Chapter 15

Edward POV

Portland High's cafeteria buzzed with the usual midday chaos as I followed my brothers to our regular table. My eyes immediately scanned the room, searching for Katherine's dark hair among the crowd. Nothing.

"Where is she?" Samuel's voice filled my mind through our mental link.

Before I could respond, Jasmine appeared alone, settling at the table next to ours. The absence of Katherine sent an uncomfortable tension through my body.

"Where's Katherine?" Samuel asked, his tone measured but commanding.

Jasmine glanced up, adjusting her posture slightly under my brother's intense gaze. "She didn't sleep much last night. She took the opportunity to go home and rest."

Lucius leaned forward, concern etched across his usually gentle features. "Her stepfather is a drunk who doesn't work. She can't possibly sleep well at home."

"I don't know what to tell you guys." Jasmine shrugged, her fingers nervously tapping against the table. "That's what she told me. Maybe she knows he won't be home. Or he'll be passed out or something, I really don't know."

I exchanged quick glances with my brothers, the same thought passing between us. Something wasn't right. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin, urging me to leave immediately and check on her. But Father's words echoed in my mind—as future Alphas, we needed to set an example for the Portland Northern Pack. Skipping class wasn't setting a good example, and Father insisted we maintain excellent grades to ensure we could properly care for the pack when we took over.

Besides, if we missed any classes, the principal would call my father directly. That was the last thing we needed.

The remainder of the school day crawled by at an excruciating pace. The moment the final bell rang, we raced to my SUV and sped toward Portland's East Side. We parked a safe distance from Katherine's dilapidated house to avoid alerting her parents with the engine noise, then cut through the small park adjacent to her street.

At the park's edge, we paused, listening intently. The heavy snores of her stepfather drifted through the thin walls, but no other sounds emerged from within.

I spotted a tree beside the house that offered a view into Katherine's bedroom window. Without hesitation, I scaled the trunk, pulling myself onto a sturdy branch that provided the perfect vantage point. Through the dusty glass, I could see Katherine lying on her bed, apparently asleep. Relief washed over me as I jumped back to the ground.

"Everything okay?" Samuel asked, his face tense.

"She's on her bed. Looks like she's sleeping."

Lucius gestured toward a downstairs window. "We can see her stepfather from the lower window. He's completely passed out."

Samuel nodded. "I think she's safe for now. We don't need to worry. We should head back to meet Father."

"You guys go. I'm staying here," I said firmly.

Lucius stared at me, confusion crossing his features. "What?"

"You can see she's safe," Samuel pointed out.

"Yeah, for now." I crossed my arms defiantly. "Remember what happened last time we burst in? That doesn't mean she'll always be safe. I want to make sure nothing happens to her. Her stepfather isn't her only problem—her mother is just as bad."

After some hesitation, my brothers reluctantly agreed to leave. I positioned myself near the tree, keeping watch on Katherine's window while remaining hidden from view. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Portland's East Side, the contrast between the decaying neighborhood and our pristine North Portland estate more striking than ever.

Hours passed before I heard movement from Katherine's room. I immediately ducked back into the treeline, not wanting her to spot me. Through the window, I glimpsed her rising from bed, and my breath caught in my throat. Her natural beauty stunned me even in these circumstances. I tried not to watch as she changed clothes, but found it nearly impossible to look away. Soon after, she descended the stairs.

When she exited the house, I concealed myself carefully, watching as she headed directly for the path leading to Portland's forest preserve. Knowing the supernatural activity that sometimes occurred in these woods, I followed at a safe distance. She moved with surprising confidence, like an experienced hiker, carrying nothing but a water bottle.

As Katherine turned onto the coastal trail, I suddenly lost sight of her. I searched frantically, but she had vanished completely. I quickened my pace along the path, wondering if she had started jogging, but found no trace ahead.

"Why are you following me?"

Her voice from the nearby bushes startled me completely. I couldn't understand how she had evaded me so effectively—I couldn't hear a heartbeat, breathing, or any other sound that should have betrayed her position.

"You scared the hell out of me," I admitted.

"Good." Her tone was icy. "Why are you following me?"

"Because these woods aren't exactly safe."

"Try again." She emerged from the foliage, confronting me directly on the path.

"I went by your house earlier, saw you leave, so I followed you."

Her eyes narrowed. "Why were you at my house?"

"I just wanted to talk to you. You weren't at school this afternoon, and I really wanted to talk to you."

Katherine tilted her head, studying me with a penetrating gaze that made me feel strangely exposed.

"Until you and your brothers showed up at my house during my fight with that bastard, you barely said two words to me. Why the sudden interest in talking today?"

"That's exactly why I wanted to talk to you. Because I know my brothers and I might seem a bit creepy. Especially Samuel. But we're not. We really don't mean to intimidate you."

A small smile played at her lips. "I hope not. Because I don't scare that easily."

"Yeah, I noticed." I couldn't help but return her smile. "I don't know, I guess I just finally wanted to talk to you, maybe get to know you."

I knew I was lying. I had to come up with something she would believe. I couldn't just tell her I was a werewolf and she was my destined mate. She'd think I was insane, scream that I was a murderer. The last thing I wanted was for her to fear me.

"Well, I haven't finished my hike yet. I suppose you can tag along for a while."

"You don't mind? I thought Caspian usually hiked with you."

"Not all the time. Honestly, that guy can be a bit annoying sometimes."

I burst into laughter. "Yeah, we noticed. He really doesn't know when to shut up."

We began walking along the coastal trail, the scent of pine and sea salt mingling in the air.

"I like having company when hiking," Katherine continued. "But it has to be actual conversation, not some idiot trying to prove he's smarter than everyone else in the room."

I nodded in agreement. "Doesn't take long to figure out that's what he's like."

"Doesn't take any time at all, especially since he's always hanging around."

My phone suddenly rang. I glanced at the screen to see Samuel's name flashing. I stared at it for a moment, conflicted.

"Do you need to take that?" Katherine asked.

"No, nothing important." I silenced the phone and slipped it back into my pocket.

I didn't want anyone ruining this moment. I was the first one to actually get close to our mate and talk with her. This was my chance to learn about her, and nothing was going to ruin it.