Catarina’s PoV “The truth?” Alex looked surprised. “Are you sure that’s what you want?” He stroked my hair affectionately and I nodded. It was for the best. They would find out eventually and I hated the idea of them growing up and hating me for not telling them their true heritage. “They need to know.” I sighed and wished it wasn’t so difficult. “I will be with you every step of the way. I’m just so glad that we have each other now.” Alex told me and gave me a hug. I felt so good being in his arms, safe and protected. “In fact I want to announce you as my queen at the ball. I am so lucky to have you by my side that I want the world to know.” He grinned excitedly. “Who will be coming?” I asked. “Alphas and Luna’s from all over, my dearest.” He said. “What if he’s there?” I hated to hear myself ask those words but I needed to be sure. I could not risk him finding me. “Rest assured, he will not be attending. He has no invite. M
Lochlan's POV The fierce evening sun cast long shadows across my office as tension rippled through my veins. The air crackled with the weight of the news I desperately sought. Rising abruptly from my seat, adrenaline coursed through me, my inner wolf snarling and clawing for control. With a forceful push, I backed my beta against the wall, my grip around his throat tightening, depriving him of breath. His voice strained, gasping for air, as I demanded answers that burned within me. The anger simmering beneath the surface threatened to explode into a fiery frenzy. Releasing my hold, my steps became a restless pacing as I tried to contain the overwhelming storm raging inside me. The room, with its lavish decor and opulent furnishings, seemed to close in on me, constricting my already frayed nerves. My impatience was reaching its boiling point, urging my beta to reveal the information before my untamed wrath consumed all reason. "Have you found my mate?" I growled, my vo
Catarina’s POV As the days passed and the night of the ball finally arrived, preparations were in full swing. The grand hall was transformed into a spectacle of opulence and elegance, adorned with flowers, twinkling lights, and a sense of celebration in the air. My heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as I adorned myself in a breathtaking gown, fit for a queen. Alex, ever the doting partner, stood by my side, his presence both grounding and reassuring. He held my hand tightly, sending a silent message that he would be there with me every step of the way. Together, we made our way towards the ballroom, the anticipation building with every step. The moment we entered the room, all eyes turned towards us, the air filled with a hushed whisper of wonder and awe. The alphas and lunas from various packs stood before us, paying homage to their newly anointed king and queen. It was a surreal moment, the culmination of years of hardships and
Lochlan’s POV “Beta, I want that bitch Carla, in my office right away.” I mind-linked my beta and within minutes he was shoving her through the door. She fell to the floor like a clumsy imbecile. I glared down at her in disgust. “You are hiding something from me. Being the good alpha that I am, I will give you one last chance to tell me the truth.” I told her. “Unless you want to find out how it feels to lose someone you love so dearly.” I smirked as her eyes widened in disbelief. The look of horror on her face told me she was going to cooperate this time around. “Well?” I demanded. The room seemed to quiver with tension as my words reverberated through the air, each syllable carrying the weight of a dire warning. Carla, trembling before me, was well aware of the stakes. Her mate, Harry, and their baby hung precariously in the balance, their very existence threatened by my desperation. Desperation fueled my anger, causing me to slam my f
Catarina’s POV My heart raced as I watched Lochlan's figure in the distance, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. Nadia and Nathan's innocent questions pulled me back to reality, their small hands tugging at my dress, seeking answers I wasn't ready to give. I took a deep breath, hoping to keep my composure in the face of this unexpected encounter. "He's... a friend," I replied, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness. The twins exchanged a confused glance, sensing the tension in the air. Alex, my fiercely protective partner, stood by my side, his posture tense and ready to defend us if needed. His growl echoed in my ears, a clear warning to Lochlan. “Get him out of here.” Alex roared and the guards quickly set upon Lochlan and I turned away not wanting to meet his evil gaze again. “Catarina, I finally found you after all these years. I love you. Come back to me!” He yelled. All eyes were locked on the scene unfolding, a mixture of
Catarina’s POV “Mummy, I don't want to leave you.” I felt a surge of emotions as Nadia rushed up to me, tears streaming down her face, clutching onto her Teddy Bear. She looked so small, so innocent. Nathan, my sensitive and perceptive son, shuddered at the sight of the man they called their father. Both of my children huddled closer to me, seeking solace and protection. As images of Lochlan, their biological father, flashed before my eyes, I desperately tried to push them away. I wiped my face, determined to erase his presence from my mind. The sound of his voice still haunted me, a sound filled with pain and disappointment. He was not worthy of being their father. My babies deserved someone so much better. Mindy gave me a sympathetic look and tried to coax Nadia to go with her but she refused to let go of me. “Is he really our daddy?” Nadia looked up at me. Nathan held his sisters hand and they both waited for my response. Alex looked sad for them both.
Catarina’s POV As we walked back into the grand hall where our guests awaited, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. King Alex's words had ignited a fire within me, reminding me of the strength we possessed together. As we entered the room, a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned towards us, their gazes filled with curiosity and anticipation. I held my head high, refusing to let doubt dim my spirit. Alex's grip on my hand conveyed his unwavering support, fueling me with the confidence to face whatever lay ahead. Taking a deep breath, Alex addressed the room in a firm but composed voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. I apologize for the interruption. But I assure you, everything is fine, please continue to enjoy your evening. My Queen and I would like to thank you all for coming." As he spoke, a wave of relief washed over me. I didn't want our guests to sense any tension or concern. It was important to mainta
Lochlan’s POV My eyes slowly fluttered open, yet all I could see was the dim, bleak darkness that surrounded me. The cold, damp air hung heavy in my lungs as I adjusted to my surroundings. My body ached, and as I shifted, heavy iron chains bound my wrists and ankles, leaving me chained and shackled, utterly vulnerable. These damn chains. I couldn't even call out to my Wolf, I knew these chains kept the wolf at bay, and I was alone. How did it come to this? How had everything unravelled so catastrophically? Suddenly, the echoing sound of heavy footsteps reverberated through the dungeon, drawing nearer with every step. Dread filled me as I strained to identify the source of the approaching presence. The door was swung open, and then, emerging from the shadows, I saw him. King Alex stood before me, draped in regal garments that billowed around him as he moved with calculated elegance. The flickering torches painted an eerie glow on his face, revealing a co