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40. Ruslan
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2024-10-18 18:48:13
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Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 41. Katya
The early morning air is crisp as Ruslan and I drive into town. Weโre heading there to stock up on supplies for the week and to get a few things for the nursery. Itโs a routine weโve fallen into since we came to this cottageโone thatโs become surprisingly comfortable. I glance at him as he drives, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead. Usually, heโs calm on these drives, the tension from his rogue days slipping away as we spend more time in this quiet little town. But today, something feels off.His jaw is clenched, and the way his eyes dart around, scanning every inch of the road, makes my stomach twist with unease. I know Ruslan. He doesnโt get rattled easily, and for him to look like this? Itโs enough to put me on edge.I donโt say anything at first, not wanting to disturb whatever thoughts are running through his head. Instead, I lean back in my seat and try to enjoy the ride, but the longer we drive, the more I canโt shake the feeling
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-10-18Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 42. Ruslan
The second I step outside, the cold air hits my face, and I smell them. Wolves. Not just any wolvesโtrained killers. My muscles tense, my body going on autopilot as I scan the darkness. They think theyโre being quiet, that theyโre sneaking up on me, but I know better.I slip through the shadows, my senses sharp, my wolf just beneath the surface. Iโve been in enough of these situations to know whatโs coming. These men, whoever sent them, came here to take something from me. Theyโre going to regret that.The first one lunges from the shadows, teeth bared, aiming straight for my throat. I dodge quickly, spinning to the side and bringing my elbow down on the back of his neck with a sickening crunch. He drops like a rock, barely making a sound as he hits the ground.One down.Thereโs no time to thinkโanother one charges at me from the left, but Iโm ready. I grab him by the throat, slamming him into the nearest tree. His claws tear at my arm, but I ignore the pain. Iโve dealt with worse. He
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-10-20Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 43. Ruslan
Katya moves quickly, her hands shaking as she packs up our things, and I can feel the fear radiating off her in waves. It cuts through me like a knife, but I canโt let it slow us down. We donโt have time; whoever sent those bounty hunters wonโt stop. This isnโt the kind of job you can just walk away from.I grab what little we have, throwing the bags into the back of the SUV. Katyaโs hands tremble as she climbs into the passenger seat, her face pale and her breaths uneven. I hate seeing her like thisโscared, uncertain. I reach out and squeeze her hand as I start the engine, the rumble of the SUV breaking the tense silence between us.โItโll be okay,โ I murmur, trying to keep my voice calm, even though the tension is coiling tight in my chest. โWeโll figure this out.โShe nods, but I can see the doubt in her eyes. Sheโs not just scaredโsheโs exhausted. Her body has been through so much, and now with the baby... I canโt let this go on. She needs rest. She needs safety. And right now, Iโ
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-10-20Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 44. Katya
The wind carries the scent of pine and earth as I stand on the porch and watch Ruslan and Anatoly move through the clearing, their heads bent close together as they talk in low, serious voices. Theyโve been at it for hours, scouring the area for any sign of the bounty hunters, and inspecting the bodies of the bounty hunters that Ruslan took down last night, trying to figure out who they were working for. Anatoly brought a small army with himโat least a dozen warriors, all loyal to his pack and all on high alert. Iโm grateful, but thereโs a part of me thatโs still uneasy.Watching Ruslan move with such ease, taking command alongside Anatoly, reminds me of what he was before all of this. Before he became a rogue. He was an Alpha. He was strong, a leader, and despite everything, I can still see that in him now.I lean against the porch railing, watching as they talk quietly, their movements efficient, trained. Anatoly gestures for Ruslan to come over to him. I canโt hear what theyโre s
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-10-20Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 45. Ruslan
Sitting on the porch, the cool night air brushing against my skin, I feel the weight of everything pressing down on me. Anatolyโs offer echoes in my mind, repeating over and over. Beta. Joining a pack again. Becoming part of something bigger than just me and Katya.I stare out at the darkened tree line, the quiet hum of the night surrounding me. Itโs tempting, I wonโt lie. Being in a pack again means protection, stability, a sense of belonging I havenโt had in years. I was an Alpha once, before everything was taken from me. Before Andrei. The pull of pack life, the need to lead, to protectโitโs still in my blood. Itโs something I canโt just shake off, no matter how far Iโve run.But the other side of it... Itโs not so simple.Katya and I have carved out a fragile peace here in the mountains, away from everything and everyone. No pack politics, no eyes watching our every move, no expectations to meet or traditions to uphold. Weโve been left to figure things out on our own, and someho
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-10-21Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 46. Ruslan
Katya arches her back from the bed as I work my tongue around her sensitive clit and curling two fingers inside of her. Sheโs panting; her grip tightening in my hair as I devour her pussy and needing her to come for me again.Our last night in our piece of heaven, and I need to make it count. She gasps. โRuslanโฆ I donโt think I canโโโYou can and you will, Malyshka,โ I growl and flick my tongue faster. Her moans climbing the closer she gets to her orgasm, and when she finally breaks, itโs fucking beautiful.Before she can catch her breath, I slam inside of her and start thrusting. Gods, I can still feel the slivers of her orgasm clenching around my cock and I canโt help but groan at the feel of it.I slip my hand behind her head and she opens her eyes to look at me. Holding her gaze, I move slowly against her; savouring everything Iโm feeling at this moment. Her eyes soften as she looks at me, and my heart does this annoying squeeze it always does.โI love you, Katya,โ I murmur and I
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-10-21Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 47. Katya
The drive to the pack lands feels like a blur. My mind is still caught somewhere between the memories of our little cabin and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Leaving it behind wasnโt easy, but I know it was the right choice. For me, for the baby, for us. Ruslanโs hand rests on mine as he drives, a steady presence that calms my nerves, but I can feel the tension in him too. This is a big change, for both of us.As we pull into the main driveway leading to the pack house, I take a deep breath, trying to steel myself. The place is huge, much larger than anything Iโve ever known. The sprawling pack lands seem endless, with thick forests surrounding the area and a large, imposing house sitting at the heart of it all. Thereโs something both intimidating and comforting about it.Ruslan parks the SUV, and as we step out, I spot Anatoly standing in front of the house, waiting for us with a broad grin on his face. Heโs flanked by three men, all of them tall and built like warriors. His Gam
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-10-22Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 48. Ruslan
The low hum of conversation grows louder as I guide Katya down the staircase toward the banquet hall. Her hand is tucked into the crook of my arm, her grip firm but not tense. Sheโs composed, regal even, though I can feel the nervous energy rolling off her. I canโt blame her. Itโs not every day you get introduced to an entire pack, especially one that isnโt yours.We step onto the main floor, and the scent of roasted meat, spices, and freshly baked bread hits me. The hall is alive with chatter and laughter, the long tables already filling with pack members. Itโs warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the icy tension thatโs been shadowing us for weeks. But the reality is still there: these people arenโt just here for dinner. Theyโre here to see us, to size us up, to decide if we belong.Katyaโs grip tightens slightly as Anatoly strides toward us, his grin as wide as ever. Heโs in his element, his booming laugh cutting through the noise as he claps a few shoulders on his way over. Hi
เธเธฃเธฑเธเธเธฃเธธเธเธฅเนเธฒเธชเธธเธ : 2024-11-25
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Between Hate and Fateย ย ย Epilogue - Ruslan
5 Years LaterThe crisp mountain air fills my lungs as I stand at the foot of the cabin, the old wood of the porch creaking softly beneath my weight. The familiar scent of pine and damp earth surrounds me, grounding me in the moment as my eyes follow the scene in front of me.Katyaโs laugh echoes across the clearing, light and carefree, the kind of sound that still catches me off guard because of how much it softens everything inside me. Sheโs running, her long dark hair streaming behind her like a banner as she chases Milanya and Mikhail.Milanya shrieks with laughter, her dark curls bouncing as she sprints ahead, her silver eyes gleaming with mischief. Sheโs fast, so fast for her age, and every time I see her move with that wild, untamed energy, I see pieces of both Katya and me in her.Mikhail isnโt far behind, his silver hair catching the light as he dodges around his sister, trying to outmaneuver her. Heโs quieter, more measured in his movements, but thereโs no mistaking the spark
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 86 - Katya
I canโt help but smile as I think about the pride in Ruslanโs eyes when he watched Milanya shift for the first time. He looked so overwhelmed, like he couldnโt believe he was witnessing something so incredible. I wonder if he realizes how much of himself she carries. The same raw determination, the same strengthโitโs all there in her, as much a part of her as her little hands and feet.The rustling of leaves pulls me out of my thoughts, and I look up to see Ruslan emerging from the trees, his massive wolf form padding silently into the clearing. Milanya trails behind him, her tiny black paws stumbling over roots and rocks but determined to keep up.Ruslan shifts first, his towering frame replacing the wolf in a seamless movement that still leaves me breathless. He slips on his shirt and pants and crouches down to help Milanya with her own shift, his hands steady and gentle as he murmurs soft words of encouragement.When sheโs back in her human form, she giggles and throws her arms ar
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 85 - Katya
The sun is high in the sky, and a soft breeze carries the earthy scent of the forest, mixed with the faint sweetness of wildflowers. Peace. Thatโs what this isโpure, uninterrupted peace.Milanya toddles ahead, her tiny hand gripping Ruslanโs much larger one. Sheโs walking more steadily now, her confidence growing with every day. Itโs hard to believe she was just a baby clinging to my hip not so long ago. Now, sheโs this curious little explorer at fifteen months, her grey eyes wide with wonder as she glances back at me with a giggle.โSheโs fast,โ I say with a laugh, watching as she tries to tug Ruslan forward.โSheโs got my stamina,โ Ruslan replies, smirking over his shoulder. โLucky you.โโLucky me,โ I echo, rolling my eyes but unable to hide my smile.The past year and a half have changed everything. The shadows that once clung to our lives have finally dissipated, leaving room for something brighter. I feel it in the way Ruslan carries himself nowโless guarded, more at ease. Heโs
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 84 - Ruslan
The silence in Tomasโ abandoned packhouse is suffocating. Itโs a shell of what it once wasโempty halls, shattered windows, the faint stench of fear and blood lingering in the air. The pack he once commanded with an iron fist has scattered, no doubt fleeing the inevitable after the council finally acted. Thereโs no one left to stand beside him now. Just like it should be.Itโs almost poetic.The councilโs letter came two months ago, filled with apologies to Katya. They admitted their mistake, exiling her without understanding the full picture. Theyโd tried to welcome her back, promising to reinstate her as Luna with me by her side, but she refused.โI already have a home,โ sheโd said softly.I remember the way my chest swelled with pride, hearing her say that. It didnโt matter how much power or respect the council tried to dangle in front of herโKatya wasnโt interested. She wanted peace, a life with Milanya, and me.I walk through the halls with purpose, my claws itching to end this.
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 83 - Katya
The cabin feels far too quiet without Ruslanโs presence. Milanya is napping in her crib, the soft sound of her tiny breaths the only thing breaking the silence. Normally, Iโd find her peacefulness soothing, but today it feels like a cruel reminder of how fragile everything is.I sit by the window, my gaze fixed on the treeline where Ruslan disappeared hours ago. He had to leave to help fortify the border and investigate how Andrei managed to get onto pack lands in the first place. He hadnโt wanted to go, not after everything weโd been through last night, but we both knew he didnโt have a choice.His absence weighs heavily on me, and I canโt stop my thoughts from spiraling. The memory of Andrei in Milanyaโs room, his scarred face twisted with obsession and desperation, keeps replaying in my mind. The way he spoke about me, about Milanya, like we were possessions he had lost and deserved to reclaim.I close my eyes, leaning my head against the cool glass of the window. The bond between
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 82 - Ruslan
Anatoly and I are standing outside my cabin, but my focus is locked on the sight of Katya and Milanya.Through the large window, I watch as the healers gently examine them, their practiced hands moving over Katyaโs arm where a bruise has already started to form. Milanya sits on Katyaโs lap, her little hands clutching at her motherโs shirt, her big, stormy eyes darting around the room.My chest tightens at the sight of them, the aftermath of everything that just happened sinking into my bones. Theyโre safe now, but the thought of how close it cameโhow close Andrei had gottenโmakes me feel like Iโm still on the battlefield.Anatolyโs voice breaks through my thoughts. โRuslan, focus. I need your report.โI tear my eyes away from them, turning to face him. His jaw is tight and his fists clenched as he watches me with concern.โI already told you what happened,โ I say, my voice rough. โAndrei got into the cabin. He had Marissa helping him, and she was armed with silver bullets.โAnatolyโs
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 81 - Katya
Everything happens at once, a chaotic blur of motion and sound that stretches into an eternity. One moment, Marissaโs voice is ringing in my ears, cruel and taunting, her gun aimed at me and Milanya. The next, the window shatters, glass spraying across the room like frozen rain as the Gammas burst in, their growls tearing through the air.Andrei spins toward the sound, his snarl breaking into a roar as Roman lunges at him, his claws slashing through the space between them. The fight begins in an instantโa savage clash of strength and rageโbut my focus is elsewhere.Milanya.My daughterโs soft whimper pulls me back, grounding me in the chaos. Sheโs still in her crib, her tiny face scrunched with fear. I canโt let her stay there, exposed and vulnerable.I move without thinking, my feet propelling me forward as adrenaline takes over. My arms reach out, desperate to scoop her up and hold her close.โDonโt you fucking dare!โ Marissa shrieks, lunging toward me, her gun still aimed at my ch
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 80 - Ruslan
My heart pounds in my chest, my instincts kicking into overdrive. My wolf pushes against my skin, snarling and growling, ready to fight. I scan the cabin, my eyes darting to every corner, every shadow.โRuslan?โ Katyaโs voice is soft and groggy, coming from the bedroom.I donโt answer, my focus laser-sharp on the scent that refuses to fade.โRuslan?โ she calls again, louder this time.I move toward the door, my bare feet crunching over the broken glass. Every muscle in my body is tense, my senses on high alert.โStay in the bedroom,โ I say over my shoulder, my voice low and commanding.โWhatโs going on?โ she asks, her voice tinged with worry.โJust stay there,โ I repeat, my eyes falling to Milanyaโs room, and seeing it is cracked open. I walk over and push it open slowly, my hand tightening on the frame as my eyes land on him.Andrei is standing by the crib, his back to me, his hand outstretched. His fingers trace gently along Milanyaโs cheek, and bile rises in my throat.โYou know,โ
Between Hate and Fateย ย ย 79 - Ruslan
The packhouse is alive tonight. Laughter and chatter echo through the open courtyard, and the scent of roasted meats and spiced desserts fills the air. Itโs not my scene. It never has been. But here I am, standing at the edge of it all, scanning the crowd like a hawk while trying not to look like one.Everything is calm, almost unnervingly so. The pack needed this, Anatoly had argued, and watching them laugh and relax after months of tension, I canโt say he was wrong. But I canโt shake the nagging feeling that something might go wrong.โRelax, Ruslan,โ Anatoly says from beside me. Heโs holding a glass of whiskey, his other hand resting casually on the hilt of his blade. โYouโre wound so tight youโre going to snap.โI grunt, crossing my arms over my chest. โIโll relax when Tomas is six feet under and Katya and Milanya are safe.โAnatoly smirks, sipping his drink. โFair enough. But you donโt need to look like youโre about to kill someone tonight. This is for them.โ He gestures to the p
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