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
Katrina’s point of viewCassian loves me? That’s something I didn’t think I would be hearing after he almost died.I was hoping to thank him, but here he was confessing his feelings to me. I smile weakly at him, helping him back to his bed.“I’m fine, Kat. You don’t need to do this.” He protests.I decided I would act like I couldn’t hear him. He almost died. Because of me.‘You don’t have to do this to yourself. He told you why you did it’ Sage echoes, but I can’t help feeling like I might have done something wrong.‘I know. But we need to make sure he is fine,’ I insist.‘And the Alpha Prince? We both know the only reason his not storming in this room to take us out of here is because he believes the Alpha King is sick,’ Sage reminded me while I helped Cassian back to the bed.‘I know. We are leaving soon’ I say. My eyes are still on Cassian, who lies back on the bed as I pull the blanket to cover him.“Can I ask you something?” He asks me as I smile weakly at him, nodding my head.
Katrina’s Point of View“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t—” I pull back from Cassian. Cassian’s touch was gentle and warm, like the comforting embrace of a summer breeze. His knuckles brushed against my skin, leaving a trail of warmth that soothed my aching heart.“You have been strong for so long, Katrina. There’s nothing about being like this.” he wipes my tears again, this time with his knuckles.“I shouldn’t have—You are the alpha King”“No. Behind these walls, I am Cassian. Your friend and your first crush,” he says, and I chuckle, shaking my head.“You have seen me at my lowest. So why should you apologize? Can’t I see you like this?” He asks me. I drop my gaze.Cassian’s fingers pinched my chin gently, lifting my head with a firm yet tender touch. The warmth of his skin against mine sent a shiver down my spine.“Being friends doesn’t mean I should only see you at your strongest. It also means I can see you at your lowest and still be there for you. That’s just life my dear Katrina,” he w
Lucius’s point of viewMate? Someone was trying to fucking me over. I had enough of all of this shit. It was either I tell Katrina the truth or I would never be able to.“Lucius. You’re scaring me” she whispered after I pulled over at the curb in front of my condo. “I can’t do this” She shakes her head, but I offer her my hand.“I know it seems like things are not making sense, but just this once, Katrina. Trust me,” I insist, not sure how the fuck I am going to do this, but I know I have to do it.She stares at my hand before placing hers. “I hope you have a better explanation for this,” she steps out. And I take her hand, leading her into the building.I was going to show her everything. I don’t know how she would take it, but I was going to do it. She kept staring up at me as I led the way into the house.Once we get into the house. I led her to the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of whiskey.“Want a glass?” I offer, but she declines.“Lucius, you are scaring me. What’s wrong?” she asks
Katrina’s point of viewOh Goddess! He is going to kill her. Lucius will kill his mate.“You are not my mate! Tell me who sent you?” He demanded, his voice cold.“I am—”“You lie to me, and I will rip out your throat right now!” he growled, and she gasped for air, looking at me pleadingly, tears in her eyes as I stepped back.“Help me.” Her voice came out pleadingly, so soft and desperate.My heart pounded against my chest as I shook my head, walking towards Lucius.“Lucius,” I whispered, tears falling from my eyes as I placed my sweaty, tear-stained hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at me, his eyes flickering between colors.“Let her go.”“I will fucking drop her dead right now” he growled as I shook my head, choking back a sob. How did I find myself in the same position twice now?“You can’t!”“Yes, I can,” he growled, the finality in his voice sending a shiver down my spine. He plans to kill his mate.‘You need to stop him.’ Sage echoes, panic coursing through me as I close m
Lucius’s point of viewMorning Dew. Fresh rain filled my nostrils. Katina’s scent.I snapped my head towards the holding cells. Zane stirred in my mind wanting to make a run for the cells.But when I walked into the little waiting area, my eyes were not drawn to Katrina. It was a woman I had never seen before.She had all the scents Katrina had. “mate” the lips left her plumps lips immediately I walked into the room.Blonde shoulder-length hair with hazel green eyes and a sharp nose. “No,” I shook my head.“What?” She raised her thick brows as I stepped back.“You can’t be…” The words left my lips just as Katrina walked in, her eyes on me, then back to the woman.“No. Don’t come closer to me,” I warned, my heart racing so fast. I wanted to run to her and hold her close to me, taking in her scent.“I am your mate, Lucius.” She whispered, coming closer to me.My eyes snapped to Katrina, whose eyes widened like she had just seen a ghost. Heart drumming so loud, tears filling her beautifu
Katrina’s point of viewWhen I arrived at the barracks, I thought of what I would say to her or do, but now that I was here standing by the door watching her how she was sitting on the floor, knees to her chest and arms curled around them. I felt sorry for her.“What do you want, Katrina?” She asked me as I smiled, walking into the room.“You know he was only twenty-three,” I started, walking towards the window as I looked out towards the training ground.“He wanted to have three kids. Live on a farm and grow things.” I say before turning to her, and she just stares blankly at me with no remorse in her eyes.There was silence in the room, and I could hear her heart pounding so loudly, but she was doing a good job of keeping it together. Go on. Act tough all you want. By the time I am done with you, you will regret ever laying your hands on him.“I should kill you,” I start, and she stills. “But I won’t.”She swallows as I walk towards the screen. “Because death is the easiest way out
Katrina’s point of viewThe priestess went on with the funeral proceedings. Talking about life as a wolf and warrior, Becky gave her speech about how she only knew him for a few months, but felt like they had known each other for the rest of their lives. Then Bray and Taylor also paid their tribute.“You ready?” Lucius whispered as I got up, taking the few cards, I wrote my speech getting up.He walked me to the front as my eyes roamed around white coat warriors, snowpack, and other people I couldn’t recognize, who filled the chairs.My eyes went to the back and noticed Martin was here, and just at the end of the other aisle was Xavier, but looking behind him, I noticed another man standing by the trees with a hoodie. His head lowered.‘He didn’t want to attract a lot of people to him,’ Lucius linked to me.Cassian.He came.“Umm…” I started looking at Bray and Becky before putting the cards aside, then looked at everyone.“Joshua, to me, wasn’t just a warrior. He was my brother. When
Katrina’s point of view“Do we know if he had any family?” Noah asked Becky, who was having a cup of tea later in the evening by the countertop.“Seriously, Noah? He just died,” she snapped.“It’s the procedure. I have to—” he stuttered,“He didn’t. His parents left him on a training ground when he was two days old. He didn’t have a pack. Stayed in snowpack for a while, ” I say to him, and he turns to look at me.“Give me a minute,” I said to him, walking into my room, then came back with a file. “it’s his papers,” I say to him and Becky glances at me then back at Noah.“Katrina, this is…”Yes. I planned to make him officially part of the Snow pack, just like the rest of them. “Did you...” Becky paused, looking at the documents.“I planned to ask you guys the other night. It’s what Willow had been working on,” I explained. Her lips parted to say something, but she just burst out crying, covering her mouth.“He always wanted to belong, and that bitch took him away. I should kill her.”
Lucius’s point of view“No. She killed him. She killed Josh. She killed—” She fell to the ground as I held on tight to her, pulling her into an embrace as she whimpered.“He is gone. Josh is gone,” she whimpered, as I cupped her face.“I am sorry, baby. I wish I could take away your pain,” I whimpered, my chest tightening. I wish I could take the pain away from her and let it be all mine.She stares at me, tears rolling down her cheeks, as I pull her into a hug, and she whimpers loudly.I have never seen her so broken. If Thelma’s death broke her, then this one has crushed her soul completely. “Lucius, I lost him. I lost my friend. I failed to protect him,” she whimpered, holding tight to my jacket as I nodded my head.“I know, baby,” I whisper and let her cry her heart out. Boddy shaking and voice getting huskier.‘Noah. Get some people to take the body to the mogul.’ I linked to him.‘Got it,’ he replied.“I cannot protect them. I cannot even…” Her breath comes in rapid bursts. I ho
Katrina’s point of viewA cry tore from my throat, so unhinged. My heart is pounding against my chest.“You killed him?” I looked up at Katrina, holding Joshua’s warm corpse in my hands, my lips quivering and hands trembling.“You took him away from me. You Bitch!!” The growl left my lips as I put Joshua on the ground.“I warned you, didn’t I? I told you if you ever hurt any of them. I will cut you limb from limb,” I growled, my claws coming out and my canines elongating.‘Katrina, don’t lose your soul,’ Sage echoed, but I was already on my feet, taking steady strides toward her.“Katrina. Please—” Before I could hear the rest, I let that darkness deep inside me take over as I surged at Bianca, but her brother was already in front of her, trying to shift.“Fuck Martin Do not shift!” I heard Lucius shout over his shoulder as he came to stand in front of me.‘Get out of my way, Luc.’ I linked to him, but it came out as a growl to him, and he shook his head.“Calm down, Katrina. Don’t do
Katrina’s point of view“Orion Snow? How did you… how…” I stuttered, tears rolling down my cheeks as he came closer to where I was.“Shannon did a bit of digging, plus your friend Juniper gave me the details,” he says, as I bring my hand to my mouth. He was trying to find them as well.“Let’s go.” He places his hand on my small back, leading the way. I make my way out of the room when I see Bray, Joshua, and Becky pacing around.“I take it I don’t have to punch him again?” Joshua asks, and I shake my head, chuckling softly.“Like you would stand a chance,” Lucius mutters under his breath“Well, at least I tried,” He retorts.“That was brave and stupid,” I say to him, and he shrugs.“At least he knows some people are willing to kill for you,” he laughs, wrapping his arm around Bray’s neck. “Isn’t that right, Bryan?” he asked. Bryan tried to get away from him, but he held on tight.“Where are we going?” Becky asks to join us.“I am going to Green Point. You and them are going back home.