Chapter 0197

The thought made my stomach churn. “Did they… touch her?”

“Not in that way, I believe.” Zachary’s voice was low. “I questioned her carefully. They made her crawl. Drink from a bowl like an animal. Threw scraps at her. Forced her to sleep on cold floors. She has some bruises, but nothing more.”

“Her parents?”

“All humans. No other wolves. Gabriel killed every one of them.” He sighed. “She’s six. Spent most of her life in chains. It’s a miracle she isn’t completely wild.”

I was six when my world fell apart. She was even younger. Didn’t understand why any of this was happening.

“You brought her here because of me,” I whispered, watching the sleeping child in his arms.

“Yes.” His answer was immediate.

“What about Gabriel?” Isabella’s voice was tense. “He’ll come straight for her.”

“She’s safer here among wolves and Lycans. At least she can learn what she is. Imagine if she shifted among humans with no control.”

His words dragged Caleb back into my mind. I shoved the memory away. How much of what he said was even true?

“Alright,” I murmured.

“Thank you, Athena. You won’t regret this.”

Zachary’s gaze shifted to Isabella. She had been quiet. “Alexander, would you mind holding Lottie? I need to speak with my mate.”

“She’s your responsibility, Zachary,” Alexander warned.

“He will.” I cut in.

Alexander shot me a look but held out his arms. Charlotte snuggled against his chest. The sight of him holding her made my heart swell.

He noticed my expression. “Are you okay?”

I smiled and nodded. Maybe things would be alright.

Alexander set up a small fold-out bed in our room for Charlotte. Zachary and Isabella were still talking outside. It was getting late.

He had skipped the pack run again. Tonight’s events made it necessary.

Charlotte was still asleep when he laid her down. He tucked the blanket around her and made sure her teddy bear was close. I didn’t know how long I’d been asleep when the whimpering started.

I sat up and turned on the lamp. Alexander was already moving toward her. He wasn’t happy about wearing shorts to bed.

She lashed out as he tried to calm her. Her nails scratched his cheek. The marks vanished instantly.

“She doesn’t know it’s you,” I said softly. Her eyes were squeezed shut. Sweat beaded on her forehead. She began to cry, calling out for “Daddy.”

“Charlotte,” I whispered. “It’s Athena. You’re safe.”

“Daddy!” she screamed.

Our door nearly splintered as Zachary burst in.

Her cries softened into sobs as he gathered her into his arms. He murmured soothing words to her.

“Say what you want, Zachary,” Alexander smirked. “But you’re a dad now.”

Isabella paced my room. Her limp was less noticeable now. “What am I supposed to do, Athena? He was gone for a month. Comes back with another female.”

“A child,” I corrected. It was too early for this.

“I’m not ready to be a mother. I thought we’d have amazing sex. Instead, he brings someone else.”

“A six-year-old.”

“How am I supposed to compete with that?”

“He doesn’t want you to compete. You’re his mate.”

“She calls him Daddy.”

“I know.”

“It’s insane.”

“It’s not. He saved her from a nightmare. It would’ve gotten worse as she grew. He protected her. Like a father should.” Unlike my own.

“I’m jealous of a six-year-old!” She groaned and dropped into the chair by the window.

“Basically. But she’s more like you than him. She’ll need guidance. Help understanding she’s a wolf. Zachary can’t do that alone. Give her time to adjust.”

She nodded. “Look at you. So understanding.”

“I know what it’s like to live in fear.”