Chapter 21 — Katina

I wake up to the warmth of the sun on my face, surrounded by the softness and security of my newly built nest.

Marco is beside me, his breathing soft and even, blissfully unaware of me stirring beside him. For a few moments, I just watch him, taking in the features of his face that I've come to admire. But in the quiet of the morning, my thoughts start to drift.

The reality of my situation hits me with a heaviness that threatens to drag me down. I've known Marco for a little while now, and I can't deny the pull I feel towards him. The mating dance has complicated things, creating a bond between us that is hard to ignore. But despite everything, I know that we are both bound to others–me to Ezra through the pup we made together, and Marco to his mate whom he’s yet to find.

I want to be angry at him for putting us in this position, but I know deep down that I am just as guilty as he is.

I turn away, gazing out over the horizon, my thoughts oscillating between my past life with Ezra and the uncertainty of my future with Marco. The sunlight is beginning to bleed into the sky, painting it with brilliant hues of oranges and pinks. The natural beauty of it all is almost enough to distract me from the pain I feel.

Almost.

I know I have to be honest with myself. I have to face the fact that all the hurt and betrayal I've felt over the last few weeks have left me bitter and cynical. And Marco's presence here, his love for me, is like a balm to those wounds. But I can't help wondering if I'm making the wrong decision by having this pretend relationship with him.

Before, it had sounded like a good idea at the time but we didn’t fathom feelings or attraction would be in the equation, and now we are in too deep for things to go back to the way they used to be.

The thought of his mate doesn't help either. I don't know anything about her, just that she's out there somewhere, waiting for him to claim her but I don't want to ruin anything for her, and yet I can't seem to stay away from Marco.

My thoughts are interrupted by Marco's stirring. His arm tightens around me, pulling me close to him, and I let out a sharp exhale as I sink into him more.

"Katina," he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep. "What's wrong?"

I turn to look at him, taking in the concern etched on his face. For a moment, I forget about everything else and just revel in the comfort of his embrace. "Nothing," I say, forcing a smile onto my face. "Just thinking."

He knows me too well to let it go at that. "About what?"

I take a deep breath before answering. "About us," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "About what we're doing."

Marco's face falls, and I can feel the tension in his body. "I know," he says, his voice heavy with regret. "The way that I feel about you Katina, I haven’t felt it for anyone else. I’m sorry my feelings for you have complicated things. It was never my intention to cause you any pain.”

I push myself up, facing him. "You haven't caused me any pain," I say firmly. "I made this decision, and I don't regret it."

Saying those words out loud cemented the idea for me. I may have had my regrets but being here with Marco is the best decision that I’ve ever made, and I’ll make it a thousand times over, if it means I get to see him look at me the way that he does; like I’m his light at the end of a dark tunnel.

"But what about your old pack?" Marco asks, his eyes searching mine for answers. "Do you ever think about them? And your mate?”

I flinch at the mention of Ezra, thinking about how he had betrayed me, and the bond we shared. "They turned their backs on me when I needed them the most," I say, my voice hoarse with unsaid emotions. "And Ezra...he didn't want me. I wasn’t good enough for him."

Marco reaches out, brushing his thumb over my cheek. "Never think that you aren’t good enough," he says, his eyes filled with sincerity. "You are perfect just the way you are, and you will make an excellent mother to your pup."

I lean into his touch, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Thank you," I whisper.

Marco nods, and we sit in silence for a few moments, watching the sunrise.

For once in my life, I'm not worried about anything other than the here and now. I'm not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. I'm just content to enjoy this moment with the man who has become a family to me, someone I look up to, someone I know will be there for me in my greatest hour of need.

A sharp prick in my lower abdomen breaks into the tranquility of the moment, making me gasp as I clutch onto Marco’s arm for support.

“Katina, what's wrong?" he asks, his voice urgent.

"The pup," I say, through gritted teeth. "I think he is coming."

Marco's face pales, but he rallies quickly. "I'll go get the pack healer. You stay here."

I nod, feeling a wave of pain wash over me, as Marco rushes out of the den.

I'm alone now, and the pain feels all-consuming. I try to focus on my breathing, on the knowledge that help is on the way, but it's difficult. The contractions are coming closer and closer together, and I can feel the pup's imminent arrival.

Marco comes back, followed by the pack healer and her team, and relief courses through me. I know I'm in good hands.

The healer takes over, checking me closely, and she confirms that the pup's head is crowning. I can hear Marco's voice offering words of encouragement, but they're muted against the sound of my own labored breathing. I push with all my might, feeling a weightiness within me that I've never felt before. The pain comes in waves, and I try to focus on my breathing, on the warmth of Marco's hand, as he comforts me through it all.

Suddenly, with a wet slurp, a new life emerges. I'm dizzy with the relief of it all.

The pack healer hands Marco a tiny, wriggling, bundle, and I feel the weight of it all lifting. I let out a relieved chuckle, staring down at the tiny creature that is mine.

It's a boy.

He's crying, whimpering for milk, and I am overcome with warmth and love.

Marco smiles and puts his arm around me, gazing down at the pup. "Look at him," he says softly, "he's perfect."

I nod, feeling tears running down my cheeks, as Marco hands him over to me. "Yes, he is. He's ours."

For a few moments, I hold him, admiring his tiny feet, the mop of dark hair on his head and his little nose. I can feel a wave of contentment wash over me as the reality of being a mother finally takes hold.

"What should we name him?" Marco asks, his eyes filled with happiness.

I smile, feeling at peace. "Rhys."

Rhys is perfect in every way, and I know that we will both love and cherish him always. Marco may not have been his birth father, but I know he will protect him with all his might.

Together, Marco and I sit there, holding each other and our new little pup, reveling in the warmth of the moment.

I never thought I’d enjoy this moment without the presence of my mate but Marco has proven himself capable, more times than I care to count. I don’t feel the pain of Ezra’s loss. This is a beautiful and joyous moment, one filled with love and new beginnings. It's the start of a journey that will change everything, but for now, I am just happy to hold my little family close and bask in the glow of this new life.