Chapter 71: Chapter 70
Archer’s grip on my wrist was firm as he led me into the pack’s arena.
The murmurs of the crowd quieted instantly as his commanding presence filled the space.
My heart raced, not from fear, but from the intensity of the moment.
He pulled me into the center, his piercing gaze sweeping over the pack. “Listen carefully,” he announced, his voice a deep growl that left no room for argument.
“This woman is my mate. Anyone who dares to hurt her will answer to me.”
A stunned silence fell over the arena, and I could feel the weight of their stares.
My cheeks burned, but before I could process it, Archer grabbed me again. He moved with a speed and strength that left me breathless.
In an instant, his body shifted, his wolf form towering and powerful. Without hesitation, he carried me away, sprinting toward his mansion as the wind whipped through my hair.
By the time we arrived, he transitioned back to his human form, setting me down gently but with fire in his eyes.
“Fuck!” he snarled, pacing the room. “That fucking man slapped you! How dare he?”
I crossed my arms, my own anger bubbling to the surface. “You shouldn’t have done that, Archer! I didn’t want my cover blown!”
He stopped, turning to me with a fierce intensity. “Your cover? Katrina, I’m not going to stand by while someone disrespects you. I want everyone to know you’re mine. I am marking my territory.”
“You don’t get it!” I shot back, my voice shaking with frustration.
“You don’t understand how much I suffered to get here! The ship ride, the constant fear… You weren’t there, Archer! You don’t know what it’s like to be alone and terrified.”
His expression softened, guilt flashing in his eyes.
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a pleading tone. “I’m so sorry, Katrina. I’m here now. I swear I’ll protect you and your child. I don’t give a damn who the father is. Just… please. Give me a second chance.”
Tears welled in my eyes as his words lingered between us.
The rawness in his voice, the desperation etched in every syllable, pierced through the walls I had so carefully built.
I hated him for making me feel this way, for making me want to believe him.
“You don’t get to just show up and say these things,” I whispered, my voice trembling with anger and confusion.
He reached for me, his touch tentative, but I didn’t pull away. “I know I wasn’t there when you needed me. I can’t change that. But I’m here now, Katrina. I’m not going anywhere. Let me prove it to you.”
I shook my head, my emotions in turmoil. “It’s not that simple, Archer. You can’t just…” My words faltered as he closed the distance between us, his hand cupping my cheek.
“I love you,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm raging between us. “I’ve never stopped loving you.”
The tears spilled over, and before I could stop myself, I reached for him.
Our lips collided in a kiss that was anything but gentle.
It was raw, desperate, and filled with every unsaid word, every unspoken feeling.
His hands slid down my back, pulling me closer until there was no space between us.
My body reacted instinctively, years of longing and suppressed desire surfacing all at once.
I clung to him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as his kisses grew more urgent.
“Katrina,” he murmured against my lips, his voice thick with need.
“Don’t stop,” I whispered, surprising even myself with the intensity in my voice.
Clothes were discarded in a frenzy, and soon we were tangled together, skin against skin.
His touch was everywhere, igniting a fire that consumed every thought, every hesitation.
I let go of everything—the doubts, the pain, the fear—and gave in to the moment.
When it was over, we lay tangled in each other’s arms, our breaths still uneven.
His fingers traced lazy circles on my back, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of hope.
I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but right now, in his arms, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, we could find a way forward.
I arrived at Madam Levigne’s pizzeria that morning with Rosie in tow, a smile plastered on my face despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me.
The warm, familiar aroma of freshly baked dough and melted cheese greeted us as we stepped inside.
Rosie’s small hand clutched mine tightly, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“You’re in a good mood today,” Madam Levigne observed, wiping her hands on her apron as she emerged from the kitchen. Her sharp gaze didn’t miss a thing.
I shrugged, trying to keep my tone light. “Just happy to keep busy.”
Rosie tugged on my sleeve, and I knelt to her level.
“You’ll stay here with me, okay? Just color in your book while Mommy works.” She nodded, her innocent smile easing some of the tension in my chest.
As the morning rush began to die down, Madam Levigne cornered me near the counter.
“Who really are you, Katrina?” she asked, her voice low but firm. Her piercing eyes held mine, demanding an answer.
I froze, the question catching me off guard.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I deflected, busying myself with rearranging the menus.
She stepped closer, her tone unyielding.
“You’re not just some drifter looking for work. There’s more to your story. Spill it.”
Letting out a sigh, I decided there was no point in dodging anymore.
“I came from the Hawthorn pack,” I admitted, keeping my voice steady. “I used to be an attorney there. And my… fated mate is Alpha Archer.”
The words tasted bittersweet on my tongue, a mixture of pride and pain.
Her expression softened, but before she could respond, the bell above the door chimed.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
The air seemed to grow heavier, charged with an unmistakable energy.
“Alpha Archer,” Madam Levigne greeted, her tone respectful but curious.