KatarinaI stare at Francis. “What else? To humiliate me, obviously,” I quickly say, trying to deflect.“Don’t worry, Katty. The next time I see him, I’ll take care of him for you,” he says, his thumb gently rubbing my cheek. He leans in to kiss me again, but I pull away.“I’m really exhausted, Francis. I think you should leave now.”“What? You’re asking me to leave your house?”“No… I’m just saying, go home for tonight. I need to get some rest.”He sighs. “Alright then. Good night, Katty.”“Good night, Francis,” I say, watching him leave the room.I lay on my bed reminiscing on the day that I just had. I remember Alpha Zane’s strong hands on mine, his tempting masculine scent, his dark eyes that stared at me and the way he touched me.Why did I let him do that?I turn my body to the other side of the bed. How could I let his hand go under my skirt and only for him to humiliate me afterward? Every time I’m with the Alpha, it’s like I have no control over my body, like it moves on its
KatarinaI can feel Zane’s presence like he is here, watching me.“The young wolf hunter is about to become a wolf,” his mocking voice taunts me, followed by his wicked laugh. I can feel him over my face. My eyes fly open, and I jerk upright, glancing around.There’s no sign of Zane.I exhale heavily. “Was I dreaming? Or was Zane really here, in my room, watching me sleep?”I sluggishly push the sheets off and get out of bed, heading downstairs. The scent of pancakes fills my nostrils. Dad is making breakfast.“Good morning, Dad,” I greet, noticing him at the stove. His eyes shift to me, and I sense something different about his demeanor.“Good morning, Katty,” he replies, his voice gruff as usual. “Sit down. You came at the right time.”I nod and sit as he sets a plate of pancakes in front of me. He pours me a glass of milk, his eyes locking onto mine, as if searching for something. He sits down across from me, hands resting on the table.“So, Francis said something interesting last
Katarina“Hey, Katty!” Francis says, about to step in. “Are you going out?” he asks, noticing the bag.“Yeah, we’re going out,” I reply.He looks puzzled. “Where are we going?”“I’ll tell you in a moment. Come on,” I say, and we get into the car. He starts the ignition, then turns his gaze to me.“So, Katty, where are we off to?”I smile, unable to hide my idea any longer. “I want to throw a small Christmas party.”He chuckles. “A Christmas party?” He gives me an incredulous look.“Uh-huh,” I nod, grinning.“Since when do the Penns celebrate Christmas?” he asks, clearly shocked.“Well, since now. I know we haven’t celebrated Christmas for years, but that’s about to change,” I say. A wave of sadness washes over me, but I take a deep breath and force a smile. “We’re getting some Christmas decorations for the house.”He shakes his head. “Katty, I don’t know… Wait, does Augustine even know about this?” He sounds anxious, glancing between me and the road.“No, he doesn’t, and you can’t tel
KatarinaI’m so excited. Everything has been going according to my plan. The doorbell rings, and I rush to open it. It’s Francis’ mom and three other women.“Hello, Katty,” Mrs. Baker, Francis’ mom says.“Hi, Mrs. Baker. Thank you for coming.”“Sure,” she giggles “I wouldn't miss an invitation from my future daughter-in-law. I came with some friends. I hope that’s not a problem. I figured we’d need more hands.”“Yes, yes, of course. Mrs. Baker, thank you so much! Welcome, everyone,” I say, greeting the three women she had come with. All hunters’ wives, I’m sure, as they walk in.It takes us a few hours, but the whole place smells amazing with the delicious aroma of food. The kitchen is filled with laughter as we cook, and after all the talking and joking, the food is finally ready. The roasted turkey looks incredible, and the other dishes make my mouth water—green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and, oh my gosh, the prime rib roast tastes amazing. We even have a bake
Katarina“I’m coming for you.” Alpha Zane’s voice whispers in my ear, jolting me awake. My eyes snap open instantly.“She’s awake!” Francis exclaims from beside me, relieved. “Doctor, come quick!”An elderly man rushes toward me, followed closely by my dad.“Katty,” Dad says with concern. The elderly man—who I assume is the doctor—begins to examine me. He opens my eyes wide, checks my temperature, and then steps back. “The worst is over. I believe she’ll be fine,” he says reassuringly.“What happened?” I ask, confused. The last thing I remember is hearing Alpha Zane’s voice.Dad leans closer. “You passed out. Francis found you unconscious on the floor.”I close my eyes and lean my head back, a dull pain throbbing behind my forehead. “Ah,” I groan softly, rubbing my temples.“Are you alright, Katty?” Dad asks, his worry deepening.“It’s the sound,” I mutter. “It’s too loud.”Francis, Dad, and the doctor exchange confused looks. Just then, Jeremy and his wife, Mrs. Baker enter the room.
KatarinaHe’s gone.Why won’t he just leave me alone? I know I didn’t imagine it. He was here by my window. My eyes peer at the empty street where I think he stood before. I saw him, but then he disappeared. I think he’s doing it on purpose, playing mind games with me. It’s driving me crazy. Something’s going on inside my body, and he’s always in my head, torturing me. No matter how hard I try, it’s like I can’t escape him.I go back to lie down on the bed, hoping that if I fall asleep, I’d find some semblance of peace. But I can’t. I can’t sleep.I get up from the bed and walk over to the mirror. My reflection stares back at me, unchanged. I turn to my left, then my right, trying to spot something—anything different. Physically, nothing seems out of place. But I feel different, like something has shifted inside me.My mind replays the Alpha’s bite. I tilt my head, fingers tracing the four distinct bite marks on my neck. Anger wells up inside me. This mark… it’s a constant reminder th
ZaneThe door slams in my face, and rage surges through me. How dare she shut me out? My fists tighten, the urge to break the door down rushing through me. It would be easy, far too easy. Kris growls within, pressing me to take control, to storm in there and drag her out.I stand there, muscles tensing, debating whether breaking the door is worth it. It would take a single hit to rip it off its hinges. But no, I tell myself, not yet. There’s no need to take it that far. She’s inside, and she knows there’s no escape. I’ll give her another chance before I let my patience snap.I press the doorbell, harder than I need to.Silence.I know she’s there, just on the other side. Her fear is oozing, drawing me in.The door opens, but it’s not Katarina standing there. It’s him—the man from the other day. My eyes narrow, wondering what connection he has with her.“You!” he spits out, trying to sound braver than he feels. “What are you doing here?”I fix my cold, unwavering gaze on him. His prese
Katarina “I’m right here.” I step out the door, holding back the tears that want to spill. Here he is, threatening to hurt us, and I feel powerless to stop him. His eyes meet mine, and my heart skips a beat—I don’t know why. My pulse quickens, like I’ve just met the man of my dreams. Our gazes lock, and I don’t even realize I’ve been walking until I’m inches away from him. He inhales my scent and my head tilts back, my eyes closing as an unexpected wave of pleasure washes over me. Dad and Francis are probably watching, but I can’t help myself. He grabs my chin, his eyes burning into mine. I stare back, feeling like this is a reunion we were destined for. A wolf killed my mother. Wolves have wanted me dead. Alpha Zane wants to kill my dad and take me to humiliate him. But all the anger, hate, and pain swirling inside me melt in this moment, and all I want is to keep looking at him, like my life depends on it. I think he feels it too. When he looks at me, I feel like his woman, his lo
KatarinaMy eyes flutter open. The morning of my mating ceremony has arrived, and everything feels weighed down with expectation. I lean against the headboard, the sheets still covering my lower body.“Good morning, Miss Katarina,” Amira and the other women who dressed me during the loyalty ceremony enter, their wide smiles greeting me warmly as they bow.This is new. I’m surprised. They’re treating me with a new kind of respect now that I’m about to become Luna. “Good morning,” I respond, matching their warmth.“Please let us help you prepare for the day. When we’re done, you’ll look so beautiful that Alpha Zane won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” Amira says with a smile, and the others nod in agreement, eager to start. It feels as though they’re almost showing me the same reverence they hold for Zane.Mesmerizing Zane sounds good to me. “Okay,” I agree, accepting their help. Zane has planned everything. I didn’t have to arrange my own wedding—no choosing colors, food, cake, or
Katarina“I don’t know if I can go through with it.” I’m scared out of my mind. He turns to me, his eyes warm and empathetic. Cyprian has a soft spot for me. He feels for me. “Then don’t. You don’t have to bind yourself to him, Katarina. Not when you have someone else who likes you.”“What?” I ask, confused. What does he mean?He grips me desperately, his eyes serious and pleading, forcing me to focus on him as I stare at him in shock. “Choose me, Katarina. Zane doesn’t love you. He’ll never treat you the way you want him to. He’s still not over Lina.”I stare at him, stunned, wondering where all of this is coming from.Before I can react, he leans in and kisses me. For a moment, I freeze. But then guilt floods me, and I pull away quickly, shaking my head. This isn’t right. This isn’t what I want. I can’t be kissing someone else when I’m bound to Zane.“I have to go,” I mutter, stepping back. I can’t stay here, not like this.“I’m sorry Katty please,” Cyprian says but I don’t listen
KatarinaZane asked me yesterday to be his lover, whatever that means, but I couldn’t respond. How could I? He sprung the question on me. It kind of feels good to know he’s falling for me too. I giggle to myself, feeling elated.Zane comes into my room and wraps his arms around me from behind. “Katarina, you didn’t give me an answer yesterday.”“Well, I’m not done thinking it over.”“Katarina, you had all night.”“Huh… I thought I’d be seeing a different version of Zane today, so I didn’t take your words seriously.”“I meant every word I said, Katarina. I want more between us. No more fights, no war. We’re going to be bound tomorrow, and I don’t want to be at war with my mate.”“On one condition: you’ll never do anything like that again or try to hurt me.”“Never. From here on out, Katarina, I’m only going to protect you.”It feels like I’m in a dream, but one I don’t want to wake up from. Zane’s so different. I knew there was more to him than he was letting on. I won’t lie—I’m fallin
KatarinaI come out of one of the restrooms at the academy and turn on the tap to wash my hands. The door swings open, and Magdalena walks in. Of all people, it just had to be her. I quickly grab a tissue to dry my hands.“Look who we have here,” she says sarcastically, her tone filled with disgust.“Hello, Magdalena,” I say, trying to stay calm as I wipe my hands and toss the tissue into the trash. Grabbing my backpack, I start to walk away. If I want any chance of having a good day, avoiding Magdalena is my best bet.“Going somewhere?” she says, grabbing my arm. I look at her hand on me, then back at her, giving her a stare that tells her she’s crossing a line.“Oh, don’t exaggerate,” she says, removing her hand.“What do you want, Magdalena?”“You know exactly what I want, Katarina.”“No, I don’t. Tell me.” I cross my arms, waiting for whatever rubbish she wants to spill. She doesn’t like me, and you know what? The feeling is mutual.“Alpha Zane,” she blurts out, and it hits me. Th
KatarinaI gasp, unable to control myself, my breathing coming in heavy. The ash-colored wolf with red eyes stares at me. There it is again—the draw I feel toward him. Slowly, I close the distance between us, lifting my right hand to his chin. As I touch him, my nerves calm, and my heart rate steadies. Being near him gives me a sense of safety, of protection.I stroke him gently, and his eyes close, feeling my touch.“Zane,” I whisper, staring at his face, and then I piece it together. “Kris.” His red eyes open, locking onto mine, and he lets out a soft, high-pitched whine, recognizing my voice. I lean into him, feeling as though I’ve found my resting place. He nuzzles me, making snuffling sounds with deep, affectionate snorts, his tail thumping against the ground.God, Katarina, you have to stop this. But I’m in awe, gazing at Kris. This is my first time seeing Zane’s wolf, and he’s beautiful. My mate is perfect—if I were someone who wanted a wolf as a mate. This is crazy.He sniffs,
KatarinaThe cold bites into my skin, and I shiver as I lie here, sobbing, feeling like I’m crying from a heartbreak—or one that was almost there. I was starting to open my heart to him today, and he crushed it. Zane has made a fool of me again. How could I have been so naive? He deceived me, made me think he cared, made me feel like I mattered to him. But it was all a lie, just like before. Now, he’s left me here to die, alone and helpless. Aunt Mary was right—I should have listened to her.She always said, “Never trust a man.” I never really believed her until now. Maybe she was speaking from experience. Aunt Mary always blamed my dad—she said he’s the reason Mom is dead. She never missed a chance to talk about how Augustine caused her younger sister’s death. That’s why they aren’t close. That’s why Aunt Mary took me in, happy to drag me away from the life that killed my mother. And now it’s my turn. Zane has left me here, just like Dad left Mom. Just like love has trapped me in thi
ZaneActions always have consequences, and Katarina has to learn that for trying to kill me. I have to punish her. If I don’t, then the council is right—the mate bond is clouding my judgment. And that’s not possible. I am Alpha Zane, and nothing, no one, controls me.I walk into the house and immediately sense her. She’s in her room. I wonder if she’s been waiting for me, as I commanded. God, I want to touch her—now more than ever. Snap out of it, Zane. That’s the mate bond talking. You’re stronger than this. You have to take control, or the council will see you as weak. Handle Katarina, I tell myself as I climb the stairs to her room. If you let her go unpunished, what’s stopping her from trying to kill you again?I open her door and see her sitting on the bed. She looks tired, like she’s been sitting there for hours, waiting for me.“Finally. I’ve been waiting for you,” Katarina says, looking at me with relief.“I’m back now,” I say coldly.“Yeah,” she responds, biting her lower lip
ZaneI’m in a meeting with the Wolf Council, discussing the latest attacks by the wolf hunters. There was another one last night in the woods.“Alpha Zane,” Alpha Ethan speaks up, “We need to put an end to those damn wolf hunters permanently.”“I agree,” Alpha Hawthorne nods.“If we let this continue, how long before they’re at our gates, threatening to take our territory? We need to retaliate, Alpha Zane. And we need to act fast,” Alpha Ethan advises.I listen to their reports and advice carefully. “How do you suggest we move forward?” I ask.“I say we show them exactly who we are,” Adam cuts in, preventing Alpha Ethan from continuing, and Ethan leans back in his seat to let Adam, the head of the council, respond.“And how exactly do we do that, Uncle?” My gaze fixes on him, waiting for his grand plan.“Alpha Zane, we need to make an example of someone. And who better than Katarina?”The mention of her name makes me uncomfortable. “What about Katarina?” I ask.“Alpha Zane, you’ve let
KatarinaMy eyes are locked on his, dazed.“Why do you think I didn’t let the wolf council kill you?” His dark gaze pierces mine.“I don’t know,” I whisper, clueless. I’ve tried and failed so many times to predict what he’s thinking.“I’ve had every chance to kill you, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Why?”“I don’t know,” I sob. Zane is a closed book. He hides himself so well, it’s impossible to figure him out.“Wrong answer. You poisoned me and then tried to kill me. Why am I still protecting you, Katarina? Why haven’t I killed you yet?”“I don’t—” I stammer, but he cuts me off. It couldn’t possibly be love, could it?“You know, Katarina. We both know,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist.“There’s a long list of over five hundred prospective mates I could have chosen to be my Luna sitting in my study.”My eyes widen in surprise. Five hundred women? The thought repeats in my head. How is that even possible?“But Kris chose you. I chose you. The most difficult woman I’v