Chapter 0114

"Is she all right?"

"No. She shifted." I watch Athena's eyes widen. "Multiple times. She tried to harm herself. This isn't the first incident."

"What are you implying?"

"Her body is covered in scars. Old ones. From before her turning. Her arms and shoulders are marked with thin, silvery lines. She conceals them well, but her past holds more than she reveals. I intend to keep close watch. Perhaps you should spend time with her as well."

"Me?"

"She referred to herself as a monster."

I wait for Athena's response. She only gives a slow, understanding nod.

"She needs guidance. A role model. You could be like an older sister to her. Show her that our existence isn't entirely terrible."

"Not so heartless after all?" she murmurs while I move to fetch her a glass of water.

"Is that your perception?" I raise an eyebrow, handing her the glass.

She doesn't answer. Instead, she presses her lips to the rim. I catch the faint curve at the corners of her mouth, which she struggles to hide as she drinks.

"New arrivals are coming today." I remind her.

"At least I don't have to lie anymore." Her smile is tight, not reaching her eyes.

"No. But you should know—many won't want to be here."

"They're bound by contract?" Athena asks.

"Yes. And they won't hesitate to express their displeasure."

"Right." She sighs. "What exactly do the contracts stipulate?"

"They must protect any heir of mine. At any cost."

"And if they refuse?"

"Do you truly want that answer?"

Wrinkles form on her forehead. She opens her mouth to speak, but the words vanish as she bolts for the toilet. She shoves the glass into my stomach on her way.

I wait until she finishes. When she looks at me, her skin has taken on that same grey pallor from our first meeting. "Nyx suspects something is wrong."

"It's hormonal. I've witnessed it before." The grey tint concerns me, but I won't voice that. "If it eases your mind, we can visit Isabella."

"You're still here?" I mutter to Theodore as we enter the pack hospital.

"Assisting Isabella with the cleanup. Sophia left quite a mess." He flips through a cheap magazine Isabella insisted on buying.

"Where is Isabella?"

"Changing. She'll return shortly. Is everything alright?" His gaze settles on Athena. "You don't look—"

He stops when I shake my head. Before Athena can speak, Isabella bursts into the room.

"Theodore, head to the house. Sophia is in the end room down the hall. Keep an eye on her." I instruct.

"Of course."

"You're pregnant?" Isabella asks the moment Theodore leaves. "You must be. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here. Though I can't detect the changes yet."

"Just examine her."

"I've told you, Alexander. Nothing will appear until she's several weeks along. Even then, it'll be a tiny speck." She turns to Athena with a smile. "All I can advise is to increase your fluid intake if nausea persists."

"This isn't normal for a Wolf." The words slip out, fueled by Titan's urgency. I barely have time to think or push him back.

"She isn't a Wolf." Isabella snaps, crossing her arms. "I can perform a scan, but that's all for now. And I assure you, it will reveal nothing."

She guides Athena to a bed and retrieves a small machine. She moves the wand absently over Athena's abdomen. "Honestly, Alexander, I'm surprised you can detect anything. Most mates don't sense it until at least a month."

She halts abruptly, holding the wand in place. "Huh."

Panic flashes in my mate's eyes. "What does 'huh' mean?" Athena cries out.

Isabella adjusts a setting on the monitor. A heartbeat echoes through the room, followed by a second, distinct beat.

"Athena, you're further along. Approximately six weeks."

"I am?"

"You weren't aware?"

"No."

"What's wrong with the heartbeat?" I demand.

"Nothing. It's exactly what it sounds like when a mother is carrying twins."