Chapter 14

Katherine POV (present)

I followed Alpha Griffin through his sprawling North Portland estate, noting how his shoulders tensed with each step. The mansion's polished marble floors gleamed beneath my worn boots—a stark contrast to my East Side home with its splintered floorboards and sagging ceilings. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, Portland's northern district spread out like a luxury advertisement, all manicured lawns and pristine architecture.

"Margaret, please go shopping downtown," Alpha Griffin instructed his mate abruptly when we passed her in the hallway. "Take your time."

The dismissal was obvious. He didn't want his wife anywhere near me. Smart man.

His office matched the rest of the house—sleek, expensive, powerful. He gestured to a leather chair opposite his massive desk, then sat rigidly, studying me with wary eyes.

"So, you're her. The hybrid. The 'Prophet' from Portland's supernatural legends?" His voice was controlled, but I could hear his pulse quickening.

I leaned forward slightly. "I'm not a hybrid. Portland has too many hybrids already. I'm a multi-species composite. I'm unique."

"Yes. Born to a werewolf mother and vampire father."

"It's far more complicated than that. The supernatural world is more complex than you realize."

"I know," he nodded solemnly. "According to Peace Accord records, you have other species' bloodlines."

I crossed my legs, carefully maintaining eye contact. "Don't believe everything you hear around Portland. I'm not here to destroy the werewolf pack. I was raised in werewolf training systems."

Alpha Griffin tilted his head, sniffing Portland's damp air. "There's no wolf scent on you."

"There is. When I turn eighteen, when the modified wolfsbane stops working, my wolf will be extremely aggressive. It would be best if I'm not in Portland then. People might get hurt. Your triplets might get hurt."

His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Why are you targeting my sons? Did the secret East Side apothecary send you?"

I smiled. "I'm not. Believe it or not, the 'Pure Blood Alliance' thinks they need to be eliminated because triplet Alphas pose a threat to Portland. I'm here to ensure they gain power and no one harms them."

Shock registered on his face. "What? You're here to protect my children?"

"Yes. And because I'm also their destined mate."

I explained how his sons believed me to be an ordinary human at Portland Public High, how I injected modified wolfsbane to hide my wolf nature.

"They think I'm just a regular East Side girl. I inject modified wolfsbane to hide my wolf side. I work extremely hard to hide the rest of me. In Portland's current climate, they can't know who I am yet. The 'Pure Blood Alliance' is about to attack North Portland. It's better if no one truly knows who I am."

"You'll be the wild card in Portland's supernatural conflict."

"Yes. I'll save the triplets at any cost. Trust me."

He studied me carefully. "With your vampire bloodline, will you age like humans?"

"I don't know if I'll die. But that's hardly the point of Portland's current supernatural crisis."

I explained that I knew how to protect his sons and needed him not to interfere with my actions at Portland Public High. I mentioned allies of different species from various Portland districts supporting me.

Alpha Griffin frowned. "If you're their destined mate, why would the Peace Accord need to send you to protect them?"

"I'm not sure I should accept them. There's too much unknown about me in Portland's current environment."

I leaned forward. "While I'm still figuring out my role in Portland's supernatural community, don't mistake me for weak."

I revealed that those who sent me to Portland didn't know about my connection to the triplets—only one elfin operative knew but was warned to keep silent.

Alpha Griffin tried to intimidate me with his gaze, but I refused to back down.

"So, what do you need me to do?" he finally asked.

I explained about various species outside North Portland territory who needed protection. He seemed surprised that I'd united traditionally hostile species within Portland.

"Those vampires won't harm Portland's humans. They only prey on wildlife," I assured him. "And there are werewolves and witches working together, monitoring Portland's outskirts in case something happens."

I warned him to prepare North Portland's warriors for an imminent attack.

"When?" he asked.

"As soon as the Pure Blood Alliance arrives in Portland. And yes, they're werewolves."

He revealed their allies had just withdrawn from the Peace Accord. I demanded their names, considering them my first targets. He provided the Alphas' names, which I memorized to investigate their packs around Portland.

"These former allies probably betrayed you before withdrawing. They may have already given North Portland estate layouts to the Pure Blood Alliance." I suggested he check every North Portland pack member for complete loyalty.

"Is this a losing battle?" he asked quietly.

"Not while I'm here. Trust me. I've handled it."

As our meeting concluded, Alpha Griffin insisted I tell his sons my true identity.

"In due time," I promised.

He thanked me for the information, and I assured him we'd stay in contact.

Leaving the estate, I started back toward Portland Public High when Caspian's urgent telepathic distress signal reached me. Hearing school alarms in the distance, I began sprinting toward the sound, racing through Portland's downtown streets.

I'm coming, Caspian. Hold on.