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2024-11-28 22:19:29
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Desired Mate What if he knew?
CATHERINE I couldn’t believe what I had done.The moment our lips touched, it was like I had been swept away by some unseen force. Damon’s warmth, his steady presence—it all felt so consuming. But just as quickly as I was drawn in, I felt a bit of shame.I pushed him away, harder than I intended, and stumbled back a step.The vendor, oblivious to my inner turmoil, clapped her hands together, grinning ear to ear. “Ah, such passion! What a beautiful couple you make.”My face burned, and I raised my hand, shaking my head vehemently. “No, no! We’re not a couple.”Damon stood silent beside me, his expression unreadable as he rubbed the back of his neck.The vendor tilted her head, unconvinced. “Not a couple? Well, my dear, perhaps it’s fate then. There’s clearly an attraction between you two, stronger than you realize.”I could feel the heat rising in my chest. “It’s not like that!”But the woman wasn’t listening. She prattled on with a dreamy look on her face. “Ah, young love. You ca
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Desired Mate Give him time.
CATHERINE As the door shut, I was left standing there, stunned and shaken. What unnerved me most wasn’t Kane’s angry outburst but the split-second eye contact we shared before the door closed. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and in that moment, I felt anger, pain, and something I couldn’t quite place. My hands trembled as I clutched the basket of food I had so painstakingly prepared.It felt like the purpose of my visit was completely destroyed. The confidence I had mustered earlier had vanished. Swallowing hard, I turned and started walking back toward my chambers with unease.On the way, I ran into Zelda. She was always graceful as usual. Her sharp eyes immediately focused on me as if she could see the turmoil I was trying so desperately to hide.“Catherine,” she uttered. “Are you alright?”I forced a smile and nodded, tightening my grip on the basket. “Yes, I’m fine, Zelda.”She raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You look pale. Where are you coming from?”My heart skippe
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Desired Mate A figment of imagination.
CATHERINE The first sensation that registered as I woke was a tender caress on my cheek. My skin tingled under the gentle pressure, and soon I felt soft kisses peppering my face, starting from my temple, my forehead, my nose. A low moan escaped me as my eyes fluttered open.“Kane?” I whispered groggily, blinking several times to adjust.There he was, sitting beside me. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” he greeted me warmly.At first, I thought it was a dream, a figment of my imagination that would dissolve as soon as I reached out. But when I rubbed my eyes and found him still there, my heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t a dream.I shot up, startled. “What are you doing here? You should be resting!”Kane smirked, leaning back against the bedpost with an air of nonchalance. “Obviously, I’m feeling well enough to come see you,” he replied, all smiles.His presence should have filled me with relief, but instead, I felt a bit uneasy. My shoulders sagged, and I cast my gaze downward.Kane frowne
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Desired Mate Worst part.
CATHERINE “Kane... why are you asking me that?”Kane’s eyes darkened as he leaned back slightly. His sudden frustration seemed to pull the air from the room, and I held my breath, waiting for him to answer my question. When he finally spoke, his voice carried an undercurrent of simmering anger.“One of my underlings,” he began, “messed up a critical business deal. A top one at that.”I blinked, confused by his response. Of all the things he could have said, I hadn’t expected it to be about business. Well, with Kane one could never tell. I still had a lot to know about him.“A business deal?” I repeated, trying to understand why it had him so agitated.Kane nodded. “Not just any deal. This was one of our most significant ventures, something I’d been working on for years. He was supposed to finalize it, and instead, he ruined everything.”His words were clipped, enough to cut. I shifted nervously on the bed, unsure how to respond. “What did he do exactly?”Kane’s lips pressed into a t
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Desired Mate Start of something new.
KANEIt was a day to the scheduled mating ceremony and celebration filled the castle. The distant sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filtered through the walls as preparations for tomorrow’s mating ceremony continued at full speed. Normally, I’d find the chaos of such festivities a nuisance, but today, for some inexplicable reason, it felt... good.Perhaps it was the steady healing of my wounds. The previous relentless pain was now a dull throb, and the worst of it seemed to be behind me. The doctor and Durmas were determined to ensure the scars wouldn’t be too noticeable as it healed—a task that appeared to consume them far more than it did me. A scar or two was the least of my worries, but I wasn’t going to argue with their enthusiasm. Durmas had to intervene in the treatment be ause of how I got the wound. At first, normal methods seemed to fail. But after he lent his hands, the healing no doubt got better.Durmas stood at the foot of the room, sifting through a collection
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Desired Mate Everything must be perfect.
BOOK CATHYCHAPTER 52CATHERINE The sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the fitting room. I stood in front of a gilded mirror, trying on yet another dress as Zelda and one of her friend, Lady Amara, scrutinized me like hawks. Zelda had chosen Lady Amara to come with us because she knows a lot about fashion and an extra eye wouldn't be bad to check the cloths, just as Zelda said.“This one has potential,” Zelda said, circling me slowly. Her sharp eyes scanned every seam of the champagne-colored gown. “The cut flatters your figure, but the color doesn’t really fit.”Lady Amara nodded in agreement. “Something richer, perhaps? Red or emerald. She needs to stand out tomorrow, not blend into the background.”I sighed, glancing at my reflection. “I feel like a mannequin being dressed for display,” I muttered under my breath.Zelda’s ears caught the remark, and she fixed me with a stern look. “This is no time for such complaints, Catherine. Tomorrow is your mating ceremony, and
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Desired Mate Stunning.
CATHERINE The clock struck close to midnight, and my heart pounded with anticipation as I stood before the mirror in my chambers. The shimmering black gown I wore hugged my figure perfectly. My hair had been styled intricately, cascading in soft waves down my back, and the ceremonial pendant rested against my collarbone, a symbol of the union I was about to embark upon.Mia entered, her eyes widening as she took me in. “You look stunning, my lady,” she said with awe.I offered her a small smile, though my nerves threatened to take over. “Do you think it’s too much?” I asked, turning slightly to inspect the dress again.“Too much?” she echoed, shaking her head. “It’s perfect. The King won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”The mention of his name made my stomach flutter. Taking a deep breath, I stepped away from the mirror. “Let’s go.”The walk to the arena felt like an eternity. The air was crisp, the night sky clear and studded with stars. As we approached, I could hear the dis
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Desired Mate It is time.
CATHERINE The soft knock on my chamber door came far too early, pulling me from the depths of my restless sleep. Before I could even fully comprehend what was happening, a group of maids bustled in, their excited chatter filling the room.“It’s time, my Lady,” one of them said, her voice as light as the morning sun streaming through the windows.My heart sank and rose simultaneously. Today was the day. The mating ceremony.“Already?” I croaked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My voice betrayed my nerves, but the maids seemed oblivious as they began preparing the room.“You’ll be the most beautiful Luna this realm has ever seen,” another maid gushed, setting down a tray of fruit and tea by my bedside.I managed a weak smile as my stomach twisted into knots. “I appreciate that,” I murmured, though my mind was elsewhere.The realization that I wouldn’t see Kane until the ceremony sent a wave of unease washing over me. I needed him. His presence, his reassuring words—it was the only thin
Last Updated : 2024-11-30
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Desired Mate No goodbye.
KANECatherine had finally fallen asleep, her chest heaving as she breathed in slumber. I could feel her worry radiating off her even as she slept with the way she clung so tightly to me. Gently, I shifted her in my arms and laid her down on the couch. I smoothed a strand of hair from her face, leaned down, and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.She might not know it, but I understood her well enough even if she tried her best not to show her worry deeply. She tried masking it not wanting to burden me. I knew her that well at least."Sleep well," I whispered. She stirred for a moment but didn’t wake.Straightening up, I made my way to the door, pausing only briefly to glance back at her peaceful, albeit tear-streaked face. The sight made my chest tighten, but I forced myself to step outside, closing the door quietly behind me. Camille was already waiting. I had nudged her earlier informing her to let us talk outside before laying Catherine off my chest."What’s the plan?" she asked
Desired Mate I'll come back for you.
CATHERINE Back in the house, Kane paced back and forth, his heavy footsteps echoing against the hardwood floors. His brows were furrowed, as he was thinking. Each time he turned, frustration radiated off him in waves. We had made sure nobody left the camp after the incident, not even Davina and her team."Damn it," Kane muttered under his breath, filled with anguish. "I can’t just stand here while those kids... while more people suffer because of me."I sat at the edge of the couch, thinking too. Camille perched beside me, her gaze bouncing between Kane and me. I knew she was struggling to piece together what she’d just learned since she had no idea how Kane's relationship with Zelda was or who Esme really was.Finally, Camille broke the silence cautiously. "Catherine, explain this to me again. From the beginning. I need to understand what’s really happening here."I drew in a deep breath before diving into details. "Esme isn’t who we thought she was. She’s one of Zelda’s pawns, sen
Desired Mate Do you know her?
CATHERINE “Esme,” I muttered. I didn't even know when the word left my lips. She was one of Zelda’s closest allies, a woman Kane and I both knew too well. Well, Kane knew her more than I did. I only got the chance to know her because of the mating ceremony which was of course, ruined.Seeing Davina’s face change into Esme’s was like being struck by lightning. My legs felt weak, and for a moment, I thought I’d collapse. The world spun as I struggled to reconcile the two faces. How could this have happened?Camille’s voice broke through my haze of disbelief. “Catherine, what’s going on? Do you know her?”I turned to my sister, my voice shaky. “She’s… she’s Esme. Zelda’s friend. I saw her when I was preparing for the mating ceremony with Kane. She was there. I… I can’t believe this.”Esme’s sly smile only added to the knot of unease in my chest. I pointed a trembling finger at her. “What are you doing here? What is the meaning of this?”Esme’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Delivering
Desired Mate A good feat.
KANEThe scent my beast picked up wasn't just a normal odouror something. It was a feeling. But I didn't have the chance to decipher what it was. Fear? Intimidation? I wasn't sure. But it was a very good feat for me nevertheless. It led me to someone because as soon as it disappeared, it returned. My wolf prowled close to the surface, growling with anticipation, urging me to act, to find the truth buried in the fear-stricken crowd. I could feel the lies hanging in the air, the deceit woven among these so-called helpers. And I so much would tear it out, root and stem, no matter the cost.“Bring them forward,” I barked thunderously, pointing to some of the people ahead. If they weren't going to talk willingly, I might as well try another method.The men I gave the orders to dragged the first suspect into the center of the clearing. It was a young medic, pale and trembling, his glasses askew on his nose. I paced in front of him like a predator.“Name,” I demanded.“D-David, sir,” the ma
Desired Mate Speak now!
KANEThe camp was buzzing with intense activity as everyone scrambled from one place to another, trying to help the other children. I stood at the center, thinking, calculating, observing what everyone was doing. What if this whole thing they were all doing was just a facade and would probably just lead to more death? What if Zelda's minion did his job already and left? So many what ifs crossed my mind incessantly.At this point, I couldn't help but howl, a loud guttural one that evhoed through the air, demanding attention. Everyone froze, and their hands stilled, their eyes snapping to me as I stood tall, coldly glancing at them. Whatever it was, I have to figure it out.I turned to six strong men I trusted since we worked together all along. “I want every new person in this camp, everyone who wasn’t here before the outbreak, out in the clearing. Now.”The men hesitated for a beat, exchanging uneasy glances. One of them, a wiry man with greying hair, dared to ask, “Even the doctors
Desired Mate What does that mean?
AUTHOR'S POVAfter hours of treating the children and stabilizing their symptoms, one of Davina’s team members, a scientist named Dr. Elena, approached her, holding a clipboard in one hand and a phone in the other. She was the one Davina said she would reach out to earlier."I’ve analyzed the samples," Dr. Elena said briskly showing the clipboard to Davina. "It’s not smallpox, though it mimics it in many ways. It’s a viral strain, an offshoot of the Orthopoxvirus family."Davina frowned. "What does that mean? How is it similar but not the same?"Dr. Elena adjusted her glasses, explaining further. "The virus shares genetic markers with smallpox but has mutated in a way that makes it less deadly and more treatable. Its symptoms are similar, fever, rash, and fatigue. But the pustules it forms are superficial. They don’t penetrate the skin deeply like smallpox does. Technically, it’s an engineered virus, possibly accidental, but it’s much weaker."Davina narrowed her eyes. "Engineered? Me
Desired Mate Everyone, leave.
CATHERINE Things began returning to normal little by little as Davina sprang into action. She gave out instructions to the parents and volunteers who were hovering helplessly around the tent."I need everyone to leave this tent immediately," she announced strictly in a way that left the parents no choice but to obey. "If you are not directly assisting, you’re only adding to the confusion. Parents, please step outside and wait. I will provide updates as soon as I can."Reluctantly, the parents began to move out of the tents, with worry and tear-streaked faces. A few resisted at first, clinging to their sick children, but Kane’s intervention at the entrance helped to expedite the process. He stood there like a sentry glancing at them all intimidatingly.If there was anything about Kane that scares me, it was how his looks commands things. Just one look and things were already where he wanted them or how he wanted them to be without him evening snapping his fingers sometimes.Once the s
Desired Mate Gather everyone.
CATHERINE The car door swung open, and a young lady, assumed to be Davina stepped out. She was a striking woman in her late thirties, with jet-black hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders. Her almond-shaped eyes, scanned her surroundings before they landed on the old woman who was outside already. She was dressed in practical yet stylish clothing, a fitted blazer over a patterned blouse, paired with dark jeans. One other thing, she carried herself with an air of quiet authority. That couldn't go unnoticed."Mara!" she exclaimed and hurried up the steps, pulling the old woman into a firm hug. "It’s been too long. How have you been? And why are you looking so stressed? I thought we talked about this!"Mara chuckled softly, patting Davina’s back. "Oh, Davina, you know me. Stubborn as always. But I’m managing just fine. You, on the other hand, look like you’ve been working yourself to the bone again. When will you learn to take a break?"Davina pulled back slightly, her eyes
Desired Mate The answer to the prayers.
CATHERINEThe old woman gestured for us to take a seat as she also say onto the worn wooden bench outside her modest home. She exhaled slowly, rubbing her lower back before speaking to us once again.“Like I said, you guys are lucky,” she began. “There’s a doctor named Davina coming into town today.”My heart lifted slightly, though I caught the wary glint in Kane’s eyes as he leaned forward. His imposing frame cast a long shadow over the woman.“What’s she coming to town for?” he asked, suspiciously.The old woman looked at him, unbothered by his intimidating demeanor. “She’s here for her usual round. I’m diabetic, you see, and she checks up on me every few months. A kind soul, that one. Always makes sure I’m doing all right.”Camille clasped her hands together, her face lighting up with relief. “Thank heavens! That’s exactly what we need right now. Thank you so much for telling us, ma’am.”But the woman held up her hand, stopping Camille mid-celebration. “Hold on, young lady. Davin
