The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 46: Chapter 46

Catrina POV:
The morning sun felt good on my skin as I worked in the gardens with the other omegas outside the fancy Mondragon house. It had become my normal thing to do after a few weeks of hiding out with the Mondragon pack.
"Catrina, can you help me with these rose clippings?" Lucia, a nice older omega with kind eyes, asked with a smile.
I nodded and walked over to help, carefully putting the thorny stems in a basket.
"Like this?" I asked.
"Perfect job!" she said kindly, like a grandma. "You're really good with plants."
I felt a little shy at the compliment. Back at the stuck-up Magnus hotel, nobody would ever let me do anything interesting like taking care of the gardens.
Alpha Marcus would have thought it was a waste for an omega to do anything but clean.
The Mondragon packmates did things differently though - they were way cooler.
They treated each other like normal people who deserved respect. It felt... free, in a way I'd never known before.
Of course, being free also made me worry a lot. I couldn't stop thinking about Rowan, wondering if he was safe or if he'd gotten hurt trying to find me so fast.
My hand went to my belly, which was starting to get a little bigger.
The pup growing inside was the only good thing about all this right now.
"You seem kinda down today, Catrina," Lucia said, looking at me with those wise eyes. "Is your mate still on your mind?"
I couldn't help but frown a little. Even though I didn't say Rowan's name, it felt like a giant hole where he should be.
I missed him so much it hurt all the time.
"Yeah," I mumbled.
"Not knowing if he's alive, if he's looking for me everywhere..." My voice got shaky. "It's like a constant pain."
Lucia patted my arm. “Don’t worry, dear. The Goddess protects true mates. She’ll bring him back to you.”
I smiled weakly. I hoped she was right.
I forced a smile at Lucia's kind words, even though a part of me couldn't shake the feeling something bad had happened.
“Please stay safe, Rowan…” I thought worriedly.
Suddenly, loud yells and a commotion erupted from inside the courtyard.
Lucia and I exchanged scared looks before rushing around the side of the mansion to see what was going on.
My heart jumped into my throat when I saw who stumbled through the open gates.
It was Rowan, my mate! He looked terrible, all beat up and barely able to walk.
"Rowan!" I screamed, my voice a mix of relief and fear.
He stumbled into the clearing, barely on his feet.
His clothes were ripped and filthy, his face pale and worn. When he heard my voice, he turned slowly, his eyes locking onto mine.
He saw me and said my name. “Catrina…”
“Help!” I yelled. “Somebody help him!”
Dakota ran over. “Oh no! What happened?”
Then Alpha Isabelle appeared. She looked concerned when she saw Rowan. That surprised me.
“I, Alpha Isabelle of the Mondragon pack,” she said in a strong voice, “welcome Rowan Magnus.”
My mouth fell open. She bowed her head to Rowan! What was going on?
Rowan looked confused too. “I…” he started, but Isabelle stopped him.
“You’ve been through a lot,” she said, her voice surprisingly kind. “Someone take him inside, quickly.”
Two guards helped Rowan up. He was shaky and had to lean on them.
As they walked past, Rowan looked at me and whispered, “Catrina.”
My heart ached to be with him. I watched as they took him inside.
“What was that?” Dakota whispered.
I shook my head. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”
I ran after them, ignoring Dakota’s calls. I had to see Rowan. I had to make sure he was okay. And I had to know why Isabelle was being so…nice.
The mansion felt like a maze. I followed voices until I found a big door and pushed it open.
Rowan was sitting on a couch. The woman from the courtyard was with him, and Isabelle was watching them.
Everyone stared at me as I burst through the doors, but I only saw Rowan.
He looked up, his face lighting up with relief like a light switch being flipped.
"Catrina," he whispered, reaching out a hand.
I ran to him, dropping to my knees by his side. Without even thinking, I grabbed his hand, needing the comfort of feeling his skin against mine.
"Rowan, what happened?" I asked, my voice thick with worry and a little bit of anger.
"Where have you been?"
He squeezed my hand gently.
"It's a long story," he mumbled. "But I'm here now. I had to get back to you."
I felt tears welling up in my eyes, happy tears because he was safe, but I blinked them back. Not in front of this strange woman and Isabelle, the Alpha.
Speaking of her, the woman was watching us with a face I couldn't read. Isabelle seemed to be thinking too, her eyes going back and forth between us.
"Rowan," the woman said in a deep, serious voice. "You need to rest. We can talk about everything later."
Rowan nodded, looking exhausted.
I let go of his hand reluctantly as the guards helped him lie back on the couch.
"Catrina," Isabelle said, and I flinched, getting ready for her usual coldness.
"Why don't you stay with him?"
I blinked, surprised by her words. Was this really the same Isabelle who had been so mean to me before?
"I..." I stammered, not sure what to say.
Isabelle held up a hand, stopping me. "We can talk later. For now, just be with him."
Isabelle left. I was alone with Rowan, who was already asleep. I stared after them, confused.
What was happening? Why was Isabelle being so nice?
I pushed those thoughts away. Rowan needed me. That was all that mattered.
I sat next to him, careful not to hurt him. I brushed his hair back, my heart hurting at the cuts and bruises on his face.
“Oh, Rowan,” I whispered. “What happened to you?”
He opened his eyes. “Catrina…” he murmured in a sleepy voice, trying to smile.
I felt better. I kissed his forehead.
“I’m here, my love,” I whispered. “I’m right here.”
Rowan sighed and closed his eyes. “I’ve missed you so much,” he whispered.
I held back tears. “I’ve missed you too. You’re safe now, I promise.”