Page 85 of The Alpha's Crimson Vow

I close my eyes, my jaw tightening. I don’t say a word. I just keep holding her, keep running my fingers through her hair, letting her rest against me. Even as a quiet, uneasy weight settles in my chest.

Chapter Twenty One

Katherine

The afternoon sun streams through the restaurant’s tall windows. I sit near the window, idly stirring my drink with the straw, my mind a million miles away.

I should be focused on the present—on the birthday lunch Alice insisted on—but instead, my thoughts drift back to last night.

I can still feel his hands on me, the way he touched me like he was trying to make up for all the time we lost. I remember the heat of his body, the way we fit together so perfectly, like no time had passed at all.

But more than that—it’s the memory of riding him in his wolf form that lingers in my mind. It felt like a childhood dream, fulfilled in a way I never could have imagined. I felt him, strong and powerful beneath me, his body carrying me like I belonged there. It was freeing—like I had slipped into some enchanted world where nothing could touch us.

And the way he looked at me in his wolf form, those deep, familiar eyes filled with affection and something primal and unbreakable.

“Happy birthday.”

I look up just as Alice slides into the seat across from me, her sharp, knowing expression in place. She doesn’t even wait for the waiter before she’s already waving one over.

“Alice.” I smile.

Drinks are served quickly, and Alice takes a slow sip before giving me a pointed look. “So,” she drawls, “Jimmy’s back. And he told me things didn’t quite work out with you two.”

I shake my head. “You put him up to that, didn’t you?”

She shrugs, her expression unapologetic. “Someone had to look out for you.”

I exhale, setting my drink down. “I appreciate that, really. And Jimmy was sweet. But… it was never going to happen.”

Alice watches me for a beat, then nods. “Yeah, Jimmy mentioned that. Also mentioned that you and Alex…” She lifts a brow, taking another sip of her drink.

I inhale slowly. “I talked to him. I listened to him.” I look down at my hands. “He told me a lot of things. About his kingdom in Europe. About his uncle usurping it. How he lost his throne and ended up in my company, pretending to be a janitor just to gather evidence to take back what was his.” My voice softens. “He told me about the car crash, and that it wasn’t anyone I suspected, it was his uncle who orchestrated it when he found out Alex was working to get evidence against him. And how he thought the only way to protect me was to push me away.”

Alice exhales, her expression turning serious. “So he really was trying to protect you after all.”

I nod, my fingers tightening around my glass.

She’s quiet for a moment, then, almost as if thinking out loud, says, “That kind of protectiveness comes naturally when you’re fated. He should start regaining his strength now that he’s earned your forgiveness.”

I blink at her. “What do you mean?”

Alice tilts her head. “I mean, your bond with him, Katherine. Fated mates are… everything to each other. You being apart from him? It wasn’t just emotional. It would’ve been physically painful for him. It would make his wolf restless, eager to be with you again..”

A strange sensation coils in my chest. And then—before I can help it—my mind flashes back to last night. To me on Alex’s back, the wind rushing past, the world blurring around us.

“I think I understand now,” I murmur, almost to myself.

And then, as if on cue, a waiter appears, carefully setting down a plate with a small, single candle-topped cake.

Alice nudges the plate toward me. “Happy birthday, Katherine.”

I stare at the candle, something warm blooming in my chest.

“Make a wish,” Alice says, her voice softer now.

I close my eyes.I wish to be happy.It’s simple. Honest. The only thing I truly want, and then I blow out the candle. I pick up my fork. We start eating, conversation flowing easily again, but suddenly, my stomach churns.

The cake that was sweet seconds ago now feels wrong, too rich. A wave of nausea sweeps through me, so sudden and intense, that I barely have time to mutter, “Excuse me,” before I’m rushing to the restroom.

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