The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Isabelle POV:
I paced around my fancy bedroom in the Mondragon mansion, feeling restless. Ever since that jerk Rowan messed up our wedding by saying his stupid omega's name, I'd been in a bad mood.
Everything was falling apart just when I finally got some control…
A soft knock on the door interrupted my grumbling.
"Come in!" I snapped, turning around to glare at whoever dared to bother me.
It was Carson, looking nervous.
"Alpha Isabelle," he said carefully, "there's a problem that needs your attention."
I sighed dramatically. "Ugh, what is it now? Can't anyone deal with anything without me?"
"It's Evelyn, Alpha," Carson said seriously.
"She got in trouble and...got punished really hard like she deserved. But now she won't stop freaking out."
I wrinkled my nose in disgust. Omegas who whined were the worst.
"Fine," I grumbled. "Take me to her, Carson. But this better be important."
We walked quickly outside to the gardens where an omega girl sat on a stone bench, sobbing loudly.
A bunch of other omegas huddled around her, trying to comfort her.
But one person stood out – Catrina.
She was kneeling next to the crying girl, whispering things in her ear and gently stroking her hair. She sounded calm and strong, but also kind and understanding.
The girl, Evelyn, started to cry less and less, as Catrina comforted her.
Soon she was just sniffling, feeling better because Catrina had been so nice.
The whole scene surprised me. This wasn't some weak, scared girl like everyone thought she was. Catrina was strong and brave, even though people thought that meant she was weak.
The truth was, I had gotten rid of those qualities in myself a long time ago, and it hadn't made me happy. Maybe that's why Rowan liked her so much and wouldn't give up on her, even though I threatened him.
My stomach lurched for a second, but the feeling disappeared so fast I barely noticed.
I cleared my throat loudly to get everyone's attention.
"Good job, Catrina," I said in a bossy voice. "Looks like you can calm anyone down."
Catrina stood up and bowed her head to me politely. "I just want everyone to feel better, Alpha."
She seemed to really mean it, which surprised me. Here was an omega girl who wasn't scared, even though I was the Alpha and the one who is keeping here.
I looked closer at Evelyn. Her cheek was all puffy and red, and she looked really sad.
Even though everyone thought I was tough, I hated it when people were mean to those who couldn't fight back.
"Carson," I said sternly, "we need to talk about how we punish people. Punishing is okay, but we shouldn't be cruel."
Carson's eyes widened in surprise. "But Alpha, that's how we've always done it..."
"Things can change," I interrupted him firmly.
"A wise leader adapts to better her pack. Dismissed."
Carson mumbled something under his breath and walked away, taking Evelyn with him. She didn't look so scared anymore, and that was good. I looked at Catrina, trying to figure her out.
"You're interesting, Catrina," I said.
"Maybe there's more to you than just liking a stupid alpha boy."
Catrina didn't say anything back, but she looked frustrated. I could tell she didn't like me bossing her around, but she was still nice to people, even me.
It made me think. I had to be tough as the leader, but maybe there were other ways to do things. Maybe Catrina wasn't my enemy after all.
"Come walk with me, Catrina," I offered.
Catrina wasn't sure if she could trust me, but she nodded and started walking beside me.
We walked through the fancy gardens, and I kept thinking about Catrina. She was an omega, but she wasn't acting like one at all. It was weird, but I kind of admired her for being so strong.
We walked in silence for a while, watching the pretty sunset paint the sky. Finally, I couldn't hold back my curiosity anymore.
"You're surprising me, Catrina," I said. "You're like a little firecracker, even though you're stuck here with me."
Catrina thought about what I said for a moment. Her eyes were sad, but they also showed how much she cared about Rowan and their baby.
"There are different ways to be strong," she said carefully. "All I want is for my baby to be safe."
I couldn't help but respect her for how determined she was. Most omegas wouldn't dare stand up to me, but Catrina was different.
"That's a good way to think," I said. "But you still seem a little mad at me."
Catrina took a deep breath before answering. "I'm just confused, Alpha. If you could tell me what's happening to me and Rowan, maybe I wouldn't be so upset."
The way she said things made me realize how smart she really was. On the outside, she seemed shy, but on the inside, she was really analyzing everything.
Maybe she could actually help me, unlike all the other advisors who just agreed with everything I said.
We stopped under an oak tree with red leaves that looked like fire. I decided to tell her a little bit of the truth, which was a big deal for someone like me.
"Rowan might not be the Alpha anymore," I said carefully.
"But the reason I was so stubborn with this union is because I'm trying to make things better for both packs." It was hard to admit, but I did.
Catrina looked surprised, but then she seemed to understand.
"Sometimes bad things can actually lead to good things if you know how to handle them," she said wisely.
It made me think about how I'd been acting, always trying to be in control.
I took a deep breath.
"What if Rowan became the Alpha again? Would things still be okay between our packs?" This was a big question, and her answer could change everything.
Catrina looked brave, I realized that she and Rowan together could make a really strong team, one that could bring peace to the packs instead of ruining it.
"Maybe," I said finally. But there were some things that had to happen first.