4. Make Room For Them

Caitlin sneered and glanced disdainfully at the bowed Catherine.

"Her apology lacks any sincerity. In the Bloodstone Pack, a wolf who makes a mistake must kneel to apologize."

Catherine's anger flared at Caitlin's demand. Wolves only kneeled to an Alpha they truly respect; Caitlin had no right to make such a demand.

Is she looking for trouble? How dare she humiliate you like this?! Leora seethed, her anger evident.

Catherine turned to Hansen, hoping to gauge his stance. Technically, she was still the Luna of the Silverspring Pack, and she shouldn't e to kneel to apologize.

"Kneel." Hansen was aware of Caitlin's arrogance, but he saw no harm in having Catherine kneel. With no other pack members around, it wasn't a significant issue.

Catherine locked her gaze on Hansen, her resolve firm. "And if I refuse?"

Hansen frowned, surprised by Catherine's drastic change that evening. First, she got physical, and now she was refusing to kneel. He felt his authority as Alpha being challenged.

"Catherine Zyla!" Hansen's voice rose with anger. I command you, in the name of the Alpha, to kneel!"

Since they hadn't yet fully dissolved their bond, making Catherine still a part of the Silverspring Pack, she had no choice but to obey the Alpha's command despite her reluctance.

With a thud, Catherine knelt heavily on the bedroom carpet. The Alpha's presence was a crushing force, suffocating her. Even as Luna, she was compelled to comply with his orders.

"Apologize!" Hansen's command came again.

Leora groaned in distress, overwhelmed by the powerful pressure.

Reluctantly, Catherine said, "I'm sorry, Miss Liddell."

Seeing Hansen so determined to make Catherine comply, Caitlin's satisfaction grew. She put on a false air of forgiveness and said, "I'll grudgingly accept your apology. You may get up."

As Caitlin spoke, the Alpha's oppressive force lifted, allowing Catherine to straighten her back. She turned to Hansen. "May I leave now?"

She was eager to out of here. 

Finally, Hansen noticed her suitcase on the floor, surprised that she was already leaving. "Have you found a place to stay?" he asked, looking back up.

"That's none of your concern," Catherine retorted, glaring at Hansen.

However, Leora urged her not to escalate things further. Due to their bond, Leora couldn't resist the Alpha's authority.

Hansen was displeased with her response. He ordered, "Go get some ice for Caitlin's injury. She hurt her hand because of you. Do you plan to just leave it at that?"

Catherine remained motionless. Hansen narrowed his eyes and threatened, "What, do you want me to command you as Alpha again?"

With stiff steps, Catherine exited the bedroom. She was to fetch ice for the women who effectively a homewrecker, even though the woman was now comfortably ensconced in her marital bed.

That f*cking pair of shameless mutts! Leora cursed under her breath.

Catherine shared Leora's sentiment internally, cursing Hansen and Caitlin.

As she descended the stairs, she missed a step and instinctively grabbed the nearest potted plant, which tumbled down the stairs with her.

In a split second, Hansen dashed forward, catching her hand.

Catherine stared in shock as Hansen actually came to her rescue.

Hansen pulled her back forcefully, her head colliding with his chest. She could feel his strong heartbeat, and the warmth of his body surrounded her.

Catherine tried to back away, wanting to distance herself. Instead, Hansen swept her into his arms and carried her down the stairs, her face pressed against his chest, enveloped by his masculine scent.

When he set her down, her face was flushed with heat. Although they had been mates for two years, they had never had such physical contact, except for the previous month's incident.

Just then, Hansen's cold voice came from above. "Remember to use your brain when you walk, lest you hit your head and become an idiot."

Catherine bit her lip, gradually calming down. Still, his sharp tongue made her want to retort him. "Even if you hadn't caught me, I would have managed."

However, Hansen only looked at her as if she were an idiot. 

Catherine quirked her lips, unsure what Hansen was trying to express.

Regardless, she didn't want to argue further. "I'll clean them up," she said, looking at the shattered pieces on the stairs.

"Have the servants do it. Don't you have something else to do?" Hansen's frown deepened. He had hired many servants; they weren't there just to stand around.

Catherine recalled why she had come downstairs-to get ice for Caitlin.

When she came around, Hansen had already strode upstairs toward the master bedroom, and it dawned on her that he had only rescued her to expedite getting the ice for Caitlin.

Sighing heavily, she went upstairs with an ice pack, only to find Caitlin lying partially naked on the bed while Hansen was in th throom showering.

Caitlin, leaning against the headboard with a smirk, said, "Get out! Don't disturb me and Alpha. He really likes my figure."

Catherine was stunned by their blatant behavior. She was still in the estate, and yet they were already so eager to be intimate!

Leora fumed silently, her anger boiling over.