Nic POV

I spied carefully through the small window in the door to Kate’s room. She was still sleeping, though it didn’t look restful. She tossed and turned, and I hoped she was dreaming about me - even if it was a nightmare, as long as I was present. I started to get hot thinking of her. I admired the curves of her body and imagined running my fingers along them. I wanted to feel her soft skin and kiss her cherry lips. I smirked and could feel my muscles tensing as my desire for her grew. She was here. She was mine, and she wouldn’t escape me again.

My mind couldn’t help but remember when I first laid eyes on her looking like this.

***

“Sire, the allying pack representatives are ready and waiting for you in the conference room. Also, don’t forget tonight is your niece’s coming-of-age ceremony. You promised your sister you’d attend,” Ben stated matter-of-factly. I stopped writing and looked at him. I vaguely remembered the small child my sister had generously ‘adopted’.

“Well, how is she?” I asked, trying to imagine how that little eight-year-old had blossomed into a woman. Ben smirked, seeming pleased.

“I sent a few representatives over to assess her. She is quite stunning, a beautiful little flower. I think you’ll be quite pleased with her.”

I found myself suddenly excited and anticipating the celebration. I closed the books in front of me instantly and stood up, thinking about the best ways to make an impression. Surely, being Alpha would be a strong eye-catcher, but I wanted something else to assure she would fall for me instantly.

“Cancel everything else for today, Ben. We need to prepare for this evening. It is a big event, after all,” I teased. He nodded before disappearing into the other room. I examined myself in the mirror across the room, noting areas I would need to improve before the evening events.

I disappeared quickly into my walk-in safe and started looking through all the secrets I possessed. Something in here had to be suitable for her. Finally, I pulled out a thick necklace covered in diamonds and opals. It would cover her whole neckline and shine brightly like a chain to anyone else who might think to obtain her. I snatched it quickly and prepared it in a beautiful box.

I went back to my tailor and let him design a new fashionable suit, lined with our pack’s colors. Ben walked in while the tailor was finishing the final touches. I held out my arms and spun around.

“Well, what do you think?” I asked, smirking. Ben smiled approvingly.

“I think she’ll be weak in the knees at just the sight of you. I doubt you’ll have any trouble ensnaring the princess. I predict she’ll be eating out of the palm of your hand by the end of the night.”

I chuckled delightfully and tried to picture it. This exceptionally beautiful girl. It seemed my sister had picked her out and groomed her just for me. My body was already anxious to experience her.

I gathered my guards quickly and prepared to head out to the celebration. We’d already be fashionably late as it was. I felt a bit like a giddy schoolboy. Ben led the way to our limos, and we headed out towards the party. I couldn’t help but wonder if my darling sister had warned her guests that the Alpha was coming. I knew there was no way to avoid making a splash, but I didn’t want to steal so much attention away from Kate.

The limo pulled up, and one of my men opened the door. I got out carefully, ready and waiting for the cameras and werewolf reporters that had gathered around. I wore a practiced smile and waved at them as my entourage followed behind me. I didn’t wait for anyone to open doors for me; instead, I pushed my way through, desperate to see her. I pushed open the doors to the ceremonial room and had to give props to my sister. She did a wonderful job making this look like Cinderella’s palace. Almost like a perfect foreshadowing of the wedding I intended for Kate and me.

My sister was just raising a glass of champagne after finishing what I was certain was a beautiful and moving speech. I suddenly felt more grateful for having arrived late.

“Hear! Hear!” I bellowed through the room, and as predicted, all eyes fell on me. I could see most of the women looking lustfully after me, and I smiled at them. I tried to keep track of their faces; they might be useful later. I strutted my way up to the front, where Jessica and Kate were watching with stunned expressions. Ben had not oversold her. Kate was beyond stunning. I couldn’t wait to make her mine. Jessica smiled at me, and Kate looked unsure how to respond. I couldn’t help but smirk.

I pushed my way onto the stage and in front of the microphone.

“My dearest Kate. Happy birthday. What a wonderful coming-of-age party Jessica has thrown you. I’m delighted to see so many wonderful guests here to honor you. I have a gift for you. It once belonged to a queen of this pack. Now it is yours, the princess.”

I turned around and handed her the box. She took it hesitantly and opened it. The sparkle of the necklace reflected in her eyes, making her look even more desirable. I took it out of the box and moved behind her to put it on. Seductively, I moved her hair out of the way and eyed every man in the audience as I tightened my chain around her neck. I let my fingers linger on her skin as I whispered in her ear.

“I didn’t know that there was such a beautiful and sexy woman in my territory. Maybe I will invite you to my room to… talk.”

She turned around slightly to look at me, and I could see the fear in her eyes. Yes, it wouldn’t take much to make her completely mine.

It had been less than 48 hours since I saw Kate as an adult for the first time. The burning sensation of her skin against mine was already driving me mad. I had to have her, and I wouldn’t wait any longer. I reached for my phone and hit the familiar speed dial.

“Sire?” Ben asked, anxious and ready to assist. I smiled.

“Have we heard anything from my sister yet? Any news about meeting me for a ‘family chat’?” I asked, twirling a pen on the table.

“Actually, Sir, a confirmation letter just arrived. She’ll be meeting you for dinner tonight.”

“Excellent,” I hung up the phone and moved to my closet while I prepared what I would say. I knew Jessica would probably start a fight. The foolish woman wouldn’t see this for the honor it was. Well, that would change quickly - not that it would matter. Kate would be mine whether she approved or not.

I dressed quickly in my best suit. If I would be out in public, I needed to be presentable; also, I wanted any reminder I could that as Alpha I would be denied nothing. I walked out into the main room when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I called out as I moved to the mirror and adjusted my tie. I pushed my hair back and admired my reflection. I felt confident that if I were meeting Kate instead of Jessica, she would swoon instantly.

Ben walked in quickly and did a quick one-over of my appearance.

“You look excellent, Sire. I doubt she’ll be able to refuse you,” he stated. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Oh, she’ll certainly give it her best shot, I’m sure. Jessica has never been one to give up easily. But this is a battle she’ll lose, and I have no doubt she’ll see that.”

I continued to straighten up while Ben jiggled the keys in his hands. I eyed him suspiciously.

“I went ahead and ordered your favorite wine for the table; we should be on our way, Sire,” Ben replied. I gave myself one last look before following Ben out the door.

He drove quickly and easily down the streets until we landed at the Pasticceria. The place was lit up with glittering lights, and the smell of marinara was permeating all around. There were fancy people already coming in and out of the place. I smiled. Ben came around and opened the door for me; as soon as my foot hit the pavement, all eyes turned to me. I couldn’t help but smirk at the attention. Adoring members of my pack continued to gather, trying to get close to me. My men pushed them back as I strutted inside the restaurant.

I looked around to see my sister was already sitting at my usual table. She had a heavy glass of wine and smiled curiously at me. She waved as if she thought I didn’t see her, like she was a common fan of the Alpha. I unbuttoned my jacket and took it off as I walked to the table.

I kissed Jessica’s cheek and took the seat across from her.

“It’s nice to see you, Nik. How are you?” There was an anxious tone to her voice that made me feel a bit smug. Her face was friendly, but her eyes gave away a hint of fear. Good.

“I’m the Alpha. I’m doing great. How are you? How’s our dear Kate adjusting to adulthood?”

Her eyes fluttered as I mentioned Kate; her fear grew.

“She's doing well. She’s looking at different colleges she might want to attend. I’ve been helping her fill out applications,” Jessica answered as she took a long sip from her wine.

“That won’t be necessary,” I answered calmly as the waiter came to our table.

“Good evening, Sir, the usual?” he asked, not needing to write anything down.

“Yes, thank you. She’ll have the same with a side of garlic bread,” I answered. The waiter nodded and scampered off.

“What do you mean?” Jessica asked, bringing me back to thoughts of Kate. I gave her a mischievous smile. I wondered which emotion would be strongest in her: her desire not to make a scene or her fierce, obsessive need to protect her ‘daughter’.

“Kate, you don’t need to be fretting or making such plans for her. She won’t be leaving the pack or going anywhere too far away,” I answered. Jessica’s eyes widened, and I could tell she was starting to have inklings about my intentions.

“Explain yourself, Nik.”

I couldn’t help but snicker at her a little bit.

“She doesn’t need to plan for college or leaving because I’ll be taking her home with me. I plan to make her my Luna,” I admitted. Jessica’s face filled with fury and horror.

“Nik, she is my DAUGHTER and therefore your niece. She’s your family. What you’re thinking is… sick; it’s totally wrong, Nik. How can you even be considering that?” she demanded. Her voice was low, and her eyes skidded around to see who else could be watching.

“You found her, abandoned. She’s not your daughter; she’s not my family. She’s a nameless orphan that you took care of,” I answered. The waiter came back and placed our dishes in front of us. I thanked him and swirled spaghetti onto my fork. Jessica sat still like a statue, looking at me as if I was no longer human. I just smirked as I took a bite. Pasticceria never disappointed.

“How can you say that, Nik? How can you treat me like this? You might not consider her family, but I do. You can not have my daughter!” Her voice desperately wanted to shout, but she kept it a whisper.

“You really think you can deny me anything, sister? I’m the Alpha.”

Jessica’s eyes turned fearful, and I could see the strong effort she was putting in to keep her anger under control. I didn’t particularly love seeing my sister’s mystery, but it wouldn’t be enough to stop me from getting what I wanted.

“I’m asking you as my sister not to do this,” she replied in a stern and serious tone. She had her whole fist tight around the stem of her glass. I eyed her curiously.

“I will treat her very well. I won’t cause her any harm. The sooner you get on board with this, Jessica, the easier it’ll be.”

Jessica stood up abruptly and tossed her wine in my face.

“You’ll never have Kate. If you want her, you’ll have to take her after you kill me.” Jessica stomped off, and I watched several of my men trying to go after her. I raised my hand, warning them to leave it alone. I was sad that she had acted so rashly; I would have to make an example of her, but not tonight. If she wouldn’t give me her blessing to have Kate, then I would have to take her by force. Jessica would suffer the consequences.

* * *

I watched Kate now in her locked room. She still looked hazy, but it was clear she was coming back into reality. Good. I could see a strong sense of recognition coming across her face. I smirked. I opened the door slowly, and her eyes focused hard on the door. Her expression hardened as she saw my face.

“You can’t keep me here or force me to do anything,” she snarled. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the force in her voice.

“Is that what you think? Kate, I would never hurt you, but I’m the Alpha. If necessary, I can force you to do whatever I’d like.”

“You murdered my mother! You’re the reason she’s dead because she wouldn’t give me to you. It was her last wish that I’d be free of you. I’ll never stop fighting against you!” Kate seemed to sort of instinctively back away, further onto the bed. As if she could find her way away from me in this tiny room. I ignored her. I didn’t care about her hate or grief over her mother.

“In five years you’ve only grown more delicious and desirable. I must say, it’s been worth the wait. I thought we could finally have that little talk… in my bedroom.”

Her eyes widened with fear; I smirked with delight.