CATHERINE'S POV The load of Philip's faith descended upon me as I neared the magnificent assembly hall, the scene of the pack's gathering for a funeral. Seeking a ray of light amid the ocean of sorrow, the weeping werewolves shifted their focus to me. I realized then and there that true leadership is a careful balance between sensitivity and power.I inhaled deeply, calling up the inner power, and entered the hallway prepared to face the obstacles that lay ahead. The mansion, which had once been a stronghold of authority, now served as a furnace whereby the pack's connections would be put to the proof and renewed.The force of the Luna cloak pressed down on me as I waited at the entrance to the magnificent assembly hall. The collective look of the pack, looking for guidance and comfort, made the weight of my newfound responsibilities even more real. I looked to my confidante, Lizzie, and saw tenacity and compassion in the deepest parts of her eyes.The weight of the mission ahead hun
CATHERINE'S POV I was faced with the enormous issue of bringing the pack together, which was weighing heavily on my mind. As two women propelled into roles of authority, Lizzie and I took the lead in this initiative, trying to mend the broken strands of trust and create a unity of sorts.Lizzie and I met in the large study, which was filled with expensive cherry furnishings and bookcases that held innumerable books. As we sat opposite from one another, the weight of duty falling on our heads like a thick blanket, the environment crackled with a feeling of purpose."I had not signed in for this one," Lizzie said, her resolve and doubt visible in her eyes. I sympathized with her; the unanticipated course of events had thrown us into unanticipated roles."Not a single of us did," I said, looking her in the eye. However, we have been given the responsibility of keeping this pack together. We must figure out how to make it function."The stone walls of the study, covered in the understand
CATHERINE'S POV As I entered the community meeting area, where pack members gathered for talks and declarations, I could feel a sense of anxiety in the air. As soon as I walked in, whispers and whispered talks stopped, and interested eyes looked at me. Skepticism and uncertainty weighed heavily on the air, like an unsaid query demanding a response.I felt the wave of unease that went through the group, a sign of their misgivings about my abrupt promotion to a leadership role. Many were confused by the swift change from a Luna behind confinement to a leader guiding the pack's future, and the doubt that pervaded the atmosphere was reflected in their gazes.The scrutiny became more intense as I got closer to the temporary platform where pack leaders normally addressed the members. The looks on the sea on faces ranged from mistrust to flat-out incredulity. It became very apparent how difficult it was for me to gain their trust.I inhaled deeply before going up on stage, with everyone in
Catherine’s POVThe day I turned 16 was the beginning of my woes. Every werewolf received the ability to transform on their sixteenth birthday, but I was the exception. The one they called 'Wolf-less'.My name is Catherine, I am part of the Crystal-Cloud pack and the first of two children. I was my parent's favorite child up until they realized that I had no hope of getting my wolf. Now, I am 23 years old and the laughingstock of the entire pack.For centuries, our pack was untouchable, but in recent years, we have been targeted by rogues and neighboring packs. In a bid to preserve what was left of us, our alpha made a deal with a powerful southern territory called the Blood-Slashing Pack. In exchange for their protection, we were to offer the most eligible female of our pack to become the wife of their alpha. My younger sister, Sarah was chosen to perform this task. She accepted her burden even though she was unhappy. As the day of her marriage drew near, her fear worsened, and so d
Catherine’s POVIs this finally happening?! Am I getting my one true mate after all these years of waiting?! Who would have thought that it was Kevin all along? The moon goddess has finally remembered me! I stood up excitedly and waited for him to walk over to me and claim me as his mate. He needed to mark me so that I will belong to him forever... but instead, he stood at the door, glaring at me. Glaring at me?I started walking towards him, but he lifted a hand in the air. "Stay right there!" He ordered, and I was forced to obey. He spat, "I cannot believe that after all these years, it turned out to be you". He said with so much disgust and disdain. "I..."He cut me short. "Let's get something straight here, I don't need a mate, I have already chosen someone for myself. And even if I wanted a mate, it wouldn't be you... a weak, wolf-less Luna? I will become the laughingstock of the entire pack."Hearing my mate say these words to me weakened my body. I moved back and landed on t
Catherine’s POVHe folded his hands on his chest and stroked his beard with one hand. His eyes scrutinized me as though he was staring deep into my soul. "I sent word that I would be running late tonight, why did you not wait at your pack, Miss Sarah?""I asked my father if I could come to you, and he accepted. What is the need for long formalities when all we need is each other? I am here now, am I not?"The man who brought me and Rose whispered something in Alpha Philip's ear and the latter nodded. He then turned his attention to me. "Very well then, come with me.""And my maid?" I pointed at Rose."William will take care of her" He signaled to the first man who then showed Rose to another car. Alpha Philip helped me into his vehicle and I sat on the soft chair. My back hurt from the long walk with Rose. The driver brought the car's engine to life, turned it around, and started heading toward Philip's pack.I'm sorry, Sarah, but one day you will understand why I had to lie to save
Catherine’s POVMy heart skipped a thousand beats as I moved away from him. "I... I'm sorry""Oh spare me the pretense! You must have thought to yourself that just because I have poor eyesight, I must be stupid as well". He took menacing steps toward me.I moved back until the bedpost stopped me from behind. "I never knew you had poor eyesight, I swear-""Silence! You thought you used me and deceived me, but the truth is I used you to get what I wanted, you were nothing but a pawn in my game." He gripped my chin firmly and threw me on the bed. "I never intended to use you, I promise...I, I... Please, have mercy-". My cries fell on deaf ears and my plea was cut short when his fangs grew out from his upper gum. He pressed his lips against mine, but instead of a kiss, he bit my lips with his fangs until they started to bleed. I could not cry out, nor could I push him away. He was too strong compared to my weak self. I could taste the metallic tang of blood on my tongue as he continued
Philip POVStaring at the window, my mind was clouded with so many thoughts and one of which was surprisingly Catherine. It has been three days since I had thrown her into the dungeon and while there had been nights, I thought of pulling her out, I couldn't fathom having her stay in the mansion with me. A knock suddenly came through and at my command, the door pulled open, revealing Williams stepping in. He had a scroll in his hands, which depicted that he was about to read to me, the events planned out for the next weeks to come; a system I had adopted to keep me updated with my pack."Alpha, Blood-Slashing Pack is scheduled to host the next annual werewolf conference; a gathering that would see several members of other packs make their way to your pack."As Williams read on, I realized that the event was going to bring several partnerships and further strengthen the relationship with other packs."Alpha?" I looked up to Williams, who had noticed I zoned out on him. "It says here tha