The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Rowan POV:
That night with Catrina felt like a dream come true. Just holding her again, hearing her laugh, sharing memories from our youth - it all felt perfect, a feeling I never thought I'd have again.
But as I watched her sleep peacefully, her pregnant belly gently rising and falling with each breath, a wave of doubt washed over me.
How could I possibly keep her safe from my father's wrath? I knew the old man wouldn't hesitate to eliminate anyone standing in his way, and Catrina and our pup were exactly that.
Stroking her dark hair softly, my mind drifted back to something I overheard weeks ago while talking to my uncle Jarrett on the phone.
My father was pressuring him to hold the Goddess ritual, a barbaric tradition that involved sacrificing "impure" bloodlines to appease the Moon Goddess.
I wasn't supposed to hear, but my father's booming voice carried down the hall.
"It must be done, Jarrett. This illegitimate pup growing in that omega whore will pollute the sacred bloodline if allowed to be born. You know as well as I what must be done."
My blood boiled at the memory. No way would I let my father harm Catrina or our child.
But what could I do? My father's word was law in this pack… At least till my wedding.
Pushing those dark thoughts aside, I focused on Catrina's peaceful face. She deserved to feel safe tonight, not burdened by the troubles of our world.
I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before slipping out of the room.
The hallway was empty and quiet in the early morning hours. I walked with purpose towards Derek's room, hoping my brother was still awake.
As the eldest, Derek often acted as the voice of reason, offering solid advice even if he usually hid it under a layer of jokes.
I knocked softly and entered without waiting for an answer. Sure enough, Derek was sitting across the couch, reading documents by the dim light of a lamp.
"Cut to the chase," I said, skipping the greetings
"Tell me you know a way to stop my father from messing with us."
Derek lowered his reading material and raised an eyebrow.
"Good morning to you too, little brother. What's gotten you so worked up before sunrise?"
I quickly filled him in on what I overheard between my father and uncle, the danger it posed to Catrina and our unborn pup.
Derek's face turned grim as he listened, tossing his papers aside when I finished.
"That's...pretty bad, to put it mildly," he finally admitted.
Derek was one of the few who understood my bond with Catrina, even if he liked to complain about the drama it caused.
"Catrina doesn't need to know about this," I told him firmly.
"She's already stressed enough. I'll find a way to handle this myself."
Derek gave me a doubtful look, but he didn't argue. Deep down, I knew he was right to be worried.
Facing this huge threat alone felt impossible. But protecting Catrina and our pup was my top priority.
After making Derek promise to keep an eye on things, I went to find Isabelle.
Maybe, as Alpha of the Mondragons, she would be willing to offer Catrina asylum in their pack, away from my father's reach. Their alliance was crucial for Catrina's safety.
I found Isabelle having breakfast at the hotel restaurant with some of her pack members, the sun just rising outside. She didn't seem happy to see me interrupt her meeting.
"This better be important, Rowan," she said as I sat across from her.
Taking a deep breath, I carefully tried to appeal to Isabelle's ruthless logic, avoiding sounding weak.
"With my father's hatred towards omegas, Catrina isn't safe here. I was hoping you might consider taking her into the Mondragon pack after our wedding, where she'd be under your direct protection."
Isabelle scoffed loudly, ignoring the annoyed stares from the other wolves around her.
"You want me to take in that foolish omega after all the trouble she's caused? She doesn't even know her place, disrespecting alphas."
"Please, Isabelle," I said calmly.
"Catrina didn't grow up learning pack rules like we did. She comes from a rogue family and doesn't understand our system."
"That makes it even worse," Isabelle snapped.
"A rogue, and an omega on top of it? What could be a more dangerous combination?"
My fists clenched at her harsh words, but I kept my voice steady. "I already told you not to insult the mother of my child. All I ask is that you protect her from my father's barbaric rituals."
Isabelle tapped her nails impatiently, clearly tempted to refuse. But then a sly smile appeared on her face, hinting at a forming plan.
"Fine, I'll consider it," she said sweetly. "But only if you win your duel against Carson today. Prove you're strong enough to permanently unite our packs."
I rolled my eyes, knowing I could easily defeat the beta. "Isabelle, please. Have a little more faith in me. He's no match for an alpha like me."
Isabelle scoffed coldly. "We'll see about that. Don't underestimate him, especially since he's been fighting rebels for years. But don't let your pride get you killed out there. Our alliance is too important to lose over your ego."
I brushed off her concern, my mind already focused on the bigger picture - keeping Catrina safe during the duel.
I needed laser focus against Carson. Winning would secure Isabelle's support and finally get Catrina out of harm's way. Nothing could stand in our way then.
Suddenly, a loud noise erupted outside. News of the duel must have spread quickly because the hotel courtyard was packed with people.
That's when I spotted Derek carrying an unconscious Catrina, her face pale.
Dread flooded me at the sight of my vulnerable mate in such a state. I rushed over, cupping her cheek gently.
"What happened? Is she okay?"
Derek nodded. "She just fainted, she'll be fine. Pushed herself too hard. I told her to stay here where it's safe."
Relief and worry warred within me. I wanted nothing more than to hold Catrina and care for her myself. But I had a fight to win first.
Bending down, I gently kissed Catrina's forehead one last time. "Get some rest, my love. I'll be back soon, I promise."