19. Austin's call

Kathleen's POV

I didn't want to ask this. However, to save myself from the situation and cover the fact that I was indeed eavesdropping, I spoke whatever came to my mind, and now that I have said it, I can’t help but regret it.

I won’t deny it and say I hated it when he kissed me earlier. For the first time in my life, someone's touch did not repulse me.

Apart from Drake when we were in love, I have never let anyone touch me, and though we were together, we never went beyond hugging or small pecks on the cheeks because we wanted it to happen on our wedding night.

Though we had kissed before, this kiss was nothing like I have ever felt before. I wanted it to last, and the mere thought of it makes me feel even stranger about it.

"You know what, never mind. I guess it was in a spur of the moment," I said and was about to exit the room to save myself from the embarrassment. However, before I could exit the door, he held my hand before pulling me back inside the room and closing the door.

"It was not a spur of the moment, and you should know that, Kathy. I did that because I wanted to do that. I know my actions are confusing because I made it clear that we aren't exactly someone who can stay as friends," King Alvin said, and I was about to ask him why he did that if he thinks like that about me when I saw my phone ringing with an incoming call.

"Hello?" I asked as I picked up the call.

"I heard you are looking for me? You are the one who killed my men and helped the council confiscate our ammunition, no? Why don't we meet near the council chambers and have a little chat? That's what you wanted, right?" A stranger's voice said, and my gaze turned cold as I walked towards the window to look into the forest and see if I could have any vision about the future regarding this guy.

"Austin, it's you, right? Do you think I am stupid? I am hundred percent sure you were there last night. I don't know how the hell did you run away, but I am sure you heard me. You want me to come down and fall into your trap? I am brave and powerful, but I am not stupid. If you wanted to meet me, then you wouldn't have waited for your people to die. You would've stepped ahead last night rather than showing your back," I said, and King Alvin came closer to me.

"Austin? Isn't he the same guy you were looking for?" He asked me, and I nodded.

"Look, whether I was there or not is none of your business. You want information about the rogue head because you are looking for answers, and I am ready to provide them. However, I have a condition. I promise you ‌I am standing here alone with my friend. Now it's your choice if you want to meet me or not. I'll leave this town in an hour. I am waiting at the Heartfelt brunch," Austin said before ending the call, and I gripped the phone tightly in my hand before biting the inside of my cheeks.

I guessed right. He was indeed there. Last night when the battle was happening, I had sneakily placed a paper in one of the rogue's pockets. The paper had my phone number. I had written I was looking for Austin, and if he doesn't come and find me, then I am going to keep ruining their plans.

I knew someone would surely sneak towards the rogues despite the strong security of the council members, and just like I had guessed, someone indeed called me.

However, what is the surety that the person who called me is indeed Austin? Why did he not come out if he wanted to meet me?

What if someone is trying to take revenge on me? He also said the same thing, didn't he?

But what if he is indeed Austin and can help me reach the rogue head and find some answers? He also mentioned a condition. What could he need from me? Will it be my surrendering to the rogue head? And what if he is lying and there is a full force of them to take me down? There are many uncertainties with the situation, and with the lack of vision, I am not sure if I should go there or not.

It's 5 am, and he said he is waiting in a brunch restaurant and will leave in an hour. This might be a risky thing, but it can also be a rare opportunity.

I know I should consult the council members about this and have them come with me, but what if he runs away again and doesn't tell me anything? There are high chances he will be precautious after what happened last night.

This can be a once-in-a-while opportunity for me.

"Kathy, what did he say? Is he asking you for something? Did he threaten you? He is asking to meet you, I heard that much. But what did he mention about the condition?" King Alvin said, bringing me out of my thoughts, and I looked at him momentarily.

"It's none of your business. Didn't you say just now that you don't even consider me someone worthy of your friendship? Why are you poking your nose in my business, then?" I asked before walking towards the gate.

"Don't leave like this when I am talking to you, Kathy. Are you going? I am coming with you? I can't let you risk your life like this. What if he kidnaps you or tries to avenge his friend's death by harming you?" He asked me while grabbing my hand to stop me, and I looked into his eyes, a hint of worry evident in them.

Or maybe it's just because he also wants to catch that Austin guy so that he can torture him and ask him for more details regarding their next missions along with the rogue head's details. It's better if I keep this matter away from him.

"I am not going. I am not stupid to fall for his trap," I said before jerking away my hand from his grip.

"You aren't going? What do you mean? Just last night, you were ready to dump our entire project and leave so much ammunition and rogues because you wanted to talk to that guy, and now that he called you himself, you aren't going? What are you planning?" He asked me, and I smiled softly at him.

"You are still suspicious of me, aren't you? You are afraid my stupidity will make you lose such an important target, no? You want me to go there so that you can follow me and catch him. I am right, ain't I?" I asked, and he sighed.

"It would be a waste to let go of such an enormous opportunity. But that doesn't mean I am suspecting you again. You have your reasons for acting in whatever way you want. I just want to understand you more and your actions," He said as he looked at me observantly, and I hummed.

"As I said, my matters shouldn't concern you, Lycan King," I said before nodding at him and leaving the room.

"Kathy? Where were you? I thought you went to your room. I prepared your favorite sandwiches," Henry said as soon as I descended the stairs, and I nodded before going to the kitchen with him.

"What were you and the king talking about? You guys looked pretty upset with each other," Henry said, and I ate my sandwich in silence.

"Henry, can I go and visit the lake where the ammunition was confiscated? I want to check up on something," I said, and he nodded.

"Do you want me to accompany you?" He asked, and I shook my head.

"No. I'll be going to the town site after that. I'll call you if there's something," I said, and he looked at me observantly.

"Something is bugging you, right? You always leave alone to find some peace and have some alone time when something is bugging you or irritating you. What is it?" He asked me, and I sighed.

"It's nothing. I just miss my mom and dad," I said, and he smiled at me sadly.

"Kathy, nobody can take the place of uncle and aunt in your life. However, I assure you, ‌you'll not feel alone if you stay with us. I know you are out there because you feel betrayed, and the anger inside you hasn't settled yet, but give it a thought. It's been over one and a half months since you left your pack. It's high time you settle back somewhere," Henry said, and I scoffed.

"Henry, what do you think? Why am I roaming around? Do you think I am just trying to vent my anger? No. I am roaming around here and there because I am looking for answers. Answers regarding the death of my mom and dad. I want to kill every rogue and that person who was involved in the conspiracy of their murder," I said as I crushed the glass in my hand in anger.

"Kathy! What are you doing? Doctor! Do you think you can go on like this? Don't you see how many people are you hurting by being like this? Most importantly, how much are you hurting yourself? Doctor! Come quickly!" Henry shouted, and it wasn't long before the doctor rushed to my side and started taking out the glass pieces from my hand.

"You see? Do you see how much anger is still residing inside me? Do you think this will let me settle down? I am here because I want to attend the annual ball. And regarding him, do you think I'll let him enjoy the position of the alpha of the pack that my father created and ran? I am out for vengeance, Henry. And it might be a little bit hard to understand, but I am ready to kill anyone who comes in my path," I said before looking at my hand that was bandaged by the doctor.

"People are getting hurt because of me? Thank you for your hospitality, but if you are finding it hard to keep me in your chambers, I'll take my leave in two days. Manage with me till then, okay?" I said before standing and kicking the chair away, making Henry close his eyes as he winced slightly.

Turning around, I walked out of the kitchen, my eyes meeting with King Alvin, who had a plain look on his face.

"Kathy, what happened to your hand?" He asked me, and I smiled at him sarcastically.

"My stupidity took over me and made me harm myself," I said before leaving, my head consumed with too much anger to care about anything at the moment.