The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 115: Chapter 115

Catrina POV:
“Come on, Lucas, you can do it! Just a little more.”
I held the rattle a bit away from him, trying to get him to crawl.
He giggled, his little legs churning as he tried to move forward.
He was so determined, so full of life.
But even as I smiled and cheered him on, I felt this wave of exhaustion wash over me.
It was more than just being tired from taking care of a newborn. It felt like I was carrying a heavy weight, a burden that was crushing me, stealing my joy.
Every little thing felt hard, like climbing a mountain.
“Pull yourself together, Catrina,” I told myself.
I forced a smile as Lucas finally reached the rattle and let out a happy squeal.
You have everything you ever wanted. Rowan loves you. Lucas is healthy. Your family is back together. You should be happy.
But the truth was, I was a mess. Underneath my fake smile, a storm was brewing.
Doubts and fears were swirling in my mind, threatening to shatter everything.
Rowan was so distant. One minute he was loving and affectionate, his touch making my wolf purr.
The next minute, he was withdrawn, his eyes shadowed, his touch hesitant.
It was like he was afraid to get too close.
“He’s the Alpha now,” my wolf whispered. “He’s got a lot on his shoulders, things you can’t even imagine.”
I knew she was right, but it didn’t make the ache in my heart go away. The doubts crept in, whispering in my ear.
What if he regrets choosing you? What if he wants a “real” Luna, a strong she-wolf like Isabelle?
I couldn't shake those thoughts.
The pack elders’ disapproval of me, their insistence that Rowan needed a “proper” Luna, with a powerful bloodline… their words kept echoing in my head.
And then there were my parents. It was so good to have them back in my life, to have my family whole again.
But having them here, at the Mondragon mansion, was… complicated.
My parents had been rogues for so long. They weren’t used to pack life, to all the rules and traditions.
They didn’t fit in. Isabelle was trying to be patient with them, but I could tell it was hard for her.
I could feel the tension building.
“They just need time to adjust,” my wolf argued. “They’re trying their best.”
But I was worried.
What if their presence here caused problems? What if they did something to upset Isabelle, to upset the delicate balance of the pack?
I sighed, rubbing my temples.
A headache was building, pounding behind my eyes. Lucas, sensing my distress, whimpered, his little lip trembling.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I cooed, picking him up and holding him close.
His warmth, his sweet baby smell, calmed me a little. “Mama’s just tired, that’s all.”
“Tired? You’re a wreck, Catrina.” My wolf wasn’t so gentle. “Talk to Rowan. He needs to know what’s going on. Before it’s too late.”
I knew she was right. But the words wouldn’t come out.
What if he didn’t want to hear it? What if my fears, my insecurities, just pushed him further away?
“He’s your mate, Catrina. He loves you. He chose you. Don’t forget that.”
But the doubts were like weeds, growing in the dark corners of my mind.
He chose you… for now. What happens when the elders pressure him? When they tell him he needs a stronger Luna?
The thought sent a shiver down my spine. Love was fragile.
I knew how easily it could be crushed by duty, by tradition, by pressure.
A knock on the door startled me.
I quickly wiped the tears that had sprung to my eyes and tried to compose myself.
“Come in,” I called out.
The door opened, and Isabelle stepped inside. Her expression was surprisingly soft, her eyes filled with concern.
“Catrina,” she said gently. “May I come in?”
I nodded, my heart pounding.
“Of course, Alpha,” I said, stepping aside to let her in. “Please, sit down.”
She gestured towards Lucas, a small smile touching her lips.
“He’s getting bigger,” she said, her gaze softening.
“He is,” I agreed, pride swelling in my chest.
It was good to have something to be proud of, even for a moment. “He’s trying to crawl already.”
Isabelle nodded, her gaze lingering on Lucas.
There was a longing in her eyes that surprised me.
She’d always wanted pups, a family of her own. But it hadn't happened for her.
Maybe that’s why she’s being so nice to us, I thought. Maybe she understands how precious this is.
“He’s beautiful, Catrina,” Isabelle said softly. “You’re lucky to have him.”
Her words, so unexpected, so kind, broke through the dam I’d built around my emotions. The tears spilled over, and I couldn’t stop them.
“I’m… I’m so tired, Isabelle,” I sobbed, my voice cracking.
“I’m trying so hard to be strong, to be a good Luna, a good mother… but I feel like I’m failing.”
She came closer and put a hand on my shoulder. Her touch was gentle, comforting.
“It’s okay, Catrina,” she said soothingly.
“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Being a new mom is hard. Especially with everything else going on.”
I looked at her, surprised by her understanding.
Was this the same she-wolf who had seen me as a rival, who had threatened me?
“You’ve been through a lot, Catrina,” she continued, her eyes holding mine.
“The kidnapping, the attack on your pack, the truth about your parents… it’s enough to shake anyone, even the strongest wolf.”
I nodded, tears streaming down my face. I was so grateful for her kindness, for her willingness to see how much I was struggling.
“I… I don’t understand Rowan,” I confessed, my voice trembling.
“One minute he’s so loving, so caring. The next minute, he’s distant, like I’m a stranger.”
Isabelle sighed, her gaze drifting towards the window.
“Rowan is carrying a lot right now, Catrina,” she said, her voice sad.
“He’s the Alpha. The pack, the elders, his father’s legacy… It's a lot of pressure. Especially for someone as… sensitive as Rowan.”
“Sensitive?” I asked, surprised. I’d always thought of Rowan as strong, stoic, a typical Alpha.
“He cares deeply, Catrina,” Isabelle said, her eyes meeting mine.
“Maybe too deeply. He feels everything so strongly – the good and the bad. He’s trying to be strong for you, for Lucas, for the pack. But he’s hurting, too. He’s grieving for his father, for the life he thought he would have.”
I nodded, my heart aching for him.
I could see the pain he was carrying, the loneliness in his eyes.
“He does, Catrina,” Isabelle said softly, as if she’d heard my wolf.
“He needs you more than you know. But he needs you to be strong, too. Not just for him, but for yourself, for Lucas. Embrace your strength. Embrace your power. That’s what he needs. That’s what the pack needs.”
Her words sparked something inside me. A flicker of hope in the darkness.
I’m Rowan’s mate. Lucas’s mother. I’m a descendant of a powerful bloodline. I can control ancient magic.
I’m not weak. I’m not a burden. I’m strong.
“I can do this,” my wolf growled, a new fierceness in her voice. “I will do this.”
I looked at Isabelle, my eyes meeting hers.
The tears were gone now, replaced by determination.
“Thank you, Isabelle,” I said, my voice firm. “I needed to hear that. I won’t let fear control me. I’ll be the Luna Rowan needs. I’ll be the mother Lucas deserves.”
She smiled, a real smile that transformed her face, making her look warm and kind.
“I know you will, Catrina,” she said confidently.
“We as women… we’re survivors. We fight for what we believe in. And we always win in the end.”
As she left the nursery, I felt a surge of purpose, a strength filling me.
I didn’t have all the answers, but I had Rowan, I had Lucas, I had my family. And I had a growing understanding of my own power…