Chapter 0284

“Are you going to explain what just happened?” Isabella’s voice is low as I shut the door hard. She doesn’t turn toward me. Her focus remains entirely on her brother.

“That jerk says he’s a Hunter.”

“I thought he was a Wolf.”

“A Hunter who targets Rogues and Lycans.”

She blows out a breath and finally tears her dark gaze from Julian to look at me. “Why would my brother bring someone like that here? With you and Athena here… Brianna and the boys…”

“He also has history with Seraphina.” I let out a frustrated sound. “And Brianna convinced him to help Athena.”

“He’s Charlotte’s father?” Her eyes lock on mine as I deliver the news. It’s the most attention she’s given me since Julian was brought in. A small victory, distracting her exhausted mind even for a moment.

“So it seems.”

“You’re certain?”

“I saw his expression when he looked at her. It mirrored the way Alexander and Athena look at their sons.”

“How is Charlotte handling it?”

“Better than expected. She almost seemed to recognize him.” I frown, remembering how she hugged me. I mistook her fear for overwhelm. “She ran straight into his arms.”

“She won’t stop loving you.” Isabella offers a faint, tired smile.

“But I’m not her actual father, am I?” The thought felt like a physical tear in my chest.

“Don’t assume the worst yet. Charlotte adores you. You’re the only one she lets call her Lottie. She won’t just disappear from your life.”

“She will if he takes her. This is her home, Isabella. She loves her pack. She’s a pack Wolf.”

“If he’s helping Athena, he’ll be staying awhile. Seraphina hasn’t been seen since your last encounter. Charlotte isn’t leaving you that easily.” She glares at me. “And you can’t kill him. That would destroy her.”

Her gaze drops back to her brother. I’d lost her attention again. In the silence, I replayed the Hunter’s words. ‘Twins in essence and spirit.’ He claimed the machines weren’t sustaining Julian.

Isabella had said their Wolves were twins too. Could he possibly mean Midnight was keeping Julian alive?

I hated the bastard, but I needed answers.

Alexander and the Hunter were still outside the hospital.

“What did you mean about the machines not keeping him alive?” I demanded.

He smirked. My fingers itched to wrap around his throat.

“He was suggesting it’s Isabella,” Alexander stated calmly.

“Alright, enlighten me with your brilliant theory.”

“Do you genuinely want to know, or are you just being difficult?”

Alexander’s crimson eyes held mine. A silent warning to tread carefully.

“I want to hear it,” I gritted out.

“He lives because of her. Twin Wolves shared by twins are as rare as Athena. You know that, right?”

“I’m aware.”

“Their souls are linked.” He laced his fingers together. “Intertwined.”

“How does that work? He left the pack.”

“They leave a piece of themselves behind. When I say she’s keeping him alive, it’s because…”

“Part of her soul resides in him,” Alexander finished. “She isn’t dead, so he can’t move on.”

“Exactly!” The Hunter clapped his hands together, winking at Alexander. “And that’s why you, Alexander, felt his death and continued. She can’t. She’s trapped.”

“Does he still possess a soul?” Alexander asked, his brow furrowed.

“I believe you already know the answer to that.”

“Okay, oh wise one,” I muttered, sarcasm dripping from my tone. “What do we do if my mate is the one sustaining him?”

“There’s nothing you can do. It’s in the hands of a higher power. The machines aid his healing. But no one survives long without a soul. Perhaps if it’s deemed he deserves it, he’ll be granted a new one. You should pray for that outcome.”

“Total lunatic,” I muttered, turning away. I’d never heard such nonsense.

“You love my little girl,” he shouted after me. “She’ll grow up to be just like me. If I somehow decide to let you live, will you make her think she’s losing her mind?”

“You can’t guarantee she’ll be like you.”

“It’s in her genetics. I’ve already seen the signs.”

I was ready to retort when Athena’s voice echoed in my mind. ‘This is your Alpha. Your presence is required in Obsidian Howl.’

I looked up, confused. I was already in Obsidian Howl. I turned to ask Alexander what was happening just as Brianna sprinted toward us, a huge grin on her face.

“She did it! She linked everyone.”