Chapter 5 5

When Rhea awoke, she was breathless, cold sweat made her hair cling to her temple.

She feels Alpha Killian's presence. His smell remains in the air. He must likely just stepped out of her room a short while ago. Rhea shut her eyes, trying to block out the unsettling sensation that had settled in her stomach.

She rose from bed and noticed something that left a refreshing sensation on her right cheek. Herbal salve. Then the recollection of what happened played back in her mind.

Leon's slap delivered its usual sting. Yet she had grown more accustomed to it now.

"At least I'm not crying this time,"

Rhea muttered.

She quietly left her room, slipped out of the maids' quarters, and made her way through the back gate, heading towards the forest.

Who saved her from Leon? She was sure she would have died by now if someone hadn't come on time and brought her back here.

'Did Alpha Killian save me?'

*****

In the Alpha's bedroom which is softly illuminated, two bodies collided. Soft moans and heavy breaths enveloped the spacious room, creating an ambiance filled with lust.

"K... Killian..." Catherine moans softly as Killian thrusts harder and deeper into her.

"Please, be gentle... Oh my-" Her flawless skin captivated Killian's attention and intensified his desire.

Catherine's gentle voice was a captivating tune as he moved further into her inviting warmth. Her face was pressed against the bed sheet, fingers clutching the blanket with intensity. With her back turned to him, he was unable to catch a glimpse of his mate's expression.

Catherine's fingers reach his hand which firmly gripped her waist. Catherine was sure it would leave a mark by morning: "Killian... you're being too rough..."

Killian's eyes snapped open as her fingers wrapped around his wrist, drawing him back to awareness. He abruptly halted his thrust.

He gently brushed the soft strands and tucked them behind her ear. He drew her in softly, her back aligning with his firm chest as he cradled her cheek.

Noticing the glistening path on her cheek, Killian was surprised. "I'm sorry"

And nestled his nose into the gentle curve where her shoulder met her neck. "Why didn't you tell me that I hurt you, Catherine"

"It's fine. It's no longer painful, Killi" Catherine let out a soft laugh. "I'm just... Just surprised because it feels like tonight you're..." A smile blossomed on her lips. "I bet you've been missing moments like this."

Killian carefully placed her body down, adjusting the pillow for her comfort. He held her hand and lingered, kissing the back of her palms gently. "You're right."

Catherine traced her fingers down his spine, exploring the stunning black tattoos that adorned Killian's broad back. His stunning tattoo was among her favorite parts of him.

"I'm here with you, my love. I won't leave again. I'm sorry if my illness always-"

"Sssh," Killian quickly pressed a finger to her lips.

Catherine always knew that stamina was undeniable, and it consistently left her overwhelmed. But tonight she sensed not just his lust but also his frustration and anger.

"That omega got under your skin, didn't she?" Catherine asked.

Killian blinked, momentarily taken aback. Rhea's face resurfaced in his mind once more.

He gets off the bed, swiftly reaching for the sleeping robe and slipping it on without hesitation. Catherine arched an eyebrow, observing his broad back turned toward her.

"Killi? Why are you being so weird tonight? Did I just ruin your mood?"

"It's time to sleep, angel. You need your rest," he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her temple before walking towards the door.

"But I'm not done talking,"

Her protest was abruptly silenced by his authoritative tone. "I'm worried I won't be able to control myself if I fuck you again. I nearly hurt you."

"You never hurt me, Killi."

Killian smiled at his Luna resting on the bed. Her bare form, with skin like fine porcelain, gentle blonde tresses cascading down her back, and those sexy lips.

He hadn't cum yet. And Killian knew he would need a release tonight.

Only something was troubling him when he buried his nose on Catherine's nape earlier, a distraction that stopped him from finishing their lovemaking tonight.

"Has anyone touched you today, angel?"

Killian knew his question was absurd; in his pack, no one would ever think of marking their scent on his luna.

Color faded from Catherine's face. "W...what are you trying to say, Killi? Of course not! I only belong to you."

She rose from the bed, her fingers woven together beneath the blanket. Her lips quivered and lost color.

Killian leaned into her, gently stroking her hair, a soft smile on his face. "Forget it."

He felt a pang of regret for having said it, realizing it had frightened her. "I trust that you won't let me down, Catherine."

She nodded with a deliberate slowness, "I will always be loyal to you Killi, my only Alpha and my only mate."

Afterward, when Killian left their room, leaving Catherine by herself, she rose from her bed, moved toward the mirror, and swept her hair away from her neck.

A subtle scarlet mark emerged on her skin, distinctly visible. Surprisingly, Killian didn't notice it.

Her hands clutched the mirror's frame firmly. "Diego, You nearly led me into trouble!"