"Theo, thank you for being so kind to me and Lacie throughout all these years. I have no clue how to even begin repaying you...."
"Why talk like I'm a stranger? I helped you because I wanted to. You don't owe me anything. By the way, how was the photoshoot?"
"It went well. They offered me a contract extension, saying my face suits their criteria."
"Well, as I said, you are very beautiful, Catrina... Very beautiful."
They strolled towards her apartment building, a grin plastered on her face and her heart thumping with excitement.
Theo, the man who had been helping her all this time and who had brought her and her daughter to this city, had just picked her up from the studio, and now she was going to whip up a bomb dinner for him as a token of appreciation.
Entering her room, Catrina headed to the kitchen to start taking out the ingredients from the fridge, while Margaretha cradled Lacie in her arms.
Lacie is her daughter, who is three and a half years old.
"Look, sweetheart, your mom's here," Margaretha said.
Smiling, Catrina took her daughter from Margaretha's arms.
"Do you miss mommy, sweetheart?"
Lacie let out an excited sound of approval as she tugged gently on Catrina's curls. The toddler seemed to be growing more and more active, and Catrina was more than happy.
Her daughter was all she needed to continue her life after her heartbreak because of the cruel Alpha who banished her while she was pregnant with his child.
Theo walked toward Catrina, touching the toddler's cheek with his calloused hand. "She's growing at a rapid pace."
"You guys are like a happy family already? Why don't you get married? You don't have a mate either, right? Cat, Theo?" Said Margaretha as she leaned on the table after taking out a milk pudding from the refrigerator.
Catrina's cheeks turned a rosy hue. Married to Theo? She didn't want to start to hope because it would only make her feel heartbreak again. She was a nobody, while Theo was the son of the Lycan king.
"Married? Why does that sound like a good idea?" He burst into chuckle. "Now let's get Catrina's take on this. What's your take on sweet Cat? I hope there isn't another man occupying your heart."
Although Catrina knew that he was joking, she was still blushing like a virgin.
"Theo, I think that's too far away to think about. Right now, all I have on my mind is my dear daughter. I want to protect her so that no one can take her away from me."
Catrina's mind subconsciously went back to remembering the man who had planted his seed in her womb only to throw her away so heartlessly.
That man, Carlo Donovan, is the Alpha of the Blackthorn pack. 'He's probably living his best life now, peacefully with his Luna,' Catrina thought. Free from the lingering presence of her or her child. 'What a heartless man.'
"And, oh! Cat, Theo, there's a party invitation the day after tomorrow!" Margaretha said as she took out an envelope from her pocket.
"From who?" asked Theo.
Margaretha skimmed through the letter briefly, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. But then she said with a happy smile,
"The Blackthorn Pack! Donovan family mansion!"
*****
"Who's that guy?" Carlo asked Zeke as Catrina and Theo entered the apartment building. They were in the car, so Catrina was unaware of his presence.
By the Moon Goddess, she was exactly the same as Carlo remembered. The woman who's been haunting his thoughts all this time.
Her beautiful face, her Ocean-hued eyes, her slender figure—that Carlo hate to admit that he missed so much.
"Theo, the youngest son of the Lycan King. Weakest among his brothers. I sent the party invitation to both of them," Zeke replied to him.
Carlo gave a subtle nod.
He already felt a very strong enmity toward the Lycan king's son, especially as he saw him with her.
His wolf, Shadow, let out a menacing growl, compelling him to assert his dominance and engage in a battle with Theo's wolf.
"Are they close?"
Zeke nodded. "Yeah, since three years ago. Why? Are you jealous?"
'Absolutely, i am.' He never liked sharing what was his. Carlo couldn't let that Lycan cub be around her. Because he was wrong when he thought he had moved on, his feelings for her remain unchanged from four years ago.
Four years ago...
~Flashback On.~
That was a full moon night, Carlo had just ascended to the position of Alpha after taking over the reins from his father.
He and his friends reveled in the euphoria of the moment, indulging in drunkenness and several spontaneous fights with the rogues.
They wandered around the surrounding woods of the city until they passed a pack's territory that appeared diminutive in size yet exuded an air of tranquility.
"What territory is this? It's so small; do they have an Alpha?" Asked Carlo.
"This is the Bluemoon Pack, Alpha. Their Alpha is a fifteen-year-old girl who has never left this place since her father died." Zeke responded.
"How about we just invade their territory, then take over this land to build our new base? I like this area."
"I don't think that's a good idea. It's been ages since the Bluemoon pack fought over territory with another pack. They're weak as their number of strong warriors is getting smaller, and most of them are now she-wolves. But this pack has a hidden gem; most people swear their Omegas are sexy as fuck."
Hearing about Omegas, Carlo and his friends couldn't help but feel a surge of arousal. Without a moment's hesitation, they get into the Bluemoon pack to see for themselves the veracity of Zeke's claims.
The hills that flanked the Bluemoon pack were a lush green color at night, and the scenery were just as lovely as the werewolves who lived there.
That was the first time Carlo met her.
They were given a very warm welcome by the werewolf from the Bluemoon pack, even given the lap of luxury for the night, complete with the finest wine poured by their sexy omega. Carlo and the rest were already drunk enough to resist the allure and temptation of their curvy asses and luscious lips. Even Zeke just gave in when a pretty redhead started unbuttoning his shirt. "Take it easy, baby; there's no need to hurry..." Zeke takes a deep breath, his voice slurred and weighted with drunkenness. "You're all mine, and I'm all yours for tonight..." "Get out." Carlo interrupts them without lifting his eyes from his glass. "Huh? What are you saying?" Zeke lifted his head, utterly clueless. "You're not going to fuck her in your Alpha presence." "Are you not going to let me share her with you tonight? Not your typical--" "Have her all to yourself, Zeke." Carlo's words prompted Zeke to swiftly rise from the couch. He whisked the Omega he was about to hook up with for the night into a s
In the packed hall of the mansion, Catrina found herself in a corner from an hour ago, doing her best to fit in while steering clear of anyone who could potentially give her trouble. Especially him, though. Theo was blending in with the crowd, chatting with the guests as he went to get her a drink. Five minutes later, Catrina sees him stumbling towards her after just sipping on some black wine that a maid brought. "Theo! What's wrong?" She was freaking out, desperately placing her hand on his chest to prevent his hefty frame from collapsing to the ground. "No idea. I'm feeling lightheaded right now; I can't even bring myself to open my eyes!" Theo ran his hand over his face. Catrina bit the inside of her cheek. She had told him not to drink anything if he could help it, so he wouldn't get too wasted, but he didn't seem to pay attention to her. "Want to lie down for a while? Do you want to go home?" She was hoping that Theo would simply agree to go home. She was already getting un
Catrina finished cleaning her dress and was about to leave the bathroom when, out of nowhere, someone came up from behind and enveloped her. "hmph- what ar-" "Relax, then you'll be okay. Just listen to me, Catrina.’’ That voice is somehow not entirely unfamiliar. He dragged her body along without giving her a chance to resist. The moment he released her, she finally realized that he was not taking her to the party hall. Instead, it was a room where a handsome man sat haughtily on the sofa. "Thank you, Zeke." Zeke? That's why the voice was so familiar! Turning around, Catrina saw the beta, who smiled briefly before leaving the room. Catrina had yet to recognize the other man in the room. If Zeke was here, then that meant... "Hello, Catrina." She turned her head and met the face she was avoiding the most for tonight. Right in front of her was the man who had caused all of her suffering. Catrina was taken aback. "You?!" A smile touches his lips, sending shivers down her spine
The door swung open, and Catrina spun around, thinking she would see Carlo; however, to her surprise, it was Zeke. But that doesn't make her anger go away, because this man is the culprit who brought her to Carlo tonight! Zeke smiled, Catrina's hands balled into fists, furious. "You dick!" She swiftly walked to him, placing her hands on his chest, and forcefully pushed him backward. "What do you all want?!" "Catrina, calm yourself, please." Zeke caught her hand and grasped it. ''I'm sorry. But I don't have any other option; I have to bring you to Carlo." ''Why though? Why do you have to take me back to the man who banished me from his pack?" "He is the father of your daughter,'' Zeke responded. ''I don't care! Father or not, I won't let him hurt Lacie or take her away from me." she barks. "Carlo would never hurt her," Zeke responded firmly. ''Nor does he intend to take her away from you. He will not separate you; it is your help that he needs. This is about our pack." "Why shou
She was so surprised that her jaw dropped. "What?!" This man has no sense of shame. "You-" "Your dress is ugly. Change into this better one." He tossed a sleek black box with a well-known brand logo onto the couch. Catrina just gave it a quick look without picking it up. "What are you waiting for?" She turned to him, "Get out. I can't possibly change in front of you." "You can," He said, brushing off her protest. Her face flushed when she was about to complain again, he added. "Catrina, do you remember what I said yesterday? Just do what I said, and everything will be fine. But if you're trying to rebel, "Fine!" This man is really cruel. For Lacie's sake, only for Lacie's sake, she would let him order her around as he pleased. Reluctantly, she opened the box and reached for the contents inside. An elegant knee-length ivory-white dress. The garments were incredibly soft, gliding over her fingers like a waterfall. It was stunning and perfect for a fancy occasion. "Where are y
The request she made left Carlo speechless. Catrina did it on purpose, knowing very well that as the Alpha King of one of the most powerful Packs in Dakota City, he would never kneel to anyone. Only his mate; however, he had rejected her, and she had accepted his rejection four years ago. So her request would allow him to feel miserable. "How about that, Alpha Carlo? Are you willing to grant my first and easiest request?" His jaw clenched in a sign of anger at the insult. But finally, with the grace of a statue, he rose from his chair and positioned himself in front of her before fully dropping to his knees. Catrina's lips curled up into a grin of contentment. Carlo looked up and locked eyes with her."You are the first person to make me do this, Catrina. So, keep in mind, I'm going to expect a lot in return for what you ask me to do." Every time he mentioned her name, it always gave her a pleasant swish. Catrina's smile grew wider. A lot for return? It's worth the price if she
Catrina knew of no one else other than Mathilda Donovan who would have been happy to see her return to the mansion and see her with a smile on her face.It was almost as if the very fact that Catrina’s presence was to cure whatever was ailing her; the blessing she had been praying for.Catrina had yet to figure out what illness had afflicted Mathilda, but whatever it was, it had taken most of the radiance from the woman's face, leaving such gloom that she couldn’t really say what it was."Come closer, Catrina."Catrina took a step closer and sat down on a seat next to the bed.Mathilda reached out and took hold of her hand. "I didn't expect to see you again at all; it's like a dream.""Neither did I, Mrs. Donovan.""How are things going for you?"Catrina smiled bitterly.She was sure that Mathilda was well aware of what the Blackthorn pack had done to her, and yet this woman had the nerve to inquire about it."Miserable," Catrina responded. "But worry not, I'm capable of handling it
Catrina didn't respond to Zeke immediately. She nearly couldn't help but sneer thinking about how absurd he is. "What did you say? Carlo can't live a peaceful life after what he did to me?" Catrina's anger reached a point where she could no longer hold it in, and she exploded. "He banished me!" What kind of ridiculous lies was she hearing right now? "Catrina, I can't tell you what Carlo was thinking at the time; he didn't tell me anything about his plan at all..." Zeke said. As a Beta, Zeke was usually the one who helped him organize and handle most of his plans. However, strangely enough, Carlo Donovan did not engage him in any way when he made the rash decision, four years ago, to banish the Omega girl who was carrying his kid from the Pack. "Catrina, please listen-" "I don't need to listen to any explanations from you." "I know your life for the past four years has been difficult, especially with the child, and without your mate by your side, you must be suffering..." Zeke co