Chapter 12. In Heat

XAVIER ASHERIUS’S POV

As the door to the Second Hall opened wide, I stepped out. A breeze scent of sweet florals and Damask roses brushed my nose. The scent concentrated in the narrow hallway next to the Second Hall. The corners of my lips lifted. I deeply breathed in the lingering Peony’s scent. She wasn’t within my line of sight, or maybe she took a quick peek before leaving with her witch friend.

I intended to find her to ease my longing. But Zed, my Beta, reported some other issues that I needed to deal with. All the pack matters can't be handled on their own unless I intervene.

I deliberately finished my work just before lunch. I went to my room to ask Peony for lunch together in the gazebo, like we used to do.

When the door opened, my heart immediately sank. Peony, the woman with lustrous black eyes, was sitting on the edge of the bed. Her empty stare was like that of a dead fish. Her shoulders were hunched forward, and I could see an invisible sadness weighing her down.

When sh