Chapter 0283

Zachary

Isabella wasn't in our bed when I got back.

The rest she desperately needed had slipped through her fingers once more.

I already knew exactly where to find her.

Back at Julian's bedside.

Praying for a miracle.

I didn't pause when I heard Alexander and Lucas talking in the kitchen.

Lucas was spouting nonsense about seeing souls like he was some kind of deity.

Maybe that was the heart of it.

He just had a God complex.

Bringing him here was a colossal mistake.

And I was going to prove it.

I found Isabella right where I knew she'd be.

In the hospital room.

Hunched over Julian.

Fighting off exhaustion.

Gripping his hand like a lifeline.

"You should be resting."

"Couldn't sleep," she whispered.

"Theodore was watching him," I reminded her.

"I know."

She clung to Julian's hand.

Her thumb traced circles on his skin as if that simple motion could rouse him.

"Did something happen? Did Theodore mind-link you?"

She shook her head.

A single tear traced a path down her cheek.

I stood there.

Watching her.

Searching for words.

Then I heard his voice.

Why the hell was he here?

I yanked the door open.

Alexander and Lucas stood there.

"You have got to be kidding me!"

"Good to see you too, Rogue!" He flashed me a grin.

Alexander rolled his eyes.

"Why are you here, asshole?" I shot back.

If he kept calling me Rogue, I had plenty of names for him too.

"I asked him to come," Alexander cut in.

"So he can examine Julian's soul?" I said, dripping sarcasm.

"Exactly."

I stared at Alexander.

He couldn't possibly believe this garbage.

"His soul?" Isabella whispered behind me.

"Isabella, this is Lucas. Lucas, this is my sister Isabella, and the man in the bed is my brother, Julian."

The asshole stared at me.

Waiting for me to move.

I positioned myself beside Isabella.

The idiot smirked at me.

Once we were alone, I'd make sure he never smirked again.

He took a seat on the other side of Julian.

Propped an ankle on his knee.

Studied my mate's brother.

"He's a Wolf?"

"I thought you could tell the difference?" I sneered.

"That's not why I asked, Rogue. I'm questioning how he can be a Wolf."

"I don't understand," Alexander frowned.

"You told me what he did to himself. That he nearly killed himself to sever his Wolf. To break his bond with Seraphina."

"Yes."

"Hmm." He stared at my mate the same strange way he'd looked at Athena.

"What?" Isabella murmured. "What is it?"

The asshole frowned.

His eyes dropped to my mate's hand holding Julian's. "Humour me. Let go."

"Why?" she muttered.

"Curiosity."

He said that word too often.

It was infuriating how he never explained himself.

Not unless he felt like it.

"I can't," Isabella whispered. "I'm not ready."

"He's not going anywhere," the asshole told her.

She nodded.

Her hand slowly withdrew.

Why did everyone obey him like he was some kind of prophet?

Why was I the only one who didn't trust him?

After several minutes of silence, a smile touched his lips. "Okay, you can hold him again." He muttered and left.

"I'll be right back," I told my mate.

I followed Alexander and Lucas out. "What the hell was that about?"

"He's not dead," the asshole muttered.

"The machines—" Alexander started.

"The machines are letting him heal. Very, very slowly." He ran a hand over the stubble on his cheeks. "Twin Wolves. In essence and spirit. Much like mates, they connect on multiple levels. Surely you know this."

"I know their bond is unique," Alexander replied.

"You should prepare yourself. Your sons share the same bond."

"Really? Do you get off on spouting this crap? Those machines are keeping him alive."

"Nah."

I stepped toward him.

He laughed. "You never should have come here, asshole."

"Neither should you, Rogue."

He moved fast.

A gun pressed against my temple.

"Lucas!" Alexander growled.

"I promised not to hurt your mate." He smiled, staring dead into my eyes. "I didn't promise I wouldn't kill the Rogue." His eyes narrowed. "Your brain will make a lovely piece of art. Smeared against that wall. I might even frame it."

"Son of a bitch."

"You shouldn't talk about someone else's mother like that. Not with your own family problems." He pushed the gun harder against my temple.

"You two are worse than squabbling children!" Alexander snapped. "Lucas, put the gun down. Zachary, go to Isabella."

"Looks like it's your lucky day." The asshole grinned. "I was looking forward to hanging that frame. I was going to add a plaque. ‘Here lies the remnants of a Rogue. He thought he knew what he was doing, but the darkness took him instead.’ Has a nice ring, doesn't it?"

A low growl rumbled in my chest.

He laughed.

Tapped the gun against my temple twice.

"Remember. I'm always prepared, Rogue." He winked.

Turned away.

Acting like he chose not to shoot me.