Page 88 of Cursed Beasts

The moon wasn’t hanging so high, so it must be just before three. I made my way to the front door to make my way to Katarina’s room. I opted to detour to my room for a quick bath. I was caked with mud, and I knew I killed something in my wolf form. A hint of iron was still in my mouth.

As I bathed quickly, scrubbing my body raw, I realized that I was nervous about going to Katarina. She said she had things to tell me which made me worry. What if she wanted the bond severed? Was that even possible?

I sat in the tub with dread in my chest, wondering what the fuck was I going to do if she wanted to sever the bond.

That could not happen. I just had to prove to her that this had happened for a reason.

Getting out of the bath, I headed to my room, looking for something decent to wear. After looking for way too long, I settled on just pants, wanting as much of our skin to touch to ease the beast inside of me.

I headed down the stairs, vibrating with need, when I heard voices towards the front of the door.

“Let me speak to Katarina,” an unfamiliar voice replied.

“How did you get past the wards?” Aeon asked, sounding irritated.

“I just walked through, you idiot,” the guy snapped.

When I stepped onto the landing, I saw the man in question. He was wearing a suit—at least that’s what I think they called it—his dark hair was styled back and he had an air of arrogance to him.

“Let me speak to Katarina.” He raised his voice.

Aeon and Zev created a wall in front of him, he wasn’t going anywhere. I walked behind them making sure he saw me too.

“Leave,” Zev growled.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” He was several inches shorter than us, but that did not seem to intimidate him in the slightest.

“Leave the property and you won’t have to find out.” Aeon stepped forward making the man step back.

“Not without Katarina. Katarina!!!” He yelled for her, trying to push Aeon or Zev out of the way. “Katarina!!!”

Zev punched him in the face mid yell and the man yelled for a different reason.

“You fucking heathen, do you know who the fuck I am?” He bent over holding his nose, which I’m sure was broken.

“I don’t care who you think you are, but you need to leave now,” I growled, feeling protective of Katarina.

“I’m not leaving without Katarina.” He looked up at us as blood poured down his mouth. “She is—”

“Caston, what the hell are you doing here?”

I turned around to see Katarina coming down the stairs. She looked breathtaking in a dress similar to the one she had worn a few days ago that left her legs on display and hugged her gorgeous figure. Her hair was down in beautiful waves that made her eyes even more vibrant. My mark was hidden, and I was slightly glad because I didn’t know how I was going to break the news to Zev that she was my mate.

“Katarina.” His voice had changed.

I looked back at him, seeing him staring at her with heat in his gaze. My wolf surged forward, and I couldn’t help the growl that escaped me.

Katarina passed me, laying a hand on my back, easing my beast a little.

“What the hell are you doing here, Caston?” Her voice held irritation and I was taken aback at the bit of irritation I felt through the bond.

“I’m here to bring you home,” he said, like it was the obvious answer.

“Does my father know you’re here?” Katarina laid a hand on Aeon and Zev’s arm, getting closer to Caston, making me uneasy.

“Of course,” he said, but he didn’t look at her.

“You know he left me here, right?” she asked, looking a little worried.

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