Katherine Pov
It's been seven days since I woke up in this forest, seven days I'd managed to survive with no food or water. Seven long dreadful days.
And I didn't have the strength in me to go on any longer.
The silence this situation engulfed me in left me with nothing to think of rather than Castro's betrayal which kept on playing over and over again in my head like a broken caseete.
My anger coupled with hunger made me thirst for revenge all the more. Each day that went by reminded me of my last memory with Castro; hearing his sinister laughter with Jasmine's as I faded into a big, dark oblivion of emptiness.
It's a pity that those were the last things I remember. And with that, I found the will to get up once again and leave this goddamn maze-like forest.
"Over there!" Fera says excitedly. "There's a mountain"
I let out a frustrated hiss. "With the way you were excited I thought you saw a pond of water or something"
"We would never know until we get there right?"
Staring at the high mountain, I instantly got discouraged. "No. There's no way I'm going to climb all the way up there"
"Then you might as well stay here and get eaten by a wild tiger"
I scoffed. "I would really like that or get run over by a truck. Because there's no way I'm going to climb up that mountain. I have no strength left in me"
"Really? If you give up now what's going to happen to the royal palace?. What about Father and Jethro jr?. I thought you wanted to avenge them"
Reminiscing Father's head beside my feet and the blood bath that happened at the palace, I clenched my fist.
My second chance at life would be meaningless if I gave up now.
"I hate the things you say sometimes, Fera" I grumbled as her words had convinced me to keep going.
Inhaling deeply, I dragged my feet slowly heading towards the mountain. I'd barely been walked miles away from where I was previously standing before wiping off the sweat from my face.
Standing at the feet of the mountain, I looked up at it's peak and suddenly got discouraged. I didn't have enough strength to super speed all the way up there so that meant that I had to climb all the a way up.
I cursed softly under my breath. "No matter how many times you show your frustration, you are still going to climb all the way up there" Fera's annoying voice chipped in.
"Are you positive there's something inside this mountain?"
"Inside it. Behind it. There has to be something"
"So we are working on your 'assumptions'?. Thanks for the hint"
Fera rolled her eyes, frustrated. "I'm sure we would find something sort of food there or a village behind the mountain. You are supposed to know all these things"
Yes, I was supposed to as the daughter of Alpha Jethro and the luna of the pack but now that I couldn't even find my way back to the palace, what use was the knowledge?.
It wasn't going to possibly get me out of this forest that's for sure. "So?. What is I'm supposed to know all that? Will it get us out of here? "
God knows how long I'm going to get stuck in this place. Even if I got out of here on time, how would I get back to the palace when I had no idea where I am?.
Moreover, what on earth must have happened in the palace during these past seven days?. Was there another coup or were people being taken in wrongly for slavery?.
"Aren't you going to get moving? We don't have all day" Fera questioned, interrupting my thoughts.
"I AM moving" I replied annoyed by her constant pestering.
Breathing in and exhaling deeply, I began to climb up the mountain with the sun shining brightly upon me. I'd barely gone far from where I was before when I felt my whole body began to feel weak and my legs started to give out.
"I've been going on for a while now and still no sign of water or food" I say in-between breaths. "I really can't go on anymore. Let's take a break here."
Fera didn't respond which was unlike her. "Fera?. Are you still there?"
No response. Fear started to course through my veins. "How could Fera had let me walk all the way up here just to leave me all alone? Hang on, Fera"
My desperation to make it to the other side of the mountain heightened but without watching where I stepped; I mistakenly tripped over a stone rolling down the green grasses on the mountains without stopping.
It happened so fast that I was unable to regain control over my body which didn't come to a stop until my head had hit a hard rock object knocking me almost all out.
"Katherine! Katherine, wake up!' I hear a fading voice call out my name. Although the voice wasn't clear, it sounded like Fera.
"Fera?" I questioned unsure, my eyes slowly closing up.
"Yes, it's me"
"That's a relief" I draw out. "That you are alright"
Maybe it was finally time I reunited with Father and Jethro junior. What was the use of longing after revenge when I couldn't even leave this forest?.
If I died now, would someone come for me then?. It wouldn't even matter if it was a vampire being drawn to me by the scene of my blood. I just wanted to see a different face in this forest that I've gotten sick and tired of for the past seven days.
But no one came. I chuckled over the fact that I wasn't even wanted by a vampire. "I wanted a different ending. What's all this?. Seriously, this is too cruel"
Just before my world went blank, I hear Fera calling out to me one last time. "Katherine!"
Jade Pov "Are you boys ready?" Father asked, barging into our chambers. I and my twin brother, Jude were yet to find our mate and it had now become a thing of concern in the pack that's why Father had gone out of his way today to host a selection ceremony for Jude and I to select a mate and die down the rumours in the pack; But, neither of us was in the mood to do so. "We're ready" Jude replies father in a chirper mood than I am. Well, he was the twin who were out to pleases everybody. I on the other hand does whatever that pleases me. "I didn't hear a response from you, Jade" Father directs at me. "I'll be there. It's not like I have a choice""Then I'll leave things in your hands, Jude. See you boys downstairs in 15"Once father was gone, I moved towards my wardrobe; bringing out my hiking gear--heading for the window--Jude holds me back. "Where are you going?""Hiking. What does it look like?""Father kept me in charge here""Then you better come along with"With that said,
Jade pov "My office, now!" Father snapped, he had the deadliest glare and it made other people around cower in fear. Brother and I sighed. It was obvious we didn't want to leave our mate but for some reason, our father chose to be pissed off at the fact that we actually found ourselves a mate. He turned on his heels and stormed out with us reluctantly following behind. Everyone began to murmur and mutter about the situation that was going on. It made me slightly angry that no one would mind their business and everyone just enjoyed poke nosing. I assumed it was because we were the royal family but it didn't mean we weren't people too. The walk to his office it was quiet. I still wondered why he chose to have an office when other Alphas chose to have thrones and a throne room. My brother Jude saw it as reasonable though. We were both next in line to the throne and either the kingdom was split in two or we both ruled together. We insisted on ruling together but my father beli
Jude PovShe remained silent. About a minute had passed and mother refused to say a word to us. She just restlessly strolled back and forth from her room. Her face looked really puzzled and she as usual placed a hand on her hip and another on her chin as she rampaged into her thoughts. I had concluded within myself that no matter what happened, I would not chase my mate away or deny that she was my mate. I had already told Jade this and he agreed to it and if we were able to convince both our parents, then the rest of the pack could go to hell for all I cared. "Does your father know?" Just as I thought, she finally was able to mutter some words. "Yes mother and if I may-""Where is she from?" She cut in before Jade could finish "We don't know yet. She was found unconscious." I responded. "Does she know?" Mother peered further but we shook our heads. "No, mother."She went mute once again, going back to her strolling around and thinking deeply. I watched her every expression car
Jade PovNo one bothered us for the rest of the night, the scowl mother had was enough to shun anyone up. Due to reasons unknown to a lot of us, father and the elders could not make it to dinner. I knew better, they most likely were arguing about the new update in the royal family. I couldn't care less what they thought. My mind was already made up and not even my brother could change it. Laying carelessly on the bed, I stared up at the ceiling. My arms were spread out and so were my legs. My thoughts wandered through a lot of things. At first it started with my mate, the urge to go and meet her inflicted me but I stayed put. They had already moved her to a private room to spend the night and the doctors assured us that she would regain her consciousness by dawn. I wished she was here with me, wrapping herself around me. I imagined if she was that kind of woman, to be soft and sweet and cuddly around her mate. Or she was like my mother, direct, fierce and dominant. Either way she
Katherine PovOpening my eyes, I found myself in a room flooded with early morning sunlight. The unfamiliar luxury of satin sheets beneath me hinted to my senses that I was in an unfamiliar location. At the foot of the bed, two men with striking resembling features, locked eyes with me. Squinting my eyes further, I tried to understand whether my eyes saw double or they were just identical. "Good morning, beautiful," one of them said with his lips curved into a hint of a smile."Surprised to see us?" The other's eyes sparkled with an mysterious charm. Confusion overwhelmed me. "Who are you, and where am I?"The one who had a brown shirt on and had a commanding presence, stepped forward. "We are Jude and Jade, and you are in our home. You're our mate."Disbelief widened my eyes. "Mate? What do you mean?""What? Why would you tell her like that?!" The other on a green t-shirt said, nudging his twin on the side. Mate?! Two of them?Confusion could not cut what it was that I felt. J
Katherine PovI blinked awake in a room filled with soft moonlight. It took a moment for my surroundings to come into focus and when it finally did, I saw Gwen, graceful as she was earlier today, looking at me.She must've been the one who woke me up. "Hey, it's time to get up for dinner," she said with a melodic voice. She had a tray of food on her legs and my nose perceived it even before I could lay eyes on the meal. It smelled delicious. "Thank you." I said. She kept quiet, handing me the tray and watching me eat the food. I stayed in the room all day and she was the only one who came in to have conversations with me. So far, she was the only one who did not approach me weirdly. I didn't hear from the twins but I chose not to think about it too much. "You know, you haven't really told me your name," her voice was so soft that I could listen to it forever. I took a moment to contemplate whether to lie or not about my identity. So as to gain their trust I had to say the truth
Katherine pov As the morning light filled my room, I stirred up awake from my sleep. It was the most refreshing night and I felt all my energy at a hundred percent once again. I smiled knowing that I finally woke up without any form or fear. I gasped and jerked up, using the sheets to cover myself when I saw Jade, one of the twins, asleep by the door. Memories of last night came flooding in my head. He'd helped me find peace the night before and I was very grateful for that. Staring at his sleeping body, he did not look as scary as I believed he was in the previous day. He looked rather peaceful. But I couldn't fully accept him or his brother, Jude, as my mates. No matter what my body or mine said. My wolf was not active for the time being so unless Frey agreed to them being mates, I couldn't take that decision alone. Looking at Jade sleeping peacefully, I felt grateful for his comfort. But inside, I was torn. I wanted to keep them at arm's length, afraid of getting hurt again.
Lily PovI walked slowly with heavy steps through the trees, feeling the weight of frustration and self-doubt with each step. Those teenagers, already shifting into their wolves, were relentless in tormenting me. They taunted my late blooming, making me feel like an outsider in a world where strength came from a primal connection with the wolf inside. Making me feel like an outsider as if I were not part of the royalty. I finally reached the pack house on foot. They had gotten there an hour before I did because they all were able to speed off in wolf form. They continued to mock me and I could not fight back because I knew their wolves were stronger than my human form. I saw Katie stare down from her window. Katherine, stuck in her room, witnessed it all from her window. She was obviously hurting for me, and I could almost taste and sense the anger burning within her. I am seen as a mere human until I am able to turn full wolf. Mother experienced the same late blooming and she ass
Epilogue Katherine Pov “You’re going to die with the child in your womb.”I stood stunned as Castro revealed the shocking news – I had a baby growing inside me, amidst the fierce fight raging between us. This discovery hit me like a thunderbolt, as it began to make sense of the mysterious waves of sickness I had been experiencing lately.I had never even thought about the possibility of being pregnant. My reduced sense of smell and sight had gone unnoticed, and not even I or anyone else had picked up on the signs. The realization that I carried a new life within me was both thrilling and worrying, a bittersweet discovery in the middle of our clash.I grappled with the conflicting emotions rushing through me. On one hand, the news of my pregnancy filled me with a sense of wonder and the promise of a new life. Yet, the timing could not have been worse, as I found myself locked in a high-stakes duel with my sworn enemy, Castro.How Castro had uncovered this information remained a myste
Katherine Pov “A holmgang?” Castro raised his brows, laughing out loud for a moment. “Is something amusing to you?” I glared daggers his way. “I refuse,” he shrugged. “You can’t, even the council knows that you cannot do that. If you do, the entire kingdom will by law be forced to turn against you and pick a new ruler by themselves. Your head will be cut off and as will mine but unlike you, both our deaths are a price I’m willing to pay,” I explained, knowing that the consequences were too brutal for him to reject. His gaze changed from a playful smile to a death glare at me. I had fearlessly challenged my sworn enemy to a fight to the death, leaving him with no option to refuse. The stakes were incredibly high, and the outcome would determine both our fates.In my heart, I firmly believed that only two possibilities awaited us: either I would lose my life, or Casto would suffer his ultimate defeat. If I were to fail in the fight, I acknowledged that I had no rightful claim to r
Katherine povSusie.My heart skipped a beat, and I swiftly turned around to locate the source of the sound. However, my joy quickly turned to concern as I noticed Susie's mother hastily covering her mouth with her hand, her eyes pleading with me to stay away. She shook her head and I could have sworn I saw tears cloud her eyes. So I stepped back, I stopped. Seeing Susie brought me a sense of relief, knowing that she was safe, but I couldn't ignore the fear that clouded the expressions of both mother and daughter. It sent shivers down my spine.In that moment, my disdain for Casto intensified. They had stripped these people of their freedom, confining them in a state of constant fear and oppression. The sight reinforced my determination to fight against the oppressive forces that had taken hold of our once vibrant and free community.I lived these few months in joy while my people suffered and even now that I had returned, I was helpless and they remained hopeless. I felt a mix of
JADE PovMy blood boiled with anger as I watched the council's woeful display of decision-making. I couldn't fathom how they could be so blind to the consequences of their actions. Standing there with my brother and Jasmine, I had to endure the painful ordeal of hearing the council members' proposition.They callously suggested that we should return Jasmine, tearing her away from our side, and take back Katherine in a misguided attempt to avoid war and mitigate further loss. The very idea left a bitter taste in my mouth. How could they believe that sacrificing one person for the sake of appeasement would bring any true resolution?I clenched my fists, feeling an overwhelming surge of indignation. The council's incompetence enraged me. They failed to see the bigger picture, the human cost of their decisions. They were willing to play with lives, treating them like pawns on a chessboard.Jasmine stood beside me, her eyes filled with apprehension and vulnerability. I couldn't bear the th
Brenda Pov“Stop! Guys! Hold on!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, running after Jude, Jade, and Grey who seemed to be engrossed in a conversation and did not hear my cry from a distance or most likely chose to ignore me.“What the hell guys?!”My eyes shot wider when I heard him scream. “She has something to say,” Nathan added, his voice probably louder than mine. I felt a blossom inside me and wondered if this was what people referred to as butterflies in their bellies. However, I had no time to think about how Ethan made me feel. “Oh, apologies. We were too engrossed—”“They have her!” I remembered how much I was gasping for air from the shock and fear I got from panicking. “Katherine!”My words were broken down, but I believed they understood the message I was trying to give because right one cue, Jade and Jude dashed right past me, towards the direction of her room. Grey stayed behind though, his eyes widened in horror. “Who has?” He was the only one logical enough to get mo
Katherine povAfter what felt like hours, I finally reached the door. Stretching my hands out, I reached for the handle but instead of drawing closer, it drew farther away from me. It was being opened on the outside. “Well look who we have here!”I froze on my steps, chills running up and down my body knowing I was caught even before I could attempt to escape. The door to the barn had swung open and I just stood there in shock and fear of what might happen next. “I actually believed it was just a rumour that you were alive,” James said. James. He was one of the palace guards when my father ruled, he was always so quiet but there were times I heard him make funny jokes. “Is she awake?!” I heard someone yell from outside. “Yeah!” James yelled in return. I was caught already, I was done for. “Do as I say and play along if you want to live Katherine.”My eyes shot open in hope when I heard him whisper in a lower tone to me. Meeting him, I believed he had join forces with Casto a
Katherine povYou lied to me…You betrayed me…wake up.They’re all dead…You murderer, I’ll never forgive you….“Wake up!”I jerked my body out of the trance I was stuck in for a moment. It was a dream, a nightmare even. Like my entire life flashed before my eyes, every of the tragedy. My head hurt, banged at every corner of my scull. It felt like I was knocked out by a boulder. Frey was the one who dragged me out of the nightmare, it felt like it went on for years. Something was not right but I could not pin point it. I could not even open my eyes fast enough because of how bad my head felt. Eventually, my surroundings started to come into view and it looked nothing like my room or anywhere in the pack house. It reeked of shit, literal poop and that was the first sense that hit me. My sense of smell. It was horse shit and it was disgusting. Unfortunately, I was covered in it and there was nothing I could do about it at the moment. I tried to move but I couldn’t, not just because
Katherine Pov7:39 pm…I was being watched and I could feel it at the bottom of my belly. No one was in sight but I knew something or someone was following me. Every once in a while, I would swiftly turn around but the sensation vanishes once I look towards the direction. The commotion from this morning had come to an end before it was even noon, everyone had gone back to their daily lives, and the victims were admitted to the hospital. To my surprise, the council had not called for my attention concerning Jasmine but I believed Jude and Jade had something to do with it. Once again, I abruptly turned on my heels, trying to catch the made-believe stalker by surprise but I still ended up with the same result. Nothing. “Are you okay?” Sonia questioned for the umpteenth time and I nodded in approval. It was going to raise false alarms if I had called attention to how I felt at the moment, especially because the entire territory was on its toes. She was due in about a week or earlier t
Katherine Pov “Jasmine left the house in the middle of the night.” I blurted out, hoping to distract his attention from trying to seduce me. “Excuse me?” Jade raised a brow, retracting his hands from my waist and taking a step back. “Brenda and I found out last night and followed her into the woods,” I explained further, watching every bit of his expression, hoping he believed me. “You what?!” His eyes shot open and eventually turned into a glare. “You don’t need to get mad-”“What if something happened to you?” Jade crossed his arm before leaning against the wall behind him. “We did not leave the pack’s territory. Plus she just vanished into thin air and by the time we all woke up this morning, people lost body parts. Permanently,” I retorted, mirroring his glare, disappointed that he was more worried about my whereabouts than the safety of the pack. Jade went silent, staring blankly into the abyss as he got lost in his thoughts. I could almost not read his expression, but I k