Chapter 46
Enrique’s anger and frustration boil over as he confronts Kataleya, who refuses to leave his side despite his demands. As they stand in the hallway, a dark and malevolent force approaches, and Enrique’s instincts kick in to protect her. The arrival of Crawlers, evil creatures that seek to destroy and feed, forces Enrique and Kataleya to fight for their lives.
The battle is intense, with Enrique shifting to take on the Crawlers and Kataleya using her powers to create a barrier and attack them with pink fire. But as the fight wears on, it becomes clear that Kataleya is weakening, and Enrique realizes that she’s not using her full strength. Despite his concerns, they must press on, with Enrique ordering the evacuation of the packhouse and instructing Jose to send warriors with light to aid them.
As the Crawlers continue to pour in, Enrique and Kataleya are forced to retreat to his bedroom, where they come up with a desperate plan to use the prosthetic’s lightning weapon, which may hold the key to vanquishing the darkness. With the Crawlers hammering at the door, Enrique and Kataleya prepare to face their enemy head-on, fueled by their determination to survive and uncover the secrets behind the Crawlers’ sinister intentions.
Chapter 47
As Enrique utters a mysterious incantation, Kataleya witnesses an explosion of power, his aura spreading and obliterating the Crawlers. The sudden silence leaves her wondering if she’s lost her sense of hearing, and she’s left staring at their now-empty surroundings. Enrique’s evasive responses only add to the mystery, refusing to explain the source of his power or what it means.
As Kataleya’s wound is tended to, she can’t help but smile at Enrique’s words, but the reminder of their situation and his betrothal brings her back to reality. Her exhaustion and weakened state are a concern, and Enrique’s questions about her powers only add to her unease. The Crawlers’ haunting faces return to her, and she’s shaken by the realization that she understood some of their words, hinting at the prophecy of the Asheton Queen.
Kataleya’s fear and uncertainty have awakened, and she knows she must confide in her family about her suspicions. Meanwhile, Enrique remains silent, lost in his own thoughts, as the night becomes heavier with unease and uncertainty.
Chapter 48
Kataleya seeks out Marie for a private conversation, away from prying eyes and ears. As they stroll towards the pool, Kataleya can’t shake off the feeling that Enrique has changed, and she’s worried about what it might mean. Once they’re alone, Marie confronts Kataleya about her feelings of being made a joke of, and Kataleya apologizes sincerely, promising it won’t happen again.
The conversation turns to Enrique’s plan, and Marie is skeptical, but Kataleya remains committed, despite her own reservations. As they sit by the pool, Marie opens up about her version of what happened in the past, revealing a dark and traumatic experience. Kataleya, in turn, shares her own harrowing story of being taken by the Escarra family at the age of six, and the little boy who became her solace in the darkness.
The air is thick with emotions, secrets, and unspoken fears as the two women navigate their complicated relationships and the prophecy that looms over them. With every revelation, the stakes grow higher, and the fate of the Asheton Queen hangs precariously in the balance.
Chapter 49
Enrique’s plan to leave the Fuego De Ceniza pack is set in motion as he orders Carlos to pack his and Kataleya’s essentials. Jose, now reinstated as Beta, is left to oversee the pack in Enrique’s absence. The tension between Enrique and Jose is palpable, with Jose sensing that Enrique is hiding something. Meanwhile, Marie and Kataleya share a private conversation, with Marie opening up about her past traumas and Kataleya revealing her own harrowing experience with the Escarra family.
As the chapter unfolds, Enrique is faced with Jose’s confession of love, which he brushes off with ice-cold indifference. Marie and Kataleya enter the scene, and Enrique orders Jose to escort Marie to her room. Kataleya lingers, and Enrique is drawn to her as she examines the prosthetic box. Despite his initial reluctance, Enrique is moved by Kataleya’s genuine enthusiasm and asks about the prosthetic’s features.
As they inspect the device together, Enrique is captivated by its sleek design and multiple functions, including built-in weapons and the ability to transform into a wolf paw. The atmosphere is thick with emotion, and Enrique finds himself struggling to resist Kataleya’s charms, despite his initial intentions to keep her at arm’s length. The chapter ends with Enrique and Kataleya locked in a moment of fragile connection, leaving readers wondering what consequences will unfold from their blossoming bond.
Chapter 50
Enrique’s calm demeanor prevails as Kataleya persuades him to test the prosthetic leg, despite his initial reluctance. He agrees, and as they prepare for a short run, Enrique’s baser instincts resurface, imagining a more intimate encounter. Brushing off the explicit thoughts, he shifts into wolf form, and to his surprise, the prosthetic adapts seamlessly, allowing him to feel the ground beneath his paws.
As Enrique takes Kataleya on a thrilling ride through the forest, he’s amazed by the prosthetic’s capabilities and his own ability to adjust to his new limbs. Kataleya, clinging to his neck, screams with excitement and fear as they soar over hills and cliffs. Enrique’s inner chuckle grows as he senses her heart racing with exhilaration.
Their wild ride comes to an end, leaving Enrique and Kataleya breathless and grinning. The fragile connection between them strengthens, and Enrique’s resolve to keep her at arm’s length begins to crumble. With the prosthetic’s capabilities revealed, the possibilities for their future together seem endless, but at what cost to Enrique’s fragile emotional state and the secrets he’s still concealing?
Chapter 51
Enrique’s inner turmoil intensifies as he struggles to accept Kataleya’s prosthetic gift, his emotions seesawing between gratitude and resentment. As they sit together under the starry sky, their intimate moment is disrupted by Enrique’s harsh rejection, triggering a heated conversation that exposes the darker undercurrents of their relationship. Kataleya’s pleas to accept the prosthetic are met with Enrique’s cold detachment, his words laced with pain and anger.
The silence between them is palpable as Enrique’s secrets begin to unravel, revealing the true circumstances of his lost hand. Kataleya’s eyes widen in shock as she discovers the truth: Enrique sacrificed his hand to free her from her father’s captivity. The weight of this revelation hangs heavy, casting a shadow over their fragile bond. Enrique’s pent-up emotions finally burst forth, accusing Kataleya of being “pathetic” and not understanding the true nature of their past.
The air is thick with tension as Enrique’s words cut deep, leaving Kataleya shaken and vulnerable. The mysteries surrounding their past continue to surface, hinting at a complex web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy their tenuous connection. As the distance between them grows, the question hangs precariously in the balance: can their bond survive the weight of Enrique’s secrets and the darkness that haunts him?
Chapter 52
Kataleya’s tears fall like rain as she confronts the depth of Enrique’s emotional walls, understanding that his father’s discovery of his role in her escape has shaken him to the core. Her resolve to break through his defenses only strengthens as she reflects on her own family’s sacrifices, particularly Skyla’s selfless nature and her father’s unconditional love. Kataleya’s heartfelt words hang in the air, pleading with Enrique to let go of his pain and accept her love.
Enrique, however, remains torn, replaying their hurtful words in his mind as he watches Kataleya curl up on the ground. He acknowledges the profound impact she’s had on his life, yet struggles to reconcile his fear of being hurt with his desire to push her away. The sincerity of her emotions confounds him, and he finds himself wanting to understand the selflessness that defines her.
As the night wears on, Enrique’s turmoil only intensifies, driving him to reach out to Jose for support and guidance. The darkness that haunts him continues to simmer, threatening to boil over and destroy the fragile connection between them. Will Kataleya’s love be enough to break through Enrique’s defenses, or will his secrets and fears ultimately tear them apart?
Chapter 53
As Enrique steps into an unfamiliar abode, he’s greeted by a mysterious figure who addresses him as “Master Enrique” and “My King,” hinting at an eerie connection to El Rey Carmesí. Enrique’s skepticism intensifies as the man reveals he’s been sent by Delta Carlos, inciting a burst of anger and resentment towards the latter. The air thickens with tension as Enrique struggles to comprehend the man’s motives and the extent of his knowledge about his past.
Meanwhile, Enrique’s thoughts remain consumed by Kataleya, her heartfelt words still echoing in his mind as he grapples with the depth of his emotional scars. As he delves into the mysterious books in the bag, Escarra, a name that resonates with his dark past, catches his attention. The flashback to his childhood unfolds, revealing the brutal and terrifying experience that shaped him, as he desperately tries to save his padre from the clutches of the Djinn.
Enrique’s turmoil reaches a boiling point as the weight of his secrets and fears continues to haunt him, threatening to destroy the fragile bond between him and Kataleya. The mysterious figure’s sudden appearance and cryptic words only add to the enigma, leaving Enrique, and the reader, questioning what lies ahead and whether Kataleya’s love will be enough to break through his defenses.
Chapter 54
Enrique’s encounter with the mysterious figure, who addresses him as “Master Enrique” and “My King,” takes a dramatic turn as the man reveals the existence of the Ash Stone, a powerful artifact that will grant Enrique supreme power over the spirit wolves. The catch: Enrique must find the Ash Stone, and the man hints at a special incantation that will unlock its power. Enrique’s unease grows as the man’s words resonate with his own dark past, and he senses that the man is hiding something.
As Enrique delves deeper into the mysterious books, he discovers a journal that may hold the key to understanding his family’s history and the truth behind the Escarras. The journal, entrusted to the man by Enrique’s father, hints at a complex web of secrets and deceit. Enrique’s anger and resentment towards Delta Carlos resurface as he realizes the man’s motives and the extent of his knowledge about his past.
With the mysterious figure’s guidance, Enrique begins to unravel the mysteries of his family’s history, including the reason behind his madre’s oath to never become El Rey Carmesí. As the night wears on, Enrique becomes increasingly consumed by his desire to uncover the truth, and he demands to know more about the history that has been hidden from him. The air is thick with tension as Enrique’s journey takes a darker, more sinister turn.
Chapter 55
Enrique’s understanding of his family’s history deepens as Hugo reveals the story of Alpha Neron Escarra, the first El Rey Carmesí. Neron, son of a demi-goddess, possessed powerful magic and created the Wolves of Fire by reaping the souls of fallen wolves and fusing them with magic. However, he went further, creating three superior guardsmen using the Ash Stone, a powerful relic that Enrique now desperately needs to find.
Enrique’s anger and frustration grow as he realizes the magnitude of his mistake in unleashing the three guardsmen without the Ash Stone, putting him in their debt. Hugo’s words stir dark memories, and Enrique recalls his madre’s warnings about the dangers of immense power on the island, which could upset the balance and allow darkness to bleed through the barrier.
As Enrique becomes more entrenched in his quest for knowledge, he demands to know more about the Ash Stone, but Hugo’s cryptic warnings and ominous tone only heighten the sense of foreboding. The stakes are rising, and Enrique’s connection to Kataleya adds a personal dimension to his quest, making his determination to find the Ash Stone and uncover the truth even more pressing.
Chapter 56
Kataleya returns to the new residence, feeling like a failure after Enrique changed his mind about fetching her. She’s grateful for Hugo’s warm welcome and delicious meal, but her mind is preoccupied with her assumption about being the Asheton queen and her concern for Enrique’s well-being. As she shares a cup of tea with Hugo, she begins to ask him questions, sensing that he might hold some answers about Enrique’s past and the secrets he’s keeping.
Hugo reveals that he’s the same person who brought Enrique back to Puerto Rico and had been in touch with Kataleya’s father. However, he stopped responding to her father’s emails after Enrique discovered his betrayal. Kataleya learns that Enrique has immense power and influence on the island, having accomplished great things despite his young age. The conversation leaves her with a deeper understanding of Enrique’s complexity and a growing sense of admiration for the man behind the alpha.
As Kataleya continues to explore the kitchen and her thoughts, she’s increasingly drawn to Enrique’s enigmatic nature, sensing that there’s much more to him than meets the eye. With Hugo’s cryptic warnings and ominous tone, the stakes are rising, and Kataleya’s connection to Enrique deepens, making her determination to uncover the truth even more pressing.
Chapter 57
Kataleya assures her family she’s fine in Puerto Rico, despite the crawlers’ threat, and reveals her concerns about being the Asheton queen and the impending revelation of the other two. Her family discusses the impending summit and the need for preparation, with Uncle Liam mentioning Azarakh, a name that seems familiar but rings no bells. Kataleya recalls Jayce’s warning and wonders if he might know something about it.
As they discuss her safety and the crawlers’ attacks, Kataleya’s determination to stay in Puerto Rico and help Enrique grows. She defends Enrique against her father’s criticism, citing his kindness and bravery in saving her from the fire. Her family reluctantly agrees to let her stay, but not before Enrique interrupts the call, revealing himself shirtless and dripping wet, making Kataleya blush intensely.
As Enrique prepares to take Kataleya out, her family expresses outrage at his bossy behavior, but Kataleya quickly ends the call, sensing Enrique’s gaze on her. The tension between them is palpable, and it’s clear that their connection is growing stronger by the minute.
Chapter 58
Enrique interrupts Kataleya’s call with her family, revealing himself shirtless and dripping wet, making her blush intensely. As he prepares to take her out, her family expresses outrage at his bossy behavior, but Kataleya quickly ends the call, sensing Enrique’s gaze on her. The tension between them is palpable, and it’s clear that their connection is growing stronger by the minute.
As Enrique takes Kataleya to his home, he’s alerted to a pack member’s death or departure, which weighs heavily on him. He’s forced to stop and investigate, but not before arriving at Carlos’ home, where he’s greeted by Tía Maribella, a warm and loving figure from his childhood. She’s delighted to see him, but Enrique has an ulterior motive – to expose Carlos’ recent mistakes to his mother.
As they sit down to eat Arozz Con Dulce, Enrique begins to list Carlos’ recent errors, including losing someone important and disturbing him in his quarters without permission. Tía Maribella is furious, and Carlos is left reeling as Enrique smirks victoriously, enjoying the drama he’s created. The air is thick with tension and power dynamics, as Enrique asserts his dominance over Carlos.
Chapter 59
Enrique’s anger boils over as he confronts Mayor Rio about the lack of action taken to secure the water area where three people have been found dead, including one of his own pack members. He threatens to take matters into his own hands if the mayor doesn’t enforce a curfew and close off the area to civilians. Meanwhile, Enrique is devastated by the loss of Joseph, a young diver who went missing during the night, and is determined to find his body, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way.
As Enrique prepares to dive into the treacherous waters, his tension with Carlos reaches new heights. Carlos tries to caution Enrique against diving, but Enrique refuses to listen, insisting it’s his responsibility as alpha to retrieve Joseph’s body. Enrique’s determination and sense of duty are palpable as he suits up and prepares to face the dangers of the sea.
The chapter ends with Enrique poised to dive into the turbulent waters, his resolve unwavering despite the risks. The atmosphere is thick with tension and foreboding, as Enrique’s frustration and grief collide with the ominous threat of the approaching storm.
Chapter 60
Enrique’s frustration and grief still simmer as he reflects on his confrontation with Mayor Rio and the loss of Joseph. In the bathroom, he discovers the mysterious woman’s phone, blowing up with messages, and can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing he’s got her attention. As he showers, his mind wanders back to the Chupacabra and Joseph, and he resolves to dive again tonight to find the source of their entry, convinced that they must be coming from the water.
As he steps out of the bathroom, Enrique is taken aback by the woman’s provocative outfit, his throat suddenly dry. She’s dressed in a revealing beige-cream top, cream strapless bra, and rust-colored pants that accentuate her curves. Her styled hair and heels only add to her allure, leaving Enrique stunned. Despite his initial reaction, he’s still determined to stick to his plan, reminding himself that after the summit, she won’t be returning to Puerto Rico.
The chapter ends with Enrique’s inner turmoil still brewing, his determination to find answers about the Chupacabra and Joseph’s fate clashing with his attraction to the mysterious woman. The stakes are high, and the tension between them is palpable, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next in this complicated game of power and desire.
