Chapter 0244

“She’s offering me a chance to redeem myself.” I shrug lightly. “It’s more than I expected.”

Zachary and Charlotte remain for a short time. It’s almost surreal to see how much he’s changed from the feral creature I first encountered. I never imagined we would build a life like this. And I refuse to lose it—not when Athena is finally giving me an opportunity.

I wait until nightfall before slipping away. Climbing high into the forest canopy, staying out of sight. From above, it’s easy to move branch to branch toward the edge of the pack territory.

Guards patrol below, but the moment they turn away, searching for my scent, I leap and run. The faster I gather information for Athena, the better. But I’m doing this the old-fashioned way. No technology. I need to see things with my own eyes.

Breaking into a parked car is child’s play. It’s an older red Nissan. Inconspicuous. Exactly what I need.

I drive toward the city. That’s where Zachary last saw her. Though she’s likely smart enough not to stay in one place too long. Her clothing suggested she wasn’t hiding in some rundown building or cave. She has a home. Somewhere to store expensive clothes and reapply makeup.

I’m about to return to Obsidian Howl when I spot her car partially hidden behind dumpsters. They tried concealing it on a driveway beside a quaint house.

Quietly, I move closer and check the license plate. It’s definitely hers. For now, that’s all I need.

I turn to head back to the stolen car when a familiar scent hits me.

Julian steps out from the shadows near the parked vehicle. His arms are crossed over his broad chest. He’s wearing a crisp black suit—something I never expected from him.

“Brianna.” He says my name like it’s poison, rolling the syllables slowly. “What are you doing here, Brianna?”

I narrow my eyes. He tuts, shaking his head slightly as he moves closer, looming over me. Though I could easily overpower him if I shifted.

“I see she has you wrapped around her finger.”

“Why are you here, Brianna? Did your lover send you?” He chuckles darkly. Some things never change.

When did he become so twisted? Alexander was right about one thing—Julian would have fit in perfectly with the Rogues. Maybe that’s what Seraphina sees in him.

“I came alone.” I have no idea if he’s linked with her yet. My best option is to keep him talking. “I was curious.”

“About what?”

“Seraphina. She looks just like Athena. Are they twins?” I lie. He saw how short-tempered Athena was with me. Even the other day when Seraphina showed up and he was in the car, he witnessed Athena’s anger toward me.

“None of your business.” He curls his lip in annoyance.

“You’re right. It’s my weakness. Curiosity always gets the better of me.” I keep lying. I can lie to anyone—as long as it’s not my Alpha.

He presses his lips into a thin line and glances at the old red car.

“I stole it,” I blurt out. “Alexander would never let me take a car to look for you.”

He nods, seeming to believe me.

“You were stupid to come alone, Brianna.”

“It’s not like I have anyone on my side anymore.” I shrug. “Zachary has Isabella. The pack hates me. I wanted to find somewhere I’d feel welcome.” Each lie burns inside me.

“Then why did you stop Seraphina?”

“I was still trying to help. I’ve spent so long trying, but it’s time to give up.” I slump my shoulders, feigning defeat. “Is Seraphina here?”

“She’s working.”

“Oh.” I let myself deflate further, burying my surprise. What kind of work does she do? And why is her car still here?

“Get in the car and go home.”

“It’s not my home,” I mutter. “But I’ll go.”

He watches me slide into the car and start the engine. He only steps back onto the pavement as I begin to move. I got what I needed for now.