Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Voren nodded, already anticipating the concern. ”I already know that. The transaction will be done through your parents. The funds will move from my wife’s account to that of your parents, and from your parents’ personal account to that of the pack. You can take care of the rest.”

Ravyn smiled. A genuine smile, warm and nostalgic. Voren hadn’t changed. Beneath the crown and the power and the ruthless efficiency, he was still the same man who had stood beside Ravyn through childhood, through battles, through everything.

”The money you’re sending is too much for what you’re requesting.” Ravyn’s voice carried a hint of teasing. ”Are you dashing the rest to me?”

It wasn’t the first time Voren had given him free money. But now, it felt different. Now, it felt like Voren was paying him off to stay away from Sera and Espe.

Voren did not play diplomacy. ”I like to play fair. And I hate the stink of poverty on you.”

Ravyn laughed. The sound was rusty, unpracticed, but genuine. It was the first time he had laughed since everything fell apart.

”That’s Voren.” He shook his head, something like affection flickering in his eyes. ”I don’t deserve your friendship. But I’m glad to call you my friend again. Even if we can’t be so publicly.”

He rose from the sofa, his movements steadier now, his posture straighter.

”I’ll go handle the witches. Just inform Corvine about the accommodation arrangement.” He paused at the door, glancing back over his shoulder. ”And yeah. He’s doing a very good job.”

---

Voren sent a mindlink to Corvine the moment Ravyn left.

’Check Ravyn and the two witches into a two-bedroom suite in the guest quarters. He’ll keep watch over them for now.’

’Noted.’

Voren went for Bryan, and together, they returned to his suite.

The room was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. Seraphine and Esperanza were already asleep, curled together like two halves of a whole. Seraphine’s arms were wrapped protectively around her daughter, her chin resting on the top of Esperanza’s head.

It was clear the girl had cried herself to sleep. Her cheeks were still stained with dried tears, her small fingers clutching a fistful of Seraphine’s nightgown.

Voren’s heart ached.

He and Bryan joined them after a quick shower, slipping beneath the covers with careful, quiet movements. Bryan nestled against his father’s side, already half-asleep, his small body warm and trusting.

---

Voren woke to a small weight on his chest.

A certain small person was plastering kisses all over his face, her lips pressing against his cheeks, his nose, his forehead, his eyelids. Her giggles filled the room like music, bright and infectious.

His eyes opened to that familiar bright blue gaze, sparkling with mischief.

”Espe, what are you doing?”

Esperanza giggled, her small hands pressing against his cheeks.

”Daddy, come and help me choose a dress for the coronation!”

She bounced on his chest, her excitement palpable. ”Uncle Corvine and Aunt Liah said Bryan and I will be beside them for good favor!”

Voren’s heart warmed. It was as if last night had never happened. As if the tears and the fear and the heartbreak had been washed away by the simple magic of a child’s resilience.

His daughter was back to her usual bubbly self, and that was enough for him. ”Where’s your mom? And Bryan?” He looked around curiously eager to catch a glimpse of his beautiful wife but his daugther did not make it easy.

She looked around with mischief dancing in her eyes.

”Daddy, we can’t be late for the coronation! And you’re dressing me up!” She scrambled off his chest, her small hands grabbing his arm and tugging with surprising strength. ”Up, up! Let’s go get ready!”