Catarina's POV
As the sounds of the approaching danger intensified, my thoughts involuntarily turned towards my precious twins. Their innocent faces flashed before my eyes, their laughter echoing in my mind. A wave of protectiveness washed over me, engulfing my every thought.
I couldn't help but imagine their confusion and fear, unaware of the impending danger that loomed over us. Images of their wide-eyed innocence mixed with the harsh reality of the situation, amplifying my instincts to keep them safe at all costs. They were my world, my reason for fighting.
Even during this chaos, I could almost feel their warmth against my skin and their tiny hands clutching mine. Their safety became my unwavering determination, driving my actions and choices. I couldn't bear the thought of them being harmed in any way.
But as much as I longed to gather them in my arms and shield them from harm, I knew I had to trust in the protection my mate provided. I believed in his strength and his fierce devotion to our family and kingdom. Together, we would face this threat and ensure our twins remained unharmed.
My thoughts flickered between the present danger and visions of the bright future I wanted to create for my children. I vowed to do whatever it took to provide them with a life free from fear and danger, a life where they could thrive and experience the joys of childhood.
With every beat of my heart, I sent out a silent plea to the moon goddess, to the whole entire universe, praying for the safety and well-being of my twins.
“I’m ready to fight.” I clenched my teeth together and stood tall.
“Catarina, no. It’s not safe for you. We don’t have much time and our guards and warriors are already in position to protect their king and queen.” Alex pulled me close to him and assured me, but I couldn’t accept that. I needed to show them I wasn’t afraid. They weren’t going to take anything from me.
“Take her. Take her to the safe room, to Mindy and the twins. Please! Make them safe. I will handle this.” Lochlan’s words echoed as me and Alex looked shocked by such a proposal.
As Lochlan's words sank in, my heart raced with a mixture of fear and determination. "No, Lochlan! You don't have to face them alone. They were once my pack too. I need to face them.”
He turned to me, his eyes burning with resolve. "Catarina, this is my pack. I need to handle this. I cannot let them harm anyone else. They think that they are doing what is best for me. I am their Alpha, trust me, I can handle it."
Unable to find any other words to sway him, I watched as Alex gave him a nod of approval and the next thing, I knew I Alex scooped me up in his arms, his muscles tense with urgency. "I will be right back," he assured Lochlan, and we dashed towards the safe room, the howls of Lochlan's pack growing louder and closer.
“Let me face them.” I said but he shook his head.
“No. It’s not happening. The twins need you. Lochlan is right on that.”
I clung to my Alex, my heart pounding in my chest, as he sprinted through the corridors.
“King Alex, Queen Catarina. Where do you need me?” One of the guards appeared out of nowhere and he pushed open the safe room door for Alex.
“Out front. Let’s go.” Alex said to the guard and off they went. Leaving me standing in front of my twins and Mindy. The door was shut tightly behind me.
I saw Mindy holding my children close, her face a mix of relief and worry. I rushed forward and wrapped my children in a tight embrace.
“Thank goddess you’re both ok.” She gasped as she stood up.
“I’m here, my darlings," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "We're all safe now."
The twins clung to me, their small bodies shaking with fear. I tried my best to be their rock, to soothe their trembling hearts. But deep down, I couldn't shake the worry from my mind.
“Nadia, Nathan. I am here now.” I whispered to them as we huddled together in the safety of the room, the howls of the approaching pack grew louder in my head. My grip tightened around my children, trying to shield them from the darkness that threatened our family. I knew that they would come for my twins. They would take them without Lochlan’s permission, the alphas twin heirs. It was my worst fear, but I wasn’t going to allow it to happen. My twins had always been my main priority.
“Queen Catarina, trust that King Alex will come back. Everything will be ok.” Mindy assured me and I gave her a warm smile.
Minutes felt like hours as we waited, the tension in the room palpable. My mind raced with thoughts of Alex and Lochlan, hoping that they were okay, that they would return unharmed.
“Mummy, is our daddy going to die?” Nadia asked me and I stroked her face as tears filled my own eyes.
“No, baby. Everything is going to be ok.” I promised her and held her tightly.