The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 98: Chapter 98

Catrina's POV:
The car ride away from the hospital felt strange.
I was so happy to be leaving, to have our little Lucas safe in my arms.
But a knot of worry tightened in my stomach. We were going to the Mondragon Packhouse, but the threat, the darkness, was still out there.
Rowan squeezed my hand, his touch warm and strong.
"Almost home, Catrina," he said softly. "You and Lucas are safe now."
I smiled, trying to believe him, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
“I know, but I can’t help but worry. What’s waiting for us at the Mansion? Is it really safe?”
Rowan’s eyes hardened, that Alpha look flashing across his face, the one that always made my heart skip a beat.
"Nothing will happen to you or Lucas. I promise.”
He looked down at our sleeping baby, his expression softening.
“We’ll face whatever comes, together.”
I wanted to believe him, I really did. But something felt different. Something inside me had changed.
“What is it, Catrina?” Rowan asked, his voice gentle. He knew me so well.
“What’s bothering you?”
I took a deep breath. “I feel… strange, Rowan. Ever since Lucas was born, it’s like I can sense things, feel things I couldn’t before.”
He frowned, worry creasing his forehead. “Strange how? What do you mean?”
It was hard to explain.
“It’s like… I can feel the Kezrach Larva, Rowan. Like it’s closer than ever. And other things too… dark things, hidden in the shadows.”
His hand tightened around mine, his eyes full of concern. “Can you feel the Larva? Here? Now?”
I nodded, my gaze dropping to Lucas, so innocent and peaceful in my arms. “Yes. And other things, too. Like something bad is coming.”
Rowan’s jaw clenched, and a low growl rumbled in his chest. He was worried, I could tell. And angry.
“We need to get you and Lucas to the Mansion, now. It's the safest place for you.”
I wanted to argue, to tell him I could handle myself, that I wanted to be by his side. But one look at his face, at the fierce determination in his eyes, and I knew it was pointless.
He wouldn't budge on this.
“Alright,” I sighed, giving in. “But please, be careful, Rowan. Promise me.”
He leaned in and kissed my forehead, his touch a soothing balm on my anxiety.
“I promise, Catrina. I’ll protect our family. Always.”
The Mondragon Mansion loomed before us as we drove up the long driveway. Even from a distance, I could feel it – a tension, an unease that settled over me like a heavy blanket.
Rowan helped me out of the car, his grip on my hand reassuring.
"Stay close to Dakota and the other omegas, Catrina," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I have to go, but I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Fear, sharp and cold, pricked at me.
“Rowan, wait,” I pleaded, clutching his shirt. “Don’t go. Please. We need you. I need you.”
He pulled me close, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss that was both desperate and passionate.
“I have to, Catrina,” he whispered against my lips. “I need to make sure you and Lucas are safe, no matter what.”
Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. I wouldn’t cry. Not in front of him.
He needed to see me strong, even though my heart felt like it was breaking.
“Promise me you’ll come back,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Promise me you’ll always come back to us.”
He held me tighter, his eyes filled with a love that shone brighter than any star. “I promise, Catrina. Nothing will keep me from you and Lucas. Nothing.”
With one last kiss, he pulled away, his gaze holding mine.
“Stay safe, my love. I’ll be back soon.”
I watched him go, my heart aching, my wolf whining inside me. I wanted to go with him, to fight by his side.
But I knew he was right. My job was to protect our son.
As I stepped into the Packhouse, Dakota rushed to greet me, her face a mix of relief and worry.
“Catrina! Thank goodness you’re back! I was so worried when Rowan left without you!”
I tried to smile, but it felt weak. “I know, Dakota. Rowan, he… he has to take care of some things, make sure everything’s safe.”
She frowned, her eyes searching mine. “Safe? What’s going on? I can feel something’s wrong. The whole pack is on edge.”
I took a deep breath. It was time to tell her the truth. “There’s something bad out there, Dakota. Rowan has to face it, to protect our family, our pack.”
Dakota’s eyes widened, and she quickly pulled me into a quiet room.
“We have to hide you and Lucas. Somewhere safe, where they can’t find you.”
I shook my head, my grip tightening on Lucas. “No. I can’t hide. I have to help Rowan, to help our pack.”
She looked at me, confused. “But you just got out of the hospital, Catrina! You’re still recovering, and with the baby…”
I took her hand, needing her to understand. “I know, but I can’t just sit back and do nothing. I can feel it, Dakota, this darkness. It’s calling to me, and I have to answer.”
She stared at me, her eyes full of worry and a little bit of awe. “What do you mean, you can feel it? What’s happening to you?”
I took a deep breath, the weight of what I was about to say settling on my shoulders.
“I think… I think I’m connected to the spiritual world now, Dakota. I can sense the Larva, feel the dark forces that are threatening us. And I have to do something about it.”
She squeezed my hand, her eyes full of concern.
Catrina, I… I don’t know what to say. This is all happening so fast, and with the baby…”
I smiled, hoping to reassure her.
“I know, Dakota. But I have to do this.” A feeling of certainty settled over me, calming the fear.
“I think… I think this is what I was meant for.”
Dakota pulled me into a hug, careful not to jostle Lucas.
“I’m here for you, Catrina. Whatever you need, I’ll be by your side.”
Her words meant the world to me. I wasn’t alone in this. I had my pack, my friend.
“Thank you, Dakota,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I couldn’t do this without you.”
She smiled, her hand brushing against Lucas’s cheek. “We’ll figure this out together, Catrina. I promise.”
As I looked down at my son, his tiny face peaceful and innocent, I felt a surge of determination.
I wouldn’t back down. Not now. Not ever.