KatarinaWe arrive, and as we walk through the crowd, I look around, amazed by everything I see. People are drinking and dancing with reckless abandon. Some are playing with fire, either dancing around it or blowing it from their mouths. The field is lit up beautifully with lights everywhere. The beat of the drum is loud, and the rhythm is enjoyable.“Hey, there you are,” Cyprian says as I bump into him.“Hi, Cyprian. Good to see you.”“You look stunning,” he says, his eyes admiring me like he’s in love with my look.“All thanks to Roselyn,” I say, and she beams, taking the credit.“Come on, there are a few exciting things I want to show you,” he says, taking my hand.“Oh no, the Alpha is waiting. Miss Katarina has to go to him,” Roselyn insists firmly.“The night is young. She could run free for a while,” Cyprian counters, and I smile, agreeing with him, as if he knows all I want is freedom.“Miss Katarina, the Alpha hates to be kept waiting, you know this,” Roselyn presses again, he
KatarinaI look up and see two werewolves dragging a man forward. I recognize him. He’s one of the hunters who was at the Christmas party at my home. The expression on his face makes me lower my head. He looks at me in disgust. I can’t blame him. I clasp my fists together, trying to hold back tears. I’m a mess, and I don’t know how to save myself. Why does the Alpha have such control over me?“Katarina Penn,” the man says, dragging me out of my thoughts. I gasp and look up at him.“Your father would be disappointed,” he says with disdain.“No, it’s… it’s not… I can explain,” I stammer, but I sound like a broken record. He shakes his head, already making his judgment.“You’re supposed to be a hunter, Katarina. And now, what are you? A wolf fucker?” he sneers.My eyes shift to everyone staring at me. “I’m not… I’m not,” I mutter to myself. But with my actions, how do I defend myself? Alpha planned this on purpose. This is exactly what he wanted. Now, the entire wolf hunter community wil
Zane“What am I going to do with you, Katarina?” I whisper into her ear, standing behind her, my hands resting on her arm.“Don’t touch me,” she mutters under her breath.“What did you say?” I ask, wanting her to say it louder.“I said, don’t touch me,” she demands, her voice louder now.“Why? You love it when I touch you,” I say, my fingers sliding slowly down her arm.“No,” she says, pulling away from me. She takes a few steps back, turning to face me. “I’m not an object you can play with as you please.”“Katarina, you’re whatever the hell I say you are.”“I said no!” she yells, her voice shaking with defiance.Damn. Why does she have to be so stubborn? I should kill her and end the chaos of desire she stirs up inside me.Every fiber of my being wants to hold her and tell her how glad I am that she didn’t die, how sorry I am for not being there to save her when she was attacked. That was my responsibility. As her mate, keeping her safe is my sole duty. But I can’t say any of that to
ZaneKatarina freezes, staring at me. She has me questioning myself. Do I really want a baby from her, or is it just an excuse to thrust my length inside her?“You claim to know what’s right. So, what do you say, Katarina?”“No!” she exclaims passionately, as if the thought of having a child with me is the worst thing in the world. “I would never have sex with a monster like you, let alone have a child with you.”I glare at her. “Shut your mouth, or I’ll do it for you.” Who does she think she is? “It would be a privilege to have my child, Katarina. But you know, I can’t bring myself to do that. Otherwise, I’d have to explain to him or her why I killed their mother.”She swallows hard, her fear obvious to me.“I can have any woman I desire in my bed, including you,” I whisper in her ear, and she knows she can’t deny it. My fingers slide down her soft breast, teasing it. She closes her eyes, unable to stop herself. I smirk as my hand slides under her gown, touching her skin, enjoying he
ZaneI take her to Glando, a beautiful lake and one of my favorite places in the city. She looks around, wondering why we’re here. It’s quiet and secluded, surrounded by rocks. That’s why I like it. I always come here to clear my head and have time alone. Wolves don’t usually come here. It’s off-limits to anyone outside the Christophers family. I remember running here as a kid, my mother chasing after me as we played. My father taught me how to swim here. This place brings back so many good memories. I feel connected to my parents when I’m here, even though they’re gone. And now, I’ve brought Katarina to this special place for me. Why?Her eyes finish scanning the area and land on me. “Why did you bring me here?” she asks, tension in her voice.“I brought you here to relax, Katarina.”She looks at me, clearly puzzled. “Is this another sick game of yours, Alpha Zane?”I chuckle. I deserve that. I’ve been cruel to her one too many times, so she can’t trust me. I lean in closer, gripping
ZaneI stare at Katarina, unable to pull myself away from her. Holding her in my arms, with my eyes locked on hers, gives my cold heart a warmth I haven’t felt in a long time. I can’t think of revenge or hate right now. I just want to be with her and savor the peace she gives me in this moment.I don’t know what will happen when we leave here, but right now, I want to enjoy every second with her.“Take off your clothes, Katarina,” I command softly, my gaze fixed on hers.“What do you have in mind?” Katarina giggles, her arms wrapping around my neck.My hands leave her waist, and I start unbuttoning my white shirt. I take off my watch and then the shirt, revealing my broad chest. After that, I unbuckle the belt of my jeans and take them off, leaving only my boxer shorts on.Her eyes follow my every move, admiring what she sees. I hold her gaze as I walk toward the water and dive in, the splash sound of the splash following.“You sure you want to stand there, Katarina?” I call out, enjo
KatarinaI clutch Zane’s shirt tighter around my body, trying to cover as much as possible. Quickly, I pick up my dress from the ground and wear it. I free my hair from the neckline and glance back at Zane and his uncle, Adam. Zane looks at me, and Adam does too. I feel so embarrassed. I look away, running my hands through my hair, pushing it away from my face. I dust the sand off my body.What is wrong with me? What was I thinking?I wrap my arms around myself, holding tightly, trying to regain some composure as I wait for them to end their conversation. I can’t hear what they’re saying; they’re too far away. But when I look again at Adam’s expression, it’s clear—this can’t be good. He’s yelling at Zane, and Zane stays silent, just listening. Adam glances back at me, and I quickly turn away, feeling the heat rise to my face again.How could I have let it go this far? Why am I even here? I came to stop Zane, to find a cure for the wolf bite. And instead… I’m falling for him.Gosh, Kat
KatarinaZane finally shows up. I abruptly get up. Our eyes meet, and for a split second, I’m love-struck.“Good morning, Katarina,” his deep voice greets me, but it’s cold as he approaches me.“Good morning, Zane,” I respond with a warm smile, hoping to ease the tension.He frowns and I hear a low gasp from behind me—it’s Roselyn. I quickly turn back to Zane.“Katarina, it’s Alpha Zane to you. Do you understand?”“No,” I say firmly. “I’d rather call you Zane. I want to keep seeing the other side of you.”“This is the man that I am, Katarina,” he responds bluntly.I look up at him, confused. Why is he being so cold again?“We didn’t have a chance to talk yesterday after we came home,” I start, hoping to ease into the conversation. Maybe he’d understand and finally let me go home.“You mean after you ran off like a child?” he asks, sarcastically.My brows furrow. I swallow. “I just…wanted to process things.”“I see. And?”“I’ve come to a conclusion that’s better for both of us.”He nar
ZaneGlando is the perfect destination for Katarina and me. I only have fond memories of this place from the time I spent here with my parents. Now, I want to create new memories with her.“Being here reminds me of the first time you brought me,” she says, her eyes sparkling. “I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined I’d come back here, blood-bound to you,” she adds with disbelief in her voice.“Neither did I,” I smile, grasping the surprising turn of events in our lives. I never thought that after naming Katarina my slave mate, she would enslave my heart with her contagious presence.Her brows furrow as if she’s remembering something. “You hated me.”“I forced myself to hate you, Katarina.” Now, I can stop denying the truths about us that I never wanted to accept.She exhales, glancing around the serene environment. “What if Adam shows up again?” she asks, her voice edged with apprehension.“No one will come here. I’ve made sure of it.” My fingers grip her chin, holding her gaze as I
KatarinaI open my eyes, and the bed beside me is empty. It’s disappointing not to see Zane there. But before I can get out of bed, he walks in, holding a tray with breakfast. He made breakfast? I sit up, surprised but smiling. I can’t help but feel my heart swell a little. The hardened Grand Alpha Zane made me breakfast.“You made this?” I ask, my voice still groggy from sleep.He smirks, placing the tray on the bed. “Don’t look so surprised. I can do a lot of things.”I smile as I take a sip of tea. “Did you poison it?”He raises an eyebrow, giving me a look that says, Are you serious?“Too soon?” I ask, trying to gauge his thoughts.“Definitely too soon,” he replies, remembering the time I poisoned him with wolfsbane.I shouldn’t have made the joke. Things are different between us now. Zane is sweeter and all is well.I chuckle, reaching for a waffle. I take a bite and offer him the other half, which he accepts with a smile. I can’t stop smiling as I scoop some whipped cream with m
ZaneWe enter the house, and reality dawns on me. It’s done—Katarina is mine for the rest of our lives. I feel something I haven’t felt in years: happiness. The war between my wolf clan and her wolf hunters is just that now—a war between my kind and hers. It’s no longer ours. From now on, I’ll only see Katarina as my mate, even if I never stop until Augustine and all his wolf hunters are dead. When they’re gone, she’ll realize I’m the only family she needs, and by then, I’ll have made her turn into a wolf. Lina was my family, and now… I’ll never let this new one I’ve just started go.Katarina follows closely behind me. I hear her steps—they seem hesitant. I can feel the unease coming off her as we reach the hallway and enter my room.She sees all her things already moved into my space, and she folds her arms. She doesn’t like it. I can tell by the way her brow furrows and her lips press into a thin line.“Why is all my stuff here?” she asks, boldly but still nervous.She has to unders
KatarinaI walk down the Grand Hall toward Zane and Maik, the old seer who set our ceremony date. My heart is pounding in my chest. The sound of the musical instruments only makes me more tense. Is this an appropriate song for a wedding or a war? I feel all eyes on me as I take each step, and I can hear the silent whispers from every corner of the hall. I sense the angry glares from those watching. Weddings are supposed to be joyful, but this… this feels different. The tension is suffocating, but I force myself to keep breathing.I finally reach Zane at the front, and everything else fades. His eyes lock onto mine, and suddenly, the world seems quieter. He stares at me, breathtakingly, and his gaze drops to my chest, as if listening to the beating of my heart.His voice speaks in my head through our mate bond, “Focus on me, Katarina.” The connection between us is electric, like a current running through my veins. I feel grounded in his presence, and for a moment, I forget my fear, los
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,