Chapter 0133
Alexander
Are you completely certain she's alright? I mind-link Sebastian.
Isabella has examined her thoroughly. The twins are unharmed. Your sister believes it's stress-induced and has ordered complete bed rest. Athena believed you were dying. She didn't even realize she was bleeding until I located her. I still don't understand what she was thinking when she fled.
She wasn't thinking. Her only thought was reaching me. I respond silently. Keep her protected. We will monitor this Brianna situation.
You're allowing her to live?
Currently, she might be our only lead to finding Sophia.
Will you return tonight?
I'll try. No promises. If I don't, you know the protocol.
Of course. Alexander, be careful around that woman. She sounds completely unhinged. Everyone is tense.
I still couldn't believe we encountered another one of my mate's past tormentors. We were hundreds of miles from home. In a completely different territory.
I glance at my brother dozing nearby. We agreed to alternate watching our Lycan housemate.
Finished communicating with your pack? Brianna asks from the staircase.
Just checking on my mate. I had mentioned my mate was a female Alpha. Did she know I meant Athena? She must.
I think she knows. Titan grumbles.
Is she alright? She sounds genuine. But she might be practiced at faking concern.
Resting. I offer a brief smile. I would share minimal details for now.
A long conversation for someone who is resting. Her brown eyes fix on me.
She's suspicious. Titan mutters.
I would be too in her position. I tell him.
I give Brianna a reassuring look. I also checked in with my Beta. Leading a pack doesn't pause just because I'm absent.
She nods slowly.
Do you live alone? I ask, surveying the dilapidated house.
Brianna raises an eyebrow. She puffs her cheeks, considering her response.
Mostly.
My brother mentioned another during the crash. Are there more of you?
We're playing with fire. Titan warns.
A few. Brianna states.
All bitten?
She nods and stands. Probably Zachary that crashed into you. He dislikes Wolves. Honestly, he dislikes everyone.
This is neutral territory.
Her eyes lock on mine as she descends the final steps. You all say that. Everyone passing through says that. No Alpha here doesn't make it neutral.
Her temper flares as she approaches. Wolves think they know everything.
You're right. My error. Have you claimed it?
We did! We made it safe for our kind.
I only learned of your kind this year. I say, attempting to divert her.
Because of your mate?
I nod.
And she's a female Alpha?
Yes. I couldn't lie after already telling her.
She stares directly into my eyes. The girl in the basement. Her harsh expression softens. She's alive?
I remain silent under her gaze.
I thought I killed her. Is she... truly alive? You must tell me!
Yes.
Brianna steps back. She leans against the wall, a faint smile forming. She's really alive?
Yes. I repeat.
She sighs deeply. You know what I did, don't you?
I've been told.
By the basement girl? Your mate?
Yes.
Then you don't know everything.
She slides down the wall, landing heavily on the floor. She scowls and picks at a hole in her worn jeans. I was told she was a thief. That they were holding her prisoner until deciding her fate.
She snorts bitterly. And I was foolish enough to believe them. I'd seen her a few times before. Always working in the house. I thought she was hired help. I didn't even know her name. Then I was bitten.
She runs hands through her dirty blonde hair, sighing. They put her in the basement the day before I was bitten. Told me she stole family heirlooms. I was stupid enough to believe it. Stupid enough to trust Victoria.
She shakes her head, leaning back against the wall. When that bitch bit me, something took over. I was so angry. I couldn't control it. I couldn't bury it deep like I usually did.
She sent me down into that basement. Told me to have fun. They said the female needed punishment.
A single tear escapes, tracing down her cheek. She wipes it away quickly, pretending it never happened. Her screams still haunt me.