Chapter 0106

Alexander’s expression is dark, a scowl etched into his features. A dull ache begins to pulse behind my eyes.

“It makes you uneasy?” Alexander mutters, his voice low.

“Obviously it does.”

I glance at Theodore. He was tall and broad-shouldered, like most men here. Yet he was different. He preferred solitude, buried in books and research. I couldn’t recall ever seeing him train with the others.

There was a time I questioned Alexander about Theodore truly being a Wolf. He assured me Theodore joined every pack run. He had done so since joining Obsidian Howl.

“You were bullied.” The memory of what I’d been told surfaces. “You never knew when an attack was coming. That’s why this situation makes you nervous.”

His deep green eyes lock onto mine. I knew my words had struck a chord.

“I care about you, Athena. I don’t want to see any harm come to you.”

Tell him it won’t.’ Nyx whispers softly.

I repeat her assurance. Theodore sighs, as if he doesn’t believe it. His green eyes shift upward to Alexander. “What do you need me to do?”

News of my acceptance spreads rapidly. Alexander is flooded with questions. He spends the entire afternoon and late evening in discussions with his pack.

He recalled everyone from the forest. He insisted they all get proper rest. He told them to eat while they could.

We didn’t know when the attack would come. We just knew it would. So Alexander ordered them to sleep while possible. He was anticipating a long night.

It’s nearly midnight when I’m jolted awake. Panic surges through me. This is it. It’s happening.

“Julian is awake.” Alexander says to me. He flicks on the light, blinding my tired eyes. “He demands to speak with you.”

“I thought we were under attack.” My hand presses against my chest.

“Come!” Alexander grabs my hands, pulling me upright. He’s already moving to the closet, fetching clothes for me.

We trek across the grounds toward the hospital. I notice how many Wolves are awake and moving at this hour.

“What are they doing?”

“Preparing the pups.”

“You’re letting the pups fight?” I ask, horrified.

‘No, it won’t be safe for them here. I must preserve my pack. The elder Wolves are relocating them to a secure location. They’ll return when it’s safe.’

I release a sigh of relief. “Sophia too?”

“That’s Sophia’s choice. She remains emotionally fragile. And technically, she isn’t part of this pack.”

His answer isn’t what I wanted. I needed to know she would be protected. She was thrust into a life she never deserved.

His hand presses against the small of my back, guiding me into the hospital.

I hear Julian arguing before we even open the doors. He’s demanding Isabella release him.

“You aren’t fully healed!” Isabella snaps as we enter. “Besides, you asked for Athena. She’s here.”

The moment I step into his room, Julian’s dark eyes find mine.

He says nothing. Have they told him? Does he know I accepted my position?

He knows.’ Nyx murmurs.

Seconds stretch into what feels like hours. No one speaks. His dark eyes remain fixed on me, as if he’s solving a puzzle.

“What’s on your mind?” Alexander asks him.

“That depends. How close are you willing to let them get?”

The plan of using me as bait is shifting. I know he’s talking about me. I’m what they want.

Alexander studies my face before turning back to his brother. “If they get close enough to lay a hand on her, be prepared for the consequences.”

That warning tone returns. Low and laced with danger. A personal threat to Julian. If his plan fails, Alexander will end him.

It almost frightens me, how far he’s willing to go to keep me safe.

Almost.