Chapter 0118

“Explain it to me.” Ethan demanded, his gaze fixed on Athena. “You’re the true Alpha of Silver Creek. So why won’t they submit? I can feel your power. It’s immense.”

The allied Alphas had been here two days, and this topic kept resurfacing. Especially with Ethan. He was fascinated by the concept of a female Alpha. He always found a way to linger nearby, asking the same questions, hoping for new answers.

“They don’t believe a female can lead.” Athena replied, her patience thinning.

“Yet they’re desperate to claim you.” He leaned against the wall, studying her. “They’re creating unstable, arrogant pups who can’t control themselves, just to get to you.”

She rested her forehead on the desk, exhausted. “They want me because I can produce more Lycan Alphas for them.”

“The two leading this campaign—the male is her uncle.” I interjected. “The female is his mate. We believe they’re infertile. That’s why they kept Athena alive.”

“So you decided to get her pregnant?” Ethan raised an eyebrow at me.

“I did.”

“That’s reckless. What if they try to keep one of the twins? You must see the flaw in that plan. I know you, Alexander. I know you have one of the best strategists in your pack. Was this his idea or yours?”

“Does it matter? You’re here to protect them.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game. You’re risking all our packs.”

‘Fool.’ Titan growled inwardly. He despised how Athena was being interrogated. He hated that our word wasn’t enough for these Alphas. He was growing desperate to take control.

I straightened, my voice dropping to a warning tone. “It’s the least you can do, Ethan. Especially after what we did for you.”

He caught the threat in my words.

“Are you trying to lure them out? Is that the plan?”

“Yes. Though it’s been quiet since she killed one.”

He glanced at Athena. “She doesn’t look like much. She really killed one?”

“Two.” I said with a faint smile. “She used her claws to rip out the first one’s heart. The second, she pierced its heart.”

I followed his gaze. Athena’s eyes were closed, her cheek resting on my desk. Worry gnawed at me. She hadn’t eaten in days. Even water was hard to keep down. Others had noticed too. I shut down their questions immediately.

I decided to give her a few more hours. If she didn’t improve, I was taking her back to the hospital.

“Insane.” Ethan muttered, for what felt like the hundredth time. “They’d have a better chance if they just accepted their true Alpha.”

“I know. You know. But they think they know better.”

“That’s why they’re dying out.”

Ethan chuckled. “No offense.” He smiled at Athena, then frowned. “Is she asleep? You know that’s not normal, right?”

I checked on her. I moved her from the desk chair to the sofa. She didn’t stir. Completely unconscious.

“You should have her examined.”

“Isabella says it’s normal early pregnancy symptoms.”

“We both know this isn’t normal.” Ethan raised an eyebrow.

“She’s a Lycan. None of us know what’s normal for them. They lied to her her whole life. She doesn’t even know.”

“What about that witch you consult? Maybe she has some insight.”

“Madame Zora? She hasn’t been seen lately. No one has left pack grounds.”

“She’s in my city.”

“What? Why?”

“Long story. I can call her. But we both know she doesn’t come cheap.”

“Call her.”

He pulled a phone from his pocket and held it to his ear. I heard her the moment she answered. “Alpha Ethan?”

“Your presence is requested at Obsidian Howl.”

A pause. A long sigh echoed through the phone before she agreed to come.

“She answers to you?” I asked curiously after he hung up.

“I caught her in a bind.” He smirked. “Let’s just say I learned a thing or two from you over the years.”

He stood and looked at my sleeping mate. His eyes lingered on her a moment too long before turning back to me. “I never thought I’d see the day you found a mate.”

“Neither did I. If anything happens to her…”

He smiled. “Oh, I know. I’ve already made that mistake once. This world will never be the same. It’s better to be on your side than against you.”