Chapter 4 - Katrina

I was fuming inside at Chesed. How dare he treat my Papa’s mate in such a manner!? She is the next Luna of his pack, and he would dare demeanor her by sending her, unwilling like I might add, to his sex room!? I hope she claws his eyes out.

I could tell her sisters were worried as they kept glancing back, trying to see Crista still as my brother led her away. If there ever was a time that my Papa needed to yank control away from his wolf, it is now. He cannot allow Chesed to treat her or her sister this way. 

I swear to the Goddess the first scream of ‘NO’ or anything that indicates Crista wants away from Chesed, and I am breaking that door down and putting that bastard wolf in his place. Hell, I’ll call Zia Izzy to help me. I know she’d be happy to make him a statue for a day or so to prove a point.

“Don’t worry, girls. Crista will be safe. And if I feel she isn’t, I will step in.” I assured them as I led them to the guest room.

The blonde raised a valid question. “No offense, but what the fuck are you going to do against an Alpha. I get he’s your Papa, but you’re still a human.”

“I may be human, but I am by no means weak. I can still fight, even if not to win, but to give Crista time to get away. And if all else fails, I call my Zia. She will gleefully use her gift against Alpha Chesed.” I smiled, gesturing for them to go into the room.

“You can stay in this room. You’re our guests, so just know you’re safe here. I’ll get something for you to change into. The bathroom is through there. Should be stocked with all you’ll need.” I smiled.

“Thank you.” The youngest whispered as she followed her sister into the attached bath. She seems like a sweetheart. She was going to need to give her extra attention. Whatever brought them here was traumatic, and the little ones are always the most hurt.

I ducked out of the guest room and into mine to grab some pajamas for the girls to wear. As I walked to their room, I glanced downstairs, straining to hear anything. He better behave. If he costs my Papa his mate, I’ll never forgive him, and neither will the pack. A pack needs a Luna.

These girls must have set a shower record as they were standing in the room wearing white robes that were left in every bathroom in the villa. I guess I can’t blame them. Who’d want to take a long shower in a foreign place?

“Well, you’re efficient. Here you can borrow these to sleep in.” I smiled, offering them the clothes. They were silent as they took my clothes and quickly changed.

“What is the darkroom? Why did your Alpha command our sister there? What’s he going to do to her?” The blonde demanded.

“I don’t think I should tell you that. I’m sure your sister will explain when she’s ready and able. I don’t know what Chesed was thinking, but I don’t think he wants to or will hurt her.” I sighed. As if Chesed wanted to prove me wrong, we heard screaming from downstairs. 

“YOU BASTARD!” Crista shrieked. It sounded close, and as we rushed out of the room, I realized just how close as the sound of someone getting their ass smacked echoed in the open foyer. 

“What in the name of the Goddess?” I demanded, peering at the foyer below. Chesed had Crista over his shoulder like a sack of flour. What an asshole!

“What the?” The blonde sister chimed in at a loss for words at what she was seeing. 

“Is… he allowed to do that?” The youngest softly questioned. 

I wasn’t even sure how to answer that. Crista was blushing so bright I could see as she realized we were about to see and very clearly hear her. Technically, Chesed is allowed to as her mate, but he shouldn’t because obviously, she’s not enjoying it. 

“I hate you so fucking much.” Crista growled, reaching back, trying to pull her shorts back up. 

“Keep testing my patience, kitten.” It’s a good thing I don’t have much of a gag reflex and am far too desensitized to his antics, or I’d puke over this railing and aim for his head. “I’ll do more than smack your ass.” Chesed growled.

“Your daughter and my sisters are watching.” Crista hissed. Oh, that poor girl. If she thinks me standing here would deter that beast, she’s in for a rude awakening.

“I do not care. So unless you want them to get a show, behave.” Chesed commanded.

“Crista? Are you okay?” The youngest questioned. I felt so bad for her. She’s rightfully worried for her sister. Whatever brought them to our door was no picnic; now, she sees this—this poor innocent child.

“She’s fine. Go to bed.” Chesed commanded 

“You aren’t our Alpha. And we’re going nowhere till our sister says she’s okay.” The blonde crossed her arms. 

I’ll give the girl credit. She was willing to stand up against him. Very few would dare. But that bravado died as Chesed reached the top of the stairs and turned to growl at her. 

“Get in bed now!” he commanded, his alpha aura filling the space. 

I scowled at him as the girls whimpered. What a bastard, growling at children, using his Alpha command and aura to intimidate them. They are just worried about their sister. I will put him in his place as soon as I know the girls are okay. And to ensure that I decide it’s best to remove them from this situation.

“Okay, little ones. Let’s go back to the room before papa Chesed blows his top.” I sighed. 

“Asshole, don’t be mean to my sisters.” Crista growled, hitting him in his stomach with her foot. 

I snickered because André was right about her. If anyone can take Chesed down a peg, it will be this girl, our Papa’s mate and future Luna.

“Then tell them you’re fine, so they go to bed.” He grunted and growled, giving her ass another slap. 

“I’m fine. Delilah and Persephone go to bed. I can handle this asshole.” Crista assured her sisters. Of course, calling him an asshole earned Crista another smack, this time harder. Glancing back, I saw her wince, growling at him.

“You keep this up, and I’m going to think you like getting spanked, kitten.” he teased, pushing open a set of double doors.

I shuddered. Chesed is just gross. I gently tugged the girls in the direction of their room as they looked back at their sister with worried gazes before Chesed shut his suite’s doors. At least I know their names now. Persephone and Delilah.

“Are you sure he doesn’t mean to harm her?” Delilah worried at her bottom lip.

“Whose room did he just take her into? Why isn’t she in the room with us?” Persephone demanded. 

I sighed, rubbing my temples. I went from that strange dream, vision, astral eavesdrop, whatever it was, to deal with all this. I still must call Bisnonna to find out what that was about. But one thing at a time, these girls are what is right in front of me, and they need me right now.

“I’m sure. Chesed is an asshole, but he has never forced himself on a female. And your sister was taken into his private suite. I know it doesn’t sound good, but his room is the best in the villa. His bathroom alone is amazing.” I smiled, trying to sound reassuring.

“As for why she’s in there and not here, I’m sure they have a lot to discuss. Like what brought you all here.” I shrugged.

The girls both slumped onto the bed with tears in their eyes. “It’s okay. As I said, you are safe here. And if you aren’t ready to talk about that’s okay.” I sighed, kneeling on the floor, and gently took their hands in mine.

There was a moment of silence, probably the pair communicating via their family link. Oh, how I wish I knew how that felt. Being the only human in my family sucks on so many levels. 

“We are the Beta heirs of Nebrodi. Madonie attacked our pack, slaughtering people as they saw fit. Inclu… Including our parents.” Persephone managed to explain.

“Fucking Icky Iggy.” I wrinkled my nose. That guy has always given me the creeps. Like serial killer creep vibes.

“He ripped their hearts out… we were defenseless to act, and he killed them.” Delilah tearfully confessed as Persephone wrapped her in a hug letting her sister cry on her.

“I’m sorry you and your pack have suffered. But my Papa will make it right. He can’t bring back the dead, but he can send Icky Iggy to the Goddess for an eternity of punishment. He can free any other survivors.” I assured them.

If there is anything I can count on Chesed to do, it’s winning a war. And if Icky Iggy wants to harm Crista, it’ll be over Papa’s dead body. No one has ever beaten him in a fight, and he will not start losing against a shithead like Ignazio.

“Now, leave it to my Papa and the Incubi pack. Madonie doesn’t stand a chance.” I smiled, squeezing their hands. “You two stay here, and I’ll get you something to eat before bed.”

“Okay, not like we have a choice. But thank you, Katrina.” Persephone sighed.

“Yes, thank you.” Delilah smiled, sniffling as she pulled away from her sister to look at me.

“You’re welcome.” I nodded, leaving the room. I glanced at my Papa’s suite doors, unsure if the silence was a good or bad sign, as I went downstairs. 

I sighed in relief to see Papa at the stove reheating stew. As I doubt he’s hungry, it must be for Crista, which makes me happy. He’s taking care of his mate even if Chesed is an asshole in his method.

“Going to dish out enough for three?” I questioned, leaning against the counter, arms folded. 

“What?” Chesed questioned, getting out bread to cut and toast up. 

He’s going to make this conversation like pulling teeth. I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Let Papa out.” I demanded. 

“Excuse me? Who do you think you are talking to, little girl? I am your Alpha and your father.” Chesed narrowed his eyes, pointing the tip of the bread knife at me.

Oh, this fucking beast needs to learn his place and remember who he’s talking to. 

“You heard me just fine. I’m human, so you’re no Alpha to me. Remember, I didn’t get the wolf spirit in the deal. So, I don’t have to submit to your grumpy ass. I want to talk to my Papa. I’ve no desire to deal with a beast who can’t even treat his mate properly. Now let me talk to my Papa.” I challenged him, not giving an inch. 

I watched as the struggle between Papa and Chesed wared in his eyes. Only breathing a sigh of relief, my Papa’s blue eyes were the only color in his iris. It’s about time Chesed let Papa out. It’s the way a werewolf ought to be. With Papa in control, he instantly put the knife down and pulled me into a bone-crushing embrace.

“I’m so sorry, my princess. He doesn’t mean to come off so cruel. It is just his nature. He loves you. You know that?” Papa apologized, cupping my face.

Any anger I had melted as I looked into his eyes. Oh, how I miss my Papa. It’s so rare he comes to the surface anymore. I can only hope finding his mate will change that. I want to see him more often.  Her expression softened as she looked at me.

“Papa, stop apologizing for him. While I know, on some level, he holds love for André and me. But I also know not having a wolf disappointed him and André being homosexual disappoints him as well.” I sighed, shaking my head. 

“Katrina… he is not disappointed in either of you. You are both amazing children, and we are proud to be your father.” Papa insisted. 

“I know you feel that way, Papa. But Chesed is another story sometimes. But I’m not here to talk to you about André or me. You need to reign Chesed in. Sending Crista to the darkroom, spanking her in front of her sisters.” I frowned.

“These aren’t things he should be doing to her. Not just because she’s your mate, but those girls are hurting. They are hurting more than André and I ever would when thinking of mamma. We didn’t know her to feel her loss. They had to witness their parents die horrifically. They need to be treated gently.” I sighed.

Papa sighed and nodded, turning to stir the stew. “I know. I’ve told him this. He has done kind things. We drew her a bath and set out clothes for her. And now we are warming up the stew to bring her.” He explained, putting the bread into the oven to toast. 

I sighed in relief. At least that’s something. “Good. Just keep treating her nicely. If her sisters are any indication, Crista is a sweet girl who has a loving heart.” I smiled.

“Here, let me get a bowl and tray ready.” I offered, fluttering away to get things ready for Crista’s meal. 

I sighed, seeing the color change in my Papa’s eyes. The damn beast is back in power.

“Just remember what I said, Papa. And Chesed, you be nice to that girl, or I’m going to tell Zia Izzy you were being mean to your mate.” I threatened. 

It wasn’t a threat but a promise. I won’t stand by and let Chesed mistreat Crista. She deserves kindness after everything that she’s lived through. And even if she hadn’t watched her parents murdered, she’d deserve kindness at his mate.

“You’ll tell your Aunt nothing.” Chesed grumbled, ladling out the stew into the provided bowl. “Goodnight, Katrina.” Chesed called out before leaving with the tray.

I rolled my eyes, getting a tray of two bowls for Crista’s sisters. I have to make them feel at ease and safe. They were grateful for their meal and fell asleep shortly after eating. 

By the time I’d gotten the dishes washed and was back in my bed, it was too late to call Bisnonna. I decided I would do it in the morning. Hopefully, if that dream was real, those men could hold out till I could figure out what I saw and save them.