The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 43: Chapter 43

Catrina POV:
I felt like a big weight was on my shoulders as I did my chores. Everything felt hard, like climbing a mountain.
It wasn't just being tired, though I was that too. It was my heart hurting, missing Rowan so much.
Weeks had gone by without seeing him. It was like he was a good smell that was now gone, leaving only sadness.
Bending down to pick up a heavy bag of grain, I felt the baby inside me kick.
"Take it easy, Catrina," Dakota said gently.
"You need to rest, especially if you're still going to..."
she looked around, then whispered, "...leave."
I shook my head. "Can't escape this, Dakota. Not while Isabelle is alive and hates me."
She frowned. "Then we'll make her change her mind. Show her you're not a threat to the pack."
I almost laughed, but it hurt too much.
"Like words can melt that ice queen's heart? She wants me gone."
Before she could answer, we heard Isabelle nearby. I got cold all over.
She walked in, a sneer on her face. "Well, if it isn't the omega. Shouldn't you be working?"
My hands made fists even though it hurt. Dakota stepped a little in front of me, growling softly.
Isabelle smirked. "Awww, how cute. Catrina has a bodyguard now?"
"Just making sure Catrina rests, Alpha," Dakota said calmly. "She's still recovering."
Isabelle's face got angry. " This one lives because I let her."
She got so close I could smell her drunk breath. "Maybe I was too nice before."
One of her sharp claws came out Dakota jumped in front of me, snarling loud.
"ENOUGH!"
Everyone stopped and stared. Yara, Talia, and the other omegas were there, looking mad.
"You've hurt her enough, Alpha," Yara said, her chin up high. Behind her, the others growled agreement.
Isabelle sputtered. "How dare you interrupt! I'm your Alpha, your ruler-"
"A ruler protects her pack, not tortures them!" Talia cut her off.
Isabelle was shocked. No omega talked back to her like that.
"You disrespectful dogs will show respect, or you'll be sorry-" she jabbed a finger at me.
But now the men omegas joined too, standing in front of us.
"We've had enough of your cruelty," Jamila said, strong and steady.
Isabelle finally realized everyone was against her. Her claws scratched the air.
"Don't forget who feeds you," she hissed.
"We feed ourselves," Dakota said calmly. "This pack survives because WE work, not because of you."
It was quiet and tense. I looked at my friends. They were risking everything for me.
I felt grateful, but also sad that it had to be this way. It was already well now for me that Isabelle always caused a scene while she was drunk.
Isabelle must have realized fighting wasn't a good idea. She huffed and turned away.
"This isn't over," she said, promising more trouble. Then she left stumbling.
We all let out a breath. Everyone turned to me, worry in their eyes.
"You didn't have to do that," I whispered, touched by their bravery.
Yara smiled and squeezed my shoulder. "We protect our own. And you, my friend, are one of us now."
"I know," I whispered back, my throat tight. "I'm grateful. But I still feel like this isn't enough. We need to do more, for our future."
"We will," Dakota said, her voice strong. "But first, you need rest. Let me take care of you."
She led me to a small, quiet room, away from the pack. It was simple, but the bed was soft.
"I'll bring food and water," Dakota promised. "And I'll keep you safe."
I nodded thanks and lay down. I felt a little better, like maybe there was a tiny bit of hope. Dakota was right. I needed to rest and get strong.
"I miss Rowan so much," I whispered, tears coming to my eyes. "I just want to see him again, hug him, and feel whole again."
Dakota sat beside me, her hand gently on my arm.
"I know," she said softly. "And we'll find a way to get you back together."
Her words made me feel a bit better. She was a true friend, the only one who truly understood.
"But what if Isabelle never lets us see each other again?" I asked, scared. "What if she keeps us apart forever?"
Dakota frowned. "We can't let her win," she said. "We have to fight for our rights. We have to show her that love is stronger than her hate."
Her words made me feel brave. I wouldn't let Isabelle break us. I wouldn't let her steal my happiness. I would fight for Rowan, for our future, for our baby.
"We'll find a way," I said, my voice stronger now. "We'll find a way to be together again."
Dakota smiled a real smile that made me feel warm inside.
"I know you will," she said. "You're a strong woman, Catrina. You're a fighter. And you have Rowan's love with you."
She got up to go but stopped at the door.
"I'll be back soon," she promised. "And I'll have news. Maybe even good news."
I watched her go, feeling a little hopeful.
She was right. I was strong. I was a fighter. And I had Rowan. We would beat this, together.
The next days were a blur. Dakota told me what was happening in the pack. The omegas were getting angrier. Isabelle knew it, and she was getting meaner, yelling at everyone.
One night, Dakota came with news that made my heart jump. "Isabelle called a meeting," she said. "She wants to talk to Rowan about a truce."
Could this be it? Could I see Rowan again and end this fighting?
"But why?" I asked, suspicious. "Why would Isabelle want peace now?"
Dakota shrugged. "I don't know," she admitted. "But it could be good. Maybe she finally realizes she's caused too much pain and wants to make things right."
I wasn't sure about why Isabelle was doing this, , but maybe even she could change.
I clung to that hope, even though a part of me was still scared. I needed to see Rowan again. I needed to know he was safe and that our pup would have a real family.