MARKED BY MOONLIGHT のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 131 - チャプター 140

~ CAIN ~ Each brush of Catherine’s delicate fingers against my skin is pure torture. It’s too little… yet just enough. Up until now, I haven’t known if she would truly accept me. Even with the tension burning between us, even as my body produces the pheromones designed to pull her to me, I haven’t been sure if she’d let it go this far. But now, as she touches me, her hands hesitant but certain, I can’t stop the growl of satisfaction that rumbles in my chest. She’s mine. My female. My mate. There’s a peace that comes with knowing that and it makes something in me settle. She fits. Like the final piece in a puzzle I didn’t realize was incomplete. I want to make her laugh and watch her eyes sparkle when she’s happy. I want to be the reason she feels real safety. She’ll grow to care for me, and in return, I’ll protect her. Shelter her. Nourish her.

~ CAIN ~ West mentioned Catherine’s involvement in the faction, but I never had a reason to really consider the implications—until now. “Why didn’t they wait to train you? Why did they take such an enormous risk?” “They thought I was like everyone else,” she replies quietly. “When the Blackthorn found me, I had recently escaped the hands of the Crimson Court. They had taken me and Rose a few years before and promised us immortality if we bent to their will. Rose was convinced it was better than living on the streets, so I stayed. I stayed for her.” She takes a deep breath and exhales. I stand frozen in place. I can’t move. Can’t breathe. I can only listen. She’s finally opening up to me, and all I can do is absorb every word while she continues. “The thing was… no one knew what I was. Not even me. The Crimson Court thought we were both huma

~ CATHERINE ~ I press the numerical keypad in front of me. When the safe clicks open, I grab my shoulder holster, slide the leather straps over my arms, and reach for a pair of Berettas. I check each chamber, then the magazines, before flipping the safeties and slipping them into place. “Who are your enemies, Catherine?” I jump at the warm breath on my ear—dammit, I didn’t even hear Cain move. “I can’t be certain,” I mutter, pissed at myself for dropping my guard. “I’ve pissed off just about every creature on earth. Humans, vampires, Blackthorn, demons, witches, warlocks, ghouls, zombies, Chimera—you name it. Anyone or anything could be coming up to say hello.” His hands settle on my shoulders, firm, and he turns me around to face him. Being this close to him throws me off. Aside from Alex, no one’s worried about me like this in years. I hesitate before looking up into Cain’s face

~ CAIN ~ A hard no is Alex Zander’s answer as he folds his arms over his chest. “She has enemies because she left the Crimson Court, abandoned Blackthorn, and went headfirst into bounty hunting—just so she could collect vampire heads like trophies. Along the way, she took out anyone in her path—most of whom have families with long memories and deep grudges. Catherine isn’t stupid. She knows if anyone finds out what she can do, she’s a dead hybrid walking. Death by touch? Yeah, that’s not something immortals are fond of.” A sudden knock slams against the door, and I’m on my feet in an instant, a snarl rising in my throat. I didn’t survive everything to lose her now. I need to get her out of Alex’s apartment. Fast. I’ve already checked in with a few members of the Hollowbane Pack. When I let them know what’s going on, Ronan told me not to worry. The Hollowbane Pack has some safe houses where Catherine can be kept. Once she

~ CAIN ~ Alex doesn’t display fear—only pure, bristling anger. “So be it. It’s your funeral. I can’t force you to pull your head out of your arse. But know this—I won’t let you take Catherine down with you. I’ll do whatever I have to if her safety is on the line. Once you leave, you’re on your own.” He lifts a hand and points across the room. “The phone’s next to the sink just behind you. Go make your call. Good luck in the afterlife.” I turn and move to the counter, snatching the cordless from the base. Alex has the right idea, but there are a few enormous problems. Forming a new pack takes time—time Catherine and I don’t have. And I can’t just take control of the Blue Hill Pack without their consent. Not after how I left. Emotions had been high, words were said, and I know if even one wolf rejects my ascension, I’d have to fight for the position. A fractured pack is a vulnerable one. I swore I’d never be