Chapter 4

“Alpha Prince, King, or Luna, I’ll knock you so hard you’ll be sipping meals through a straw for a few hours before you heal.” Lucy’s voice pierces my unconsciousness.

A deep, menacing growl prompts me to open my eyes.

Lucy is standing in front of Roman, her mate holding her back.

Roman is growling at her, a vein throbbing in his forehead.

I probably shouldn’t laugh right now, but I can’t help it.

All three heads swivel towards me.

Roman’s face is still twisted in anger, Lucy looks both furious and upset, and her mate is shockingly pale for his complexion.

The sight of him sends me into another fit of laughter.

Soon, I’m clutching my stomach, tears streaming down my face.

Lucy strides over to me and slaps me across the face.

My laughter dies instantly, and I stare at her in shock.

Roman’s menacing growl fills the room again.

“Oh, zip it, you big bad werewolf,” Lucy snaps at Roman before turning back to me.

“I’m so sorry. He was so quick, and before I even knew what was happening, he’d already marked you. I’m so, so sorry, Kat.” My hand instinctively goes to the small wound on my shoulder. I’m pretty sure I’m as pale as Eric now.

“YOU MARKED ME WITHOUT MY CONSENT?!” Roman shrugs, looking almost bored. Anger surges through me, and I feel my hands heat up with my magic.

“YOU INSECURE SON OF A B...”

The door slams open, revealing a very angry mother. I instantly shut my mouth. The shock makes my magic fade as quickly as it appeared.

“Lucy, Eric, out.” My mother’s gaze doesn’t waver from me.

Lucy gives me a quick kiss on the forehead and dashes after her mate, who’s already fleeing the room.

“Katelynn Annemarie Moon…,” Mom begins as soon as the room is empty. I sink back into bed, feeling like a six-year-old caught stealing cookies.

“We’ve discussed this many times. You WILL be respectful, understood, young lady?” Tears are threatening to spill from my eyes as I look at Mom with a pout.

“Mommy, he marked me while I was unconscious. He didn’t even ask.” I know I sound pathetic, but I feel violated.

My mom’s glare shifts from me to Roman, who shifts uncomfortably under her gaze.

“You marked my daughter without her consent?” Her voice is calm, but years of experience tell me that Mom is anything but calm.

“This is the last time you will do anything without my daughter’s consent. Even an Alpha Prince has to answer to the council. Your father has been a dear friend of ours for many years, don’t make me call him.”

Roman is now staring at the floor, probably feeling like a six-year-old too. He nods slightly, likely afraid that anything he says won’t be good enough. Smart man.

“Katelynn, take a shower and pack your things. I’m sure the Alpha Prince needs to return to his father’s side soon. I need to check on our guests, but we’ll have dinner together before you leave.”

With that, Mom opens the door and gestures towards it.

Roman walks out ahead of her, his head still bowed.

If my heart wasn’t on the verge of shattering, I would probably be laughing.

I feel like absolute shit.

Italy.

I have to go all the way there. I have to leave everyone behind.

I quickly get up and take a shower, crying my eyes out.

Once I’m done, I promise myself it’s the last time I’ll cry.

I opt for simple faded jeans, a tank top, and a leather jacket.

Pulling my hair into a high ponytail, I look at myself in the mirror.

I take a few deep breaths.

I won’t cry, I won’t be weak, and I sure as hell will still be a warrior.

I smile at my reflection, proud of my strength, before grabbing my phone and heading downstairs.

The smell of food hits me, and I suddenly realize how hungry I am.

When I enter the dining room, I see my dad already seated with my mom next to him.

I smile at them both.

I take my seat and soon Lucy enters, laughing with Eric at her side.

They look happy, and I’m happy for them.

When she sees me, her cheerful expression is immediately replaced by a worried one.

She sits next to me and takes my hand in hers.

“Eric is from Spain. So we won’t be THAT far away. He has a private jet, and I’m sure the Alpha Prince has one too.”

I’ve never heard anyone say the words Alpha Prince with so much disdain.

“We’ll call every day! Make sure to steal a charger because I don’t know if they have the same ones as us. I’ll video call you, and don’t hesitate to tell me if Mr. I-Do-What-I-Want is being a jerk because I’ll be more than happy to kidnap you.”

The last part makes me grin, and I quickly hug her.

His scent reaches me before I even see him.

I have to admit, he looks good.

He’s wearing a dark blue suit, with a black tie.

I can see his muscles flex under his suit as he reaches for his water.

When our eyes meet, I can’t help but think that he looks at me with a hint of shame.

I don’t know him well enough, but the word still comes to mind. It’s probably because of the bond.

He clears his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

“First, I must sincerely apologize to my lady.” His eyes bore into mine. I don’t react, focusing all my energy on maintaining a poker face.

“I have been warmly…,” his gaze shifts to Lucy, “…welcomed here. I will ensure my father knows how gracious this pack has been with their hospitality.”

With his last words, he smiles sweetly at my mom.

She smiles back, but I can tell she’s still angry with him.

Being a good luna, however, she’ll never let him know.

This is part of the reason I’m not fighting to go with him.

If I do, we’d have to go to the council, which could negatively impact the pack.

This pack is my family, always. I’d never hurt them.

“Let’s go eat!” Mom’s laughter fills the room.

Over dinner, I start to get a feel for Eric.

He’s a beta, with two brothers who are nothing like him.

He’s a bookworm, just like Lucy. They’re soon deep in conversation about some statistical analysis or something.

I can’t help but smile at their interaction. Lucy’s mate is everything she ever dreamed of.

I remember all the sleepovers we had, where she’d describe her future life with her mate.

One night, I remember telling her I hoped her mate would be a warrior, so he could protect her when I wasn’t around.

Being a beta will have to do. Betas get plenty of combat training too.

I’m sure Eric can protect her.

Suddenly, something lands on my plate, pulling my attention to it.

Roman has just dropped a piece of his steak on my plate.

Mom and Dad stop talking and watch him closely.

For someone in his position, sharing his food is a big deal.

“Eat. Airplane food isn’t nearly as good as this.” His gaze is intense as he speaks.

I smile politely at him and eat what he’s given me.

I sneak a glance at him through my lashes and see a huge grin on his face.

It almost makes him seem lovable. Almost.

I touch the scarred mark.

I can’t feel it, but I know it’s there.

Roman sees my move and his grin immediately disappears.

“Say your goodbyes. Our pilot is waiting.” He nods politely at my parents before leaving.

The room falls silent.

I feel tears welling up, but I quickly push them back.

I won’t cry, I won’t cry, I won’t cry.

Mom is the first to stand up and hug me so tightly I can hardly breathe.

She pushes me back, and I hug her just as hard.

“I’m proud of you. Don’t give up on your dreams, unless you want to, Baby Girl. He’s your mate, but you’re his too. Don’t let him take anything from you again,” she whispers in my ear.

Mom pulls back, holding my face in her hands and showering me with kisses.

“I love you, Baby Girl. Don’t be a stranger.” Mom steps back to give Dad room to approach me. To say I’m surprised would be an understatement.

It’s a brief hug, but when I look at him, I see tears in his eyes.

“You’ll make a great Luna Queen one day. Fierce and strong yet caring and loving. You’ve made me proud, my daughter.” His words almost make me cry, but I just nod at him.

“Thank you, Papa. You made me who I am.” I see a tear escape his eye, so I quickly turn to face Lucy.

Her arms are around my neck before I can even move to hug her.

Our hearts beat rapidly in sync.

I love my whole family, but Lucy holds a special place in my heart.

We grew up side by side as sisters.

I was there for her when her mother died, and she stood by me every time I fought to be a warrior.

“Make me proud, Rebel,” is all she says. We already said our goodbyes, and I know for us both not to cry, we need to stop there.

“Be happy, Snowflake.” I smile back at her. I step next to her and pull Eric towards me.

“You have to protect her now. I give her heart, her life, and my trust to you. Keep her safe, keep her happy. If not, may the Goddess take you away before I do.”

I quickly let go, earning a slap on my arm from Lucy.

“You threatened him, didn’t you?” I just shrug and blow everyone a kiss.

I turn and walk towards the door, never once looking back.

I know if I do, I might not leave, ever.

When I reach the big SUV, Marcel is standing behind it, loading my stuff into the trunk.

When he sees me, he smiles warmly.

“Hello, little witch. Always be a rebel,” is all he says with a wink before he walks off. The passenger seat door is open, so I get in.

To my surprise, Roman is the one driving the car. His guards are nowhere to be seen.

“You ready?” he asks. Never, I think. But I nod anyway. Italy, you better watch out.