The Lost Alpha Queen: Heaven and Hell Bound

Chapter 96

Adolphus's POV

I walked through the gates of Indigo Pack with a sense of pride swelling in my chest. Our victory had been hard-won, but it was finally over.

The Pack was safe again, and now it was time to rebuild. As I entered the heart of the pack’s territory, the familiar faces of my people greeted me.

The warmth in their eyes, the way they nodded their heads in respect, it all felt like I had returned home after a long, brutal war. And in many ways, I had.

A chorus of excited voices rang through the air, the Pack coming together to celebrate. The energy was contagious.

The women and my mother included, were quick to rush to my side, showering me with affection as if I were still the little boy they had once protected. Their pampering felt strange yet comforting.

"You’ve done well, Adolphus," my mother said, placing a hand on my cheek. Her eyes softened as she looked at me over. "You’ve made us proud."

I smiled, though there was a part of me that felt unsettled by her words. I had achieved victory, yes, but at what cost?

Dorian was dead, and the threat that had loomed over us for so long was finally gone.

But there was still something missing, a feeling of completeness I couldn’t shake. Maybe it was because, through it all, the one person who had been by my side through everything, Katrina, was still on my mind.

My mother continued fussing over me, adjusting the collar of my tunic with a softness I hadn’t felt in years. "So, tell me," she began, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "When will you mate with Katrina? Make her your wife, Adolphus. She deserves it."

The question caught me off guard. I blinked at my mother. Of course, I had thought about it.

More than that, I had hoped for it. But the thought of putting a label on our bond, of making it official in the eyes of the Pack, it made my stomach do strange flips.

"Mother," I chuckled softly, scratching the back of my neck. "We’ve barely had time to catch our breath after all that’s happened. I’m sure there’s plenty of time for... that."

But the way she raised an eyebrow at me told me she wasn’t going to let this go. "Adolphus, my dear boy, you’ve been through hell and back. Katrina has stood by your side through it all. Don’t waste any more time."

I sighed and leaned back against the stone wall, letting the laughter of the Pack wash over me. "You’re right," I said quietly. "I know that. I want it. But we’ll take things one step at a time."

My mother smiled warmly, squeezing my arm. "I’m just glad to see you happy, Adolphus."

We were interrupted by the sound of a knock at the door. A guard stepped into the room, his expression serious. "My Alpha, there’s a visitor. A woman. She... she says you know her."

I raised an eyebrow. "A woman?" I repeated, looking at my mother for confirmation. She nodded, though I could tell she didn’t have the faintest idea who it might be.

I excused myself and walked out of the chambers, the sound of my boots echoing against the stone floor. The visitor room was just down the hall, and as I approached, I could feel the tension build. Who would be coming to see me now, of all times?

When I reached the door, I stopped in my tracks. There, standing in the middle of the room, was Katrina.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Katrina!" I exclaimed, rushing forward without thinking. Without hesitation, I pulled her into my arms, relieved to see her in one piece. Her body was warm against mine, and for a moment, it felt like everything in the world was right.

She pulled away slightly, her smile faltering. "Adolphus," she said, her voice soft, almost strained. "I’m glad you’re here."

I pulled back slightly, studying her face with concern. "What’s wrong?" I asked, my voice laced with worry. "What’s going on? Why are you here? Are you alright?"

Her smile was forced as she tried to stand taller, though her body seemed to waver. "I... I’m not feeling well," she said, her eyes not meeting mine. "I don’t know what happened. I was unconscious for a while, and now... I feel sick."

I felt a pang of dread grip my chest. This wasn’t just about her physical health, it was about her well-being. And I couldn’t bear to see her in pain.

Without thinking, I reached for her, intending to take her to the Pack doctor. "We need to get you to the healer. You’re not fine—"

But she stopped me. She placed a hand on my chest, her fingers cold against my skin. "No, Adolphus," she said softly, shaking her head. "I don’t want to go to the doctor just yet. I just need a moment."

Before I could respond, she suddenly swayed, her legs buckling beneath her. I reached out instinctively, catching her just as she fell into my arms.

"Katrina!" I shouted, panic rising in my chest. "What’s happening? What’s wrong with you?"

Her body was limp in my arms, her head resting against my shoulder. Her breath was shallow, and I could feel her trembling slightly.

My heart pounded in my chest as I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"Hold on," I whispered desperately, lifting her with ease and cradling her against me. "I’m taking you to the doctor right now."