The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Catrina POV:
"I'm here, my love. You're safe now."
Rowan's words echoed in my mind as I woke up, unsure if they were real or a dream. My heart pounded as memories of the duel in the courtyard flooded back.
I sat up quickly in the small basement room, instinctively cradling my swollen belly. Panic surged through me as I realized I must have fainted and missed the fight.
Was Rowan alright? Did he win against that brute, Carson?
A million worries were running in my head as I tried to piece together the scattered memories.
Rowan's gentle voice, his kiss on my forehead - was that real or just my mind playing tricks on me?
My current state wasn't helping. Each day, the pregnancy seemed to drain me more and more, leaving me weak and confused.
With a groan, I dragged myself out of the uncomfortable basement cot and stumbled into the tiny bathroom to prepare for another day of cleaning.
Maybe seeing Rowan and Isabelle's perfect wedding would be a good thing - it would force me to face reality and move on, even if it broke my heart.
As I made my way upstairs,I couldn't help but notice the strange way the other staff were acting.
They avoided eye contact, some whispering behind their hands as I walked by.
Frowning, I stopped a young bellhop carrying fresh linens.
"Hey, what's going on? Why is everyone acting so weird around me?"
The teenager swallowed hard, clearly nervous.
"Uh, it's nothing ma'am. Just, uh, a lot of excitement with the big wedding going on..."
I narrowed my eyes, knowing he wasn't telling the whole truth.
"Don't lie to me, kid. What's really going on here?"
The bellhop gulped again, looking even more scared. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a gruff voice boomed from behind me.
"Isn't it obvious, little mama?" Derek's familiar voice made me turn around.
There he was, Rowan's older brother, leaning casually against the wall.
"They're all scared of catching the boss's attention by talking to you."
"Derek!" I exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
He flashed me a playful wink and a mischievous grin.
"Just enjoying the luxurious accommodations at my family's hotel, of course. Though the maid service has been a bit lacking..." Derek's eyes swept over me with a mock-serious air.
I rolled my eyes, clutching the cleaning supplies tighter. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
"Guilty as charged," Derek chuckled easily.
"But enough about me. How's my little niece or nephew doing in there?" He gestured towards my belly with a nod.
Despite his teasing, a flicker of warmth spread through me. Derek's carefree attitude and acceptance were a breath of fresh air.
My hand unconsciously rested on my swollen stomach.
"We're hanging in there," I replied with a small smile. "Some days are tougher than others."
Derek nodded knowingly. "I bet. Rowan's definitely put you through stress, hasn't he?"
The mention of Rowan's name sent a wave of sadness crashing over me. The brief moment of lightness vanished, replaced by the bitter sting of rejection and disappointment.
"That's an understatement," I mumbled, looking down. "I haven't seen him since...well, since before the duel, I guess."
"So you didn't see my little brother's big win in person?" Derek asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
When I shook my head, he let out a low whistle.
"Man, you really missed out on some wild action. Rowan totally crushed that Mondragon beta! The crowd went crazy!"
My head shot up, eyes wide. "Rowan won? He's okay?"
Relief flooded my veins at Derek's words. At least Rowan was safe and victorious, even though I'd worried so much.
Derek must have seen the storm of emotions on my face because his playful tone softened.
"Yeah, he won. But I don't think he would be too happy if his mate wasn't around to celebrate his victory."
His words hit me like a physical blow. My throat tightened as I fought back tears.
"I'm not his mate," I whispered, my voice cracking. "Not anymore."
A heavy silence descended between us as Derek studied me with a thoughtful expression.
Finally, he let out a slow breath and shook his head.
"Maybe that's what Rowan keeps telling himself," he murmured.
"But anyone with eyes can see he still wants you, with his marriage coming and all"
I scoffed, blinking back tears. As much as Derek's words held a sliver of hope, it felt too little, too late. Rowan had made his choice clear - duty and the pack came before me and our child.
"If Rowan wanted me, he would have chosen me by now," I stated plainly. "His actions speak louder than words."
Derek opened his mouth to argue, then seemed to change his mind. He stepped closer, his face serious.
"Listen," he said "whether my idiot brother wants to admit it or not, you and that baby belong to this pack now. That means I've got a responsibility to look after you both. At least until Rowan comes to his senses."
Shock left me speechless for a moment. Was Derek really offering his protection after everything?
Before I could respond, he let out one of his trademark chuckles. "Hey, don't get too excited, Mama Wolf. I still expect top-notch service from the hotel staff during my stay. No slacking off on the turn-down service just because you're carrying the future heir."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "You'll never let me forget about that, will you?"
"Nope," Derek chuckled. "Speaking of which, I'm actually heading over to fill Rowan in on all the drama he missed while playing big hero alpha."
My heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing Rowan again. A wave of emotions, threatened to overwhelm me.
"W-wait," I stammered. "Derek...does Rowan even want to see me?"
The playful grin vanished from Derek's face as he looked at me seriously. He seemed to struggle with what to say for a moment.
Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. "I won't lie to you, Catrina. My brother doesn't want you to see him right now. Not with everything so messed up between you two."
"What?" The word escaped my lips in a gasp. "But...before the fight, he sounded like he-"
Memories flooded back - Rowan holding me close, his voice whispering promises of a future together. Was it all just another lie?
Derek sighed. "Sorry, Mama Wolf. I know that's not what you wanted to hear. But trust me, it's better if Rowan has some time alone to figure things out."
"It's like that, I...just follow orders,"
Derek finished with a shrug, as if that simple explanation could erase the pain Rowan had caused me.
Fury and heartbreak burned within me. I took a shaky breath, ready to unleash a torrent of anger and demand real answers.
But the words died in my throat as Derek's eyes widened. His whole body tensed, his lips parting slightly in surprise.
"Father," Derek murmured.