“But how does that help me?” The question had bounced around in her head since Anna had foretold her future, and the only conclusion she’d come up with was the awful realization that she wouldn’t understand what Anna’s words meant until she was there on that snow-covered field with her blood raining down.
“I’m not sure.” He pulled at his hair, visibly frustrated, and Katalina wondered if she’d done the right thing telling him. “You’re not the most skilled fighter or had years of experience.”
“Jeez, thanks.” Katalina rolled her eyes.
“But… that has never stopped you from running into danger. Why is that?”
Katalina thought of every instant she’d leaped headfirst into a fight, even in the first weeks after learning she was a shifter. She’d been afraid, not knowing if she would make it out alive, but the alternative had been to stand back and watch those she cared about die.
“Because I fight for love.”
“Exactly. That’s what makes you strong, Katalina. That’s the reason why you’d never give up, even if it was a lost cause.”
“So, you’re saying I’ll find the strength to beat this when I need it?”
He hugged her. “Yes, and also, I’m not letting you out of my sight again.”
“Funny!” she replied sarcastically.
Pulling back, Nico flashed her his usual mischievous smile. “I’m not kidding.”
“I have round the clock guards as it is, and the only reason I’m allowing it is that I know what will happen if something happens to me.”
“Do you feel any better?” he asked gently.
“Yeah, a little. Thanks for listening.”
Nico eased back and rubbed Arne’s belly. “We’ll take care of her, hey, boy?” Arne’s reply was to roll further onto his back so that Nico could reach better. “That feels good, huh?” Nico laughed. “Bass is going to kill you when he gets home and finds you in his spot. Yes, he is. Yes, he is.”
“Enough baby talk.” Katalina chuckled.
Standing, Nico studied her. “Shall I go find Bass for you?”
“No.” Katalina shook her head. “The pack’s more important than me.”
“I never want to hear that out of your mouth again,” Bass answered sternly, entering the room. “Sloppy work, you two. You never even sensed me coming, did you?”
“Sure I did,” Nico mumbled. “She had another nightmare.”
“I’d guessed as much,” Bass said as he studied Katalina intently. “I wish you’d stop trying to block your emotions from me.”
Shrugging, she explained, “No point in both of us suffering.”
Both Nico and Bass shared a glance and rolled their eyes. “I’ve got it from here, Nic. Go home to your mate. Sleep. You look like crap.” He glared at Arne. “Down, you’re in my spot.”
“Back at you, brother, only so much worse,” Nico replied, laughing when Arne didn’t budge. “Who’d have thought the big mighty alpha wouldn’t be able to control a dog.”
Katalina giggled as Nico danced out of Bass’s reach and left their bedroom. “Getting slow in your old age, pal. Twenty, and you can’t keep up.”
Bass’s answering smile held the promise of pain. “Tomorrow, I’m going to make you regret those words, Nic, but right now, I’m too tired to be bothered.”
“You mean Kat would kill us,” Nico called as he headed down their stairs.
Chuckling, Bass stripped off his T-shirt and unbuckled his jeans. “Yeah, and that. Night, Nico.”
“Goodnight, guys.” The front door opened and closed, and then Katalina and Bass were left alone in their newly built house.
They’d moved in a week ago, the last of Dark Shadow to move into a new home. The place was pretty much empty apart from a bed and a lonely looking sofa; they’d find time to shop for furniture when war wasn’t knocking on their door. For now, Katalina and Bass were just pleased to have a place to call their own, but most importantly, a place which would always be open to their friends and family—their pack.
“Down you get, Arne,” Katalina instructed, pointing to the floor. The dog obeyed instantly, causing Bass’s eyes to narrow.
“I swear he ignores me on purpose,” Bass muttered, checking his phone before placing it on their bedside table.
“Maybe, or maybe I’m his alpha, not you.” She smirked.
Lips thinning, Bass glared at the dog once more before returning his attention to Katalina. “I missed you,” he breathed as he slipped into bed and wrapped himself around her.
“Me too.”
“Are you tired?” he asked, nuzzling at her neck and kissing along the curve of her shoulder.
“Yes, but I won’t sleep.”
Katalina moaned, the feel of Bass above her chasing away any remnants of the fear she’d woken with, and as they became one, connecting in a way only two mates could, Katalina knew that no matter her fate, she’d fight to the bitter end.
For Bass and both the packs they loved.
Chapter 5
John
After knocking on Eva’s bedroom door, coffee ready for her in one hand, John waited for her reply. When she didn’t answer, he took a deep breath and realized the scent he’d picked up was fainter than it would be if she was in her room.
Opening the door, he peered inside as he sensed movement behind him.
“I thought we had a deal that you wouldn’t go in there,” Eva said as he backed out of the doorway, eyeing her guiltily.
“I was bringing you a coffee, and I did knock first. Besides, I knew you weren’t in there. Your scent wasn’t strong enough.”
Her hazel eyes narrowed and her arms crossed. “Then why walk into the room?”
She had a point. He had no excuse other than his wolf wanted his
