CatrinaWell, it seems my intuition was partially correct after all. And I'm pleased that I had the courage to inquire more. Doctor Jane's surprised expression said it all. She was indeed hiding something from me. There are details from yesterday's incident that she didn't tell me. Carlo probably commanded everyone involved to shut their mouths so that no one who was not involved knew. I didn't want to meddle too much in his alpha's affairs, but when it came to endangering his life, how could I remain silent? "We should have a conversation. But not here. Those lycans, Damien's men, seem to be in every corner, and I'd rather not take any chances of them overhearing." Doctor Jane said"Okay." Taking my hand, she brought me to a space that belonged to her during our stay. She swiftly shut the door once we entered, ensuring our conversation remained private."Firstly, I want you to promise not to ask Alpha anything about the information I'm about to share with you. You weren't present
Catrina"Crying? All alone here? You have some things to explain to me now." He said this as he sat down beside me on the bench.I hastily brushed away my tears, feeling a sense of embarrassment at being caught in such a vulnerable state. "It's no big deal. I just... felt a little emotional... after eliminating the remaining groyals that Doctor Shawn brought here." Zeke let out a sigh, his gaze fixed on me. I averted my gaze, feeling exposed under his intense stare. I was an awful liar, and I was well aware that he could see through my lies right away. "What?" I asked as he yet again averted his gaze. "Pick a better excuse next time. Those creatures deserve the worst; even death is not enough for them. And after you got back together again, reunited with him, there's no way such a small thing would make you sad to the point of crying." Zeke said, his voice filled with concern. He took hold of my hand and kept it in his grasp. "So, what exactly did Carlo do to upset you after promi
Catrina"What the hell did that mean." Zeke refused. His hands suddenly became occupied as he scratched the back of his neck, seemingly trying to evade my gaze and inquiries."What else? It was clear that you liked Carissa." I exclaimed. Who couldn't see that? If not, he admires her like a man would admire his woman. "What are you now? A mind reader?" Zeke asked in a tone that was dripping with sarcasm, causing me to burst into even more laughter. "Simply admiring her does not automatically make me the one she has been searching for all along. Those are completely distinct concepts.""If Carissa fails to find her mate by next year, Alpha Henry will not hesitate to exile her. I understand that it's not my place to meddle, but I feel so compelled to intervene. Fake it till you make it. Who's to say that you and her aren't destined mates?" I stated. Zeke's lips curled upward in a subtle expression. What I mentioned wasn't solely meant as a joke, as I had considered that plan. I simply
Catrina.The following day, we make our way back to the pack. Many pack members gathered at the border, mostly women and pups. All of them were eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones. Several warriors immediately hurried to reunite with their cherished mates, yet I was aware that, despite the fortunate ones who made it back, many didn't. Arriving at the manor, Mathilda Donovan warmly welcomed us at the gate. We got out of the car, and Carlo had his arm around my shoulder, not budging even when his mother noticed.A smile graced her lips at the sight."Welcome back, both of you," the woman said with a beaming smile directed at her son. As she looked at me, her smile remained unchanged."Thanks, mom. Thank you for ensuring the security of our home and taking care of our daughter in our absence.""I didn't bring Lacie along for the surprise like you asked. She's with Edna in the living room right now; she misses both of you so much. Do you want to go straight to her or take ti
CatrinaLast night, Carlo came back right as the sun was on the verge of rising. I was in a drowsy state when I sensed his presence beside me as he gently pulled my waist so my back was pressed against his solid chest. I allowed a soothing feeling to envelop me. Goddess, how long have I yearned for a night like this in my life?Peaceful and secure. Indeed, there may still be potential risks, but for the time being, let me just savor this precious moment I have with him. The next morning, I freshened up and put on a lavender dress before heading downstairs to meet up with him. Carlo was conversing with some of his men."Ensure that the invitations are delivered to every pack. There were some rogues that I planned to invite, but I'll handle that later." Carlo said to them:.The warriors nodded, their faces lighting up with smiles as they received the news from their Alpha. I felt a rush of excitement as I learned what it was: he was extending an invitation for them to come to our marki
Catrina.As I neared the prison, a strong, pungent odor filled the air. Celeste was not placed in the dungeon along with the other pack prisoners, like I thought. The prison where she was held was a secluded cave, isolated from the packhouse and other crowded area. Carlo must put her here because of his concerns about her potential to harm other prisoners.The lifeless body of the guard had been removed, yet remnants of blood stained the dark stone floor. I noticed the line of torches mounted on the stone walls. The fire cast its glow across the shadow. As my gaze adjusted in the darkness, I could finally see a figure in the dim light: Celeste, bound by chains and huddled on the cold floor. A tall figure loomed over her, causing my heart to race as I realized Zeke's intentions."Stop!" Zeke turned around at lightning speed. "Cat?"I moved ahead. His temples glistened with perspiration; she must have used her magic on him moments ago, and he fought her. Zeke was gripping a knife tigh
CatrinaAs I finished, my breath was coming in gasps, and my pulse was pounding. One more thing this blessing managed to do. It sealed Celeste and her magic. I clench my power instantly since I can still feel it coursing through me; I don't need to do a second wave. This is enough. I looked away.Zeke was just inches away from me, and I could hear his heartbeat and sense his breathing. With a firm hold, Alex wrapped his arm around his mate, their glances at Celeste and me in return.Zeke, them, and I realized that no one from the Blackthorn group had ever witnessed me using this blessing. I used it for the first time in the hospital.Their eyes conveyed conflicting emotions. I just hope it is not dread. Zeke gave me a slow nod. "So... this is the first time I've seen you use it. It was... beyond my expectations. Can you do that again?" He asked, sounding like a kid asking to be shown another magic trick."Who should be my next target?" I raised one eyebrow, swayed my fingers in the
Catrina.I get out of the bathroom after wrapping a soft bathrobe around my body. The warm water truly helps me relax and ease the turmoil within my chest.The upcoming party is just a few hours away. Finally, the evening of our marking ceremony had arrived. Tonight Carlo and I would mark each other; he would reclaim me and make me his Luna. All members of the pack and any guests who are invited will serve as witnesses. We will become one connected soul, with the hope that our bond can be fixed.'Wolves meant to be together would never have their bond shattered.' I hope that is true. I hope that the Moon Goddess is truly destining Carlo and me to be together. That way, I have more hope of restoring what he lost when he saves my life.I can't believe that I managed to refrain from asking him anything about his sacrifice until tonight. But later, I'm sure I will no longer be able to restrain myself. Once we mark each other, I'll make him explain what he meant by doing that!When I
Carlo.I inhaled from my cigarette, watching the smoke float into the air. I've been attempting to rid myself of this anger that's been consuming me, but unfortunately, my efforts have been in vain. All of Zeke's words, his act of betrayal, and the secrets he kept—I never expected him to do something like this.I would have killed him yesterday if Catrina's screams hadn't alerted the others to come. It took Jonah, Alex, and two other warriors to separate me from Zeke.I had already injured Zeke when they finally succeeded in separating us. As blood trickled from the deep gash I inflicted on his neck, dangerously close to his veins, I almost killed him..."Let me kill him," I growled, giving a warning that if they interfered, I might not hesitate to kill them too."What happened? Alpha, we didn't mean to interrupt or interfere, but...you could have killed him!""Just let it be. He deserved it," I answered.My gaze was sharp at Zeke. He didn't say anything. Of course, he had no explanat
Catrina."Is everything alright? I saw two wolves jump to you from the direction of the forest." Zeke and Carissa hurriedly approached us, catching our attention. "Yes. There's nothing to worry about." Carlo answered. "They're just rogues and their pups around here, but Catrina senses that the female is pregnant. So, it seems like we'll be welcoming a new member to our pack soon." Carlo's sentence brought a comforting feeling to my chest, as he genuinely considered my suggestion, which I truly appreciated.'Thank you so much,' I smiled and said through our link.'Anything for you.'Carissa grinned, mirroring Zeke's proud expression. He turned to me and exclaimed, "Cat, you're a true Luna that any pack would be lucky to have! Not only are you powerful, but your attention to detail like this will provide them with a feeling of safety.""Thanks, that was so kind," I said to him.I noticed Zeke and Carlo exchange glances, and I realized that they were communicating through the link. Ze
CatrinaI sensed Carlo's presence in the dining room without even glancing at the door, as his intoxicating smell wafted towards me. I immediately rushed towards him, and he pulled me closer by my waist. We kissed, savoring the moment without any sense of urgency. The way he kisses me and expresses his emotions always brings me so much joy and makes me feel incredibly loved. He didn't just kiss me when he wanted sex."The food is ready..." Mathilda announced, capturing the attention of the men.There are also some warriors, Carlo's closest confidant, who brought along their mate. Fortunately, we prepared a generous amount of food, so it seems we'll be able to enjoy a delightful meal this morning. "Come one, come on.""I'm already so peckish," Jonah murmured.Carlo invited the others to take a seat. They promptly made their way to the dining table and began helping themselves to the delicious spread of food."Invite Edna to join too." Carlo said to an Omega, then asked me, "Is Lacie aw
Catrina.Three days later...After freshening up and changing my outfit, I made my way to the kitchen, drawn by the joyful sounds of laughter and conversation. Today was a vibrant morning, with the sun shining brightly. From the open window, the air carried the delightful fragrance of flowers from the garden and the mouthwatering aroma of cooking from the stove.Carissa stood next to the stove and seemed to be stirring something in a pot. It must be a soup—a flavorful and aromatic soup that is full of richness..."I already have a feeling it will be really good." I walked over.Edna looks after Lacie in the living room. Morea glanced at the oven, noticing the cake batter she had recently placed inside. It seemed she had planned to bake a cake this morning. Meanwhile, Mathilda set up multiple utensils and placed them neatly on the dining table."Let me help," I offered, retrieving a sleek bowl from the cupboard and placing it on the dining table."Didn't I mention that you could come
ZekeThat's how it all unfolded, like in a whirlwind. I took a few steps back. As I shifted back into my human self, my mouth was moist, and the metallic tang of blood remained. I'm feeling queasy. I shifted my gaze elsewhere, avoiding the sight of what I had just done.Celeste remained still. Indeed, I have just ended her life.Catrina sprinted towards me, her voice lost in the wind as she appeared before me in an instant. She violently shook my shoulder and said, "Zeke! You hear me?"Carlo came closer. His face was filled with so much emotion that I couldn't explain what it was, but it was clear that there was anger. He ordered me not to kill Celeste because we promised her death in front of all Dakota.But I didn't listen to what he ordered. So it's understandable that he's angry. Carlo assisted Catrina in getting to her feet. I saw how she was shocked and shaking, and I felt guilty. Alex, Jonah, and the others are showing similar expressions.They looked like they couldn't believ
Catrina After providing Luna and her puppies with some comforting words and assuring them that we would soon locate Celeste and ensure her safety, I made my way back to Carlo. The Lunas and pups have been returned to their respective packs, while the Alphas remain here. They had a meeting at the manor, and afterward, the tasks were divided. To ensure that we would find her as soon as possible, they dispersed to every corner of Dakota until she was discovered. When I came back and make my way to the meeting room only Damien remained. He and Carlo appeared to be engaged in a heated discussion until the entire room was enveloped by their intense aura. "Your mate freed that witch; now I want to hear what you will do to account for this?" Damien growled; his face looked annoyed and angry when Carlo said that Amora was his mate. "I've rejected her; she's no longer my mate. But I'll make sure to kill her as soon as I find her." "Regardless of whether she is your mate or not, you are w
Celeste"Is something wrong?"Amora's voice made me turn to her. I just shook my head. She's come this far; she must have had a hard time getting past all of the guards and security that Carlo set. To finally be able to free myself from the prison that locked me up, so I wouldn't worry about her just because of this silly little thought.But somehow it was hard not to look back when I could feel Zeke approaching.'Just keep moving. If he finds out you escaped, what will he take other than ending your life?' I reminded myself to take a step forward and face the facts.Just like Carlo Zeke, he wouldn't forgive me if he found out I escaped, especially what I did to him. I've betrayed him so badly that he would kill me at any chance he had.If I had to answer what I felt at the moment, I decided to betray him and make all the help he gave seem meaningless. The pain I felt was indescribable. If it's possible, I'd prefer not to do all of that."Sister," Amora said, gently placing her hand o
ZekeAfter they successfully marked each other, I observed Catrina leading Carlo toward the exit, and they eventually departed from the venue. Several eyes checked them out, and several let out whistles. There's no one stopping them, as we all know they deserve their privacy tonight.Well, finally. I convinced myself that I was happy for both of them. Carlo finally realized his feelings for her all this time, yeah, even though it was a bit late, and Catrina finally got what she deserved all along.They will be together forever, as Luna and Alpha rule this pack. And their descendants will continue their legacy. I know this pack will be even better knowing it is in the right hands.I shifted my attention to a few couples moving on the dance floor. Morea joined them with a man from another pack. A voice called out from behind me,"Do you think he could be the right person for her?" Carissa asked. With a smile on her face, she brought over two glasses of wine and kindly offered one to me
Carlo.Even though I had already made sure that there would be a high level of security at our marking ceremony tonight, how can I still detect their presence nearby? That should be impossible.I know that Catrina also noticed the same thing since, the very next second, she allowed her power to make a shield that encircled us. It formed a barrier of protection in the same way that those monsters emerge from the shadows. Their appearance is exactly the same as it was before, with unsightly scars covering their entire body in every spot.They must have sensed our aura, so they followed us here. I remember that some of our prisoners are in the state of dying; they might die in the dungeon, but there's no way they can transform into these creatures without Celeste's magic.Celeste is locked up in a specially designed, isolated prison, which, as Catrina claims, has sealed her powers. Celeste shouldn't be able to do this.Has she managed to escape? But how is that possible?Catrina summons