Katherine's POVIt had been two days since I arrived at the Redwood pack, and my body was still recovering from the exhaustion that lingered long after Nathaniel's rejection. The forest, once a sanctuary, had become a haunting reminder of my vulnerability. Yet, as I stepped into the warmth of the pack house, a sense of belonging began to seep into my soul.The thought of Nathaniel no longer pierced my heart like a dagger. Perhaps it was the promise of a new beginning, or maybe I was genuinely healing. Whatever the reason, I grasped it tightly, letting the hope of redemption wash over me.As I descended the stairs, my nerves fluttered like birds in flight. Breakfast at the Redwood pack was a communal affair, far removed from the isolated meals I endured at the Woodland pack. Everyone gathered around one table, sharing laughter and stories. The warmth was palpable, and I yearned to be a part of it.My shoes clicked on the wooden floor, announcing my arrival. All eyes turned to me, and
Nathaniel POV The alarm's piercing sound jolted me awake, a welcome respite from the haunting nightmares that plagued me since Katherine left. After a refreshing shower, I trudged downstairs for breakfast, my heart heavy with dread.Days of avoidance hadn't eased the tension; I couldn't escape the inevitable.With a resigned sigh, I took a seat beside Kilo. "Good morning," I muttered to my uncle and aunt.Carolina's snarl greeted me, her annoyance palpable. "Look who finally decided to join us."I refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction, rolling my eyes instead. I ate slowly, lost in thought.Tristian's concerned voice broke the silence. "How are you feeling, son? You look pale."His genuine concern touched me. I forced a small smile. "I'm okay."But the truth lingered, unspoken. I was far from okay.Breakfast was a strained affair, with Uncle Tristian and Kilo tiptoeing around me, avoiding sensitive topics. But Carolina showed no such restraint."So, Nathaniel, now that y
Third person POV The Redwood pack bustled with activity as they prepared for breakfast. Katherine sat in her room, hesitant to join the crowd. Since her arrival, packmates had grown curious about her connection to their Alpha. She wasn't ready for their stares.Katherine's daily conversations with Dimitri had become a comforting ritual. He kept his promise to take things slow, and her heart fluttered at the thought.A knock on the door broke her reverie. She opened it to find Dimitri standing there, his brows furrowed in concern."Good morning," he said.Katherine felt vulnerable under his scrutinizing gaze. It was as if Dimitri searched for a hidden sign or expression on her face."Morning," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.Dimitri's eyes locked onto hers, his intensity making her pulse quicken."Are you okay?" he asked, his deep voice laced with genuine concern.Katherine's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't used to anyone caring about her emotions."I'm fine," she said
Nathaniel POV I woke up to a pounding headache, the lingering residue of a distressing nightmare. I shrugged it off, popping my anxiety pills to calm the storm within.Today was crucial; our December runway show loomed, and I needed to ensure everything was flawless.But as I swung my legs over the side of the bed, a wave of weakness washed over me. My legs trembled beneath me, threatening to give way.I hadn't confided in anyone yet, dismissing it as a minor issue. Yet, the fatigue had been persistent, gnawing at my resolve.Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself to stand, every step a testament to my determination.The bathroom beckoned, but standing for long seemed impossible. I opted for a warm soak in the bathtub instead, letting the water envelop me like a soothing balm.As I soaked, my muscles relaxed, and strength seeped back into my limbs."Maybe I was just cold," I rationalized, willing myself to believe it.Feeling revitalized, I dressed and headed downstairs for a much-needed
Third person POV Nathaniel's eyes fluttered open, groggily focusing on the worn faces of Lena and Kilo. The pack infirmary's sterile scent and faint beeping of machines assaulted his senses."Thank the goddess you're awake!" Kilo exclaimed, his voice cracking as he grasped Nathaniel's hand. Tears brimmed in his eyes, and his trembling smile conveyed the depth of his relief.Nathaniel tried to move, but his body felt leaden, stiff from days of immobility. His throat scratched, making every word a painful struggle.Lena's face etched with worry, her eyes red-rimmed from sleepless nights. "I'll inform Luna and Mister Tristian," she said, her voice laced with emotion before hurrying out.The doctors arrived, their efficient examination a blur as Nathaniel endured in silence, his weak body unable to resist. Their murmured reassurances and nods of approval offered little comfort.After the doctors declared his vitals normal and left, Nathaniel turned to Kilo, his gaze searching."Why...do.
*Nathaniel POV*Thankfully, I'd recovered from the attack and was no longer confined to the clinic. My dad insisted I keep a low profile, avoiding the human world to prevent alerting the rogues who sought to harm me."Alpha," Emilia called out, her voice laced with urgency.I turned to face her, noticing her puffy eyes, a telltale sign of tears."Emilia, what brings you here?" I asked, surprised by her sudden appearance on my doorstep. It had been almost two weeks since I'd last seen her."Well, I'm still your beta," she replied, deadpan, rolling her eyes."You aren't acting like it," I snapped, stepping aside to let her enter.Emilia sighed, sinking into my couch. Her mouth opened and closed, as if searching for words to defend herself, but none came.I rubbed my forehead, empathy softening my tone. "Look, Emilia, I know you're struggling..”"I'm depressed!" Emilia exclaimed, cutting me off as hot tears streamed down her face. "I've always struggled, but it's gotten worse. I feel lik
*Third person POV*Nathaniel paced his room, lost in thought. Lena's words echoed in his mind: "I've confirmed Katherine's whereabouts. I'll text you the location when I'm certain she'll be there."His nerves simmered, anticipation building. Seeing his Omega again filled him with trepidation. He was ready to do anything to make Katherine forgive him, to reclaim his mate.Just as Nathaniel's thoughts began to consume him, Kilo entered the room."What's wrong?" Kilo asked, concern etched on his face. "You've been pacing for hours."Nathaniel's gaze drifted toward Kilo, his sigh heavy with emotion."Today's the day," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm going to see Katherine."Kilo's eyes widened in surprise."How did you find her?" he asked, recalling the failed search party.Nathaniel's snort was laced with irony."Lena found her," he deadpanned, his tone hinting at a complicated history.Kilo settled beside Nathaniel on the couch."What's the plan?" Kilo asked, his voice l
Katherine POV I stood frozen, gazing at Layla's lifeless body, the silver arrow protruding from her head like a cruel accusation. My shaky hands covered her eyes, a futile gesture to protect her dignity, to preserve some semblance of peace.Layla had known her fate before the arrow struck. Pity washed over me, despite our distant relationship. No one deserved such a brutal end. The memory of her words echoed in my mind: "You're... in danger..." and "They... are going to kill... me."I wiped away a tear and lifted her body, determined to give her a proper funeral, to honor her in death as she hadn't been in life.As I carried Layla back to the pack, questions swirled in my mind like a vortex. What was she about to reveal? Was it her torturer who killed her? Who was behind the sinister forces that drove her to warn me?Upon arriving at the gates, the puzzled faces of the pack members met me. No one offered to take Layla's body, their indifference a stark contrast to the turmoil brewin