Chapter 33

Katherine POV

I stepped out of the lukewarm shower, wrapping a towel around my body as water dripped onto the cracked tiles. After changing into clean clothes, I brushed the tangles from my damp hair and headed downstairs, surprised to find Edward lounging on my sofa, flipping through one of my books on supernatural history.

"Don't you guys have lives of your own?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Edward glanced up, those intense eyes locking onto mine. "We did. Before we realized we had a destined mate."

"I'm not your responsibility," I said firmly. "I need you three to back off and give me some space."

He set the book aside, his expression serious. "We can't. Not unless the mate bond is severed."

"Wow. Bella would be thrilled when that happens," I remarked sarcastically.

"Is that what you want? To reject us?" His voice was quiet, almost vulnerable—a stark contrast to his usual confidence.

I sighed, sinking into the armchair across from him. "I don't know. I don't feel the bond the way you three do. I'm not eighteen yet, and with my mixed bloodline, I don't know if I'll ever feel it the way you do."

"I don't care about that. I only care about what we feel, and we're not going anywhere." His jaw set with determination, reminding me why he and his brothers would one day lead the Northern Pack.

"I'm going hiking along the coastline," I announced, suddenly needing fresh air and open space.

Edward was on his feet immediately. "I'll come with you."

We slipped out the back door of my house, following the trail that led to the forest preserve. I navigated through several different paths until we reached the coastal trail, constantly scanning our surroundings for any signs of danger. Portland Northern Pack patrols occasionally stopped to watch us before continuing on their routes.

"Are you friends with all supernatural species?" Edward asked as we walked along the misty cliffside.

"I have connections with all supernatural species across Portland's districts," I admitted.

"Vampires are common enemies of the Northern Pack."

"They're not my enemies," I reminded him. "I'm part vampire, remember?"

Edward frowned, genuine confusion crossing his features. "How is that even possible? How can someone like you exist in Portland?"

"Wow! That's not offensive at all," I replied dryly.

"I didn't mean to be rude," he backpedaled. "I've heard of hybrids before, but never a multi-species composite like you."

"I'm an exception in the supernatural community here."

"How did it happen?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

I kept my eyes on the trail ahead. "Genetics. I believe my father sought out my mother because of her bloodline. He wanted to see if his experiment would work." I laughed bitterly. "Turns out it did."

Edward stopped abruptly, grabbing my arm. "You were an experiment?"

"Yes," I admitted, the truth still painful after all these years. "I wasn't supposed to know."

"How did you find out?"

"I broke into Julia's house one night and looked at my file. It said 'experiment successful' and that my father was pleased with the results."

Edward muttered, "I'm sorry. I had no idea."

"How could you? No one was supposed to know."

Understanding dawned in his eyes. "That's why you keep your distance. Why you won't let us close. Why you keep saying you have a mission in Portland."

I nodded. "I was raised to be a soldier. And I know that since I proved successful, they'll keep trying to create more like me in Portland."

"Edward, don't trust Julia. She's not who she claims to be."

"What?" Edward looked shocked. "I thought you respected her."

I kept my expression neutral, though inside I was seething. Ever since discovering who Julia really was and her true relationship with my father, I'd been waiting for her betrayal.

Edward stepped back, his expression changing.

"What are you doing?" I demanded, then realization hit. "You're telling them through your mental link, aren't you? You asshole! Will they keep this secret?"

"We won't tell anyone," Edward assured me. "They're still listening. And they're angry."

"I know. I can hear them in your head."

After completing our hike, we returned to my house to find Samuel and Lucius waiting for us. I brushed past them, heading for the kitchen.

"I don't want to talk about this," I warned.

Samuel followed me. "We could have Julia exiled from the Northern Pack."

I shook my head. "She's Beta Noah's mate. I may hate Bella, but Bob is my friend. He doesn't know anything about this."

The triplets exchanged dark looks at the mention of Bob, clearly disliking my reference to another unmated male.

"You'd better get used to it," I pointed out. "I've always found it easier to be friends with guys than girls."

"What do you want us to do?" Samuel asked.

"Pretend you never heard any of this. I don't want Julia to know that I know."

"What are you planning to do about her?" Edward pressed.

"I haven't thought that far ahead," I admitted.

The triplets stayed at my home for most of the day until they were called away to handle Alpha business. I retreated to my bedroom, writing notes about Portland's supernatural forces when I heard someone coming up the stairs.

"I'm in here," I called out.

Bob appeared in my doorway, glancing around. "Nice place."

"What are you doing here? I thought your father was training you to be the next Beta."

"I don't think that's happening," he replied, leaning against the wall.

"Why not?"

"The triplets hate me because I'm your friend."

I rolled my eyes. "They hate you because they think something happened between us."

Jacob's eyes widened. "You didn't tell them?"

"You think I'd tell the triplets we dated during training? They'd kill you."

"Secrets don't stay secret forever in a place like Portland," Bob warned.

"Did you tell anyone in the Northern Pack about us?" I demanded.

He hesitated, looking guilty. "I told Bella."

"Are you insane?" I exploded. "Bella is the last person who should know! She'll go straight to the triplets!"

"I didn't think—"

"She won't consider the consequences. If she thinks it'll get me out of her social circle at Portland Public High, she'll tell them immediately."

Bob paled, realizing the magnitude of his mistake.

"We need to find Bella now," I said, grabbing my jacket. "Before she can cause any more trouble."