KATHERINEIn a matter of seconds, Elliot had his arms wrapped around us, pressing us protectively against his broad chest."Kath, we don’t have time to lose. They’re going to cut the bridge. Lavinia will be fine, trust me, my love, trust me. Don’t be afraid of that lycan—he’s my wolf, and he loves you with all his being. We both do," he confessed urgently, caressing my tear-streaked cheek.The bridge was still vibrating. It seemed those wretched women hadn’t reached the other side yet.There was no time for romance—only survival.I nodded, trusting him with our lives. I did everything he told me. I was no longer afraid of the beast behind the man."No matter if you choke me, don’t let go of my back for anything in the world!" he roared, his voice already shifting."Yes, yes! Just hold onto Lavinia tight, please!" I begged, climbing onto him, my legs wrapped around his waist, my hands nearly strangling him by the neck.I felt his body shifting beneath me—growing, doubling in strength,

DUKE THESIO“Sir, I saw everything from the shadows. Luckily, I hadn’t entered the camp yet. They came like a plague and wiped out our men! The Duke of Everhart led the charge…”I listened to my soldier’s report, pacing like a caged beast inside my study.He hadn’t even had time to warn Arthur about the retreat.Truth be told, deep down, I was relieved they had killed him rather than taken him hostage as a witness.Now, he could serve as my scapegoat.I would deny everything. It was better to be seen as an incompetent Duke than to be linked to witchcraft and my plans to ruin Elliot.“Damn it!” BAM!I kicked the chair in fury.So much money invested in raw materials and bribes, and what I stole from Elliot barely compensated for it—it had all gone into feeding my soldiers.I feared the Regent’s men would pay me a visit at any moment.Knock, knock, knock.I froze at the sound at the door.“Shut up,” I signaled to the soldier and motioned for him to open it.“Yes?”“Someone is asking for

KATHERINE"Done." Clap, clap, clap.I dusted off my hands, admiring my work. It wasn’t spotless, but it was livable and decent enough.I glanced toward the hallway, where my good boy waited like a student before his teacher."Come, bring the girl, love," I called, watching as he rose onto his powerful hind legs, carefully carrying the child.Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, his words from the bridge echoed in my mind.As I watched him step through the narrow doorway with slight difficulty, I moved to help, my hands brushing gently against his strong forearms.Elliot had said this creature loved me, just like he did… Were they separate beings? Or the same? And he loved me? Just like that? So suddenly?Love, to me, was a serious word. Our eyes met—his wolfish, penetrating ones—and for some ridiculous reason, I felt nervous.My heart skipped a beat."Ahem." I coughed, feigning composure. "Let’s lay her on the bed. I found some clean sheets in the closet. Did you come here often?"

ELLIOT“Ggggrrr… mmmm, so good, more, sweetheart, give me more… ssshhhh, you taste like pure heaven, little one… mmm… much better than feeling you through that idiot human of mine…”I didn’t even respond to my wolf’s insults, lost in his shameless lust, devouring my woman’s breasts.I was experiencing everything through his sensations and—fuck—this was so damn hot.I moaned with him, feeling the same desperate urge to mount her as Vorath did, our body trembling and hardening.Her soft, breathy moans slipping from her parted lips had us both rock-hard."Sshhhh… lower, more…" My rough voice begged for what our filthy thoughts craved."Don’t tell me… mmmm… how I should fuck my female… damn traitor… sshhhh, spread those legs wider for your mate, baby… mmmm, let me taste that pussy…"This whole situation, which had started as a way to distract her so I could feed her while she was off guard, was quickly spiraling into something hotter, something far more dangerous.*****KATHERINEThis was

ELLIOTThe thrusts became more frantic, the lycan’s hand moving further and further back, plunging deep into the swollen, tender slit.A rough, pained cry jolted us awake. Vorath immediately sat up, watching as a thin stream of blood trickled between Katherine’s petals.“No, no, I’ve hurt her, I’ve hurt my mate!” he roared in panic, trying to pull away, but she…“No, don’t stop, little wolf, I’m fine, don’t be scared… mmm.” She reached back, caressing my lycan’s thigh.“Just not so rough… ahh… don’t stop now, I’m close, baby, fuck me more, give it to me again… mmm…” Her demanding voice urged us on.She pushed herself up onto her knees, her fingers stroking the fur, her soft hair fanning against Vorath’s chest, enchanting him with her moans, her erotic movements, still taking us inside, still impaling herself.Her head tilted back, eyes half-closed in pleasure, but my wolf couldn’t forget, despite the dark temptation.He laid back over her body carefully, feeling her, wanting her so ba