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

- - -

After Fynn left, Zoe and Luca entered Fynn's office.

They sat on the chairs and faced me. I could see that both of them were anxious, and I wondered if that was related to the gossip Fynn told me about.

"You seem to be uneasy. Is that related to the rumors circling about the two of you?"

"I'm sorry, Serina.", Zoe said.

"Why are you sorry? Did you do something wrong?"

Both Zoe and Luca looked at me with confusion obvious on their faces for a few long seconds and then they shook their heads.

"Good.", I said. "As long as you don't have a guilty conscience, you shouldn't care what others are saying."

"You won't ask us what really happened?", Luca asked.

"Whatever happened, is between the two of you. The gossipers are doing it because they have nothing better to do, and because they are jealous."

"Jealous?", Zoe repeated.

"Zoe, you and Luca have an amazing relationship. Everyone can see that the two of you are watching each other's back unconditionally. No matter where you are, some people will try to meddle with the good things you have because they want to drag you down. Keep in mind that such people are not happy with their lives and that's why they deserve your pity and not your anger. Of course, if they try to actually harm you, you should retaliate, but it's not your job to pacify them. Everyone is responsible for their own happiness and I hope that you won't allow some idle nobodies to spoil your relationship."

Zoe and Luca glanced at each other, and they had matching smiles on their faces. Well, I was glad that I managed to get that thing out of the way.

"OK. My time here is limited, and I need to head back soon, so I suggest we move onto the topic of why I came here today."

At my words, both Zoe and Luca got serious.

"I know that I said how I will prefer if you do something else with your lives, but my circumstances changed and I'm in a need of assistants. I'm here to ask you if you are up for that role."

"Yes!", Zoe exclaimed, and Luca nodded in agreement.

I raised my hand. "Let me finish before you agree to it. This is a job offer and I hope you will listen carefully and consider it before accepting or rejecting."

Luca and Zoe nodded in unison, and I continued.

"I need assistants in several areas. One is related to managing Notte Pharmaceuticals and various interactions with humans. There, I would prefer someone who is experienced with running a business compared to the two of you. To be honest, you don't qualify to be my assistants in managing the company, but I am willing to give you the time to learn. As for the rest of the work, it requires keeping secrets which if exposed will have serious consequences. If you are going to accept, I will need you to take an oath. It's not that I don't trust you, but there are ways others can make you talk against your will or knowledge, and I can't allow that to happen…"

Zoe and Luca listened carefully as I provided them with information. They were excited when I told them that the job requires them to move in with me and that they will get to travel a lot.

As expected, they were curious about the oath, so they asked questions mostly related to that. I told them how much I understood from my talk with Sergio.

About half an hour later, Zoe asked, "Is Ash getting the same offer to be one of your assistants?"

"No. He is enjoying his work at the Eclipse, and I don't want to put him in a spot where he will be tempted to leave his current position because he feels indebted to me. I always told you that you have a choice. I'm not forcing you to do this, I'm asking if you are willing."

"What if we refuse?", Luca asked.

"Then, nothing changes. You can continue whatever you are doing, and I will find other assistants. Once you find something that excites you, how Ash found the Eclipse, I will support you."

Zoe and Luca exchanged quick glances, and Zoe announced, "We accept."

"Don't accept right away.", I said. "Take some time to think about it. Once you take the oath, there is no going back."

Zoe didn't think it's a big deal. "It's just about keeping secrets. We won't betray you, regardless of the oath. If we don't like the job, we will simply quit, and as long as we don't divulge things, we will be safe."

Well, she was right about that. The oath will bind them to keep secrets and not to stick to the job. However, it's not so simple.

"Just being close to me will put you in danger. As you know, my father is a powerful individual, and there are many who want to get their hands on what my father has. As his daughter, I have a target on my back and when people notice you with me, you will get targeted as well."

"You know, that only makes it sound more badass.", Zoe said.

I laughed. "I know it sounds exciting, but these are your lives we are talking about. Take some time and think about it. If in two days you still feel the same, we can proceed with the next steps. I will intensify your physical and combat training and you will need to start learning about the job itself..."

Zoe's eagerness was obvious, while Luca had a thoughtful expression. He was always a thinker and that's what I like about him. Somehow, Zoe's bubbliness and Luca's wisdom are complementing each other perfectly.

We wrapped up our conversation and I wanted to return home in order to do some tests on myself. My fatigue was not diminishing and that was concerning.

Unfortunately, both Zoe and Luca heard when my tummy rumbled.

"You are joining us for lunch, right?", Zoe asked.

"She has to.", Luca said and looked at me. "Tessa made us peel extra potatoes because you are coming."

How can I say no to that? And I was hungry.

We went together to the dining room, and we joined a group of more than twenty werewolves who were ready to devour the food in front of them.

As usually, Fynn welcomed me at his table, together with Luca and Zoe.

Zoe told me that they usually eat at another table, but whenever I visit, they get to sit with Fynn, Otto, Bert, Tessa, and Vito, making them feel important.

I saw several unhappy gazes directed our way, but I decided to ignore them. They were not important.

The food was tasty. Not like fine-dining that I get at home, by Aldus-selected chefs, but the food had a more homey feel. Tessa is an amazing cook.

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