5 Chapter 5


    Seraphina’s POV 1


    Five Years Later


    “Mommy!” Adrian came running toward me, his little arms outstretched for a hug.


    “What is it, sweetheart?” I asked, scooping him up into my arms as he giggled.


    “Can we have pancakes for breakfast?” he asked hopefully, his small hands framing my face.


    “Of course we can,” I smiled, carrying him toward our tiny kitchen. Despite our modest circumstances, watching him grow up healthy and happy made every struggle worth it.


    Adrian, my little boy. His first word had been “mama,” and it still made my heart melt every single time he said it. At four and a half years old, he was the light of my entire world-a bundle of energy with curly dark brown hair and the most infectiousugh.


    But what always caught people’s attention were his eyes. Those deep blue eyes that shimmered with silver light in certain lighting, just like… just like those mysterious eyes from that moonlit night five years ago. Every time I looked into Adrian’s eyes, memories of that passionate encounter would flood back, bringing both warmth and a bittersweet ache.


    It had been five years since I’d graduated from Silver Moon Harbor Business School. Five years since I’d left my foster parents’ house for good after discovering I was pregnant. I’d heard through the grapevine that Valerie and Gabriel had gotten married-anyway, I didn’t care about them anymore. All these years, I’d been working part-time while studying, determined to build a better life for myself and my


    child.


    After leaving my hometown, I’de to Silver Moon Harbor with barely enough money to rent a cramped basement apartment. That’s where I’d spent my pregnancy, working at a small café during the day and studyingte into the night. The people in Silver Moon Harbor weren’t quite as dismissive of my omega status-while opportunities were still limited, at least I didn’t have bosses spitting at me or


    rolling their eyes every time I spoke.


    After Adrian was born, we’d managed to move to a slightly better rental-still tiny, but warm and cozy in a way that felt like home. Ophelia had been my lifeline through it all, helping with babysitting and emotional support whenever I needed it.


    But with that joy came mounting anxiety. I’d been working at a small marketing firm for over a year since graduation, and while my performance was excellent, my position and sry remained firmly at the bottom rung. The rent on our little apartment was about to


    increase, Adrian would need to start school soon, and my savings were dwindling fast.


    I’d approached my boss about a promotion and raise, hoping my track record would speak for itself. But he’d just scratched his head


    awkwardly and said, “Seraphina, you’re one of the most dedicated employees I’ve ever had. Your work quality is outstanding, but we’ve


    never had precedent for paying omega staff at management levels. Having an omega in a leadership position would also raise questions


    from other employees. I’m sorry about your situation, but my hands are tied. Maybe you should try your luck at a biggerpany.”


    The rejection stung, but I’d simply nodded and thanked him for his honesty. Even without overt hostility, the prejudice against omegas


    was still very real.


    <


    5 Chapter 5


    That evening, I called Ophelia to vent about my frustrations. Suddenly, her voice exploded with excitement through the phone.


    “Speaking of biggerpanies! Sera! You absolutely should try arger corporation! My dad mentioned that his friend works at Nightshadow Industries, and they’re hiring for a senior assistant position!”


    My heart skipped a beat. Nightshadow Industries? That was thergest corporation in all of Silver Moon Harbor, controlled by the Nightshadow family. Their patriarch was rumored to be one of the most powerful Alphas in the entire werewolf world.


    Gabriel was actually from the Nightshadow family, but during our time together, while he was indeed wealthy, he’d always bragged about his brother being an Alpha-though I’d never met any of his family members, and he’d never offered me any opportunities or connections. I suspected he was just bluffing, probably nothing more than the most unwee nobody in that prestigious bloodline.


    “But… I’m just an omega. Why would they even consider me?” I asked hesitantly.


    “Bloodlines don’t determine ability! Biggerpanies might actually be more merit-based!” Ophelia’s enthusiasm was infectious. “What do you say, Sera? Want to give it a shot? I cane to Silver Moon Harbor to help watch Adrian during the interview process!”


    That night, I sat in our little apartment with Adrian curled up in myp, weighing the decision.


    “A, do


    you


    think we should go for it?” I asked my wolf mentally.


    “Of course, Sera. I believe in you,” A replied without hesitation. “You’vee so far already. This could be exactly what we need.”


    The next morning, I submitted my application online. To my amazement, I received an interview invitation within just two days.


    The interview was conducted by an elegant woman who appeared to be in her sixties, with sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to see right through me. She carried herself with the kind of natural authority thatmanded immediate respect.


    “Miss Knight,” she said, reviewing my resume with careful attention, “your academic record is impressive, and your work experience shows consistent excellence. But I’m curious about your motivation for seeking new employment.”


    I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “As you can see from my qualifications, I believe I have exceptional work capabilities. However, my previous employer was unwilling to providepensationmensurate with my performance, solely due to my… bloodline status. I’vee here hoping to find an organization that truly values merit over hierarchy.”


    She studied me intently, her expression unreadable. “As a single mother, are you certain you can handle the demands of this high-


    intensity position?”


    “Absolutely, ma’am,” I replied with conviction. “My son is my greatest motivation. To provide him with a better life, I’m willing to give


    everything I have.”


    She nodded slowly, apparently satisfied with my response. “Excellent. Miss Knight, we believe in equal opportunity based on merit. We’re


    prepared to offer you triple your current sry for this position.”


    I could barely believe what I was hearing. “Thank you! Thank you so much! I… I promise I won’t let you down!”


    Before I could fully process my good fortune, she continued with a more serious tone. “However, highpensationes with high


    expectations. Previous candidates and new hires have rarelysted more than a week in this role. I hope that doesn’t discourage you.”


    My confidence wavered for just a moment. “May I ask why the turnover rate is so high?”


    09 10


    A slight smile yed at the corners of her mouth. “Let’s just say our Alpha has very exacting standards. He’s brilliant, but he can be…


    challenging to work with.”


    “I understand,” I said, straightening my shoulders. “I’m not easily intimidated, and I’m used to working under pressure.”


    “We’ll see about that,” she said, extending her hand. “Wee to Nightshadow Industries, Miss Knight. You’ll be serving as Senior


    Assistant to the CEO. We’ll see you Monday morning at 8 AM sharp. Don’t bete-punctuality is non-negotiable.”