129

Third Person's Pov

"Mate!"

Katherine's breath caught in her throat.

She had heard her wolf say the word before but this was different.

This was Derek acknowledging it- no refusal, no cold retort, just a pained acceptance.

She took a step forward, her eyes scanning his face.

She needed to see if this was really, if he'd suddenly deny it again like every other time.

"You know, I spent so long trying to convince myself that myself it was all in my head. That maybe the bond I felt was just wishful thinking." She almost choked on her words as she whispered.

Derek watched her.

It's now a battle against wanting her and restraining himself but this time he didn't look away.

"I knew. I knew from the beginning, Kathrine. And I fought it- fought you. Because... Because I couldn't afford to have a weakness."

"A weaknes?" She asked disbelievingly, as she tried to keep the hurt from showing. "Is that all I am to you?"

"No, if course not." He reached for her hand, catching it before she c