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14. Ruslan
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Between Hate and Fate 15. Ruslan
The hot water hits my skin, and for a moment, I just stand there, letting it cascade over me, washing away the grime, blood and sweat that’s been clinging to me for God knows how long. It feels... strange. To be in a shower. To be clean again. After weeks of being chained up in that cell, it’s almost surreal. The steam rises around me, filling the small bathroom with warmth, and I can feel my muscles slowly start to relax.I lean my head back, closing my eyes, letting the water run down my face. My body aches, every part of me stiff from being confined for so long, but the heat is helping. I can feel the tension melting away, bit by bit, the tightness in my chest easing. It’s the first time I’ve felt anything close to comfort in what feels like forever.But even as I try to relax, there’s this nagging feeling in the back of my mind. I’m not really free. Not yet. I might be out of the cell, but I’m still a prisoner. The barrier around the cabin makes sure of that. No running. No esca
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Between Hate and Fate 16. Katya
I wake up feeling off, my stomach churning the second I open my eyes, a wave of nausea hitting me hard. I try to ignore it, to push through the uncomfortable sensation as I roll out of bed and head to the kitchen. It’s just morning sickness. It’ll pass.The cabin is quiet, and for a moment, I relish the stillness. It’s the only thing that feels normal anymore. I grab a pan and start making breakfast, eggs sizzling as the scent of food fills the air. But as soon as the smell hits my nose, my stomach lurches violently. I barely make it to the sink before I’m bent over, heaving, my body betraying me.I hear footsteps behind me, and I know it’s him. Ruslan. I can feel his presence before he even says anything, the bond thrumming with his concern. I don’t look at him, still bent over the sink, trying to get the nausea under control.“What’s wrong with you?” His voice is rough, almost accusing, but there’s a layer of something else beneath it. Worry.I wipe my mouth with the back of my han
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Between Hate and Fate 17. Ruslan
She’s pregnant. My mate is pregnant, and not with my child.This is a fucking joke. The Goddess must be laughing at me, watching as she keeps twisting the knife. It’s like I can’t catch a break, like the universe is hell-bent on making me suffer, on rubbing salt into every open wound.I can barely think straight, the anger is so strong. It fills every part of me, claws at my insides, until all I can feel is the injustice of it all. I didn’t ask to be tied to her, to be bound to the woman who is carrying the child of the man who destroyed everything that mattered to me.And now his child grows inside my mate. As much as I loathe this bond, as much as I hate everything about what it’s done to me, there’s a part of me that’s... angry that the child isn’t mine.I grit my teeth; the thought disgusting me, but it’s there. It’s like a sickness spreading through me, twisting my thoughts, making me want things I have no right to want.Why isn’t it my child? Why am I the one cursed with this b
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Between Hate and Fate 18. Katya
I wake up feeling… different. Better, maybe. It’s a strange sensation, waking up without the anger or tension pressing down on me. Last night’s conversation with Ruslan still lingers in my mind, and though it wasn’t easy, it was civil. We talked. For once, we weren’t at each other’s throats, and the bond seems almost... satisfied. It’s still there, of course, but quieter now, less oppressive.I stretch, my muscles still stiff from sleep, and pull on my robe before padding out to the kitchen. The house is quiet, the morning sun just beginning to filter through the windows, casting a soft light across the room. Coffee first. I need the caffeine, the warmth. I fill the kettle, set it on the stove, and lean against the counter as it heats up. It’s quiet, peaceful even, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe.Once the coffee’s made, I wrap my robe a little tighter around myself and take my cup out onto the porch. The cool morning air greets me, crisp and refresh
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Between Hate and Fate 19. Ruslan
Things between Katya and I have shifted lately, and I can’t deny that I’m aware of it. The tension that used to choke the air between us has eased, replaced by something different. Something more dangerous. I know she’s attracted to me. I can feel it in the way her gaze lingers just a little too long when she thinks I’m not looking, the way her pulse quickens when I’m near. I’ve caught her more than once, eyes flicking to my chest, or the way she shifts uncomfortably when I get too close.And I’m not above using it to my advantage.I push her attraction because I can. It’s easy, almost too easy, and part of me enjoys watching her squirm, watching her try to fight it, knowing she can’t. The bond won’t let her, just like it won’t let me stay away from her for long. It’s a twisted game we’re both caught in, and for once, I’m not angry about it. Not completely, at least.This afternoon is hot, the sun high in the sky, the air thick with heat that sticks to my skin. I think about going f
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Between Hate and Fate 20. Katya
How could I have forgotten?I sit on the floor of my room, my knees pulled up to my chest, my fingers trembling as they grip the fabric of my robe. The sun is beginning to set, casting shadows across the walls, but I don’t move. I can’t. My heart is racing, my thoughts spiralling out of control. I feel disgusted with myself—sick to my core—because for a moment, just a fleeting, shameful moment, I forgot what Ruslan did.I forgot that he killed Andrei.How did I let that slip away? How did a few lingering stares and awkward, almost playful conversations make me lose sight of the fact that this man—the same man who’s been circling my thoughts, pulling me in with the bond—destroyed my world?My body trembles as I try to catch my breath, but it’s no use. The panic is rising, swallowing me whole. The bond, this cursed bond, is making me weak. It’s clouding everything. Making me forget that the man I’m starting to look at differently is a killer. A murderer.How could I be so stupid?I’ve
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Between Hate and Fate 21. Ruslan
Since the kiss, I’ve been avoiding Katya like the damn plague. Every time I see her, every time I feel the bond pull between us, all I can think about is her screaming at me, blaming me for destroying her life.I can feel the tension between us every time we’re in the same room, but I don’t make eye contact, don’t give her any reason to start another conversation.The bond between us is still there, humming in the background, but I’ve gotten good at ignoring it. At least, I try to. After that kiss, though? It’s been harder. The way she kissed me back, like she was just as lost in the pull of it as I was—it’s all I can think about. And I hate it.Because I shouldn’t be feeling anything for her.She forgot. She forgot that I killed Andrei. She blamed me for ruining her life, for tearing it apart, and the worst part is she doesn’t even know the whole truth.She doesn’t know what Andrei did to my life. Doesn’t know that her beloved husband shattered my world before I ever laid a hand on h
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Between Hate and Fate 22. Katya
I can’t stop thinking about what Ruslan said.The words keep replaying in my head over and over again: You think I destroyed your life, but you have no idea what your precious husband did to mine. You don’t even know the fucking half of it.What did Andrei do? What could he have done to Ruslan that was so horrible that it shattered his life? Ruslan killed him. My husband is dead because of him, and yet... I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to this story. That maybe I don’t know the truth.But Ruslan won’t tell me. He could have. He should have thrown it in my face, made me pay for every accusation I’ve hurled at him since we’ve been trapped in this cabin together. Instead, he held back, refusing to say anything because he didn’t want to hurt me.Imagine that. He didn’t want to hurt me.I’ve done nothing but accuse him, call him a murderer, accuse him of being heartless, cruel, and everything else I could think of. But now, I can’t help but wonder if what Andrei did to him is
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
Latest chapter
Between Hate and Fate 49. Ruslan
The air in Anatoly’s office feels heavy, the tension palpable as we sit around the large wooden table. Anatoly is at the head, leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. Ivan, Mikhail, and Roman are seated beside me, their expressions grim. None of us are in the mood for small talk.I sit forward, my elbows on the table, my hands clasped tightly as I replay the events of the attack in my mind. The bounty hunters came for Katya, and we still don’t know who sent them. The not knowing is the worst part, the way it gnaws at me like a wound that won’t heal.“I’ve left three warriors at the cabin,” Anatoly says, breaking the silence. “They’re keeping an eye out for anyone who might come back. But so far, it’s been quiet.”“Too quiet,” Mikhail mutters, his jaw tight. “If they were determined enough to send bounty hunters, they won’t stop at one failed attempt.”I nod, my hands tightening into fists. “Whoever it is, they wanted her alive. That means they have a specific plan
Between Hate and Fate 48. Ruslan
The low hum of conversation grows louder as I guide Katya down the staircase toward the banquet hall. Her hand is tucked into the crook of my arm, her grip firm but not tense. She’s composed, regal even, though I can feel the nervous energy rolling off her. I can’t blame her. It’s not every day you get introduced to an entire pack, especially one that isn’t yours.We step onto the main floor, and the scent of roasted meat, spices, and freshly baked bread hits me. The hall is alive with chatter and laughter, the long tables already filling with pack members. It’s warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the icy tension that’s been shadowing us for weeks. But the reality is still there: these people aren’t just here for dinner. They’re here to see us, to size us up, to decide if we belong.Katya’s grip tightens slightly as Anatoly strides toward us, his grin as wide as ever. He’s in his element, his booming laugh cutting through the noise as he claps a few shoulders on his way over. Hi
Between Hate and Fate 47. Katya
The drive to the pack lands feels like a blur. My mind is still caught somewhere between the memories of our little cabin and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Leaving it behind wasn’t easy, but I know it was the right choice. For me, for the baby, for us. Ruslan’s hand rests on mine as he drives, a steady presence that calms my nerves, but I can feel the tension in him too. This is a big change, for both of us.As we pull into the main driveway leading to the pack house, I take a deep breath, trying to steel myself. The place is huge, much larger than anything I’ve ever known. The sprawling pack lands seem endless, with thick forests surrounding the area and a large, imposing house sitting at the heart of it all. There’s something both intimidating and comforting about it.Ruslan parks the SUV, and as we step out, I spot Anatoly standing in front of the house, waiting for us with a broad grin on his face. He’s flanked by three men, all of them tall and built like warriors. His Gam
Between Hate and Fate 46. Ruslan
Katya arches her back from the bed as I work my tongue around her sensitive clit and curling two fingers inside of her. She’s panting; her grip tightening in my hair as I devour her pussy and needing her to come for me again.Our last night in our piece of heaven, and I need to make it count. She gasps. “Ruslan… I don’t think I can—”“You can and you will, Malyshka,” I growl and flick my tongue faster. Her moans climbing the closer she gets to her orgasm, and when she finally breaks, it’s fucking beautiful.Before she can catch her breath, I slam inside of her and start thrusting. Gods, I can still feel the slivers of her orgasm clenching around my cock and I can’t help but groan at the feel of it.I slip my hand behind her head and she opens her eyes to look at me. Holding her gaze, I move slowly against her; savouring everything I’m feeling at this moment. Her eyes soften as she looks at me, and my heart does this annoying squeeze it always does.“I love you, Katya,” I murmur and I
Between Hate and Fate 45. Ruslan
Sitting on the porch, the cool night air brushing against my skin, I feel the weight of everything pressing down on me. Anatoly’s offer echoes in my mind, repeating over and over. Beta. Joining a pack again. Becoming part of something bigger than just me and Katya.I stare out at the darkened tree line, the quiet hum of the night surrounding me. It’s tempting, I won’t lie. Being in a pack again means protection, stability, a sense of belonging I haven’t had in years. I was an Alpha once, before everything was taken from me. Before Andrei. The pull of pack life, the need to lead, to protect—it’s still in my blood. It’s something I can’t just shake off, no matter how far I’ve run.But the other side of it... It’s not so simple.Katya and I have carved out a fragile peace here in the mountains, away from everything and everyone. No pack politics, no eyes watching our every move, no expectations to meet or traditions to uphold. We’ve been left to figure things out on our own, and someho
Between Hate and Fate 44. Katya
The wind carries the scent of pine and earth as I stand on the porch and watch Ruslan and Anatoly move through the clearing, their heads bent close together as they talk in low, serious voices. They’ve been at it for hours, scouring the area for any sign of the bounty hunters, and inspecting the bodies of the bounty hunters that Ruslan took down last night, trying to figure out who they were working for. Anatoly brought a small army with him—at least a dozen warriors, all loyal to his pack and all on high alert. I’m grateful, but there’s a part of me that’s still uneasy.Watching Ruslan move with such ease, taking command alongside Anatoly, reminds me of what he was before all of this. Before he became a rogue. He was an Alpha. He was strong, a leader, and despite everything, I can still see that in him now.I lean against the porch railing, watching as they talk quietly, their movements efficient, trained. Anatoly gestures for Ruslan to come over to him. I can’t hear what they’re s
Between Hate and Fate 43. Ruslan
Katya moves quickly, her hands shaking as she packs up our things, and I can feel the fear radiating off her in waves. It cuts through me like a knife, but I can’t let it slow us down. We don’t have time; whoever sent those bounty hunters won’t stop. This isn’t the kind of job you can just walk away from.I grab what little we have, throwing the bags into the back of the SUV. Katya’s hands tremble as she climbs into the passenger seat, her face pale and her breaths uneven. I hate seeing her like this—scared, uncertain. I reach out and squeeze her hand as I start the engine, the rumble of the SUV breaking the tense silence between us.“It’ll be okay,” I murmur, trying to keep my voice calm, even though the tension is coiling tight in my chest. “We’ll figure this out.”She nods, but I can see the doubt in her eyes. She’s not just scared—she’s exhausted. Her body has been through so much, and now with the baby... I can’t let this go on. She needs rest. She needs safety. And right now, I’
Between Hate and Fate 42. Ruslan
The second I step outside, the cold air hits my face, and I smell them. Wolves. Not just any wolves—trained killers. My muscles tense, my body going on autopilot as I scan the darkness. They think they’re being quiet, that they’re sneaking up on me, but I know better.I slip through the shadows, my senses sharp, my wolf just beneath the surface. I’ve been in enough of these situations to know what’s coming. These men, whoever sent them, came here to take something from me. They’re going to regret that.The first one lunges from the shadows, teeth bared, aiming straight for my throat. I dodge quickly, spinning to the side and bringing my elbow down on the back of his neck with a sickening crunch. He drops like a rock, barely making a sound as he hits the ground.One down.There’s no time to think—another one charges at me from the left, but I’m ready. I grab him by the throat, slamming him into the nearest tree. His claws tear at my arm, but I ignore the pain. I’ve dealt with worse. He
Between Hate and Fate 41. Katya
The early morning air is crisp as Ruslan and I drive into town. We’re heading there to stock up on supplies for the week and to get a few things for the nursery. It’s a routine we’ve fallen into since we came to this cottage—one that’s become surprisingly comfortable. I glance at him as he drives, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead. Usually, he’s calm on these drives, the tension from his rogue days slipping away as we spend more time in this quiet little town. But today, something feels off.His jaw is clenched, and the way his eyes dart around, scanning every inch of the road, makes my stomach twist with unease. I know Ruslan. He doesn’t get rattled easily, and for him to look like this? It’s enough to put me on edge.I don’t say anything at first, not wanting to disturb whatever thoughts are running through his head. Instead, I lean back in my seat and try to enjoy the ride, but the longer we drive, the more I can’t shake the feeling
