BOUND TO THE ALPHA KING

KatherineThe council room was silent. Every eye was on me, but I didn’t care. My heart was pounding so hard it hurt.“You think dragging me here makes you the hero?” I said, my voice echoing off the walls. “You think the world forgot what you did to my family?”Some of the council members shifted uncomfortably. Stephen’s jaw clenched, but his face stayed cold.“You’re standing in front of the council of the royal capital,” he said. “Watch your words.”“My words?” I stepped closer, glaring at him. “You burned everything I had, and you want me to pretend it’s fine because this is your precious capital?”Gasps filled the room, but I didn’t stop. “You talk about laws, about the Moon’s will, about peace offerings,” I said, my voice shaking with rage. “You killed my father, Stephen. You destroyed my pack, and now you want me to call you Alpha?”He stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “You don’t know everything that happened,” he said finally.“I know enough.”His tone hard

KatherineStephen’s lips were rough on mine, like he was trying to prove a point. I tried pushing him off again, my palms pressed against his chest, but the bond burned through me. It wasn’t gentle, not soft, it was demanding and angry. His grip was tight on my waist, pulling me closer till I could feel the heat of his body against mine. I didn’t want to want him, but my heart wasn’t listening.His hand slid up my back, pulling me even closer, his mouth moving against mine like he had waited years to do this. My breath hitched when his fingers brushed my skin, every nerve in my body screaming for me to stop yet refusing to move. The air in the room was hot, thick with tension, and I could hear both our breaths heavy and uneven.“Stephen—” I managed to whisper, but he silenced me with another deep kiss. His tongue slid against mine, and I felt the last bit of fight drain out of me. My hands that had been pushing him now clutched his shirt instead, holding on as if letting go would brea

Katherine’s POV The moment we arrived at the manor, I wanted to go back. The hall was huge but it looked cheap, the decorations were dull and uneven, the lights flickered like they couldn’t decide if they wanted to stay on or not. There were fewer maids than expected for a High Lord and the ones present looked tired and scared. Alicia and Jessie, Stephen’s stepsisters, walked beside me with excitement like this place was grand. I kept my face blank because the last thing I wanted was for anyone to see how irritated I was. I couldn’t stop thinking how much better Silverveil looked before Stephen destroyed everything. We met some other noblewomen, and I tried not to roll my eyes at their fake smiles. Alicia didn’t even notice my mood, she was too busy staring at a young man dressed in a dark suit. The High Lord’s son. She kept whispering about him under her breath. “That’s him,” she said, staring like she was in love. Before I could reply, the boy walked past us, his hand wrapped ar

Katherine’s POV He tilted his head a little and his eyes dropped to my lips and I froze. His hand brushed up my ribs, slow and confident. I pressed my knees together but it only made things worse. My breath shook and I looked away because I knew he could read my body too easily. “You hate me,” he murmured, “so why are you shaking?” “I’m cold,” I said. He chuckled softly, like he knew I was lying, “Sure.” His fingers trailed up my jaw and my skin lit up. He leaned even closer and I knew he was seconds from kissing me and this terrified me because I was scared I would kiss him back. My heart was beating too fast. He lowered his hand and his thumb touched the side of my mouth and my lips parted by mistake. Then the door opened. “My King,” a guard said, bowing low, “The elders have called for an urgent council meeting.” Stephen froze and every trace of heat left his face. He turned slowly and his eyes sharpened. “Tell them I’ll be there,” he said with a cold edge. The guard nodde

Katherine’s POVStephen walked ahead while I followed, and the guards behind us didn’t miss a single step. We left the Royal Citadel and moved toward a large building made of grey bricks. It wasn’t far, just across the courtyard, but the walk felt longer because every pair of eyes we passed bowed to Stephen. “Do they ever look at you without fear?” I asked quietly.“They respect me,” he said.“Looks more like terror,” I muttered.He didn’t answer, but his shoulders tensed. I couldn’t tell if he heard me or if he chose to ignore it.We reached the entrance and two tutors rushed forward to greet him. They bowed deeply. One of them, a tall man with silver hair and shaking hands, seemed to be the main instructor.“Your Majesty,” he said nervously, “we are honored by your presence.”Stephen placed a hand on my back, guiding me forward even though I didn’t want his touch. “She is to receive the finest education. If you fail, consider yourself replaced,” he said flatly.The tutor swallowed