The silence was interrupted by a subtle knock on the door. "Sir, she's here," the butler announced in a calm, monotone voice.

Nathan's eyes wandered briefly to Serena, who was still standing uncertainly in the room. "We have to go now. Leave your things here," he said firmly and then turned to the butler after opening the door. "Have her remaining things brought here." With a determined step he walked past, followed by Serena, whose gaze met the butler's appraising but polite gaze.

They followed Nathan down a long hallway of the house, further down, where the lower floor was decorated with ornate woodwork and portraits of past Alphas. Eventually...