Chapter 0111

Alexander

“It’s your decision now.” Julian mutters. “All the vulnerable members have been moved out.”

“It’s been a full week!” I snap. I anticipated an attack from Dominic by now. But there was nothing. No rogue Lycans. No threats. Silence. It made me uneasy.

“We can organize another forest sweep.” Julian suggests.

“Are they checking the trees this time?”

He scoffs. “Obviously. We won’t repeat that error.”

My gaze shifts to the wall calendar. The next full moon was approaching fast.

“You believe they’ll strike then?” Sebastian murmurs. He had been quiet, listening to my heated exchange with my brother.

“When are we most likely to be absent?” I sigh. “It’s precisely what Caleb did. He waited until we were gone. He eliminated the guards I posted. He nearly took Athena.” The memory of almost losing her that night churned my stomach.

“Reinforcements should be here by then.” Julian informs me. “The call for aid has been sent.”

“They will need to flee as well.”

“Then I’ll remain with her.” Julian offers.

Sebastian and I stare at him. I still disliked the idea of him being alone with my mate. Now, I was confident Athena could defend herself, but that didn’t mean I wanted her to kill my brother.

“You need to run too. The moonlight strengthens us.”

He gives a slow nod. “But I don’t require it like you do. You’re the Alpha. You must lead the pack. I am a capable fighter.”

“A single Lycan overpowered you.” Sebastian muses.

Titan’s laugh echoes in my mind at Sebastian's remark. ‘It happens every single time.’

“Hey! I was protecting Athena and my sister!” Julian glares at Sebastian. “After you,” he points at me, “I am the next best option.”

“Is that so?” Sebastian raises an eyebrow. “Shall we test that theory?”

“OUTSIDE!” Julian shouts.

This occurs at least once a year.

Each time, I allow it. Julian needs reminding. He is skilled in war tactics, but not in direct combat.

Still, Julian never accepts it. He always feels the need to prove himself.

I follow them out of the house. I watch them square off. I roll my eyes as they begin circling each other. Sebastian has his hands in his pockets, moving with utter boredom. Julian is crouched, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

“If I win, I get to guard the Luna!” Julian snaps.

“Alpha.” Sebastian corrects flatly. “If you win, you get to PROTECT the Alpha.”

I see my brother roll his eyes. I know that will irritate Sebastian further.

Julian charges. Sebastian simply sidesteps. Julian skids on the grass and quickly turns, lunging again. It resembles a cartoon where the smaller one never succeeds.

They end up wrestling on the grass. I catch my mate’s lavender scent. She stops beside me. “What… what are they doing?”

“Deciding who will watch over you during the next full moon.”

I feel her blue eyes on me.

“Don’t worry. It will be Sebastian.”

“Then why are you letting them fight?” I hear the alarm in her voice.

“Julian does this constantly. He challenges Sebastian or me. He never wins.” I mutter just as Sebastian lands a punch on my brother’s nose. “It’s simpler to let them settle it.”

I pull Athena back against my chest. I lock my arms around her. I rest my hands on her stomach.

Every day I’ve taken her, filling her with my seed. Still, her scent shows no change. No sign she carries my pup. Isabella said the same thing she told Athena. It’s still too early to know.

“How are you feeling?” I whisper in her ear as she watches the fight.

“Sore.” Her tone holds a warning. A clear warning not to try anything today. She tilts her head back to look up at me. Her eyes are nearly pitch black. It’s more than a warning. It’s a threat.

I suppress a chuckle and kiss her forehead. If Nyx believes she can threaten me on Athena’s behalf, she is mistaken. I kiss her again, staying silent. My eyes likely tell her everything. I do not respond well to threats.

Her attention returns to the men still wrestling. Julian is a little bloody. The blood on Sebastian is also Julian’s. Not a single bruise marks Sebastian’s skin.

“Guys, that’s enough. You’ve been at this long enough.”