Lucius’s point of viewNo. I can’t do that to her. She thinks I am waiting for my mate, and I want her to experience the feeling of finding your mate.I feel like I am losing my mind. All I want to be is with her, but it seems between the two of us. She comes back to her senses and pushes me away, both out of breath. “I have to go.”“Don’t go. Stay with me a little longer," I whisper to her, and she shakes her head. Her hand cups my face as I inhale sharply, looking into her eyes.“Kat.”“I have never loved Cassian. Maybe a crush when I was young. But never…” She looks up at me, my eyes meeting hers.“I don’t know what this is between us, Lucius.” She whispers, her eyes roaming all over my face.She closes her eyes, inhaling sharply before looking at me. “I’m scared, Lucius.” She whispers to me.Her eyes welling up as she looks at me, and she whimpers looking away from me. “Hey. What’s wrong? Tell me what’s wrong” I pinch her chin, making her turn to me.“What if I am never enough? Wh
Katrina’s point of viewMy palms are getting sweaty. Every step I take toward the bunker reminds me that this idea is the most stupid thing I have ever come up with.The air feels heavy around us, and there’s a stench in it, but I don’t have to explain it because rogues carry that with them everywhere they go.“You and Lucius seem close,” Cassian starts. I don’t know whether he genuinely wants to have a conversation or whether he is trying to distract me.“It’s not—”“Don’t lie to me, Katrina. You know I can see through your lies.” He continues walking as I pull my guns. I need to make sure everything is in place.I know which way to turn, or where to take Cassian if we are trapped. But he has trusted me with his life, so the least I could do was tell him the truth.“It’s complicated. I know it’s not advice but I assure you it does not affect our work” I am saying it trying to convince him but really, it’s just me trying to convince myself that this is fine.So, I could get to be with
Lucius’s Point of View“Alpha Prince,” Cassian calls, but Zane is stirring, and it takes everything in me to calm him down. He wants to kill someone, hurt someone.“Umm… Gentlemen, as much as this is something sensitive to talk about. We are standing in the open with Rogue lurking. Can we get back to the pack first?” Katrina steps forward as I snap my head towards her. She fucking knew. That’s why she insisted I should not come with them here.“Did you know?”“I don’t know what you are talking about, but right now you are risking his life every second that passes,” she says, and I want to laugh.She cares more about his safety than my feelings.‘Lucius, Please. Can we do this once we are back home?’ She tries to use the link, but I block her out, making my way towards Cassian. I was fucking clear about this shit and not letting him control my life.“I am doing what’s best for my people. Do you think I fucking care about your little feelings? You are a prince! You should know better. D
Katrina’s point of viewI am pacing around in the bedroom.Why did I decide to come here and wait for him? This is a bad idea. Every time I am with Lucius, I always end up making the wrong decisions.I can’t seem to think, but I want to hear what he wants to say.‘Calm down,’ Sage says, but I shake my head. It shouldn’t take him this long. He should have been here.A knock comes on the door, and I rush to open the door. I hold the doorknob, taking a deep breath before pulling the door open.Lucius stands at the door, his hands gripping the doorframe. “You lied to me,” he accuses, raising his eyebrows. I wonder what he is talking about. His knuckles are bruised, and his bottom lip is busted.His breath reeks of alcohol. I take my time to study his face before I mutter. “Lucius, have you been drinking?”I duck under his arm, checking if anyone can see him before pulling him into the room. “Please tell me you didn’t hit Cassian,” I say after closing the door, but he pins me against the d
Katrina’s point of view“This is the part where you kiss me,” I muttered, my hand on his chest. I could feel the way his heart was racing under my palm.He smiles, then cups my face as he crushes his lips against me, my hands threaded through his hair, pulling on the strands gently.He lets out a low growl, his hands finding their way to my ass as he pressed me against him. He swiftly lifted me as I wrapped my legs around his waist.My skin heated when his hands went under my shirt, electricity surging through my veins as he deepened the kiss, my tongue roaming in his mouth.He let out a growl as I pressed into him, my core getting wetter and wetter. Our tongues lingered in each other’s mouths. Unlike the times I kissed him, this was different. I didn’t want to hold back. It was untamed and desperate. I wanted him—needed him.I wanted everything from him. His hand, his kisses, his touch, and his cock. In. Me.His hand went into my leggings, cupping my pussy as I deepened our kiss, his
Katrina’s Point of ViewThe following day, when I woke up, I couldn’t help but smile at myself. My entire body feels sore. Between my legs, I feel tender, but it’s okay. I can’t help but smile at myself.His hand is draped around my body.I feel safe and there’s warmth in my heart as I turn around to face him.I take my time, admiring how beautiful Lucius looks while he is sleeping.Yes. He is a beautiful man. A very beautiful one at that.Watching the way his chest goes up and down. I bring my hand to his face, removing the hair from his face.I want to take everything in. I don’t know when I will see him like this again, so I want to savor this moment while I am at it. My fingers linger on his thick eyebrows and then, without touching him, move down his eyes, then his straight nose, then his plump lips, which look so inviting. I just want to kiss him all the time.A knock comes on the door, startling me as I pull away from Lucius.He is still sleeping, which is something for the fir
Katrina’s point of viewThe hour goes by in a blur, and during breakfast, Cassian doesn’t talk to me, and I am grateful for it because I don’t think I want to talk to him.Lucius doesn’t join us for breakfast, and I don’t know what to say to him when I see him. I feel butterflies in my stomach, and I can’t help but smile as I make my way to the drawing room.We should be discussing going back home now. When I walk in, I find Lucius leaning on the table while he is discussing something with Noah, Martin Blackfang, Adrian, and Billy.He lifts his gaze and tilts his head. ‘I didn’t find you in bed.’ He speaks through our link.‘Had to play Hostess.’ I force a smile as I join in on the discussions. ‘Would have been nice to wake up with you in my arms’My cheeks flush as Noah looks at me, then Lucius. His lips turn up in a smile as he leans on the table.“We shield him like that. All cars are to maintain the same speed,” Noah suggests. I don’t contribute, but just listen to their discuss
Katrina’s point of viewThe few days that follow are just meetings and briefings. We try to create time for dates, but it seems like when I am free, Lucius has to work, and vice versa.Some nights I spent at his house, and he would find me in bed when he came back from work.Like today. I am getting ready for a ball that they have organized at the Grimmwolf house, which Lucius invited me to and wants me to meet his cousin and mother officially, so I am a bit of a nervous wreck.Even the time I met Xavier’s Mother I wasn’t like this, but I am meeting Lucius’s mother, who is also a princess.I want everything to be perfect.Once I am down, putting on my stilettoes. I stand up, checking myself in the mirror. I have settled for a sleeveless dark green ankle-length dress with a halter neckline.Once I am done, grab my silver clutch and make my way out of the bedroom. Everyone else is ready but I go to Bray, “Let me see that” I say, handing him my purse before fixing his tie while Joshua f
Katrina’s point of view“You know he found his mate, right?” His mother’s words came to mind earlier. As I lifted my gaze to look at her. I was checking on the people stationed outside with the rogues when she came up to me while she waited for Kaelin.“He finally has a chance to be happy after waiting for years for a woman who didn’t want him. Let him go.”“Princess Ellie. I am sorry, but it’s your son who won’t let me go.” I snapped, irritated that she would assume I was the reason Lucius was not with his mate. I mean, he has been cozying up to her, so that should be fine.“You know he was rejected, right?” She asked me, and I paused what I was doing, shifting my attention to her.“He found his mate, and she rejected him. But he never lost hope, even after going against all odds. He went back to her, to ask her to marry him, and her parents said no. Do you have any idea what he has had to endure? Ten years waiting for a woman who doesn’t want you, but you endure. Knowing your wolf i
Lucius’s point of view“You wanted to talk?” I asked her, but she kept walking back into the garden, away from prying eyes.I look around, and it’s just two gardeners who are working on the flowers.“Kat!” My hand reached for her wrist, then turned to face me. Her eyes bored into me with such intensity that I took a step back. I always read all her emotions and thoughts, but right now I don’t.Her brows furrowed in frustration.“Katrina, what’s wrong?” My heart was racing now. I would give anything to see what she is thinking right now.“I wanted to discuss security tomorrow. It’s—”Before she could finish her sentence, I scoffed, causing her to pause as she stared at me. Her brows narrow in confusion.“If that’s all, then we should wait until the final briefing tomorrow morning” I turned around to leave. I thought she would have wanted to talk about us. Or yell at me, but to her everything is duty.“I met your mother when she was on her way here,” she blurts out, and that makes me st
Ingrid’s point of viewHe doesn’t want us. He hates us so much and I know it’s because of that woman. A woman who can’t seem to let go of him.‘You can’t blame the luna. It’s our mate who doesn’t want us,’ My wolf Gus retorts. Always the one to come up with a reason. Sometimes I hate her for being such a smartass.‘I can hear you,’ she slaps back.‘Meant for you to hear it,’ I retort. I sink into the chair. Thinking of how I am going to handle this. Lucius is mine. Fated to be mine, but he wants a woman whom he can’t have?“I need to speak with him,” I say, determined. This time, he won’t ignore me. I know he feels the pull between us. Even the way he looks at us says it all.Like when I hugged him this morning. I could feel him lean back on me until that woman had to show up.“Talking to yourself again?” My omega Millie asks walking into the room with her basket of clothes.“Well, thinking about how to win over a man,” I say, turning to her, and she sighs heavily, setting down her ba
Lucius’s point of viewShe won’t fight for us. She doesn’t want to. I wish she thought maybe I was worth it. Worth fighting for, but I guess I am not.People fight for me because they know I can protect them. Others fight for me because of loyalty. No one has ever fought for me because they love me.I had hoped maybe Katrina might fight because she loves me. I sigh heavily, scribbling down on my notepad.“Unfortunately, this should have been communicated to us. Princess Kaelin is like a sister to me. I will not send her there with these conditions,” Cassian snaps.“We are giving you this land. I think it’s safe that she is—”“She is to be treated with respect. I will not have you marrying other women. A mistress or second wife. This treaty is done,” he snaps as Aidan smiles like this is funny. I won’t let my cousin be subjected to that.“I wasn’t suggesting that. I only meant in case she can’t bear children,” he adds as I scoff, shaking my head.“And how are we to know you are not the
Katrina’s point of viewNothing can go wrong. I need it to go well.This is an opportunity for me to enter the rogue pack. I kept quiet the entire time while in the front passenger seat.Xavier is driving in front, and Martin is behind with Gamma Suri, while the other cars are with the delegation of twenty from the rogue king.“I hear Lucius found his mate,” Martin says behind me, breaking the awkward silence. I shift in my seat, glancing towards Xavier, who looks through the rearview, then back at me.“I suppose some people are not that lucky with love,” he says, but I just ignore him. He will try to get to me like his sister. I know it.“It’s not her fault if all the men in her life end up failing to fight for her. I know I would,” Gamma Suri retorts as I raise my eyebrows.“Between her and that psycho. I would pick her. But I guess most men think with their cocks,” she retorts. I gasp, glancing at Xavier, who fidgets in his seat.“That psycho is my sister, you bitch!” Martin retort
Lucius’s point of viewI don’t know how long she keeps driving, but when I finally open my eyes. We are by the border; the car has pulled over, and she is unbuckling her seat belt.“What the fuck, Katrina? I had a meeting with Cassian,” I snap, and she sighs heavily.“I am here to welcome the rogue king. I wasn’t going to be late because you have issues going on in your life,” she says, about to get out of the car, when I grab her wrist.I want to pull her into me and kiss her, but I know all this must be hard for her. “You love me, Katrina.” The words leave my lips. It’s the only assurance I have. It doesn’t matter what is happening. I know she loves me, so that’s enough for me.“So? That means nothing.”“It’s enough for me. Knowing that you love me. Not because of a bond but because you do” I whisper to her and her heart races.“Well, if I had known, you planned all this. I wouldn’t have fallen for you. And also, don’t worry. I am working on falling out of love with you,” she growls
Lucius’s point of view“Katrina.” Her name rolls off my lips like a whisper when I see her walking away from Princess Ingrid.Something tells me Ingrid said something to Katrina. I heard her say she didn’t fight for men. Guess I am included in that.“Gerald, send me the details. Let’s catch up later.” I patted his shoulder and bolted the doors.“Luc!” Ingrid turns to me, a smile on her face, while Katrina walks away.“I was fucking clear. Stay the fuck away from me!” I growled, walking away, but she grabbed my wrist. Her touch sends electricity through me. My heart pounds so hard, and I feel my palms getting sweaty.“Don’t you fucking touch me!”“Please. I know you feel it. I know you feel this pulls between us,” she said pleadingly says, but trying to touch me, but I yank her hand away from her grip.“I was clear. I want nothing with you. I don’t want a bond with you.” I spun on my heel, ready to leave.“Is it because of her?” she asks.I stopped in my tracks. Taking a moment, before
Katrina’s point of viewI’m his mate. The woman he wrongfully marked and sent to the goddess, but somehow, I was brought back to life.Three people knew what happened: my father, Lucius, and the witch who performed the spell to bring me back and erase my memories.But who is she? Why can’t I remember her face? I inwardly ask myself as I make my way towards the palace. It’s the first time in seven days that I will probably be here, but Aidan insisted he would feel better if I were here.So here I am playing bodyguard to beta Aidan, but I also didn’t expect to find Lucius and his ‘Mate’ here cuddling.‘He is ours! She can’t have him,’ Sage fumes.I don’t know where I stand, but he isn’t ours.He never was.My heart never learns.“Katrina!” I hear him shout behind me, but I don’t stop and head for the drawing room. I don’t want to hear his excuses.“Katrina!” he tries to touch me, but I spin on my heel, slapping him across the face. The sound of my hand connecting with his cheek echoed i
Lucius’s point of view“Wow. Okay, this is too much to process,” Cassian says to me as I nod my head, throwing back my head.“Fuck Lucius. How could you be so reckless?”“I don’t know. Zane isn’t exactly someone I can rein in. He was a beast back there and everything he wanted he got,” I snap, sitting up and burying my face in my hands.‘So, this is my fault?’‘Fuck yes.’‘Really? Cause I told you not to tell her, and you didn’t listen. If there’s anyone to blame. It’s you,’ he shoots back.Of course, it is.“Still, Lucius. It was reckless and stupid.”“It was all Zane.”‘So, I am stupid? I will not let him insult us anymore’ Zane growls, and Cassian shakes his head before coming to sit in front of me.“She asked to be part of the team escorting Kaelin to the rogue pack. Any reason she is doing that?” He asks me as I shake my head.“Probably to get away from here as soon as possible,” I mutter, rubbing my face. It’s been a fucking week, and I haven’t seen or even bumped into her. She’