bubble-like shield around me, I only needed to prevent passing out when things with Duke get hot and steamy.

I came up with an idea to combine that shield with what I was trying before, to shrink the pipe-like opening in my stomach area through which my vitality leaves me on its own. In theory, if I could put the shield over the opening of that pipe, I believe that I will be safe from inflicting self-harm.

Shielding one part of my body is definitely something I could do. I'm almost there.

Back to the present…

I arrived at this property yesterday with Mona, to ensure everything is set before guests arrive.

The birthday boy, Luca, should arrive soon with Zoe and Ash, and his other guests, Hugo, Emilio, Cristina, Violet, and Chiara. Those are five werewolves from the neighboring pack that they befriended in the last three years over a few outings that Fynn arranged for them.

I told Luca to invite more friends, but he said that he would be happy with no additional guests. Well, he was always a loner, and Zoe insisted on inviting at least these five, so Luca gave in. Luca was never able to say 'no' to Zoe, which is very sweet of him.

Luckily, Lazarus agreed to accompany teens here, so I was able to focus on getting the villa ready with Mona.

We have staff to clean up and do all other work, but someone needs to supervise them and provide instructions.

I wished for Calista to come here as she is an expert in parties and I was sure that she and Mona would get along well, but Calista said how there is a big party in Barcelona, and she doesn't want to miss it. I knew that was only an excuse. The real reason for Calista not coming is Lazarus.

Neither Calista nor Lazarus are willing to tell me what happened between them to cause this hostility. Sure, Calista doesn't think much about werewolves in general, but she has a specific dislike for Lazarus.

A knock on the door got my attention.

"Yes?"

"Can I?" It was Mona.

"Sure…", I responded without getting up.

Mona sat on the bed next to me. "We are ready for our guests. They should be here in half an hour."

I liked that she called them OUR guests. She took this hostess role naturally.

"Thanks, Mona. I don't know what I would do without you.", I said with sincerity. She came up with numerous activities that kids can pick from, and she brought equipment to make her vision come true. I'm sure it will be fun.

And even beyond this party, Mona is very handy to have around. She helps me in many ways and is a great friend. Time with her is never boring.

Mona grinned. "If you want to thank me, you can set me up on a date."

"With Lazarus?", I guessed. He is the only grown guy who will attend the party. The others are teens from sixteen to eighteen years old. Kind of young for her.

Mona made a face. "As much as I am tempted because you told me how werewolves are buff and vigorous and all that, I am interested in only one man."

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