Catching Kate (Book 2.5 She-Wolf Series)

Kate

Cassie accompanied me back to my office where a crew was already working to clean up the broken window.

“I’m sorry, Ms. McClain,” one of the men apologized. “I think your office is going to be out of commission for the time being.”

I smiled tightly. “That’s fine. Can you hand me my bag?”

I took it and headed to the restroom down the hall.

“I’m just going to go fix my makeup,” I told Cassie.

“Sure,” she said. “I’ll be in my office when you’re done.”

I nodded and continued on my way.

My mind was spinning at the thought that my biggest secret was now out in the open. I was angry and embarrassed all at the same time. As I stared into the mirror of the pack house bathroom, I felt disgusted. This was not the version of me I wanted the world to see.

I applied makeup as I had countless times before.

“Look presentable,” his words echoed in my brain. “You have work to do.”

“Fuck!” I shouted and threw my lipstick at the mirror. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”

I held my head in my hands, trying to keep myself from falling apart. Despite my best effort, a sob escaped my throat.

Cassie burst through the bathroom door and swept me up in a hug.

“Shhh,” she whispered as she held me close. “It’s okay, Kate. You’re okay.”

“I let this happen,” I confessed. “I knew what I was going back to.”

“Kate, you did not do this,” she said, firmly. “You are not responsible for the actions of a man with the emotional maturity of a toddler.”

I didn’t have the energy to argue with her. Instead, I just let the gorgeous werewolf hold me while I cried. She rubbed my back and made me feel the first sense of peace I had in days. When my last tears had fallen, I pulled back to look at her.

As she promised, her expression didn’t hold an ounce of pity. Maybe some anger, but mostly I just found concern.

“Please don’t tell my sister,” I whispered.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before answering. “Sam is my best friend. I can’t keep this from her,” she said. Regret laced her words. “I won’t be the one to break the news, but if she asks me, I won’t lie. You should tell her, Kate.”

I shook my head. “She left me to take care of Luke. What will she think?”

“That her sister survived a horrific situation, and had the courage to walk away,” she stared directly into my eyes. “You survived, Kaitlyn.”

“She’s never going to forgive me for keeping this secret,” I told her.

“If I know anything about your sister, it’s that she will always find a way to forgive those she cares about,” she promised. “Besides, you’re hardly the only one keeping things from her. Want in on my secret?”

I pursed my lips. “Okay?”

“I’m psychic,” she said. I waited for the punchline but none came.

“Like… you see the future?” I asked, unsure of how to respond.

“Yep,” she said with a frown. “I lied to Sam’s face and told her I wasn’t. Then I fibbed about the details of my power. Now, I’m going to have to come clean and I’m worried she won’t trust me again.”

“Why lie about it?” I asked.

“It’s kind of a long story,” she sighed. “Someday, I’ll tell you both.”

I nodded. “Okay,” I agreed. Then I had a thought. “Do you know what my future looks like?”

She shook her head. “Your path is still unclear. There’s some decisions you have yet to make that will play a big role.”

I could guess at least a couple of them.

“What about Emerick?” I asked, softly.

She gave me a sad smile. “He’s already made up his mind, Kate. There’s only two paths for him.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“He already knows he loves you. He’s not going to give up on you,” she murmured. “Either he ends up your mate… or he doesn’t.”

“What happens if I refuse to accept him?”

“Kate, you already know that answer,” she said, gently.

He dies, said the little voice in my head. Nobody had come out and told me directly, but based on what Sam went through I could piece things together.

I shook my head. “He could change his mind. I could get him to reject me.”

“Maybe,” Cassie nodded agreeably, but her tone sounded doubtful. “Are you sure you want to?”

I felt silent tears trail down my cheeks. The beautiful blond pulled me into another tight hug.

“You’re worthy of his love,” she whispered.

Full on sobs broke from my chest once again.

~

After my cry-session with the apparent psychic, I decided I probably wouldn’t be getting much work done. I got in my car to drive home and then realized that may not be the best idea. I had no doubt my father would lose his mind if he caught sight of my injuries. It was still weird to think of the man who raised me as a werewolf, but I understood that his instincts would also tell him to hunt down my abuser.

I sat behind the steering wheel, unsure of where I was going until I got there. Sam pointed out Emerick’s house on one of my few visits after she became Alpha. At the time, I hadn’t cared other than the fact that he was my sister’s friend. Part of me was surprised I even remembered the way there.

His front door was locked, and I didn’t know the code. I made my way around the back and found the door to the deck also secured. He may not have wanted me poking around his house anyway. I turned to leave, but realized I still had nowhere else to go.

I didn’t have many friends here and I lived with the family I was actively trying to avoid. After a moment, I decided to make myself comfortable on one of Emerick’s patio lounge chairs. If my nephew was successful in calming him down, he would come back here eventually. I at least owed him an explanation.

I leaned back and stared at the clouds while I took in the sounds of the forest around me. It was peaceful. In the late morning, a group of deer tentatively made their way into the yard. They headed straight for the garden bed. I almost shooed them away, but I couldn’t bring myself to scare them. Their presence brought with it a sense of serenity.

The group peeked over at me a few times, but on the whole seemed comfortable like they were familiar with the area. I wondered if they visited Emerick’s house often. They ate slowly before once again trotting back into the safety of the trees.

It was early afternoon when a stick snapped just beyond the tree line, and the owner of the property emerged. There was a moment I watched him before he caught my scent. He looked tired and sweat glistened on his naked body. He slicked back his wet hair from his face with one hand.

Magnificent, was the only word that came to mind to describe the supernatural man walking towards me.

I knew the instant he sensed me. His entire body froze and he stared hard straight into my eyes. For a moment I held my breath, suddenly afraid coming here was a bad idea. I didn’t want to be the reason he lost control again.

Then he continued walking towards me, his long strides sure and even. I stayed where I was curled up on his chair until he knelt down before me. He stayed there, searching my face for what felt like an eternity. Eventually he closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against mine.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his voice hoarse.

I shook my head against his, but I couldn’t find my words. He kissed my forehead before standing and scooping me up with him. I nuzzled into the safety of his bare chest and he breathed a sigh of relief.

He punched in the code to the back door and carried me inside. Neither of us said anything as he sat down, still cradling me. I leaned my head into his shoulder and listened as his heartbeat finally slowed.