Chapter 0116

“Take her to the house.” Alexander commands.

Every gaze locks onto me, waiting for me to obey and lead Sophia back to the house. But something fierce and defiant flared within me, a raw need to disregard his instructions. I wanted to hear what these visitors truly thought of me. I needed to see the disgust in their eyes. I refused to be hidden away like some shameful secret.

“No.” The word slips from my lips before I can stop it. Alexander simply stares, his expression unreadable. Could he hear my thoughts?

“Sophia, go to the house.”

Her grip on my arm tightens, her nails biting into my skin. She was terrified of being left alone.

“No!” I don’t know where this sudden boldness came from. Surely it wasn't the hormones already?

His crimson eyes darken dangerously. A soft whimper escapes Sophia as she shrinks further behind me.

“If we delay this, they’ll only grow more suspicious. You did.”

“This is different.”

“Is it?”

“It’s too late now anyway.” Theodore murmurs softly.

I look up to see a group of Alexander’s men leading six other Alphas toward us. Julian is at the front, speaking quietly with one of them.

They were all massive, just like the men here. Each radiated a powerful aura. Not as overwhelming as Alexander’s, but potent enough. It makes Sophia tremble. I immediately regret not sending her away. She wasn't ready for this.

“Well Alexander, we’ve arrived!” the first one states. His dark grey eyes find me, and if I weren't fighting the urge to vomit, I’d meet his stare head-on.

“Ethan.” I hear Alexander greet him just as my stomach rebels again.

“Some of us doubted your claim. Especially given how long you’ve been trying for an heir. But now, it’s rather obvious.”

I already despised his tone. There was no friendship here, only a business arrangement. Contracts were the sole reason for their presence.

“Well,” I snap, cutting him off. “Then you’ll be thrilled to hear he’s having twins.”

Definitely the hormones. Nyx muses internally at my bluntness. I catch Julian’s smirk.

“You must be the mate.” Ethan raises an eyebrow at me. I notice the others remain silent. Why was he the only one speaking?

“This is Athena.” Alexander introduces me.

Ethan extends a hand. I don’t take it. He laughs, a deep, grating sound that makes me tense. I feel Sophia flinch. She was probably regretting not leaving the pack with the others when she had the chance.

“Suspicious. A refreshing change.” His tongue flicks over a sharp canine as he studies me.

What did that mean?

“This one hasn’t tried running yet?”

He knew about the others. How long had he known Alexander?

“No. And she won’t.” Alexander replies, his voice firm.

“We shall see.” Ethan smirks directly at me.

“It would be far easier to protect you if you refrain from running off.” He shifts his gaze back to Alexander. “Now, explain the situation. Your message was cryptic. We all have the same question.”

We move into the house, gathering around the large dining table that had gone unused since my arrival. Alexander takes the head seat and mentally directs me to sit at his left. The men settle in. I notice Sophia seize the moment to slip away to her bedroom. Perhaps that was for the best.

Alexander begins to speak. He tells them nearly everything, omitting only the truth of what I am and how they are turning people.

“Why the fuck would you need our help?” Ethan pushes his chair back from the table abruptly. “Your pack is enormous compared to ours.”

Alexander looks at me and gives a slight nod.

‘I’m… I’m not a Wolf.’ The words stumble out.

Every eye in the room instantly focuses on me.

The only blonde-haired man among them, whom Alexander had called Nathan, speaks. “You smell like a Wolf.”

I meet his gaze. “I know.” I whisper.

“What are you?” Ethan demands, his voice sharp.

“The last Lycan Alpha.”