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‘I will never accept someone like you as his wife, ’ the words echoed through my mind as I thought about what Princess Ellie had said earlier to me.‘He has a mate. A woman he has vowed to wait for. Don’t you think you are wasting your time?’ She had asked me.Everything in me wanted to throw up my hands and surrender, but I am a fighter, and I fight for what I want.Lucius said he wanted us to try. He wanted to be mine, just as I wanted to be his. Was he just planning a game with him?‘Of course not! He has shown you around, letting everyone know that you are his!’ Sage retorted, but how could I believe it when his mother doesn’t like me? She hates the idea of me being his wife.He has a mate waiting for him. She had said.My eyes roamed around the room, finding him chatting with some generals. As if on cue, he turned around to face me. My eyes met his ridiculously beautiful smile.A smile that only I get to see.‘What’s in your pretty head right now?’ He l
Katrina’s Point of ViewAttack? On the Capital?My heart raced as I scanned the chaotic room, my eyes darting from one corner to another. I clenched my fists, my knuckles turning white, as thoughts of Cassian's safety consumed my mind.Was he safe?“What did you just say?” Lucius questioned the man who had just come running. “Rogues?” I ask, joining the man as he shakes his head.“Dark ones.” He barks.Lucius and I swap looks before shifting our attention to him. “Why attack now? Why not wait?” Noah asks as we all rush out of the ballroom, trying to make our way out of the house.“The Alpha King,” I whisper, and everyone turns to look at me.“He had a dinner date downtown,” I whisper as Lucius turns to look at me, raising his eyebrows.“How did you—” He raises his brows “You know what? Forget about it” He turns about to leave but I turn to Becky and Joshua who are running towards me with Bray on their heel.“We need to leave, guys. I don’t have all the details,” I bark over my shoulde
Cassian’s point of viewShe’s alive. She is safe.That’s all that matters. Lucius will take the throne, and I am sure he will do everything he can to protect her.That is the only outcome I will allow.“No. You can’t die… Cass…” she cried, her arms feeling like home. It is so warm and safe.“Don’t cry over me, Kat.” I lifted my hand, trying to wipe her tears, but she whimpered even more.“You were the rarest ray of sunshine in my life, Katrina,” I whisper, and she shakes her head, pressing hard on my wound.My heart was pounding hard, and then suddenly it slowed down. I find myself gasping for air, but she holds tight to me.“You will live. Do you understand? You must live, Cass!” She calls me the name she always called me, bringing a smile to my face.“I got him. You need to let him go now, Kitten,” Lucius’s voice comes, and he pulls her away from her.Kitten?I almost want to laugh at the nickname that she almost ripped out my tongue for calling her when we were kids.“Kat,” I whisp
Bianca’s point of view“The alpha king was attacked?” I sprang up to my feet, a hand on my belly as my Omega continued to deliver the meeting.My heart raced as I thought of what happened. “And you are telling me he threw himself in front of that bitch? To protect her?” I asked, repeating every word she just said, like I didn’t hear her correctly.That bitch.Wait—this is perfect.A smile curled up on my lips. With her failing to protect the king. This could work in my favor.“I need to get to the palace,” I demanded.“Luna. I don’t think it’s a good idea. Your brother, Alpha Martin, was clear—”“I can go with my brother later. I need to get to the palace,” I demanded, making my way out of the bedroom where I was resting.Lately, my back has been giving me problems, so I tend to rest. “Car keys?” I asked the soldier who was standing guard for the day.“Luna. I don’t think—”“I don’t want to hear it.” I chimed in, grabbing the car keys from him and then making my way to the garage.I w
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’
Katrina’s point of view“You are my mate, Katrina. This mark you carry is mine.” Lucius’s voice fills my head, a knowing smile on his lips as he thrusts deep into me.“Yours,” I whisper before digging my canines in his spot. I can’t help but smile.This is what I want to be loved. To be his.For the world to know, I carry his mark. So, tell me why someone is ruining my dream.“We are losing her!” someone shouts, his voice laced with panic and fear. A muffled voice comes barking instructions, and my head feels heavy, and I can’t open my eyes.‘Lucius?’ I try to link to him, but there’s a void. It’s dark. I can’t feel him.‘Sage?’ I call to my wolf, but she is distant. I can’t feel her. Panic courses through my veins. I’m drowning in darkness.A dark void.I have been here before. It’s a familiar place.Dad.I smile when I see him staring at a small light on the other side.“I shouldn’t have lied to you.” His voice comes, but I can’t see his face. “He was yours, but the law can’t allow
Katrina’s point of view“Lucius, you are not making any sense,” I say, but the words come out like a whisper. I have always wondered why I seemed to link with him alone and no one else, but I never gave myself time to ponder it too much.“You shouldn’t say things like that. You know, right?” I say with a sad smile, and he lowers his head, bringing the entire bottle of whiskey to his lips.“What’s this, Lucius?”My questions are met with silence and rather a loud throbbing of his heart. He tightens his jaw, his lisp quivering when he lifts his gaze to meet mine.His eyes linger on my lips, but he sniffles back, shaking his head.“That woman is not my mate,” he says, but it was clear there. Even though he tried to hurt her, he was still her mate. They are fated to be each other’s mate.“Luc...”“She is not my mate.” He pauses, taking a moment. He closes his eyes like he is counting to ten before continuing. “You are my mate.”The silence is deafening. I just stare at him. He must think