Chapter 0237

I sip my coffee, studying him. "You're absolutely certain you weren't a therapist in your human life?" He possesses this uncanny ability to perceive things others completely miss.

"Quite certain. My point is, you shouldn't surrender. Not now."

"While you pursued Gabriel, I shared quarters with Isabella. I hoped it might bridge a gap between us. Instead, it only seemed to intensify her resentment toward me."

"Isabella is her closest friend."

"I'm aware."

"It's plausible she feared losing her friend to you."

I roll my eyes dramatically. "That sounds like ridiculous high school drama."

He chuckles softly. "And that is precisely where you misunderstand."

I frown, exhaling heavily. His infuriating accuracy was sometimes too much. "Could you arrange a meeting with her? You could be present too."

"I can ask. But I promise nothing."

I offer a small, grateful smile. At least he was willing to try.

After finishing his coffee, he leaves to check on Charlotte. I'm alone again. How was it possible to feel more isolated in a pack full of Wolves than I ever did in that derelict town?

I refill my mug and step outside. I settle on the cool stones of my small porch.

Pack members pass by. I raise my hand in greeting. They ignore me completely, acting as if I'm invisible. I do this most days. Each time, a little more hope dies that I'll ever find a place here.

Theodore suddenly leans into my view, waving a hand. "You alright?"

"I'll manage," I mutter.

He walks over anyway. His large frame casts a shadow over me, blocking the fading evening sun.

"Care for a walk?" His deep green eyes are wide and hopeful.

"Don't pity me."

He looks surprised, almost offended. "I don't. My services aren't critically needed right now. I have free time." I roll my eyes as he adjusts his man bun. "If you don't want to walk, I'll just keep you company."

He doesn't wait for an answer. He simply plops down on the stone beside me. "I heard you were watching from the trees."

"Word travels fast," I mutter, finishing my coffee.

"It's a pack. That's what happens."

"Is that why you keep to yourself?" I ask, not really caring about his answer.

"Yes."

"If I kept to myself, they'd probably show up at my door with pitchforks."

He nods in agreement.

"You're not supposed to agree," I snap.

"I can't disagree when I agree." He smirks, his green eyes brightening. "I know how they are."

"Did you actually want to be Beta?" I ask curiously. He'd stepped up when Sebastian was drowning in alcohol. But since Zachary accepted the role, Theodore just seemed to wander the grounds.

"Yes and no. Zachary is perfect for it. He has Athena's best interests at heart." He smiles to himself. "He challenges Alexander when no one else dares. His human past is a valuable asset. If I were permanent Beta, I'd never have time for my research."

"What are you researching?"

He scrunches his face. "Lycans."

"You know there are two right here you could ask."

"No offense, but I'm researching bloodline Lycans." He adds. "And Athena can't answer my questions. I was the one who discovered she's a Lycan, after all."

"You?"

"No need to sound so shocked."

"Sorry," I mumble. "It's just... even before I was bitten, I knew what Victoria and the others were. How did she not?"

"She believed she was a Wolf. It was only when she started sharing information that Alexander realized things didn't add up."

I sigh, the familiar weight of guilt settling in my heart.

They were cruel to her. I stood back and let it happen. Right up until I attacked her myself. Betrayed by the family meant to protect her. It really shouldn't be a surprise she can't forgive me.

"She didn't trust me initially, either," he adds, as if reading my thoughts.

"She didn't?"

He smiles again. "Alexander brought her to my house for her first tutoring session. She panicked because I stood behind her, helping with her words. Fear of being hit. Fear of the unknown. It put her on edge."

"What did you do?"

"I gave her space. I talked to her. Told her how I ended up in the pack. We have something in common. I was bound as a child, too."

"You were?"

"A long story, but yes. I think that shared experience helped her relax."

"I don't have anything in common with her."

"Are you certain about that?"