*But it didn't work,* Katherine realized, her voice heavy with dread.
Katherine's mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. Through their mate bond, her thoughts bombarded William like a relentless storm.
*How long has this been going on? Why wasn't I told? What if Frederick hurts her? What if Connor walks into a trap?*
William felt a headache building behind his temples. Katherine's anxiety was feeding through their bond, amplifying his own stress.
"Katherine, please," he said aloud. "I need you to calm down. Connor will be here soon, and we'll figure out a plan."
But Katherine wasn't finished. Her voice rose with each word.
"This is all your fault!" she accused, her amber eyes flashing with anger. "If you had handled the Victoria Price situation properly twenty
