Chapter 0285

Lucas Adler

“She actually succeeded?” Alexander asks, his voice filled with surprise. He turns toward the pack house, his expression shifting.

“How did she manage it?”

Brianna simply shrugs. “I wasn’t with her when it happened.”

Alexander scowls, not because he disapproved, but because Athena had accomplished this without any guidance.

“I saw Zachary here with you both and just…” She pauses, her brown eyes lifting toward the hospital doors with a frown. She doesn’t question why we’re here, though her curiosity is evident.

“We need to prepare.” Zachary stares directly at me. “But I suspect you’re already prepared for what’s coming.”

“This is exactly why I was summoned here. To deal with the Rogues.” I give him a knowing wink.

He rolls his eyes dramatically before turning to Brianna. “You’re coming with me where I can keep you safe.”

“What about Isabella?” she questions. “That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? Is Julian still alive?”

“Isabella will be fine.” I assure them, earning another irritated glare from Zachary. He was so easy to provoke. I just needed him to lose control, to give me a legitimate reason to end him without anyone questioning my actions.

He gives me one final heated look before walking away, pulling Brianna along with him. Alexander and I are left standing alone.

“You need to stop provoking him.” Alexander warns me. “He’s my Beta. He’s done nothing but help this pack and Athena. He spent the last year raising your daughter. You owe him at least some respect for that.”

“There’s a reason Wolves and Lycans don’t coexist, Alexander. Lycans live on the edge, constantly risking descent into Rogue madness. Wolves don’t face that danger. It’s that simple.”

“Is it?” He challenges me. “If you haven’t noticed, several of us are now mated to Lycans. A bond specifically created for us. If we weren’t meant to live together, why do these bonds exist at all?”

I open my mouth to respond, but he continues passionately.

“You’re telling me you have centuries of knowledge passed down, yet you’re still trapped in the past. Living by these insane, outdated rules created gods know how long ago. Have you ever actually tried to understand a Lycan?”

I remain silent, seeing the absolute conviction in his eyes.

He shakes his head in disappointment. “For someone who can read souls, you’re blind to so many things.”

“I was born a Hunter. It’s my birthright.”

“You were also born a Wolf. Don’t forget that. Now come with me. We need to see my mate.”

I follow slightly behind him as we head toward the packhouse, his words echoing in my mind. I was born to be a Hunter. It flowed through my veins. I couldn’t change that truth, nor did I desire to.

Athena paces nervously in the office, her eyes downcast as she moves back and forth. She only stops when Alexander clears his throat.

“I did it. I sent out the link.” She murmurs, uncertainty coloring her voice.

“So I’ve heard.” Alexander smiles warmly at her. I watch as their souls ignite with mutual love and devotion. Their union defied nature, yet their souls were perfectly matched. What were the higher powers playing at?

“It was the right decision, wasn’t it? This is what we agreed needed to be done?” She seeks his reassurance.

“Yes.” He pulls her close against him. “How did you manage to accomplish it?”

She smiles softly. “Charlotte.”

Alexander raises an eyebrow, glancing back at me. “Charlotte helped you?”

She nods enthusiastically. Part of me feels sickened yet proud that she’s already tapping into her Hunter abilities. Though my Hunter daughter had aided a Lycan. An involuntary shiver runs down my spine.