The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 11: Chapter 11

I shook my head firmly as Isabelle stormed towards the door.
"That's not true, Isabelle. Derek was the first person from Rowan's family I ever met."
I lied, knowing she didn't need to know about meeting Rowan's father.
"Don't play innocent with me," Isabelle snapped, her eyes flashing with anger.
"I know exactly what kind of sneaky little troublemaker you are, trying to turn my new pack against me."
Her accusations fueled my anger. "Seriously, can you just leave me alone? Today has been...way too much."
"Who do you think you are?" Isabelle snarled, stepping closer in a clear attempt to intimidate me.
"Telling me what to do in my own hotel?"
Before I could argue back, Rowan appeared in the doorway, looking exhausted.
"Catrina's right, Isabelle. Let's go, she needs some rest."
Isabelle shot me one last hateful look before Rowan ushered her out. I let out a shaky breath, drained by the intense emotions of the day.
Later, I woke up to the sound of the bathroom door opening and Rowan walking out, freshly showered.
I blinked at him sleepily as he crossed the room, wearing only a towel hanging low on his hips.
"Wait, why are you still here?" I blurted out.
"Shouldn't you be in the penthouse with your...Fiancée?"
To my surprise, Rowan actually chuckled, looking more relaxed than I'd seen him in forever.
"Maybe at one point," he said.
"But this room has been mine for a few days now." He smirked.
"And there's only one bed, as you can see."
My cheeks flushed as I realized what he was implying. "Oh! Then I'll just head out, sorry for the trouble."
But Rowan shook his head, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "No need for that. We're just going to sleep, Catrina."
Seeing my raised eyebrow, he continued. "I read somewhere that pups need their father's pheromones to develop properly in the womb. So it's, uh, important for me to be near you."
I couldn't help but laugh. "That's a pretty creative excuse you came up with, Rowan."
But his expression held nothing but sincerity. "I'm not making excuses, Catrina. I'm being honest. Let me take care of you both like I should have from the start."
My wolfish instincts purred at his words, the primal part of me craving the comfort of his strong, protective scent.
Rowan seemed to sense my hesitation as he moved closer, his hand gently cupping my swollen belly.
"Please, Catrina. This is all I want - you, me, our pup, together. Just us, no more drama or pack politics for one night." His golden eyes held a deep sincerity.
Slowly, helplessly, I found myself nodding. After being denied his touch for so long, how could I resist the pull of our bond? Rowan's face lit up with relief and joy as he pulled me close.
That night was the most peaceful sleep either of us had had in ages.
We talked and laughed like mates rediscovering each other, sharing childhood memories, and simply chit-chatting.
When sleep finally claimed me, it was with the comforting rhythm of Rowan's heartbeat and his protective hand resting on our pup.
The next morning, I woke up on the other side of the bed empty and cold. Panic filled my stomach as the previous day's events came flooding back.
Surely Rowan wouldn't have just left after all his promises?
I threw on my clothes quickly, catching the attention of a maid passing by in the hallway.
"Wait!" I called out urgently. "Do you know where Rowan is? And that other wolf, Carson?"
The maid's eyes widened slightly at my demanding tone, but she answered quickly.
"The Magnus heir and the Mondragon beta are supposed to meet this morning for their official duel on the hotel grounds," the maid explained, pointing in a direction. "It should be starting any minute now."
"Where?" I pressed, ready to rushing down the hallway.
"I need to get there right away."
"It's happening on the east training field," the maid replied, a hint of concern in her voice.
"But are you sure you should be going there? Duels can be very dangerous, especially this one."
"I have to," I insisted, my voice trembling slightly.
The maid hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.
"No, I don't think so. Maybe you should ask someone to come with you. It wouldn't be safe for you to be alone in such a situation."
"Thank you," I breathed, fear creeping into my stomach. I couldn't let anything happen to Rowan.
With a final nod of thanks, I hurried towards the east training field, my heart pounding in my chest. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness slammed into me like a truck, blurring my vision.
The last thing I heard was a muffled shout before my legs gave out and everything went black.
When I finally woke up, I was being held in strong, unfamiliar arms.
"Easy there, easy," a deep voice rumbled "Are you alright?"
I blinked up at the concerned face of a muscular wolf man with striking green eyes.
He looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn't remember where from.
"I...Rowan," I mumbled, clutching my head. "I need to get to him before he does something stupid!"
The stranger shook his head, helping me to my feet surprisingly gently for such a big guy.
"I'm afraid you're too late for that. The duel started a while ago and is probably still going on."
"No!" I gasped in horror. "Please, I have to find them, stop this!"
The man studied me for a moment before giving a reluctant nod. "Alright then, little mama-to-be. But you're not going in there alone, not in your condition."
He wrapped a strong arm around my waist for support and started guiding me out of the hotel at a fast pace.