Chapter 22 — Marco

I watch her as she feeds Rhys, her newborn pup, with a tender care that only a mother could provide, feeling a surge of pride and gratitude for having Katina in my life.

Although our relationship started off as pretend, I know deep down that I want to make it real. Watching the mother and son duo play in the nest Katina has built for them, I struggle to contain the feelings of protectiveness and possessiveness rising within me. I know for sure now that I am utterly in love with her. Could it be possible that Katina’s the mate I’ve been searching for? The one I’ve waited for all my life?

Her hands move with such grace, and the love she has for her pup is evident in the way she tenderly strokes his hair. Rhys nuzzles into her chest as he suckles, his tiny frame shaking each time he feeds. Katina coos softly, whispering sweet nothings that only a mother could express to her child. Her voice is soft, yet firm, and I find myself entranced by her every movement.

As I watch her, I am struck by the feeling that I want to be there for her and Rhys. A fierce protectiveness overtakes me, and I know that I would do anything to prevent harm from coming their way. This feeling is foreign, yet it feels so natural. A sense of belonging washes over me, and I know that Katina and Rhys are where I truly belong.

After the death of my parents, I never thought I'd find my home, or the sense of belonging that I feel now. I've known all my life that finding my mate will change things for me, but I never thought it'd be this amazing. I can't believe how lucky I am to have her in my life. A woman so strong, so beautiful, so caring, and now, so loving. I remember the first time I saw her fighting to protect the life she now holds in her hands, a protective instinct had drove me to protect her and claim her as my own.

My heart swells with emotion, and I know that I will have to tell her the truth of how I feel. I cannot deny this anymore. Every time I see her, every time I hold her, every time I look into her eyes, I feel something powerful and undeniable. I feel love. But after all she has been through, is she ready for that?

As if sensing my thoughts, Katina looks up at me and smiles. I feel an electric jolt pass through me, and I am certain that she notices it.

She has that effect on me; everything she does, everything she says, everything she is, radiates a unique kind of beauty that is hard to ignore.

I am smitten, and I know that I need to tell her how I feel. Despite the fear of rejection and the possibility of ruining what we have, I cannot keep my feelings buried any longer. I want her to know that she completes me; that she makes want to be a better a mate to her, the one she can always count on to have her back.

As I watch her and her newborn pup, I realize that they are both a symbol of hope and love to me. They represent a future that I desperately want. I want to be a part of their family, to help take care of them, to love them unconditionally, and to protect them at all costs. I want our pretend relationship to turn into a real one. But I know I’ll have to wait a little more.

I turn and leave my den, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air as I survey the surroundings. The lush greenery of the forest, the clear blue sky, and the distant sound of birds chirping in the background, all combine to make this day feel even more beautiful.

As I stretch my muscles, I hear a rustling sound behind me. I turn around to see Adrik, making his way towards me.

I feel a pang of guilt and tension in me as Adrik approaches, knowing that I have been keeping a lot from him for too long, something I have never done in my entire life. Adrik and I told each other every single thing, until Katina.

"Hey, Marco. Congratulations on the arrival of Katina's pup. She really is a remarkable mother," Adrik says with a half-smile.

"Thanks, Adrik." I reply, feeling tense and nervous. "I know there is a lot that we need to talk about regarding my relationship with Katina." I add, going straight to be point, because if I let this distance between us fester, the damage will be irreparable.

Adrik's smile slips, his expression turning serious, and I can feel that he is struggling with his emotions through our bond. "Yeah, Marco, there is. I feel like you haven't been honest with me, and that hurts."

"I know, Adrik. And I'm sorry. I was just afraid that you wouldn't understand or support me. I was being selfish," I confess, feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, even though I haven’t told him the full truth.

Adrik nods his head, understanding softening his features. "I get it, Marco. I've been there myself, but keeping secrets will only hurt us in the end. I know you and Katina have something special, and I want to support you both, as your friend."

Adrik’s words of understanding and forgiveness should have eased my guilt, but it only intensifies it because I know if I don’t tell him the truth now, I’ll be lying to him for the rest of our lives.

The first thing I was taught during my training as the Alpha heir was how to control my emotions through the mind links. If I hadn’t mastered that, Adrik would have unveiled my guilt and all shall be for naught.

“I'm happy for you. You and Katina make a great pair, and I can see now the love you two have for each other. I shouldn’t have protested your relationship with her.”

Guilt gnaws at my inside as Adrik and I make up. I’ve never kept a secret from him, but the true circumstances about my relationship with Katina are ones I’d like to keep between her and me. I never want there to be any question about the paternity of Rhys because for all intents and purposes, he is my pup.

"She loves you, Marco, and Rhys is proof of that. You two are meant to be together, and I hope that you find the happiness that you deserve," Adrik says, his voice filled with sincerity.

I feel a sense of gratitude for Adrik's understanding and support, and I know that Katina and I still have a lot to work through. But as I watch Rhys play with his mother in the distance through the open window of my den, I know that we have a connection that is worth fighting for.

"Thanks, Adrik. I know that this won't be easy, but I'm committed to making this work. I hope to have your support," I reply, feeling a renewed sense of hope and happiness.

"You have it, Marco. Always."