Katie woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing on the nightstand.
She groggily reached for it. Then rubbed the sleep from her eyes. The screen lit up.
A string of missed calls from Liam.
She sighed, feeling a knot form in her stomach. She had been avoiding him all night, but she knew she couldn't ignore him forever.
She picked up the call, her voice husky from sleep. "Hello?"
"Katie, where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all night!" Liam's voice was laced with concern and frustration.
Katie sat up in bed, her back straightening. "I've been busy," she said curtly, trying to keep her emotions in check.
"Busy? You've been avoiding me, haven't you?" Liam's tone turned accusatory.
Katie's grip on the phone tightened. "I've already packed my things and left, Liam. What more do you want?"
"Come back home, Katie. Let's talk this out. It's just a misunderstanding," he pleaded.
His voice softened.
Katie raised an eyebrow. "What is there to talk about,hmm?"
He sounded desperate.
"This year’s pack gala, Katie. You know how much work you've put into it. How can you just leave now, two days before the event? I need your help to host it. You're the one who's been driving this project forward,"
Katie's eyes narrowed.
He needed her help?
That was rich. "What about my birthday celebration?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Well I would make it up to you, I promise. Just come back home and let's work together to make this gala a success. We'll celebrate your birthday when you get back," Liam said, his voice smooth as silk.
Katie's thoughts turned to the mate bond dissolution papers she needed him to sign. That was the real reason she was going back. She didn't care about the gala. Or her birthday celebration.
She just needed him to sign those papers.
"Okay, fine. I'll be home," she said, trying to sound convincing.
Liam's voice perked up. "I'll send a car for you. See you soon."
Katie hung up the phone. Then tossed it aside.
She had played along, but she knew she was in control.
She would get the papers signed. Then freedom.
Just then, Lucian walked into the room with a cup of steaming hot tea. "Hey, you, I brought you some tea. You look like you could use it,"
She took the cup from him gratefully. "Thanks, Lucian. I think I'm going to head back home,"
His eyes widened. "You're going back to him? Are you crazy?"
Katie sighed. "I need him to sign those papers. It's the only way I'll be free."
Lucian's expression softened. "I understand, but are you sure you're ready for this? He's not going to make it easy for you."
Katie's jaw set. “I’m ready. I actually have a plan."
Lucian's expression turned serious, his brow furrowed in concern. "Okay, so what's gonna happen now?"
Katie whispered in his ears.
Lucian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Alright, I'll send someone to drive you back to the house. You should be safe."
Katie nodded.
The drive back to the house was quiet. Her thoughts raced.
When she arrived, Liam rushed over to her, his arms open wide. "Katie, I'm so glad you're back! I've missed you so much!"
Katie sidestepped him, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Let's focus on the celebration, Liam. We don't have much time."
Liam's face fell, but he quickly recovered, a charming smile spreading across his face. "Of course, my love. Let's focus on the celebration."
As they entered the house, his eyes landed on the small bag Katie was carrying. "Is that all you brought? Where's the rest of your things?"
Her gaze was cool. Detached. "I'll bring the rest of my things back only if there's a reason to. Right now, I just want to focus on getting everything done for the pack celebration."
Liam's smile hitched a little. "Don't worry, my love. I'll make sure you don't have any reason to go back. We'll make this celebration one to remember."
As if.
If only he knew she was cutting him off completely. What an idiot.
As Liam reached out to take her hand, Katie pulled back, her movements swift and decisive. "Let's get to work, Liam. We have a lot to do before the celebration."
Liam's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "Of course, my love. Let's get to work."
Katie heard some noise in the kitchen just then.
She turned to see Dakota emerging with a tray.
Freshly baked pastries.
Dakota's smile was bright, but Katie's instincts told her otherwise.
"Oh, so you slept here," Katie said, her voice neutral.
Liam intervened, "Please, I don't want you misunderstanding. It was already too late last night. Dakota could not go back home."
Of course.
When they were both having a good time, how could she go back home?
Katie's gaze lingered on Dakota, who was busy arranging the pastries on a platter.
"I'm not misunderstanding anything," she said flatly.
Dakota turned around, a sweet smile on her face. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to make Liam breakfast. Please don't take it to heart. You're not mad, are you?"
Katie raised an eyebrow. "Of course not. You can do whatever you want."
Dakota's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Great! I'm glad we're clear."
Katie stood up, stretching slightly. "I'm really thirsty. I could really go for a cup of creamy coffee."
Liam immediately volunteered, "I'll go make it for you. I'll be right back."
How quick he was willing to help.
Just because his cheating ass was caught.
Pathetic.
As Liam left, Dakota's smile changed. Her eyes glinted with malice. "Why are you back here, Katie?”
“Isn’t this my home?”
“ You're just wasting your time, foolish girl. Once our baby is born, you'll be nothing. You'll be dumped, and I'll be the Luna of this pack."
Katie's expression remained calm, but her eyes flashed with anger. "No problem. I won't stand in the way of that. You should enjoy it while it lasts."
