Winter Wolf (A New Dawn Novel Book 1) (18 page)

Chapter 28

Sitting at the table when Jackson came in, Katalina rubbed her arms as a cold gust blew in. The night had grown dark and there was a chill in the air that even Katalina felt.

“It’s pretty nippy out there. I reckon we’ll have another dumping of snow before winters out.”

Cage walked into the kitchen. He ignored Katalina and Bass as he walked past. “All quiet out there?” he asked Jackson.

“Yep, you shouldn’t have any bother. Tate’s just arrived from out of town. He’s a bit inexperienced, but four eyes are better than two.”

Cage gave a thoughtful nod as he went out into the cold night.

“What you got there then?” Jackson asked Katalina, looking at her plate.

“Sandwich,” she replied slowly as if he were dumb.

“Looks good.” His hand snatched out, a blur of speed. Katalina looked down at her plate, the last half of her sandwich was gone.

“Hey!”

“What? I’m hungry. Been out there the last hour making sure you’re safe. Least you can do is feed me.” He smiled at her. It was the first time she’d seen an emotion on his face other than anger or irritation.

She almost laughed, but stopped the urge before it happened. No way was she just going to start playing happy family with him. He’d have to work harder than a smile and stealing her food.

“Well, enjoy it.” Her chair scraped back loudly. “We're going to bed.” She gave Bass no other option. Pulling his hand, she dragged him to his feet. He quickly reached out for the last of his food to take with him.

“Bed?” Jackson spluttered.

“Yeah, you know, the place you go to sleep,” she said sarcastically.

“With him?” He pointed stupidly at Bass.

“Yes, him! Mated, remember?”

“I’m not sure a father should approve of this.”

Katalina was already half out of the kitchen, pushing Bass ahead of her. She looked back at him, a sweet smile coating her lips. “Good job you don’t act like a father then.”

She’d gotten halfway up the stairs by the time Jackson thought of a retort. Katalina didn’t listen. She wasn’t about to make Jackson’s life easy. He had a lot to make up for.

“That was a little uncalled for,” Bass muttered when Kat pushed him into the room she’d been staying in and shut the door.

She stood with her back to the door, hands cupped behind her. “Oh, stop. I’m not about to start calling him Dad and play happy family just because he’s decided to be a little less of an ass.”

“Yes, but, Katalina, we need him to accept us. Do you not think treating him with a little respect would go a long way? He’s an alpha after all.”

“Honestly, I don’t care. He could be the freaking president and I’d still treat him the same. Now, stop with all the words. Go away Sebastian Evernight and bring me my big, bad Shadow Wolf.”

“Big bad wolf?”

“Yes,” she smiled, reaching up for a kiss.

Bass pulled back, a little breathless. His eyes filled with the hunger he felt for Katalina. “I’m not sure you’d like him tonight. He’s feeling rather territorial surrounded by all these River Runs and that pup who can’t keep his eyes off you.”

“Pup?”

“Cage.”

Katalina laughed. “He’s a year younger than you, hardly a pup.”

“Hmm…” he growled, “I’m not in the mood to be sweet and gentle.” He pushed her against the door, kissing his way down her neck. “I could do with a run actually,” he murmured against her skin.

“No!” She pulled his mouth toward hers, claiming another kiss. “You are not going anywhere tonight. Make me forget, Bass. For one night, I don’t want to think about what you’ve got to do, or how it felt to fight and taste the enemies’ blood in my mouth. I just want to forget it all.”

Bass reached out, pulling her against him with the speed of his wolf.

Katalina squealed and laughed as she melted against the hard contours of his body.

He kissed her roughly, invading her mouth, filling her mind with only him. Katalina broke away with a gasp, desperate for air.

“You want to forget. I can make you forget.” His voice brushed against the sensitive skin on her neck. He kissed and nipped and she could do nothing but surrender to him.

He kissed her softly at first, his hands gentle as they explored the curves of her body. He invaded her every thought; the feel of him, the love she felt pouring from him, the taste of him in her mouth. As his kisses grew more urgent, his hands gripping her tighter, Katalina’s brain started to kick back into drive.

Am I ready for this? Has he done this before? OMG, what am I doing?

Bass pulled back, a little breathless. Katalina looked into his heated eyes and saw the love, the desire within the dark depths.

“Kat, what’s wrong?” he asked softly.

She stared at him, unsure what to say. Despite a million thoughts running through her brain, not a single coherent line left her mouth.

“I, I…”

“Hey,”—he brushed a thumb over her cheek—“we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“No, no, I want to. It’s just, I…I’ve never done this before, and well, you know, we need…” Katalina felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. She dropped her eyes to the floor, wishing it would open up and swallow her.

His finger brushed under her chin, lifting her head to meet his gaze. “Neither have I.”

“Oh,” was all she could manage.

“And I’m guessing you’re referring to needing this?” He pulled a condom from his pocket and held it up for her to see.

Katalina nodded yes; her eyes glued to the condom, the blush on her cheeks spreading down to her chest.

“Kat, I’m not pressuring you into anything.”

“I know.” She reached up and kissed him, gently, then firmer as she wrapped her hands into the silk of his hair.

He kissed her back and led her toward the bed. Bass lowered her gently, never taking his eyes off Katalina, his love never wavering as they slowly lost their clothes.

“Wait!” Katalina pulled back. “How long have you had that?”

Bass shook his head and smiled. “I picked it up on the drive back here. You know, just in case.”

“So you’ve been expecting this to happen?”

“We’re mated, Kat. It was going to happen eventually and it’s not like I can just nip to the shop in-between a war.”

Katalina laughed quietly. “Okay. Kiss me.”

“As you wish, my Winter Wolf,” he said with a mischievous smile.

That night with the winds howling, promising a storm, Katalina lay down staring into the dark eyes of her Shadow Wolf. His hands explored her slowly, with a gentleness he possessed only for her. His kisses urgent, wanting, but each one voiced a silent proclamation of his love. And with each kiss, each lingering touch, he mapped out the story of their hearts.

*****

Katalina opened her eyes to dim light filtering through the window. She had a clear view outside as they'd fallen to asleep with the curtains open.

She turned slightly, moving her body just a fraction so not to wake Bass. His limbs tangled around hers; his arms a protective cage. The warmth from his bare skin seeped into her, like the most intimate blanket.

She sighed, closing her eyes briefly as the memories of the night before drifted through her mind like the sweetest of dreams. She felt different this morning, like last night had been the final step in forever sealing Bass to her soul.

She smiled, clinging to the happiness and love swirling through her blood. She never wanted this feeling to end. She wanted to lie with Bass forever, safe in his arms. Watching him sleep, relaxed and peaceful, he wore no mask. No shifter politics clouded his eyes. At that moment, he was just Bass, her Shadow Wolf. It was just the two of them: the Shadow Wolf and the Winter Wolf.

His eyes opened slowly, his long lashes casting shadows as they lifted. Dark pools stared at her, drank her in.

“Hey,” his voice, the softest caress.

“Hi.” She couldn't keep the silly smile from her face.

“You look happy.”

“I am. The happiest.”

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, kissing her shoulder.

She felt heat flood her cheeks.

“And very cute when you blush,” he continued.

“Stop it,” she laughed.

They paused at the sound of the door opening and closing downstairs. Muffled voices whispered toward them.

“What time is it?” Bass asked her.

“Sixish. Seems earlier because of the snow, I think.”

Bass glanced toward the window. “Brilliant,” he muttered. The snow fell fast and unrelenting, blocking the sky in a blanket of ever moving white. “I suppose we should get up,” he said.

“No, not yet, please. Let me bask in this moment a little longer.”

He smiled wickedly, rolling on top of her. “A little longer,” he murmured. He kissed and nipped down her neck, and for a little while longer, Katalina didn’t think of what lay ahead. All thoughts left her, until the feel and touch of Bass consumed her.

Chapter 29

Katalina stood on the porch with Bass and Jackson. The three of them looked at the snow soundlessly falling. Like a million frozen feathers floating to the earth, the snow built layer by layer, and with each layer, came more dread.

“Are you sure we can’t just go tomorrow?” Katalina asked.

“No, Kat, my father will know about me ordering his men away. The longer he waits for me, the greater his anger will become.”

“Don’t worry, Kat. I’ll protect you.” Jackson said to her, he patted her on the shoulder, but Katalina pulled away.

“It’s not me I’m worried about.” She barely contained the anger sitting on within her chest, making her wolf restless.

Bass stood in front of her, momentarily blocking her from the weather. “I promise you, we’ll get through this.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Bass. The best outcome for today is killing your father, and that isn’t an outcome I’m very happy about,” she answered glumly, wishing there was some way this could end differently.

“He may listen.”

“Yes and you sound so convinced of that,” she muttered.

“Maybe she should stay here,” Jackson suggested.

“Maybe
you
should stay here,” she spat, glaring at him over Bass’s shoulder. “Surely, you’ll just be considered a threat?”

“Do not forget, daughter of mine, you are River Run, too.”

Bass took hold of her hands. She pulled her eyes away from Jackson and tried to rein in her temper. “He needs to come to confirm he is willing to allow peace, and I need to know someone else is there watching your back. We are going to be surrounded by Dark Shadow. If something happens to me, I need to know you will be safe.”

“You just promised me everything was going to be all right,” she pointed out.

“It is,” he confirmed. She opened her lips to argue but he closed his mouth over hers, her muffled words getting lost in their mingled breaths.

“Stop stalling. Let’s go!” Jackson grunted.

“Fine!” she snapped, focusing, her anger on Jackson.

Katalina walked to the truck as large flakes swirled around her, landing on her cheeks like frosty kisses. As they drove, she stared out the window, watching the world of white pass her by.

She’d always loved the snow. Quite often she’d run outside and stand with her arms spread wide, head tilted to the cloud covered sky with her tongue stuck out as the flakes melted. The snow froze time. Transformed the world into a fairytale landscape, but as she watched the snow, she couldn’t see the fairy tale, nor the beauty.

“We’ll pull up here and walk the rest of the way. With the snow, I don’t think the truck’s going to get through,” Bass said.

Jackson nodded and hopped out. Katalina followed. She held Bass’s hand as they walked into the trees. The snow-covered branches above them blocked out the little light there was. For once, she was pleased for her shifter senses and enhanced sight.

They’d been walking for ten long minutes. The snow had stopped falling as they’d walked. Bass and Jackson were ever vigilant, their eyes scanning one way, and another, ears tilted toward the wind to catch distant sounds. Katalina watched them, marveling at how wolf-like they seemed, even in human form. She wondered whether she’d ever be that natural, or if she’d always be the outsider, who grew up as a human and never quite lost her skin.

She noticed Jackson’s change in body language before she heard the soft tread of footfalls. She tilted her head trying to hear better, when the air was sucked out of her. Her body moved so fast, her head spinning when she was set back on her feet.

With a shake of her head, she focused her eyes. Bass hand moved her behind him, his body angled defensively, one hand pressed against her leg. Jackson was at her back. The energy and the power zapped between the few centimeters separating them.

Wolves appeared all around them, watching them, but didn’t move to fight.

“I’m here to see my father,” Bass said to the wolves, his voice soft, non-threatening.

“And the River Run alpha?” They all focused on the man who walked into the center of the wolves. He was dressed in black, his skin bronzed, and his hair long and as black as coal. His brown eyes held a nasty edge, his voice one of malice.

“Malaki,” Bass nodded in greeting.

“Thank the Heavens. The alpha’s prodigal son has returned, and he’s brought us a River Run whore and the alpha to play with,” he chuckled aloud.

Bass and Jackson’s growl thundered around them, their bodies tensed, ready to attack.

“My father, Malaki,” Bass snapped.

“Oh, don’t worry. You’ll be seeing him. He’s looking forward to hearing your explanation for killing your own and ordering his men away. I am too, actually. Care to give me the spoilers?” He laughed again, indicating for them to follow him.

The wolves fanned around them as they went, never moving more than four feet away at any time. Katalina tried to calm her rapidly beating heart. Bass never took his hand from hers; she was sure he could feel her sweaty palms. She was petrified. Katalina imagined so many scenarios, but none of them had been as terrifying as this. The further they walked, the more densely packed the trees became until they opened out onto a large open area. The snow had been cleared into piles. Wooden cabins were dotted here and there, men, women, and children stood on their porches, watching them as they walked. Katalina felt like she’d been transported into a horror movie set, set in a time where men were the leaders and ruled under a barbaric thumb. As she looked around her, she realized what Bass had meant. This place, this pack, it was nothing like River Run. River Run looked like the most normal of places on earth compared to this.

Malaki indicated for them to stop in the center of a circle of cabins. The largest stood in front of them. A huge bonfire to the left cast an orange hue over the ground.

“Son! What have you brought me?” The man who walked out of the largest of cabins was a huge solid brick of a man. Although very wide with arms like tree trunks, he was clearly a little on the chubby side, his middle as wide as his shoulders. But none of this made him any less intimidating. The power rolling off him prickled against Katalina’s skin. Her wolf stirred and rose, her every instinct saying
run!

Bass didn’t say a word as his father walked around them. He appeared calm, his posture lazy even.

“Jackson, how lovely of you to visit, and this must be your daughter. She’s the image of her mother, such beauty. What a shame for it to leave this world.”

Katalina was struggling for air. Her head felt dizzy, the buzzing in her ears preventing her from concentrating on the predator in front of her.

“She looks terrified, Jackson. Haven’t you taught her anything?” Bass’s father continued.

Just as she was on the urge of passing out, Bass’s soothing presence wrapped around her. He eased the fear inside of her, enabling her to gasp in the needed oxygen.

“Well, everyone has gathered around, Sebastian. Why don’t you tell me why the girl clings to your hand like a frightened child?”

“Father, I’d like you to meet Katalina, my mate.” Bass stepped to the side slightly, so his father could get a better view.

“Mate?”

“Yes,” Bass answered.

Katalina jumped as Bass’s father let out a boom of a laugh, no one else seemed to find it funny; the fear and confusion from all those around her crept across her skin.

“Did you really think I’d welcome her with open arms, Sebastian? And Jackson, did you think I’d make peace, call an end to the war I’ve nearly won.”

“Alistair, our children have mated. Maybe it’s time we put the past behind us,” Jackson said, his voice even.

Bass’s father laughed again, his voice bouncing through the silence.

“Did I not teach you better, Sebastian?”

“You taught me many things, Father. How to fight, how to instill fear into others, but most of all, you showed me how I never want to be like you. I will never be a cruel leader who destroys all who question me. I will allow our children to be children. Dark Shadow will no longer be the prison you have created. It will be a home for the Dark Shadow wolves who want to be here.”

The atmosphere changed in an instant. Unease, hunger, and death whispered through the air like a mantra.

“Do you challenge me, boy?” his father asked. His face contorted with the venom in his voice; hatred and violence dancing in his eyes.

“Alistair Evernight, I challenge you,” Bass replied. His voice spoke of strength, of courage and promise.

“Which form do you choose?” Alistair asked.

“Man.”

Katalina found herself ripped from Bass’s hand in an instant. Jackson’s arms enclosed her, dragging her from Bass as his father circled around him.

The people around them erupted into excited shouts, their voices barbaric, hungry to see blood spilled.

Alistair lunged toward Bass, his fists clenched, his eyes livid. Katalina watched as Bass danced out of his way, his feet nimble and light as they skated the ground. The noise around Katalina blurred into the background as she watched them preparing to fight. Her heart boomed through her ears, pulsing through her veins.

Trembling, she couldn’t look away. Instead, she felt herself slowly breaking apart. Jackson still held her, and for once she didn’t fight him; he was the only thing keeping her upright.

“Come on, boy. Make a move!” Alistair shouted at his son.

But Bass ignored his father, jumping once more from his reach.

“Why doesn’t he fight?” Katalina whispered.

“His father’s stronger but he’s also older. He’ll tire before Bass,” Jackson whispered into her ear.

Bass stumbled leaving him unprotected. Alistair’s fist connected with his jaw. Katalina watched on in horror as the impact forced Bass’s head backward, his feet nearly going out from under him.

“Oh, God, I can’t watch this.” Katalina turned her head away.

Bass missed his father’s next move by millimeters. Regaining his balance, he jumped away, circling his father again.

Katalina could see the impatience in Bass’s fathers eyes, in the way he moved. It infuriated him that Bass wouldn’t fight; it also made him sloppy. His father rushed forward, swinging for Bass with a grunt. Again, Bass stepped out of the way. However, this time, when his feet carried on with their dance, his elbow smashed into the back of his father’s neck. His father stumbled forward with an angry growl. Spinning around, he charged again.

The dance carried on. Bass moving, never really attacking, and the longer it went on, the angrier Alistair became.

Nico appeared in front of her. “You need to move now!”

“What? Nico?” Katalina stuttered.

Nico never answered her. Jackson shoved her behind him. The air rushed out of her as chaos erupted.

Nico took her hand. “Come with me!” he shouted, dragging her through the crowd.

“Jackson!” Katalina gasped as Malaki appeared out of nowhere and jumped him.

Katalina felt like a rag doll; she was dragged and shoved forward. All around her there was noise; Jackson’s growls and grunts; the excited cries of those reveling in this madness; and then the screams and cries of children as their mothers carried them away in terror.

She was dragged further through the crowd; Niko’s hand a vice. She lost sight of Bass for a second and in that time, she felt his terror fill her. His voice called out to her over the crowd, “Katalina!”

She found him again through the dozen people blocking her way. Their eyes connected just as a twisted smile appeared across his father’s lips. Bass fell to the ground, his head snapping back as he hit the unforgiving earth. Blood splattered from his lips, the fight leaving his eyes.

Katalina watched, fighting against Nico as he tried to get her to safety. His father’s foot connected with his gut, sending him flying through the air. He landed like a dead weight, his arms spread awkwardly in front of him.

“Bass!” she gasped, pulling her hand free.

She moved to run but Jackson lifted her off her feet, tucking her under his armpit.

“Bass!” she screamed.

Bass’s father looked up and smiled at her before looking down at his own son in triumph.