MasukKATARINAThe television's soft glow illuminated our suite, casting flickering lights across the walls. Nina and I had finished dinner nearly two hours ago, a lovely meal of roasted meats and fresh salads that Greyson had ordered before he left. We’d settled in to watch a light-hearted show about a pack of misfit wolves trying to run a brothel in a human town. It was silly and comforting, exactly what I needed after the long day at the summit. But Greyson still hadn't returned. I glanced at the clock again, my thumb absently tracing the edge of the blanket draped over my lap. I hoped the meeting with the Eastern Ridge Alpha had gone well. More than that, I hoped he was with Cyra right now. She had looked so broken earlier. Whatever darkness she was fighting, I prayed Greyson’s presence would help pull her through it. He had such a steadying effect on people... on me, especially. Surely he could reach her too. Beside me, Nina yawned widely, covering her mouth with the back of her h
GREYSONI stood outside Cyra’s suite for a long moment, hand hovering near the door. The corridor was quiet now, most delegates having retired to their own rooms or private dinners. Before knocking, I pulled out my phone again and made a quick call down to room service. I ordered Cyra's favorites—grilled salmon and roasted root vegetables, and that rich cheesecake she loved. It wouldn't heal the rift between us, but it would demonstrate that I still saw her and cared, that I remembered and loved her, even as the weight of my decisions threatened to crush us both. I knocked softly, but there was no response at first. So I had to knock again to hear movement inside. But she still did not come to the door. I twisted the handle, and the door wasn't locked. So I let myself in and quietly shut the door behind me. The suite was dim with the lights turned low. There was no sign of her in the living area, so I headed to the bedroom and found Cyra curled up on the large bed, knees drawn to
GREYSONKatarina's hand rested in mine as we walked back to the summit. She was glad I had spoken with Cyra, and her steps were light despite the long day we had already had.She spoke softly about one of our earlier discussions, something about trade routes through the northern territories, but my mind was elsewhere, replaying the scene in Cyra's suite on repeat. I couldn't get rid of the image of her eyes, which were dark with intent when I walked in. And once again, I realized the danger I had put Katarina in. As we approached the grand hall, I gently squeezed her hand and slowed down. “Go ahead inside. I’ll be right behind you. I need a moment to handle something.” Concern flickered across her beautiful face, but she didn’t press. She never did when I asked for space. “Alright. Don’t be long.” She rose onto her toes and brushed a quick kiss against my cheek before slipping through the doors. The moment she disappeared inside, I pulled out my phone and stepped off to the side,
GREYSONI cast another glance toward the entrance. Katarina had been gone longer than I anticipated. She had insisted she was fine and that she could find her own way. But I couldn't settle, and I excused myself from the conversation and headed toward the restrooms. As I walked, I pulled out my phone and called her.The call connected almost immediately, and she answered. I asked if she was okay, and her response stunned me. She said she was, then quickly added that she was walking Cyra back to her suite.My blood turned cold, and I stood motionless. Walking Cyra back to the suite?I ended the call and started running before Katarina could say anything more. Had Cyra attended the summit?If she had, then why hadn't she come to us? Why had she gone to Katarina when she was alone? A sick sensation twisted violently in my stomach. What was she doing?What was she planning?Horror crashed over me, and my breathing quickened. No. No, no, no. I realized my mistake. I should not have told
CYRAGreyson spoke again at that very moment before I could even comprehend what he had said. He explained that he wanted both Katarina and me to be his wives, and I staggered. He said that way we could all stay together, and I just stared at him. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and my heart seemed to stop completely.Was that really what he thought I deserved? To share him? To spend the rest of my life watching him love another woman? After everything we've been through? All the sacrifices I've made? That he's made? I slowly turned away from him. I couldn't even look at him anymore, and my voice shook as I told him to get out. For a long moment, neither of us moved. Then I heard him get up. He started to walk toward the door, but stopped short of getting there.He quietly told me he loved me. He said that once the summit was over, he would tell Katarina the truth about us, and then he walked out. The door clicked shut behind him, and I screamed, the sound echoing through the
KATARINAI lay in the bed with my eyes closed, but sleep refused to come. I had been hoping for a nap, so I was disappointed but I had myself to blame. I couldn't stop thinking about Greyson's face and the weight in his eyes, even though I knew he had told me not to worry. But he was my husband, and it wasn't easy to let him go through things alone, especially those that seemed to weigh on his soul.I was still wrestling with the thoughts when a soft click broke the silence. I opened my eyes just as the cabin door eased open. Greyson stepped inside, and I raised my head but said nothing.Without saying a word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over a nearby chair before making his way to the bed. Rolling onto my side, I wrapped my arms around him as he climbed in next to me, being careful not to wrinkle his shirt and pants.He pecked my lips before relaxing into my embrace, and I rested my cheek against his shoulder. Being this close to him gave me a small measure of comfort,







