Catherine's POV The unspoken hostility between Lizzie and I had gotten worse as the family issue grew worse. Every conversation seemed like a possible conflict because of the tension I could sense in the air.Lizzie appeared to be making every effort to establish her supremacy inside the household. She started publicly criticizing my presence and raising issues with my conduct. She was getting into increasingly heated and regular altercations.We were all seated in the living room one evening when Lizzie decided to go a step further. She purposefully broached the subject of family issues knowing fully well that I would get sucked into it. She was trying my limits, therefore it wasn't a coincidence that she chose that subject.I could see Lizzie was trying to capture me as the talk went on. She questioned my ideas, mocked my solutions, and exposed my purported flaws. Her hatred was unavoidable, and every word she spoke was sharp like a blade.I made an effort to maintain my composure
Catherine's POV One afternoon, I was quietly looking over some packed paperwork in my bedroom when I heard a gentle knock at the door. I dropped the documents I was examining out of surprise and yelled, "Yes? Come in."One of the servants, Kent, pushed the door open and walked in with a kind grin. "Please forgive me for interfering with it," she responded with respect, "well, Alpha Philip had arranged a family meeting in the house and he said you should be there."As I heard what the servant said I had a wave of curiosity and discomfort. Family gathering? Given the recent tension in our home and the rarity of the event, I was forced to consider if Philip planned to address and tackle the problem we were currently facing, that he made a huge decision to assemble the family, and I realized it.I answered, "Thank you, Keith. I'll be down there soon."As he exited the room, he shut the door behind him as she nodded. I paused to gather my thoughts and consider what this encounter would e
Catherine's POV I became more anxious as the time of the yearly pack gathering got near. Lizzie and I still had our family issues, and I knew the approaching occasion would be a big test of our ability to live together peacefully. To get through this challenging position, I needed suggestions, direction, and even a companion.I decided to get in touch with Rose one evening with a strong sense of resolve. She had been a dependable and encouraging friend, and I thought she might have some useful advice to share. We convened in a secret area of the home that was quiet and shielded from inquisitive eyes.I introduced myself as "Rose," saying, "I've been contemplating a lot regarding an impending family get-together. I'm not sure how exactly to deal with the emotions between Lizzie and myself. Ana and I need to be secure, and I would like to keep our family together. Do you please have any suggestions or opinions on how I would handle things?"Rose looked at me with sympathy and comprehen
Lizzie's POV I was feeling the heavy weight of my anxiety with Catherine's presence in my life and it grew deeper as each day progressed toward the yearly pack reunion. It appeared to be a storm I needed to get ready for. My worry was increasing, like a flood that was constantly rising and threatening to engulf me in uncertainty and misery. This feeling was something I had avoided my whole life, but at this point, I don't think I can avoid it anymore.The very first comfort Catherine had provided when she initially joined the family had gradually given way to a chilly frost that had crept into our house's crevices. I was still plagued by the recollection of our last altercation, which hung across my thoughts and actions for a very long time. It was an absolute nightmare that kept repeating, getting scarier and more realistic each time. It was embarrassing and I couldn't stop remembering every moment of it.I could still remember her arrogant voice and eyes as she warned me not to eve
Philip's POVAt last, the day of the yearly pack reunion had come, and it was a significant event that had significant meaning for our pack. My pride was rising as I stood at our compound's gate wearing the traditional Alpha garb, which gave me an aura of power. Everything was bathed in a warm, golden glow as the sun sank, creating long shadows on the ground and fueling the expectation that was permeating the atmosphere.Families from our group started to show up one by one, their faces beaming with excited smiles. Each family contributed to the rich fabric of our pack's history with its special traits and tales. It was my responsibility as Alpha to warmly welcome and congratulate them.The first family came up, their kids racing ahead with contagious joy. I stretched my hand and firmly shook theirs as we greeted one another. They presented me with a tiny gift as a sign of their esteem and friendliness, which I gratefully accepted. It was a custom that had been upheld for many years a
Catherine's POV The evening was filled with joyful voices from our pack, tunes, and an explosion of laughing and jubilation. The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meats and substantial stews, and bonfires threw warm, flashing rays on the faces of those gathering. An occasion to commemorate our togetherness and pay tribute to the past, it was an annual meeting steeped in tradition. But despite the boisterous celebrations, I was feeling a range of feelings in my heart. We silently moved to a more private section of the gathering while Rose carried Ana in her arms. The bonfires shed a radiance on our pack members' faces, and the night was really lively. We arrived at a more tranquil area, and I exhaled with relief. The far-off background was provided by the drums' steady beat and the pack members' exuberant laughing. Rose brought a little cradle that she used to gently lower Ana into. Smiling at the small piece of joy, I replied, "I'm grateful for accompanying me here, Rose. I
Catherine's POV The moment Philip said my name and beckoned for me to follow him away from the commotion of the throng, I was unable to avoid feeling a mixture of excitement and dread. Even though dancing, music, and laughing could still be heard throughout the night, my attention was solely on the Alpha at this time.I felt the burden of his obligations and the complexity of our family's problems pushing on me as I walked over to him. I recognized the importance of this encounter because of Philip's authority and aura. He gave me a kind, although slightly worried-looking, greeting as soon as we were face to face."Catherine," he began, "I've been looking for you. I must talk about this essential matter."I looked at Philip with a mix of interest and trepidation. He sought me out amid the yearly meeting, so what may be so significant? My thoughts were racing with possibilities, and I couldn't get rid of the feeling that this discussion may influence how our family would develop in th
Lizzie's POVWhen Catherine turned to join Rose and Ana, I felt a rush of emotion. The bond between mother and son was undeniable and it was a bond I wanted in my life. However, there was no denying that Catherine's unwavering love for Ana was something to be respected and admired. With a renewed sense of purpose, Catherine returned to the quiet of their private retreat, where Rose waited for them with Ana.As the annual celebration continued around us, it became clear that family unity was of the utmost importance to Catherine. Rose, her ever-supportive friend, smiled mischievously and testified to their shared understanding. They had been through different difficult times together and gone through the crises of our family dynamics.It was a bond forged in the crucible of our challenges. Now that Ana was awake and curious, with her little hands stretched out in hunger for exploration, Catherine was not able to hold a smile coming out of her mouth. The love she had for her daughter wa