Chapter 437
Katelyn stepped out of the car, her heels sinking slightly into the fine sand of the narrow path that led toward the sea. The ocean stretched out a hundred meters ahead, glimmering beneath the late afternoon sun. She had visited countless private beaches before, yet this one felt different as if it carried memories whispered by the tide. For the first time, she realized she didn’t truly know every corner of the kingdom.
“What’s this place called?” she asked, turning toward Sage, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“Pearlwind Coast,” he replied. His gaze drifted toward the horizon where the sea met the sky. “It belongs to the Nightshade family. There’s an old legend tied to it. Centuries ago, one of our ancestors, the Luna of the pack, came here after searching tirelessly for pearls said to hold magical healing properties. She found them in these waters and used their power to save her dying daughter. Since then, this place has been regarded as sacred p>
Katelyn looked back at the waves with a thoughtful gaze. “Then why not establish your pack here? If it’s so meaningful to your lineage p>
Sage smiled faintly. “That’s exactly why we never did. Because it’s sacred. It isn’t meant to be claimed or built upon. Pearlwind Coast is a place of remembrance, not possession p>
“Hm. So, only your pack members are allowed here, right?” Katelyn asked as she walked ahead, the sea breeze tugging at her hair.
“Yeah,” Sage replied, following her. “They can come only with permission p>
“I see.” She paused and glanced down as her heels sank into the soft sand. With a small sigh, she bent to slip them off.
“Shall we have a little fun, then?” she said with a teasing smile. “I only have this dress, so I’m afraid we won’t be swimming p>
Sage took the heels gently from her hands and set them down beside the path. “Oh? And what kind of fun are we talking about, fun that doesn’t involve the ocean p>
Katelyn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her lips curving faintly. “We can just walk for a while,” she suggested.
But before she could take another step, Sage was suddenly beside her. Without a word, he slipped an arm around her waist and lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
“Hey! What are you doing?” she gasped, laughter mingling with her protest. “Put me down, Sage! We aren’t going into the waters. It’s my command p>
“I love to defy you,” Sage said with a crooked grin. He kicked off his sneakers so fast they thudded into the sand.
“No—! I swear, if my dress and makeup get ruined, I will—” Katelyn began, her legs flailing in the air, but he didn’t wait to hear the threat. He strode forward and plunged them into the surf; warm sunlight broke across the water and licked at his ankles.
“Ahhh!” Katelyn shrieked as a short wave slammed into them and soaked the hem of her dress. Sage set her down and then, without warning, let go. She spluttered, then found her balance and began to swim a few strokes out.
“You are such a jerk!” she scowled when another playful ripple nudged them. Sage drew her back close, steadying her with a steady arm so they bobbed together on the roll of the sea.
“Your makeup is waterproof,” he said, smiling broadly. “And even if it isn’t, you’ll still look beautiful p>
“And what about my dress?” Katelyn demanded, splashing a little water at him. “I swear, you’ll be going to the city to buy me new clothes p>
“As you wish,” Sage replied with a teasing grin. His gaze lingered on her, first her eyes, then slowly down to her lips. The warmth between them deepened, not just from the closeness of their bodies, but from the pull of their bond.
Feeling the shift, Katelyn turned her head quickly, her voice softening as she looked out toward the horizon. “The water sparkles here,” she whispered.
“Yeah,” Sage admitted.
Katelyn gently wriggled free from his hold and paddled a few strokes away, letting the water ripple around her.
“Don’t go too far,” Sage called, concern threading his tone.
“Why? Afraid that if anything happens to me, my father will demand your head?” she teased, arching an eyebrow mischievously.
“Hey, don’t joke about that,” Sage replied, moving closer, his eyes locked on hers.
Before he could react, Katelyn dipped beneath the surface, holding her breath.
“Kate!” he shouted, diving after her. The water swallowed him for a moment, and then he saw her teasing him with a smile breaking through the surface as she swam gracefully away.
Sage cut through the water with swift strokes until he caught her, his arm wrapping around her waist. They broke through the surface together, gasping for air as sunlight danced over the rippling sea.
“I told you not to go too far,” he said, his voice low, half stern and half relieved.
“But you’re the one who dragged me here,” Katelyn retorted, breathless, a teasing spark in her eyes. “Still, that look of fear on your face makes you look She trailed off, her lips curving faintly.
“Makes me look what?” Sage asked, his hand rising instinctively to brush a strand of wet hair from her cheek. His touch lingered just a little too long.
“Scary,” she finished softly.
Sage’s expression darkened, not in anger, but in something primal. “You’re my mate, Kate. Don’t forget that.” His voice dropped to a near whisper. “If anything happened to you… what would I do p>
“I’m not your p>
Before she could finish, he pressed a finger gently against her lips.
“You are,” he murmured, his gaze locking with hers. “Don’t deny the bond the Moon Goddess has blessed between us. You’re mine, Kate. In this life, you are mine p>
The possessive certainty in his eyes made her breath hitch.
“I told you before too. I always wanted a mate because everyone around me always carried selfish motives. So, don’t do something so dangerous,” Sage advised her.