03 - To Feel Insecure

Katara's POV 

The journey to Alpha Kai’s pack was quite a tedious one. Long, tiring and draining. It made me wonder why he came all this way to attack Artic Wolves pack.

Goddess knows what dad did to him, to get such a massive blow.

“Sleepy?” a tone snickered, which made me arch my brow up. I was put in the carriage while numerous guards rode horses, with some walking on foot.

They made it seem like I was some kind of prized possession.

“A little yes…”

I eyed Kai as I trailed that word out. Feeling a little self-conscious at his dark and intimidating gaze on me. I saw a part of his face twitch, covered in a frown. "Why did you abduct me?" I weakly asked him, not knowing what to do.

"You'll understand soon, mate."

“Here mate, lean on me.” he surprisingly came opposite to me, sitting just beside me. It was beginning to get cold and frosty every minute.

My wolf stirred, but I pushed her right back in.

I swallowed a gulp, doing what he said. Closing my eyes, and totally avoiding any part of my hands touching him.

“Wear this.”

He threw a coat made of thick animal skin, at me. I put it around instantly, feeling warm. He was kind to me and it was the first time I met someone like this.

He had good intentions... 

“My name's Katara.” I muttered, purring as I closed my eyes.

Dawn was fast approaching, and it looked like we walked through midnight. Alpha Kai looked after me, in a mysterious way. Hoped it lasted.

…

“Wake up, it’s time to eat, tesoro.”

A low baritone hushed out. As I did open my eyes, a slight migraine hit my head from the rumbling of the carriage. I rubbed my head, carefully cleaning off my eyes, which were blurry, so I could see.

It was Kai.

“Morning.” I grumbled, with some vapors stringing along from the excessive cold.

Totally unsure of this situation… It’s being long since someone has been nice to me, without wanting anything back.

“Morning, Katara. I brought these from the foods we packed. Feel free to dig in.” he murmured.

I took a glimpse at the palatable dish, furrowing my brows on how they remained fresh. It was roasted chicken with rice, and vegetables. Some citrus also backed it up, with some pears.

My hands shakily reached for it. I noticed they were bare and widened my eyes immediately.

“M-my gloves? Where are they?”

As I said these, Kai confusingly looked at me.

“Kept those aside for you, since they’re made of steel. You don’t want to hurt anyone with that—”

“No, no! You don’t understand. I have to put it on, where is it, please?” I moved to ask him.

Staring at me suspiciously, Kai moved, just a little bringing it from underneath the carriage sit.

“Here,”

I grabbed it from him hastily, and put it on. I really hoped I didn’t hurt anyone, while I was asleep. How could I have lost my guard around him? How…

“Now you want to tell me what’s going on, sweet pea.” Kai demanded.

My heart raced. I batted an eye lid, eating from the plate swiftly with so much anxiety locked up in my chest.

I had to do my best to convince him, with a good explanation that doesn’t involve me saying I am a red wolf.

“I’m not supposed to say this, but I get reactions from a slight change in my environment.” I said, with a smile. “This is why it’s crucial for me to put them on, thus preventing burns which peels and reddens my skin.”

I was literally burning inside. Hope he believed that, at least. Dear me…

“Okay, Katara.” Kai snickered.

I noticed his voice sounded doubled this time. I saw his fists snap till they were white, and it seemed like he was pissed about something.

“Would get going now. Call any of the guards if you need anything, sugar.” he added, before going off the carriage, with his wolf speed.

I tore a part of the chicken, with the thoughts of my fate with him. As his mate, with his pack and my new life.

The carriage went on for hours, and I eventually dozed off. By the time I was awake, I found myself snuggled against something big. A broad shoulder, which was comfortable.

“Loosening that gown would give you breathing space, you know.”

At Kai’s voice, I became fully awake. My wolf leaped in joy that he’d care for us.

“No offense but, why do you bother?” I asked almost immediately, with my furrowed brows. He came to check on me, at every instant was got protective, throughout the journey. And till now, he did it, over and over again.

“Oh, aren’t you used to people bothering about you, little one?”

“N-not that. Was just wondering…you know not all male companies are so loving without wanting anything in return.” I pressed my lips, as I said those words and I hadn’t even reached halfway, when he chuckled a bit with a smirk.

“You’re my mate, Katara. Not other males, your wolf knows it. I feel her calling out to my Alpha beast. You can ask her.” he mysteriously stated.

“I’ll r-rather loosen the gown, just as you give m-me some privacy.” I stuttered, self-consciously.

“As you wish, princess.” he replied, leaning in to kiss my forehead, whispering something in my ears afterwards.

“You heard and saw how cruel I could be. Do not do anything stupid.”

As he used his wolf speed, I couldn’t help but think he was referring to me planning of escaping.

E-Escape?

Why would I want to escape? Where would I go to? It even seemed like my pack members were dead... 

“I have a wish, Moon Goddess.” I suddenly spelled out, moving to the opposite sit and twisting my frizzy red curls, in boredom. “In this new pack of mine, I hope for a new life.”