KatarinaHis body is solid, strong, and the heat radiating off him spreads through me instantly. His lips are hot on mine, sending sparks of electricity through my entire body. The kiss is deep, hungry, like he’s trying to consume me, to make me feel every ounce of the pain and desire he feels inside. His lips taste like whiskey, rich and bitter at the same time. Beneath the alcohol, his lips are so sweet that kissing him makes my head spin.I let go in the kiss, not holding back, my fingers clutching at his shirt, pulling him even closer. His mouth moves over mine with such intensity, and it’s like his lips are saying everything his words never could. It’s more than just a kiss—it’s like he’s trying to tell me something, something he’s too proud to admit. Somehow, my body understands. It’s like my skin responds to his touch, like it’s always been waiting for him.His lips press harder against mine, and I can feel the desperation in them, the need. He doesn’t let go, like he can’t hel
KatarinaMy heart pounds. I take a deep breath as my back rests on the wall. I can’t let him see me, not after what I just heard him say. But, what If I run and he chases me?The door to the study swings open and Zane steps out, glaring at me. It’s too late. I can’t run off now. My chest tightens as I start to take steps back, praying he doesn’t attack me here.I feel threatened by his presence alone, his cold and intimidating energy.For a moment, everything is calm. I don’t dare to breathe.“I told you to leave Katarina,” his voice calls out, cold, mocking. “Hanging around here won’t do you any good.”“I helped you get better,” I spit, reminding him but from the look on his face, It doesn’t matter to him.“I saved your life,” I begin, and he tilts his head in disagreement.“Right after you tried to take it,” he snarls.I knew it was only a matter of time before he came for revenge. Foolish of me to think for even a second that he’ll let it go.“Don’t come any closer,” I snap, nervou
KatarinaI am Katarina Penn, and I’m a Wolfhunter. My dad, Augustine, trained me to be one, but then he sent me away to live with my Aunt Mary—his way of protecting me from the people who killed my mom. His last words to me were, “The time will come, and one day you’ll be back.” Then, off I went.Six years I’ve been away, but when Dad demanded I come back home, I couldn’t refuse. I can’t shake off the desperation in his voice. On the call, he said, “Katarina, the time has come. Come home.”Now, I’m back. As I drive into the city, my eyes meet the signpost: Wolf Creek.I take a deep breath.So much goes on inside this city that the rest of the world could only imagine. In here, it’s real. I grew up in a world where werewolves exist. I know that because I saw my first one when I was only twelve—right in my living room, its eyes glaring at me, its presence threatening me. It was the worst day of my life, and it’s haunted me ever since.I tried my best to fit in like a normal girl my age,
ZaneMy eyes sweep every inch of the gallery, surveying whether hunters have dared to enter. They wouldn’t risk ruining my night—my werewolves are scattered throughout the territory, ready to tear them apart if they try. Still, I remain cautious. The humans here think I’m nothing more than a renowned artist, head of a top-tier Academy. Fools. My reality is far darker than they could ever comprehend. I am the Grand Alpha, the unchallenged leader of the most powerful wolf clan in the world.Wolf Academy? It’s no ordinary school. It’s a training ground for wolves, a place where they learn to follow my orders. I am feared, and rightfully so. I’m the most dangerous man alive. My senses are sharper, my reflexes faster, my body heals in seconds, and when I attack—it’s brutal. All thanks to Kris, my red-eyed wolf. He’s the deadliest wolf across all clans. I run this city. Yet, the wolf hunters threaten to destroy my clan and end my rule.Augustine, their leader, took my Luna from me. Lina’s b
ZaneThis is not the way, Kris. You’d scare her off.He knows I’m right, but I can feel his frustration. He retreats, for now, though I’m not sure how long he’ll stay in check. I’ve never desired another woman since Lina. But this one… I take in her beauty—long blonde hair falling over her shoulders, blue eyes locked onto mine, a straight nose, and lips painted a deep red, lush and inviting. She’s undeniably stunning, and I’m more than turned on. Kris would waste no time devouring her if I let him.My eyes drift down to her neck, exposed and tempting, the top of her breasts peeking out from her off-shoulder gown. My hands twitch, aching to touch her, to claim what they want.But then, I hear it—her heart, pounding too fast. My gaze snaps back to her face. She looks uneasy.“You’re nervous,” I growl, my voice full of control.Kris is wrong. She’s too soft, like a marshmallow. No way she can be my mate. She’d never survive in my world.She gasps, her pulse quickening even more. “You mak
KatarinaI follow Alpha Zane, my heart racing, unsure if he knows the truth or if he’s about to make his move—right here, right now. His grip on my wrist is firm, not hurting me, but strong enough to remind me that he’s in control. Zane. The man I’ve come to kill. His words keep echoing in my head: I want to taste you. My whole body goes numb. I feel this pull toward him, and I can’t even explain why. There’s something about him—something that makes him irresistible.Focus, Katarina. You have a mission. My Dad’s warning plays in my mind: Hesitate, and you’re dead. Kill him before he kills you.Alpha Zane leads me into a dark, elegant room filled with paintings. It’s beautiful, and my eyes move from one canvas to the next, admiring the depth in each one. They all seem to carry some hidden meaning. I glance at him. His hands are now in his pockets, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking as his cold gaze stays fixed on me.The nervousness creeps back in. Moments ago, it felt like he was smi
KatarinaAlpha Zane releases his grip on me. My vision blurs with tears as I stumble back, clutching my neck where he bit me.“You monster,” I gasp. “You… bit me.” I collapse to my knees, feeling completely defeated.He slaps the silver dagger out of my hand. My eyes widen in shock as the cold metal clatters to the ground. His dark gaze follows it, then returns to me, cold and unforgiving.It’s over. This was my last chance to get him.I’m horrified, shaking. I can feel blood on my tender skin, the pain of his bite searing into me. I’m panting, ashamed. I hesitated. Dad was right—Alpha Zane didn’t spare me. The questions he asked earlier all make sense now. He knew who I was all along. And he bit me… it’s real. My trembling fingers trace the fresh bite marks on my neck.“You should be grateful I didn’t kill you,” he growls, his eyes locking on mine with cruel satisfaction. “But killing you would be too easy.”“Your father took what was mine three years ago, and now I’m going to take w
KatarinaKatarina… Katarina. I hear my name, but it feels distant, like a faint sound in my mind. My eyes are fixed on the door, where Alpha Zane stood moments ago.“Katarina,” Dad’s harsh voice snaps me out of it. I turn to him, confused. I glance back at the door—Alpha Zane is gone.“What are you looking at?” Dad demands, his face dark with anger. “The Alpha is dead. What you need to focus on is right here, in front of you.”Wait. Didn’t they see him? My gaze shifts between the men. They didn’t see him. They didn’t see what I saw. I could swear Alpha Zane was right there. I glance at the door again—nothing. Did I imagine him? But it felt so real, like he was actually here. He’s messing with my mind, somehow. Get a hold of yourself, Katarina.I look back at the men, my heart beating. They’re all waiting for me to say yes, for me to accept Francis’s proposal. But I can’t. I didn’t kill the Alpha. Francis’s proposal couldn’t have come at a worse time.“There’s something you should know
KatarinaMy heart pounds. I take a deep breath as my back rests on the wall. I can’t let him see me, not after what I just heard him say. But, what If I run and he chases me?The door to the study swings open and Zane steps out, glaring at me. It’s too late. I can’t run off now. My chest tightens as I start to take steps back, praying he doesn’t attack me here.I feel threatened by his presence alone, his cold and intimidating energy.For a moment, everything is calm. I don’t dare to breathe.“I told you to leave Katarina,” his voice calls out, cold, mocking. “Hanging around here won’t do you any good.”“I helped you get better,” I spit, reminding him but from the look on his face, It doesn’t matter to him.“I saved your life,” I begin, and he tilts his head in disagreement.“Right after you tried to take it,” he snarls.I knew it was only a matter of time before he came for revenge. Foolish of me to think for even a second that he’ll let it go.“Don’t come any closer,” I snap, nervou
KatarinaHis body is solid, strong, and the heat radiating off him spreads through me instantly. His lips are hot on mine, sending sparks of electricity through my entire body. The kiss is deep, hungry, like he’s trying to consume me, to make me feel every ounce of the pain and desire he feels inside. His lips taste like whiskey, rich and bitter at the same time. Beneath the alcohol, his lips are so sweet that kissing him makes my head spin.I let go in the kiss, not holding back, my fingers clutching at his shirt, pulling him even closer. His mouth moves over mine with such intensity, and it’s like his lips are saying everything his words never could. It’s more than just a kiss—it’s like he’s trying to tell me something, something he’s too proud to admit. Somehow, my body understands. It’s like my skin responds to his touch, like it’s always been waiting for him.His lips press harder against mine, and I can feel the desperation in them, the need. He doesn’t let go, like he can’t hel
Katarina“I hate how he gets into my head,” I blurt out, slamming a book shut in frustration. The words come out before I can stop them. “It’s like he’s always there, no matter what I do. It’s not just the bond, it’s him. He’s inside my mind, and I don’t know how to get him out.”Cassandra watches me with interest. “You’re his mate, Katarina,” she says again. “That means you have the same power over him that he has over you. Get into his head the way he gets into yours.”Her words hit me. I’ve never thought of it like that before.“But how?” I ask, curious. Zane is always so dominant, so in control. I never considered that I might have any power over him. But if Cassandra is right… maybe I’m not as helpless as I thought.Before she can reply, I see Cyprian approaching us. Cassandra and I exchange a glance, both knowing it’s time to keep quiet. Cyprian can’t know what we’re up to.“Hey, Cassandra,” he greets her, and she smiles back, responding, “Hi, Cyprian.”He shifts his gaze to me.
KatarinaI sit in the pavilion, watching students pass by, nervously twisting my hands in my lap. I can’t stop my mind from spinning with endless thoughts. After everything he’s done, I still feel this strange happiness that Zane didn’t die. Why do I feel this guilt? Why do I regret wanting to take his life when that’s the very reason I’m here? The plan was simple: kill the Alpha and find a cure. Yet, the thought that I could have killed him scares me more than death. I don’t understand why I feel this way. He stormed into my room yesterday to threaten me like he always does. He’s mean most of the time, and when he’s not, I’m scared it won’t last. My mind flashes back to moments when we kissed and how excited I felt afterward. Then, I remember our time at Glando, Zane’s family’s private lake. That was a different Alpha Zane—one my heart opened up to. My mind reminisces about how we kissed in the water, how he opened up to me, the words he said. I felt like I was talking to the real Za
KatarinaI walk into Zane’s room. That’s strange; I don’t see him. I expected to find him resting on the bed.“Zane,” I call. Maybe he’s in the bathroom. No response. I look around the room. If he’s not here, then where could he be?I check the study, the living room, and then the kitchen, but he’s not there. Could something have happened to him?Roselyn passes through the kitchen, and I rush to her.“Have you seen Zane?” I ask, worry creeping into my voice.“Good morning to you, Katty,” Roselyn says, shining her ever-present smile.“Pardon my manners. Good morning, Roselyn. It’s just, I haven’t seen Zane, and I’m worried. Is he okay?”She looks at me, as if searching for an answer on my face.“I know I’m the reason he’s not doing well, but believe me, Roselyn, I want him to get better,” I say, trying to persuade her.She looks at me wryly for a few seconds. “I believe you, Katty,” she finally says, still analyzing me with her eyes. “You should check your room.”I stare at her, puzzle
ZaneKatarina leaves the room and I let out a heavy sigh. My mind is still processing everything that just happened. Adam’s visit, Katarina standing up to him, and her ridiculous notion that there’s some good in me. I glance toward the door, half expecting Adam to come charging back in, but I know he won’t. He’ll be waiting for me to come running to him. And if I don’t meet him soon, he’ll think I’ve avoided him on purpose, and his rage will be unbearable.I shift my position on the bed, my body still weak from the wolfsbane, though I can feel my strength slowly returning. My wolf, Kris, has been quiet, but I can sense his restlessness. He never stays down for long. He’s always ready for a fight. The wolfsbane in my body doesn’t stand a chance against him. Kris wouldn’t let it torment him for long.“Good in me,” I mutter to myself, shaking my head. The idea is laughable. I’ve done horrible things even though I’ve only ever destroyed my enemies. I single-handedly wiped out all the wolv
KatarinaI feel tense as I walk downstairs. Alpha Adam is staring at one of Zane’s paintings in the living room. I walk up behind him, and he turns to face me, like he knew someone was behind him.“Hello, Alpha Adam,” I say, trying to be polite, but he squeezes his face.“You’re not Alpha Zane. Where the hell is he?” Adam shoots impatiently, tilting his head, looking at me like he’s studying me.Looking at him now, I can see the resemblance to Zane. They have the same black hair, dark eyes, the same deadly look in their eyes.“Yeah, I’m not Alpha Zane, but he can’t see you right now. He’s unavailable.”“Excuse me?” he reverberates.I feel the anger oozing from him, but I try to stay calm.“Alpha Zane is unavailable to see you today. He also wants you to cancel all meetings till next week,” I finish.“I see,” he says, walking up to me like he’s about to confront me. “Now you listen, Miss Penn. Either you tell Alpha Zane to come downstairs to meet with me, or I’ll go to him. Your choice
ZaneRoselyn comes into the room, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern. She knows something is wrong. She always does.“What really happened, Alpha Zane?” she asks, her tone probing.“You know me too well, don’t you?” I ask rhetorically.“Alpha Zane, I’ve taken care of you since you were just a boy. You might be a man now but…you’re still my sweet boy,” she says, her hand gripping my chin as she lets out a faint, wrinkled smile. Roselyn went from being just my nanny to being family when my parents died. She never left or got married, she stood by me.I let out a deep breath, knowing I can’t hide the truth anymore. “Katarina laced my water with wolfsbane,” I admit.Roselyn’s eyes widen in shock, her mouth dropping open. “I thought she was doing better. She seemed calm last night,” she says, struggling to believe what she’s hearing.“Well, calm isn’t exactly the word I’d use. She almost drove a silver dagger into my chest. It’s probably still lying on the floor somewhere,” I reply
ZaneRoselyn’s concerned gaze shifts between I and Katarina. But, she knows better than to interfere in my business uninvited. She reads the room and scurries out, leaving us alone again. I rest on the bed, unsure of what to do next. Katarina has to pay for what she’s done but I don’t know how. I can’t kill her. I won’t.“So what now?” She asks terrified after a moment of silence.“Now, you help me out of these clothes and into the bathroom,” I say, struggling to sit up.She hesitates. “You want me to—”“I can handle myself. Just help me get to the bathroom,” I snap.She sighs but helps me up, supporting my weight as I make my way to the bathroom. I shut the door as I get inside, leaving her standing out there.I let the shower run down my hair to clear my head. My thoughts are a mess, and I need some space to think.I get out of the shower and run a towel over my body. Then, I hear voices through my sharp wolf ears.“What’s wrong with Alpha Zane?” I hear Roselyn ask; it sounds like s