The Matchmaker (by Sophie Smith) novel Chapter 114

CHAPTER 114

The door slammed open with a sharp thud, the sound ricocheting off the broken walls. Saphira flinched, her body still humming with residual adrenaline. Jed, Zafira, and Anastasia rushed in, their eyes darting across the wreckage before locking onto her.

“What the hell happ-” Jed’s voice faltered as his gaze swept the room. His boots crunched over shattered glass, and his jaw slackened. “Stars…”

Zafira stepped forward, her brows furrowed, lips parted in disbelief. “What on earth happened?” she asked, her voice tight with shock, laced with the kind of worry that made Saphira’s chest ache.

Saphira parted her lips to answer, but Anastasia beat her to it, eyes wide and searching. “We felt the pack house shake. The noise coming from here–it wasn’t good. Everyone’s gathered outside. They’re

scared.”

Saphira blinked, her throat tightening. They felt it. All of them. She hadn’t realized how far the impact had reached–how deeply it had rippled through the pack.

Zafira gestured toward the hallway, her tone sharpening. “I saw Ruby being taken by the warriors. I’m guessing this was about her?”

Nikolas stepped in, his presence a steady anchor. He wrapped his arm around Saphira’s shoulders, and she leaned into him instinctively, the warmth of his touch grounding her. He’s here. He saw it all.

And he’s still with me.

“The room looks like this because Saphira and Finn protected the pack,” Nikolas said, his voice rich with pride. “Ruby lost control. Her wolf surfaced. But thanks to Raven’s truth spell, we’ve got intel

now.”

A collective breath filled the room–relief, tension unwinding. Anastasia didn’t hesitate. She crossed the space in two quick strides and pulled Saphira from Nikolas’s side into a fierce embrace. Her arms

trembled around her.

“I was so worried about you,” she whispered, voice cracking against Saphira’s ear.

Saphira closed her eyes, letting herself be held. She hadn’t realized how much she needed this–how

much she needed them.

Jed cleared his throat, stepping forward with a glint in his eye. “We’ve got more good news. And

more intel.”

Everyone turned toward him, anticipation blooming–except Raven, who stood beside him with a knowing grin tugging at her lips.

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CHAPTER 114

Jed’s smile widened. “Ruby won’t be alone in the cells.”

Zafira’s eyes narrowed, her voice sharp. “Who?”

Raven’s reply was smooth, almost smug. “Damon.”

Nikolas stiffened beside Saphira, his grip tightening slightly. “What? How?“.

Jed’s grin turned razor–sharp. “We followed him. Listened. Waited. He was alone. No protection. We took the opportunity.”

Saphira’s breath caught. Damon. In custody. Her mind spun with the implications–finally, a chance to unravel the deeper threads, to expose what had been lurking beneath the surface.

Jed shrugged, casual but confident. “He hasn’t said anything yet. But we’ll get there. Together.”

Saphira met Raven’s gaze, and for the first time in hours, something stirred in her chest. Not just relief.

Hope.

Nikolas ran a hand through his hair, his gaze sweeping over the room’s exhausted faces. His voice was steady, but carried a warmth that softened the edges of the chaos. “I think we all deserve a break,” he said. “I’ll speak to the rest of the pack. Then we should catch up over lunch.”

Saphira nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly. A moment to breathe. To feel normal again–even if just for a little while. Her fingers flexed at her sides, still tingling from the shift, but the idea of food and quiet conversation felt grounding.

The others murmured their agreement, and Nikolas reached for her hand. His palm was warm, steady, and she curled her fingers around his instinctively. Together, they stepped out of the ruined office and into the hallway–only to be met by a wall of worried faces.

Saphira straightened, spine tall, chin lifted. Her heart thudded, but she didn’t let it show. Nikolas mirrored her posture, his presence calm and commanding.

“It’s nothing to worry about,” he said, addressing the crowd with quiet authority. “The tremor you felt was Saphira protecting everyone against an intruder who wormed her way into the pack. She’s been outed and is now being held in the cells.”

A ripple of murmurs passed through the group–shock, relief, curiosity. Saphira caught the flicker of concern in a few eyes, the way some clutched their children closer or exchanged glances.

Nikolas continued, “If anyone would like to discuss any fears or concerns privately, you’re welcome to come to me or Saphira. But for now, no one is to enter the office until it’s repaired.”

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Saphira scanned the crowd, her gaze catching nods of understanding, soft sighs, and even a few grateful smiles. They trust him. They trust me. That’s what matters.

“Apologies for the worry,” Nikolas added, his tone gentler now. “But you’re all safe. Go about your day as normal.”

The crowd began to disperse, some offering quiet thanks, others giving Saphira small nods of respect as they passed. She felt the tension in her chest begin to ease, her breath coming easier.

Nikolas leaned in, brushing a kiss against her temple. “Come on,” he whispered with a wink. “Let’s

eat.”

Saphira smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. They walked together, the others trailing behind. The hallway felt brighter now, less heavy.

As they reached the end of the corridor, she glanced back.

Jed and Raven lingered at the rear, their steps slower. She caught the moment Jed slipped his arm around Raven’s shoulders, pulling her close. Raven didn’t resist–she leaned in, her smile soft and private.

Saphira’s smile deepened. She’d bring it up later. For now, lunch sounded perfect.

The dining hall buzzed with the low hum of movement–chairs scraping, footsteps echoing against polished stone, the clink of serving utensils. Saphira stepped inside, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread hitting her like a wave. Her stomach tightened in response, a quiet ache she hadn’t noticed until now.

She moved toward the buffet, fingers brushing the edge of the long oak table as she passed. Her hand hovered for a moment before she reached for a plate, stacking it with practiced efficiency.

They made their way to one of the long tables at the centre of the hall, settling equally down each side. Saphira slid into her seat, the wood cool against her legs, and placed her plate down with a soft clink. Across from her, Finn mirrored the motion, his gaze flicking to hers with a silent

understanding.

The moment she picked up her fork, instinct took over. She dug in, the first bite sending warmth through her chest, Finn followed suit, chewing with the same quiet urgency.

She didn’t look up, but she felt the others watching. Not judgmental–just observant. Jed, Raven, Nikolas, and the rest sat quietly, their plates full but untouched for a moment longer. Then, one by one, they began to eat, the silence stretching comfortably between them.

No one spoke. No one needed to.