The Birthday Boy

“I suppose you’re the birthday boy,” Katherine began, her voice barely a whisper. She turned her gaze to the figure leaning casually against the railing, a silhouette etched against the moonlight. "Shouldn't you be inside with the others? Enjoying your special day?”

A sigh escaped Zayn's lips, a sound as soft as the night breeze. He glanced at the door, a faint grimace twisting his features before he turned back to Katherine. “I’m…not exactly a fan of…parties. Castiel insisted on hosting this one.”

Katherine chuckled, a soft sound that resonated with the city’s lullaby. She understood the sentiment. “So, you’re going to avoid the grand masquerade gala of the year, which so happens to be your own birthday?”

Zayn’s smile was a charming thing, a slow curve of his lips that mirrored the cityscape's subtle incline. He leaned against the railing, mirroring her position, the distance between them narrowing. "Yes, actually. I’d much rather be out here, with you…the crying lady.”

Katherine laughed, a genuine, unfiltered laugh that echoed through the stillness of the night. It was a sound that tugged at Zayn's heartstrings, a melody that felt both familiar and startlingly new.

“I know the feeling,” she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. The memory of her younger self, feigning illness to avoid social gatherings, flitted through her mind. “It gets suffocating after a while.”

Another wave of silence settled between them, a comfortable silence punctuated only by the city’s distant hum and the rhythmic pulse of the music from within.

"I'm Zayn Hogan." He offered his hand, his charming smile lingering, a playful twinkle in his hazel eyes. "I take it that you're the famous Katherine Donovan?"

"Famous? I'd hardly call myself that," Katherine said with a smile, a touch of self-deprecation in her voice. She took his hand, her smaller fingers enveloping his, his calloused palm a stark contrast to her soft skin. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr Hogan.”

"Oh no, please. Just Zayn is fine." His gaze was unwavering, holding hers, a quiet intensity that didn't intimidate her. It was as if he was taking her in, absorbing every detail, every flicker of emotion that danced in her eyes. He slowly released her hand, his touch lingering just a moment too long.

"Alright, Just Zayn," Katherine agreed, a teasing smile playing on her lips as he let go. "Happy birthday, and sorry for almost ruining it with my drama."

"Thank you, and no problem. I'm just glad you and Caroline didn’t burst into a full-blown fight before I got there." His words were laced with amusement, a hint of relief, as if he’d been holding his breath.

"It's weird, isn't it? Me being here…” she murmured, the question hanging in the air between them.

"Yeah, it is," he agreed, his gaze drifting away from her, a thoughtful frown settling on his face. "I don't know half the guests in there, but I’m pretty sure you weren't invited."

"Ohhh," Katherine said, a deliberate blink adding a playful touch to her response. But the truth was, she wasn't surprised. It was only a matter of time before someone noticed her presence. “You caught me."

Zayn smirked, the gesture both charming and predatory, a smile that hinted at the wildness beneath his polished exterior. For a fleeting moment, Katherine felt a flicker of recognition. It was a familiar feeling, an echo of a time long gone, a time when her world had revolved around the intricacies of power, the delicate dance of deception. It was a feeling that made her stomach churn with a mix of dread and defiance. She was no longer the naive girl she’d once been, the one easily manipulated by the allure of wealth and status. She was a woman who had walked through fire and emerged, stronger, more determined, and more dangerous.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to chase you out…" His voice was low, a soft rumble that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Really?” Katherine’s voice was devoid of any enthusiasm. “Thanks, I guess...” She didn't believe him. The ease with which he'd caught her, the way he was holding her captive with his gaze, told a different story. There was a reason he hadn't chased her away, a reason he was standing here, on the precipice of the night, with her. She wasn’t an uninvited guest, she was a target.

"If…you tell me why you're here,” Zayn interrupted, a challenge laced in his words.

"Should have known..." Katherine scoffed, her words dripping with sarcasm. "You rich people always want something else underneath your good deeds."

"That's highly stereotypical."

"But am I wrong, though?” she pressed, her gaze unwavering.

“No,” he admitted, his voice a soft sigh. He was right. Katherine was no fool. She had seen the underbelly of this world, the dark undercurrents that lurked beneath the glittering surface. She was no longer the naive girl who'd been swept away by the promises of luxury and acceptance.

“Why should I tell you?” Katherine’s voice was sharp, her defiance growing with each word. “So you can Castiel all about my ‘evil plans?’ By the looks of it, you two are very close friends.” She rolled her eyes, a gesture born of both irritation and amusement.

"Castiel and I are great friends…but I am capable of keeping the secrets of a beautiful lady," Zayn said, his words a playful counterpoint to her cynicism.

For a moment, Katherine was taken aback. His words, his tone, were unexpected. He wasn't trying to intimidate her, he wasn't threatening her, and he wasn't attempting to charm her into compliance. He was offering a truce, a way forward. And for the first time that night, a flicker of curiosity sparked within her.

"You…really think so?" she asked, her voice softer, a hint of genuine interest coloring her words.

“I do,” Zayn confirmed, his gaze unwavering, his sincerity undeniable. He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to touch her arm.

Katherine didn’t flinch. His touch was gentle, respectful, as if he understood the unspoken boundaries that surrounded her. It was a touch that felt both familiar and strangely comforting. She wasn't afraid of him, not anymore. She had faced worse.

"Tell me, Katherine," Zayn said, his voice a low murmur. "Tell me why you’re here.”

Katherine hesitated, her mind racing. She had come here seeking answers, seeking revenge. She had come to break the chains that bound her to the past, to reclaim the power that had been stolen from her. But now, standing here on the precipice of the night, facing this man, she realized that her quest was more complex, more dangerous, than she’d ever imagined.

She knew she couldn't tell him everything. She couldn’t trust him completely. But she also knew that she couldn’t face this alone. She needed an ally, someone who understood the game, someone who might just be able to help her.

Katherine took a deep breath, the cool night air filling her lungs. She knew she was playing with fire, but she also knew she had no choice. She had to trust her instincts, her intuition, and she had to trust him.

"It's nothing sinister," Katherine finally said, her voice low, her gaze meeting his. "My sister's getting married to my ex husband...and I missed my home town, so I'm here."

The words hung heavy in the air, he didn't pull away, he didn't back down. He simply stared at her, his gaze searching, as if trying to understand the depth of the darkness that lived within her.

He didn't believe her, and that was fine. He couldn't prove that she was here for anything negative.

“Alright, Miss Katherine.” he said finally, his voice low and steady, his tone a mix of respect and curiosity. "I don't suppose you'd join me for a drink."

Katherine took a step forward, the distance between them shrinking. She was ready to play this game, ready to fight for her future, ready to reclaim her life. She had nothing left to lose. And she had a feeling that Zayn

Hogan was about to become a very dangerous enemy...or a very powerful ally.