Katrina’s POV
We sat down together, and one of the omegas quickly brought us plates. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I started eating. The toast was buttery and crisp, and the eggs were soft and warm. Anna kept sneaking glances at me, and every time I caught her, she looked away quickly. It was strange, seeing her like that—strong and confident when training, but now almost shy, like she didn’t know how to act around me outside the forest.
After breakfast, when the kitchen had started to empty, I leaned back in my chair and pulled out my phone. I scrolled through my messages until I found Ariana’s name. My heart warmed a little at the thought of her. We hadn’t spoken properly since the mating ceremony. So much had happened since then that I barely remembered the last time we just laughed together like normal girls.
I pressed call, and after a few rings, her cheerful voice filled the line. “Katri
Katrina’s POVI kissed along the curve of his throat, slow and gentle, breathing in his scent—it was familiar, comforting, and it made my chest ache with how much I loved him. My lips found the spot where I had marked him during our mating ceremony, and I lingered there. The faint mark was still visible against his skin, glowing a little in the light.I pressed my lips to it softly at first, then again, a little harder, tasting the faint salt of his skin. He let out a low groan, his hand sliding up my back, fingers tracing my spine. The sound he made sent a shiver down my whole body. It was rough and full of pleasure, like he couldn’t hold it back even if he wanted to.“Kat…” he murmured my name in a breathless voice that made my heart twist. His voice was low, almost a growl, and I could feel it vibrate through his chest. I smiled against his neck and kissed the mark again, slower this time, enjoying the way his body reacted.His breathing grew heavier, his chest rising and falling b
Katrina’s POVBut he was wrong. Because tonight, when he fell asleep, I would leave him. I would walk straight into the danger I had seen in my dream. Because I would rather die fighting for the people I loved than stay safe while they suffered.I leaned closer and kissed Liam again, deeper this time, trying to pour all the love and pain I felt into that one kiss. His lips were soft but firm, familiar in a way that made my heart ache. He tasted like mint and warmth and everything that felt like home. My fingers curled into his hair, pulling him closer, needing to feel him, needing to remember this.His hands came up to hold my waist, steady and sure, like they always were. He had a way of touching me that made me feel safe, even when the world around us was falling apart. But that safety was exactly what scared me. If I stayed in it too long, I’d never be able to leave.I broke the kiss slowly and looked at him. His silver eyes searched mine, full of concern and something deeper—somet
Katrina’s POVMy breath caught in my throat. My face burned, and I couldn’t move, couldn’t even look at him. “Liam,” I whispered, trying to sound serious, but my voice trembled.He chuckled softly, the sound brushing against my skin. “What?” he murmured, his voice husky and playful. “You asked.”Before I could say anything, he knelt down beside my chair, one knee on the floor. His hand rested gently on my thigh, the warmth of his touch making my pulse race. His other hand brushed a strand of hair from my face, and I met his eyes.They were softer now—still full of mischief, but underneath, there was something else. Something that made my chest ache.“Liam…” I whispered again, but it came out shakier this time.“Shh,” he said quietly, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. “Just let me look at you.”I didn’
Katrina’s POVI stood beside the bed, trying to calm the nervous flutter in my stomach. The room glowed softly with the light of a few candles I had placed carefully on the table and windowsill. Their tiny flames flickered, casting gentle shadows that danced along the walls. The scent of lavender and honey from the candles filled the room, mixing with the faint smell of pine that always lingered because of Liam.The table I had set up wasn’t fancy, but it felt warm and personal. Two plates sat opposite each other, with a bowl of roasted vegetables and a small basket of bread between them. I’d even managed to get one of the omegas to bring up Liam’s favorite wine. The sight of everything ready should’ve made me happy—but all I could feel was a deep ache in my chest. Tonight had to be perfect because I didn’t know if I’d ever get another night like this with him.Then I heard footsteps in the hallway—slow, steady, and so familiar that my heart skipped a beat. The door opened, and Liam s
Katrina’s POVThe walk back to the packhouse felt longer than usual. The forest path was quiet, filled only with the sound of rustling leaves and the soft crunch of my boots on the dirt. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, and the air had that faint chill that came just before evening. A few fireflies had already started glowing between the trees, tiny specks of light dancing in the fading day.I took out my phone and called Liam. The line barely rang once before his voice came through, deep and warm and familiar.“Hey, sweetheart,” he said. Just hearing his voice made my chest tighten.“Hey,” I said, smiling a little even though he couldn’t see me. “Lunch with Ariana and Blake went really well. It felt nice to just… talk and laugh again. I missed that.”“I’m glad to hear that,” he replied, his tone full of affection. “You needed a break. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard these past few days.”I sighed quietly. “Yeah, maybe. But it was wort
Katrina’s POVIt still felt strange—being treated like someone important. Like their Luna. My stomach twisted a little. I wasn’t used to people looking at me like that. I missed being invisible sometimes, just another girl laughing with her friends.Then I spotted Ariana and Blake sitting by the window. They had already ordered, and Ariana was waving excitedly when she saw me. Her bright smile was the first thing that made me feel normal all day.When I walked toward them, they both stood up quickly and bowed slightly, their faces serious. My chest squeezed tight at the sight.“Hey!” I said, forcing a smile. “What are you two doing?”Ariana blinked, looking nervous. “You’re the Luna now,” she said softly, as if it explained everything.Before she could lower her head again, I grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. She gasped, but then her arms wrapped around me tightly.“You’re my friend, Ariana,” I whispered. “You don’t ever have to bow to me.”When I pulled away, Blake was standing