Lucius’s point of viewSix years later,“And so it was the princess and her prince charming who saved her rod away. And they lived happily ever after,” Katrina finishes the story she was telling to Liora and Amari.“Mummy, so she didn’t find out what happened to her bond?” Liora asks her mother. Katrina looks up at me, then she shrugs.“She didn’t. She chose to look to the future and not the past because, to her, it didn’t matter anymore. She loved the prince too much,” Katrina cups her cheeks.“I would have loved to know” Amari adds, sitting back in her chair as Liora rolls her eyes. They might be twins, but they are complete opposites. Amari acts a bit mature for her age, while Liora is the free-spirited one between the two twins.“Of course. It’s not bad to want to know everything, but then what if it costs you everything?” Katrina asks Amari, who shrugs her shoulders.“Mummy, can you tell us the story about the lonely king? Did he get…”“Not now, Joshua. Your mother is tired,” I s
Katrina’s point of viewFour months later“Oh, goddess, I look so fat,” I complained, staring at myself in the mirror. I knew I should have gone for a ball gown. It would have covered my belly.‘Nope. Would have made you look fat,’ Jenny echoed, popping the p.‘Jenny!’‘What?’‘Not helping!’ Sage says, ‘Katrina, you look beautiful’I sniffle back, tears threatening to fall as Becky comes closer with Kaelin. “You are fine, Katrina. This dress looks so beautiful on you,” she insists as I lower my head. She thinks I look fine. I know she is only trying to make me feel better.“We need to get another dress. I can’t wear this.”“Katrina. Lucius is waiting for you out there,” Becky says, taking my hands in hers as tears fall on my cheeks.A knock comes on the door as I turn to look at it. I wonder who’s coming.“Oh, darling, what’s wrong?” Princess Ellie asks, coming into the room, she is in a powder blue dress that I helped her choose. In the last months, we have gotten so close since I mo
Katrina’s point of viewTwo months later“Do you think they will like me?” I asked Lucius. Putting on the black dress Becky picked for me. My little belly is popping out.“Of course they will. You are one of the most lovable people I know” he says, kissing my shoulder. He sounds so confident, but I am not sure I can trust him. I mean his biased when it comes to me.“Okay. I have everything I need. Just need my gloves” I say, making way towards the drawer, but he already has them.“Don’t worry. It will be fine,” he assures me, helping me with the gloves. “I want them to like me,” I admit as he comes with a scarf, wrapping it around my neck.“Oh, they will,” he smirks. But then with him, I am sure he must have threatened his entire council to respect me and pretend to like me just so I am comfortable.“Okay. I am ready,” I say to him, and he nods his head before taking my hand. “You know I didn’t know that Silver Ridge was this huge,” I start making small conversation as we walk into th
Lucius’s point of viewWhen Cassian told us, we could finally make our bond official. I was thrilled to hear it. But now? I am not so sure.Katrina and I can finally be together, but my heart breaks seeing how she looks. There’s an ache in my chest. Fear and defeat.I took her hand in mine. Leading her out of the palace. She tries to act tough, but I can hear the way her heart races and the overwhelming feeling like she is lost.“Suri,” she forces a smile when Suri approaches us. She is walking towards the throne room, but Martin is hot on her heels.“Katrina,” she says in a whisper, walking towards us when I see Aidan and Kaelin behind them, walking towards them.“What are you guys doing here? I thought you left this morning.”“We were supposed to, but the alpha King hasn’t yet authorized Kaelin’s pass,” Suri explains as my eyes drift to Martin“And you?”“I am the one going with them” he forces a smile as Suri rolls her eyes. Crossing her arms over her chest.“I hear congratulations
Katrina’s point of viewTwo days later.“Are you okay?” Lucius asks, kissing my shoulder as I lift my gaze, meeting his eyes. I shake my head; I am not okay.Too many lives were lost. Lives that wouldn’t have been lost if I had taken that hand.‘It’s not your fault,’ my wolf, Jenny says.'At least we agree on something.’ Sage retorts as I close my eyes. I can’t believe I have two wolves. Something I never knew was possible, but it seems like I do.“How’s Cassian?”“He will be fine,” he assures me. Kissing my temple, but I don’t think so. He lost the only thing he seemed to care about after so many years. He believes I used him just like everyone else. He can’t be fine.“I need to see him.”“And you will, just not now, baby,” he whispers, his arm wrapping around my waist as I sigh heavily. It hurts to know he is in that place all by himself. I don’t think Lucius understands. Cassian was a friend of mine, and he believed I used him just like everyone else.I feel terrible about it and w
Katrina’s point of viewThey say blood is thicker than water. But not in my world. Blood isn’t what makes you family. It’s love, loyalty, care, and respect between people. It’s what you are willing to do to protect the people you love.I chose this family, and they chose me. That’s why I will do anything to protect them. I glanced to my right. Cassian was fighting his once-best friend. He looked like he was about to give in. Strength is left in his body. He has fought all night, and this morning he keeps pushing his body, fighting for his people and his life.On my left is my best friend Juniper, fighting for her freedom, the freedom to be who she wants to be. Just behind me is Suri fighting for her pack, Martin by her side, then ahead of me is Lucius. Fighting the dark alpha, making sure no one hurts us. His mate and his growing pup.Everyone is fighting for what they love. My father’s words come to mind as I pull the last man to the ground, ripping out his throat.‘You could have ea