Winter Wolf (A New Dawn Novel Book 1) (14 page)

Chapter 20

As night fell and her grandmother remaining unsuspecting, Katalina wondered what she’d been so worried about.

“Well, dear, I’m going to bed.”

“Me too, night, Kat.” Bass kissed her on the cheek before getting to his feet and walking off to the room. She knew he wouldn’t spend the night in there, even though she’d told him to not sneak about injured.

“Night.” Katalina gathered the mugs and took them into the kitchen.

Arne whined and scratched at the door.

“Hold on, boy. Let me wash these,” Katalina called from the kitchen.

“I’ll let him out, Kat,” her grandmother replied.

Katalina turned on the tap. She heard the sound of the lock turning and Arne’s paws as he bounded over the wooden porch, followed by his bark as he chased whatever prey he’d found.

She switched the tap off.

Silence.

Her feet were moving before her wolf senses kicked in, but she knew, even before she saw; Jackson had come for her.

Her grandmother stood in shocked silence, her back pressed against the wall. Jackson’s eyes locked with hers. She was expecting terror, or even the slightest linger of fear, but all she felt was pure, white-hot rage.

“OUT!” she yelled at the man who’d made her, yet had no right to claim the title ‘father’.

Bass was beside her a moment later. “Katalina, calm down,” he whispered.

But it was too late for that. She’d been bottling her rage, her sorrow, her confusion for too long and now it burst from her like a raging storm: savage and unrelenting.

“I said GET OUT!” Her eyes glanced at Arne, who lay unmoving in the snow. “What did you do?”

Jackson looked behind him. “Oh, he’ll be—” His words blew out of him, along with his breath. Katalina was shocked by how far he stumbled from her push, but it didn’t stop her attack. She screamed as she hit him. He fell back, hitting the porch with a thud, looking at her in complete shock.

“How dare you!” Jackson rumbled, his eyes flashing with anger.

His words only enraged her more. She went as if to leap onto him but found arms pinning her back.

“Katalina, no!” Bass’s words didn’t reach her. She could think of nothing but ripping Jackson to shreds. “Kat, please.” Bass trapped her against the wall.

Katalina felt the roll of pain signaling the change, her body shuddered.

“Kat, stop!” Jackson growled. She felt the power of the alpha in his voice, but she brushed it off, a scream converting to a snarl ripping from her throat.

“You can’t control me!” she spat, her body trembling. Not even caring what her grandmother thought—who still stood frozen against the wall—she couldn’t think beyond the red haze of anger.

“Kat, look at me!”

Katalina glanced at Bass, his voice strained, sweat covering his forehead. She stopped struggling immediately. She was hurting him, but it didn’t stop her wolf from wanting out, from wanting to sink teeth into Jackson. She shook her head, her hands, and her skin on fire. Her body felt too tight. This mask needed to come off; she needed to let her wolf out.

“Not now, Katalina,” he whispered to her.

“I…I can’t control it.” Her skin broke out in sweat, breathing became difficult; she was so close to changing, so close to revealing who she really was.

“Yes, you can. Look at me, Katalina. Look at me. Feel me.”

His voice was low and hypnotic. Staring into the endless depths of his starlit eyes, she relaxed. Where once had been anger, there was love; his feelings ran through her, breaking the hold of her wolf. She let out a shuddering breath, ready to face Jackson.

“You need to leave,” she said each word slowly.

Jackson’s eyes darted from Bass to her. “What have you done?” he yelled, stepping back inside the house. “I’ll kill you for this!” he directed at Bass.

Katalina was trembling again. She took a step toward Jackson. “I said LEAVE! Leave before you do even more damage!”

“I-I think you should do as she says… Or-or I’ll call the police,” her grandmother stammered, looking frightened.

Katalina was a tight ball of anger, ready to uncoil and spring at a second’s notice. She stared unblinking at Jackson, feeling the unease within him grow.

“You shouldn’t be able to do that. I’m your alpha,” Jackson said to Katalina in disbelief. Jackson was an alpha. His command should have stuck, but Katalina had never viewed Jackson this way.

“No. You. Are. Not!”

He looked at her a second longer before backing out the door. Katalina’s grandmother rushed to shut it but his arm blocked the way.

“Regardless of what you think of me, Katalina, we do need to talk. Whether you want to address our issues or not, it’s not safe here for you anymore.”

When Katalina didn’t answer, he removed his arm and vanished into the night.

They all stood in silence staring at nothing.

“Arne!” Katalina gasped, rushing for the door.

“Kat, he might still be out there. Shall we call the police?” Her grandmother looked as white as a sheet.

“He’s gone, Gram. Go sit down.”

She rushed toward her dog. “Arne,” she whispered, her hands lightly touching him.

“Is he breathing?”

Kat looked up over her shoulder. Bass stood protectively over her, his eyes darting one way and the next.

“Y-yes.”

“I can’t smell blood. Pick him up and take him inside.”

Katalina did as he said. He followed at her back, a constant watchful presence.

The moment her grandmother saw them, the questions started. “Katalina, who was that? What did he want? What does he mean ‘it’s not safe’? I don’t understand any of this… Why were you so mad, Kat? I I’ve never seen you that way.”

Katalina and Bass’s eyes locked.

“He’s my biological father,” she answered with her back to her.

“Father?” she whispered.

There were a few more minutes of silence while her grandmother thought.

“That was the man who found you? I don’t understand. Why was he so angry?”

Katalina looked at Bass for help.

“Jackson doesn’t like my family very much,” Bass said.

“But then why—”

“Look, Gram, it’s complicated. Please, enough with the questions.” Katalina turned to Bass. “Do you think I should call a vet, Bass?”

“Katalina, he said you weren’t safe.”

“He’s full of shit!” she snapped.

“Katalina!” her grandmother gasped, outraged.

Katalina jumped to her feet. “I. Do. Not. Have. Time. For. This. I’m taking him to the vet’s. Bass, grab the keys!”

Katalina stormed out the house, her unconscious dog in her arms. She didn’t pause to see if Bass was coming; he had no choice. This was not open for debate.

Chapter 21

Katalina felt years older by the time the vet approached her. She’d been pacing the small waiting room for an hour. Bass watched her in silence, his eyes following her relentless walking.

“Oh, thank God, is he all right?” she asked, turning to face the vet.

“Yes, he’s going to be fine. Seems to have been knocked unconscious, but I’d like to keep him overnight for observation, just in case.”

“Okay, can I see him?”

“I’ve given him a light sedation. He should rest, so I’ll call you tomorrow when I have some more news.”

“Okay, thank you.” Katalina reluctantly left the vet’s, Bass following behind. “I’m driving.”

Bass threw the keys at to Katalina. She caught them a few inches from her face.

“Wow, I’m not sure I’m ever going to get used to these reflexes.”

They drove in silence for a while, the roads dark and deserted.

“How badly did I hurt you?” she asked quietly.

“The wound’s split back open, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

“I should have left you at the vet’s. You and Arne could have been cage neighbors,” she joked.

“Hmm, I’m not sure I find your joke very funny.”

“Oh, come on, Bass. Lighten up! It’s been one hell of a night.”

“I’d have to agree with you there,” he answered, sounding tired.

As she pulled into her drive, Katalina voiced her realization, the one she’d known for some time but hadn’t wanted to accept for fear of what it may bring.

“It’s time I went back,” she sighed.

“I know,” he murmured, linking his hand with hers.

“How long were you going to pretend we could live here? Playing the role of suburban wolf.” She turned off the car, plunging them into darkness.

“For as long as you needed, Katalina.”

“What did I ever do to deserve you?”

“We're going to get through this, you know,” Bass said quietly.

“How can you be so sure? I don’t fit in your world. I’m not sure I fit anywhere.”

“I never fit in my world either, Kat. We are going to make a new world, just for us.”

“Can we face this new world tomorrow, after some sleep?”

Bass’s laugh filled the dark car. “Sure, Kat.”

*****

Katalina expected to toss and turn that night, but the moment she slid into bed, her exhaustion took over her. Bass climbed in behind her, pulling her close. She slept in his embrace and woke feeling refreshed and ready to tackle life head on.

“Packing already?” Bass asked.

Katalina smiled at him. He was in her bed, his chest bronzed and bare.

“Are you checking me out, Katalina Winter?” he asked with a wicked smile when she didn’t answer his first question.

She dragged her eyes away.

“It’s what we do in the ‘real world’.”

“I am liking this ‘real world’ quite a lot. Maybe you should get changed, so I can do some checking out of my own.”

“Bass!” Katalina hissed. “My gram is down the hall. Maybe you should get up?” She tried to hide the silly grin on her face.

“It’s six a.m., Kat. Can’t I lounge for a little while longer? I am injured.”

“Fine, I need tea. Do you want some coffee?”

“Coffee in bed? Now, this I could get used to.”

“Don’t push your luck, Sebastian, or the ‘real world’ might throw you back.”

She was back five minutes later, two mugs in hand. She sat cross-legged on the bottom of her bed, sipping tea.

“How’s the stomach? Let’s see.”

“If you want to see me naked, all you have to do is ask.” Katalina shook her head at the wicked glint in his eyes.

“I think you’ve been in the ‘real world’ too long. Can I have the straight-laced, serious Sebastian Evernight back?”

“I’ve never been straight-laced,” he answered, pulling the duvet down to reveal his wound.

Placing her mug on the bedside table, Kat untied the strips of sheet around his middle and pulled them off. “Wow!” she breathed. “I honestly thought you were going to die when I saw this a few days ago.”

“Perks of being a wolf.”

“I’ll go get a dressing. I think there is a big one left.”

Katalina stuck the dressing on his stomach, her fingers brushing over warm skin. She found them wandering on their own, tracing each curve of his abs, steadily, they made their way up to his chest. Hands splaying possessively, she looked up to see eyes of starlit night, hungry with desire.

Their breathing shallow, and hearts a rapid tempo, they remained locked in each other’s gaze.

She was in his lap a second later, forgetting he was hurt, forgetting everything but him. His hands explored her body like she was a piece of art. Lingering on the curve of her hip, the edge of her rib, his hand held her possessively. She crushed her lips to his, wanting and consuming, pouring into him everything she felt; every kiss saying
I love you… I love you… I love you…

The creak of a door and the shuffle of feet broke them apart in a gasp for air, chests heaving and hearts booming.

“Hide!” Katalina hissed as her hearing picked up the feet coming toward her door.

“Kat?” Her grandmother knocked softly on the door.

Kat glanced back at her bed, but Bass had gone.
How does he move so silently?

“Yeah?”

“Hey, oh, are you going somewhere?” Her grandmother glanced at her bed, sheets and duvet rumpled, duffle bag half-open with clothes spilling out of it.

“Yeah, I need to go talk to Jackson.”

“Is that wise? He seems like a very angry man.”

Katalina sighed. Dropping the clothes from her hand, she slumped on the bed.

“The thing is, Gram, he is my father, and I need to see this through. I know he’s an arrogant ass and has a serious temper, but I need to hear him out.”

“Did you meet your mother as well, Kat?”

“No, I…she’s…she’s dead. She was murdered when I was a baby. That’s why Jackson gave me away. I guess he couldn’t handle me after he lost his wife.”

“Murdered!? Gosh, Kat, that’s terrible.”

Katalina nodded, unsure what to say.

“Look, Kat, I can’t tell you what to do. Only you can decide what is best, but I want you to know you owe that man nothing. He may be your biological father but he gave up every right the day he left you on our doorstep.”

“I know, Gram. I just want to sort things out between us so I can move on.”

“You’ll ring me when you arrive. Where is it you’re going?”

“Near Atlanta, he has a farm out there. It’s pretty remote.”

“You will keep in touch? There’ll always be a place for you at my house. Me and Susan, we’ll always be your family. You do know that, right?”

“Of course, Gram.” She hugged her.

“Oh, I forgot to ask, how’s Arne?”

“They kept him in for observation. The vet is going to ring this morning but she thought he was going to be fine.”

“Oh, that’s good then. Are you taking him with you?”

“Yes, not leaving without him.”

Her gram got up to leave, pausing at the door. “I’m just going to nip to the shop for milk.”

“Drive safely,” Katalina smiled.

Once the door was closed, Bass walked out of her wardrobe. His shorts hung low on his waist. Katalina was too distracted by his raw, male beauty to notice the dress he held.

“You should pack this. I like this.”

What?
“Oh, that, read the tag,” she said with a smile.

Bass read the words on the tag pinned to the dress. “Be my summer girl, Dad.
Summer girl?”

“I don’t like shopping. Hate it in fact. Most of the clothes in my wardrobe have been bought by either Mom or Dad. Mom had a thing for buying me anything, white or wintery, whereas Dad always bought me summer dresses, which I hardly ever wear. I’m more a shorts and tee kinda girl. Dad bought that for Christmas. I’ve not worn it yet.”

“Definitely packing it then.” Bass scrunched it up, hanger and all, and stuffed it in her bag.

Katalina pulled it out with a huff, removing the coat hanger and folding it neatly. “You do know its winter and there’s a foot of snow on the ground?”

“So. I’m going to look forward to the first day of summer.” He stalked slowly toward her, the edge of his mouth lifting in a delicious way. “Then you can be my summer girl.
”
His lips crushed hers, and for the next twenty minutes, Katalina, accomplished nothing but thoroughly kissed swollen lips.

“I really must pack!” She eventually swatted him away as he went to pull her back. “Go pack your own stuff.”

“I brought a backpack. It will take me all of ten seconds.”

“Go make some food then. Do something other than distract me.”

Katalina picked a box up, heading outside for the car. Bass swiped for her bottom, his fingers brushing across her cheek as she jumped away with a squeal.

“Leave me alone,” she giggled, opening the front door one handed, whilst balancing the box on her knee. Distracted, she didn't sense the person lurking, waiting to grab her.

"Kat!" Bass gasped too late.

She'd half turned back when a hand closed over her mouth and the sharp edge of a knife pressed against her throat.

The box fell from her grip as she was pushed flush against the wall. With wide eyes she stared at the young man holding her. His ash-blond hair was styled into a messy flick. His green eyes held the look of danger but also mischief, and as for his smile, it said he was having the time of his life.

“Now, tell me, how's a pretty thing like you keeping the alpha’s son locked up?”

“NICO! I'm not locked up. Please take the knife from my mate’s throat,” Bass said sharply.

“Mate?” Nico let out a loud cheeky laugh. “Oh, Bass, this is the best move you've ever pulled!”

“She’s not a move, Nico!” Bass growled.

“Doesn’t matter, your dad’s going to be so pissed! Can’t wait to see you talk your way out of this one.”

Katalina cleared her throat, glaring at Nico.

“Oh, right, yes, sorry ‘bout that.” He peeled his hand from her mouth and removed the knife as he stepped back.

“I’m Nico. Nice to meet ya.” He pulled her in for a hug. Bass growled at the contact. “Oh, chill!”

Katalina stood speechless. She couldn’t imagine this boy growing up in the same place as Bass.

“So, are you always this quiet?” Nico asked, his larger than life smile still on his face.

“What? Oh, no, I’m Kat.”

“Nico, why are you here?” Bass interrupted, taking a step forward, positioning himself between Nico and Katalina.

“Your dad’s on the warpath, Bass. He’s saying River Run have you, he knows it’s not true, but he’s using it as an excuse, gearing everyone up for attack. Your scent’s all over their land but I couldn’t see you. Then their alpha returned. Fuming, he was. I heard him shouting about you and her.” He nodded toward Katalina. “I talked one of the enforcers into telling me the address of this place and came looking.”

“Has he sent anyone out to scout for my whereabouts?”

“No, he doesn’t give a shit. Just wants blood. That’s all he’s ever wanted and you’re giving him a pretty good excuse. I think you best get your ass home!”

“I can’t, not yet.”

“Might be too late now. He’s rounded up a few people willing to attack without proof of your capture. Honestly, Bass, River Run have no chance. They’ve a few good fighters but I saw one guy return cut to hell. He had two others dead in his truck. They have those two brothers, the younger one. He’s a hell of a fighter but pitch a few adults against him and well…”

Katalina listened to every word as it poured in a rush from Nico’s mouth. The more he said, the sicker she felt. Here she was worrying about herself, wanting to desperately to get away from Jackson and now she’d brought them more trouble. She swallowed the lump in her throat and reached out for Bass.

“We need to go.” Her voice was quiet.

Bass wrapped his hand around Katalina’s waist, pulling her to his side. “Kat, don’t worry. We’re going back. Everything will be fine.”

“How do you know that? What about your father?”

“I’ll think of something,” he said quietly, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Don’t worry, Kat. Bass is the master of talking himself out of shit! His dad hates it. He’ll scream and shout, and Bass never rises. He voices his opinion and walks away.”

Katalina shook her head at Nico. The boy seemed to love drama. “I can’t imagine you being a rebel, Bass.”

“I’m not a rebel. I just have very different views to my father and I’m not frightened to tell him.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Bass,” Nico laughed.

“Make yourself useful, Nico. Go back home and try to stall my father. I’ll be there soon.”

“Sure thing, Bass. See ya again, Kat.” He flashed her a mischievous smile before walking away.