For the first time in twenty years, I had a nightmare-free sleep. I woke up feeling refreshed and sane. However, my memories of the previous day were hazy, except for the fact that I returned home covered in blood. But the lingering scent of my mate in my space told me everything I needed to know - she had been here.As I heard a knock on the door, I groggily checked the alarm clock. It was 8:30 a.m. - I had definitely overslept. I slipped on my flip-flops and opened the door to a beaming Kilo. His enthusiasm was a bit much for my morning mood, so I teased, "You're weirdly a morning person." He shot back, "And you're a moody person." I couldn't help but burst out laughing - something about today felt different, and I was surprisingly relaxed.Kilo delivered a message from our dad, requesting my presence in his room. I nodded, telling him to shut the door behind him. I considered taking a shower before heading out, but decided to just go as I was.I trailed downstairs to my uncle's roo
Katherine POV The warmth of Nathaniel's embrace was mesmerizing, and his scent had a calming effect on me. I couldn't explain why, but his masculine aroma soothed my nerves. Nathaniel pulled away, flashing a subtle smile - barely visible, like a faint line. I gazed into his piercing hazel eyes, which seemed to shimmer with a hint of gold. It was hypnotic.My mom's voice broke the spell, calling out from inside the hospital room. "Katherine!" I startled, snapping out of my trance. "Oh, good day, Alpha Nathaniel," my mom said respectfully, bowing her head as she noticed him standing outside.“How are you doing madam?” Nathaniel asked my mother as he strode into the room with an air of confidence, as if he owned the place. I rolled my eyes, following him in, my puffy eyes still red from crying."We thank the goddess," my mom murmured, Nathaniel nodding in acknowledgment without saying another word. The silence that followed was uncomfortable, the only sound being my dad's heart monitor
Nathaniel POVEmilia gazed at me nervously, her eyes wide with fear. I wiped my lips with the back of my hand, my face twisted in disgust. "What the hell was that for?" I growled, my anger simmering just below the surface.Emilia flinched backward, her eyes welling up with tears. "I...I...just..." she stammered."Answer me!" I roared, my wolf rising to the surface, repulsed by the idea of kissing someone who wasn't my mate.Emilia's words tumbled out in a rush. "I love you, Nathaniel. I've always loved you, since we were kids."I blinked repeatedly, trying to process her confession. "I know you don't love me," I said finally, my voice flat. "That's why I didn't say anything about it."The tension between us was palpable, Emilia's eyes pleading with me to understand. But my wolf and I were in agreement - we didn't want anything to do with her romantically.“Emilia, I just..”“It's okay, I can deal with your rejection, but I must be Luna” Emilia told me before walking out, I sighed as I
Katherine POV I glanced around at my family, my dad appearing indifferent as usual, while Emilia evaded my gaze. Can they really be willing to risk my life for this? "Mom, this is unreasonable," I said, my voice trembling. "I could die." My mom sighed, her eyes rolling dramatically in response to my concern. "Steve is the best witch for this job, Katherine. You won't die. And I didn't ask for your opinion." Her tone was dismissive, leaving me feeling frustrated and scared.I scoffed in disbelief, “what is the rush mom, in a month I would fucking reject the alpha no need to put my life at risk!” I screamed in frustration.My dad's slap was so hard that I tasted blood on my tongue. "Don't you ever speak to your mom like that, you insolent child!" he yelled. I shook my head in disbelief, then ran upstairs, eager to escape the toxic atmosphere. I heard my parents screaming insults at me, but I ignored them and locked myself in my room. I sighed, feeling miserable, and collapsed on my bed
Katherine POVAfter classes ended, I bid farewell to Sara and waited at the bench for my sister to pick me up. As I watched other students, particularly the human ones, head home, I realized I had a long wait ahead - our house was a two-hour drive away. Just then, Stanley appeared, taunting me with a sneer. "If it isn't the pack's weakest Omega." I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore him, but Stanley wouldn't let up. He approached me, his frown deepening as I continued to disregard him. "Don't you play with me omega” he taunted with a inhumane growl, his eyes turning abnormal red, my eyes widened as I glanced around if any human saw that.I glared at me before hissing, “don't behave like a fucking pup, we are on human lands” I whispered to him. His eyes changed back to normal as he darted around checking if anyone saw him.“Don't go running your mouth to the alpha” Stanley threatened me, before shoveling me roughly to the ground. His minions burst out laughing as he went into his car a
Everybody was silent as Katherine collapsed, Steve eyes widened in shock and surprise, this has never happened to him in his line of work. “What's.. wrong..with her?” Mr Thompson stammered in fear. Steve shook his head, “I have no idea” he muttered in a daze of the whole situation.Emilia approached Katherine, who lay unconscious on the ground, and checked her pulse. "We need to get her to the pack clinic, now," Emilia said, her tone urgent. Her parents nodded in agreement, but before they could move Katherine, they heard footsteps racing towards the door, followed by a loud banging. The sudden noise made them all pause. When Emilia recognized the scent of her pack mate, she relaxed and opened the door slightly, careful to block the view of Katherine's unconscious body. "Good evening, Beta Emilia," Lexis, the Alpha's personal guard, greeted her, his face etched with panic and seriousness, causing Emilia's expression to turn grave. "What is it, Lexis?" she asked, her voice low and co
Katherine POVPain. It was all I could feel, like my heart was shattering into a million pieces and scattering across the earth. I opened my eyes to a blindingly bright sky, covering them with my hand to shield myself from the sunlight. As I moved, the pain ceased, and I realized I was lying on sand. I turned around, disoriented, taking in my unfamiliar surroundings. Why was I in the desert? I walked around in circles, searching for answers or a solution, but my family was nowhere to be found. The last thing I remembered was Steve performing a ritual on me... how did I end up here? Exhausted and dehydrated, I collapsed onto a nearby log, watching as the ground began to rumble and the birds took flight. I tried to run, but the dust obscured my vision, and I tripped, landing with a heavy thud.As I struggled to get up, a massive sandstorm engulfed me, reducing visibility to almost zero. The howling wind and stinging sand made it hard to breathe. I covered my face with my hands and stu
The silence was oppressive as Nathaniel's jaw clenched, his growling audible across the room. "Nathaniel, calm down," Tristian urged, "remember, the Thompsons have been our allies for centuries. I'm sure they never intended for this to happen." Carolina, however, was furious, storming out of the room with a muttered "idiots." She felt her husband had called an unnecessary family meeting, confident that Alpha Nathaniel could handle the situation alone. Nathaniel ignored Carolina's outburst, focusing on his uncle's words. "What do you suggest I do now?" he asked, his tone measured. Tristian's expression turned stern. "I'll think of something. Meanwhile, don't do anything rash." Nathaniel nodded, but his eyes widened in disbelief as Tristian added, "Remember, your omega also wanted the bond broken immediately." Nathaniel and Kilo left Tristian's room, lost in thought, and headed to the garden to clear their minds.As they strolled through the garden, the tension between them was palpa
NATHANIEL'S POV I paced outside the labor ward because I was panicking inside, so Felix kicked me out, my mind racing with memories of the past six months.Katherine's pregnancy had been a whirlwind of emotions – hers and mine. Mood swings, tears, and laughter filled our days. One moment she'd be radiant, glowing with joy; the next, she'd be crying over something as trivial as a misplaced book.I recalled the first time she'd craved pickles and ice cream at 3 AM. I rushed to the store, laughing as she devoured the combination in bed. Her smile had lit up the room.Then there were the days she couldn't leave the bed, exhausted and overwhelmed. I'd held her close, whispering reassurances as she sobbed.Through it all, our love deepened. I marveled at her strength, her resilience.And now, as I stood outside these hospital doors, my heart swelled with anticipation. Our little one was almost here.I took a deep breath, remembering Katherine's words: "We're in this together, Nathaniel."T
KATHERINE POV Tonight was the night – our official mating ceremony. I couldn't shake off the butterflies in my stomach, excitement and nerves tangled together. In the human world, they called it a wedding day, but for us, it was so much more. The thought of wearing the dress Nathaniel had designed specifically for me sent my heart soaring. His talented hands had crafted every detail, every stitch, with love and devotion. As tradition dictated, Nathaniel and I prepared in separate rooms, the anticipation building with each passing moment. As I swung open the closet door, my eyes widened in awe. Before me hung the most breathtaking wedding gown I had ever laid eyes on. The dress was a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication, tailored to perfection. The gown's ivory hue shimmered in the light, its silky fabric seeming to glow from within. Delicate lace and intricate embroidery danced across the bodice, framing the sweetheart neckline. The fitted waist flowed into a flowing,
NATHANIEL'S POV I slumped in my office chair, surrounded by scattered papers and half-empty coffee cups. The early morning hours ticked by as I struggled to focus on designing, my mind wandering to Katherine.Three weeks of absence had left me drowning in work. Janet's emails had been a lifesaver; she definitely deserved a raise.But my thoughts kept drifting back to Katherine. It had been a week since my recovery, and she'd moved back to the guest room. The distance between us felt like an insurmountable chasm.I knew she loved me, just as I loved her. Yet, trust remained the elephant in the room. No matter my efforts, Katherine's doubts lingered.Five hours passed in a blur as I worked, attempting to distract myself from the ache in my chest.Just as the sun began to rise, Kilo's voice broke the silence."What are you doing, cousin?" Kilo asked, concern etched on his face.I rubbed my tired eyes.I rolled my eyes at Kilo, a hint of exasperation creeping into my voice. "What does i
THIRD PERSON POV Nathaniel's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze locking onto Katherine's. The faintest spark of recognition ignited within his eyes, and her heart swelled."Katherine?" His voice, barely above a whisper, sent shivers down her spine.Tears of joy streamed down Katherine's face as she gently took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his."Nathaniel, you're awake," she whispered, her voice trembling.Kilo sprang to his feet, his eyes wide with excitement. "I'll get Felix!" he exclaimed, racing toward the door.As Kilo disappeared into the hallway, Katherine leaned forward, her face inches from Nathaniel's."You're safe now," she reassured him, her voice soft. Nathaniel's gaze drifted to his surroundings, confusion clouding his eyes."What... happened?" he stammered.Memories seemed to flood back, and Nathaniel's expression darkened."Carolina..." he growled.Katherine squeezed his hand gently, "She's dead, Nathaniel.”"Katherine... I'm sorry for not helping." His voice
Katherine POVA maelstrom of emotions ravaged me - anger, rage, and sadness waged war within. Nathaniel's lifeless body slipped from my grasp, and I lost all control. Carolina's growl of frustration at her failed attempt to kill me barely registered.Seizing her sword, I charged toward her. My vision blurred, fueled by unadulterated fury. I grasped Carolina's neck, my grip crushing. Her eyes widened as I squeezed, my fingers digging deep into her skin.With a swift, merciless motion, I twisted her head, snapping her spine. The sound echoed through the silence, a grim finale to our conflict. Carolina's lifeless body crumpled to the ground.The pack's stunned gasps faded into the background as I stood, frozen, my chest heaving. I didn't care that the entire pack witnessed me killing their Luna, or that Kilo watched in horror. From the moment Carolina stabbed Nathaniel, her fate was sealed.Covered in blood, my eyes welled up with tears. I collapsed onto Nathaniel's chest, my ear pressed
NATHANIEL'S POV I stood tall, my gaze piercing Carolina's, as I addressed the gathered warriors. The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. "You've brought war to our doorstep, Carolina. What drives you to turn against your own pack? What grievance could possibly justify this betrayal?"Carolina's smirk twisted her face, her eyes flashing with contempt. I'd known she disliked me, but the depth of her hatred caught me off guard. Her expression revealed a long-simmering resentment, one that had been hiding beneath the surface."I've tolerated your presence for far too long, Nathaniel," Carolina spat, her voice venomous. "You think you're worthy of leading our pack? You're nothing but a weak, abandoned pup. A relic of a forgotten family."Memories resurfaced – Carolina's initial warmth when I first arrived, followed by years of cold indifference. She'd ignored me, made me feel invisible. Not as cruel as my parents, but her disregard still stung. I recalled the countless
Dimitri POV Agony ravaged my body, a relentless fire burning every nerve. I gasped, struggling to surface from the darkness.Where was I?Memories fragmented, like shattered glass. The last thing I remembered was...Pain.It consumed me, a living entity clawing at my insides.My eyelids cracked open, revealing a blurred ceiling. Every heartbeat pulsed pain through my veins.A groan escaped my lips as I shifted, weight pressing down on my battered body.My thoughts swirled, disjointed. What happened? I remembered entering the woodland pack border, did they save me,?With a Herculean effort, I dragged myself upright, but the room spun viciously, threatening to suck me back into the dark abyss. My head pounded, each pulse a fresh wave of agony. I gritted my teeth, fighting the nausea and the memories that lingered, taunting me."Water," I croaked, my voice barely audible.A figure moved beside me, handing me a cool glass. I grasped it with shaking hands and gulped the liquid, feeling
Katherine POV It had been a grueling week of questioning and investigating Dimitri's case, but we were no closer to uncovering any leads. The uncertainty was taking a toll on all of us, leaving everyone on edge. We knew something was brewing, but the when and how remained frustratingly elusive. The past week had been a whirlwind of activity, oscillating between searching for Dimitri and dismantling the council. Most of the wolves who had rallied to our cause had returned to their respective packs, leaving us to navigate the aftermath. David, now appointed alpha of the Redwood pack, was tasked with rooting out any remaining threats. His unwavering dedication was a beacon of hope in these tumultuous times. "So, where are you off to?" Emilia asked, snapping me out of my reverie. I turned to her with a casual shrug. "Just the garden." Nathaniel had persuaded me to join him for a stroll, emphatically stressing it wasn't a date, just a friendly outing. I had agreed, hoping the tran
KATHERINE POV I slowly opened my eyes, blinking away the haze. The world around me was shrouded in a misty, ethereal light. Trees towered above, their branches twisted and gnarled, like grasping fingers. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.At first, I thought I was in the forest in the pack, But something felt off. The trees seemed taller, the shadows darker. And the silence... it was oppressive, like a weight pressing down on me.As I sat up, the world around me began to shift and ripple, like the surface of a pond disturbed by a thrown stone. The trees blurred, their branches melting into each other. The sky above transformed into a deep, burning crimson.That's when I realized it. This wasn't real.I was dreaming.A thrill of excitement mixed with fear coursed through my veins, sending shivers down my spine. "Yes, you are my priestess," a distant voice declared, the sound echoing through the misty realm. The voice was mystical and deep, resonating