Chapter 0298

Athena

Zachary knocks on the door and offers me a tense smile. I understood his protective instincts, but his constant presence still made me slightly uncomfortable.

Sebastian's mother, Charlotte, opens the door with Logan balanced on her hip. "Athena, perfect timing. Come with me." She immediately grasps my wrist and pulls me inside where Sebastian's father, William, is cheering Evrin on as he attempts to walk.

I watch my son wobble forward a few steps before plopping down on his bottom. William applauds enthusiastically while both Evrin and Logan mimic him with excited clapping. I can only imagine how Alexander's parents had reacted during his own childhood milestones.

A genuine smile spreads across my face, washing away all my earlier anxieties. Logan had started walking confidently just days ago, and now Evrin was joining him. Both were early walkers, something Lucas had attributed to their strong Lycan genes.

William and Charlotte never treated the boys differently because of their Lycan heritage. They insisted my sons were just like any other children. Over time, they had naturally become the unofficial grandparents to my twins.

I didn't mind this arrangement. Neither Alexander nor I had living parents.

Logan and Evrin adored them as much as William and Charlotte adored the boys. They were always happy to watch the twins without asking unnecessary questions.

I scoop Evrin up into a warm hug, breathing in his sweet cinnamon scent. He nuzzles against me as Zachary asks if I'm feeling better.

I had momentarily forgotten his presence. "Yes."

Charlotte takes my hand gently. "Is the darkness returning?"

"Nothing my boys can't fix." I give her the same response every time. I knew her concern came from genuine care. I also knew she would contact Alexander immediately if she ever believed the boys were unsafe with me. The fact that she hadn't done so yet gave me hope that she never would.

"Any updates on the Lycans?" William questions Zachary.

"Last I checked, they were still in the training hall with Alexander and the others." Zachary replies.

"The Hunter hasn't shot anyone yet?"

"No. I believe you would have heard the commotion if he had." William and Charlotte lived closest to the training grounds.

"They all appear to be alive." Charlotte is peering out the window. "But they're definitely on the move now."

William joins her at the window. "Looks like those empty cabins will finally be put to use."

Charlotte elbows him playfully, and he responds with a wink. Their interaction reminds me so much of how Alexander looks at me.

"I should take the boys home now." I thank them for watching the twins.

"Are you certain?" Charlotte asks with concern. "Your Hunter friend is moving separately from the group."

Zachary bolts out the door like a shot. I hand Evrin back to William. "I'll return as soon as possible."

Zachary is already confronting Lucas, demanding to know his destination.

"Going to consult someone about a book." Lucas doesn't break his stride.

"Why?" Zachary persists as I catch up to them.

"Curiosity."

"I'll need more explanation than that."

Lucas stops abruptly. He slowly turns his head toward Zachary. "It was suggested to me. If you have an issue with that, I suggest you take it up with Alexander."

His answer surprises me. "Alexander told you to speak with Theodore?"

"I heard surf boy is quite skilled with research. I'm going to consult him about possibly assisting with your request." "Oh."

"Perhaps I should accompany you." Zachary mutters.

"Unnecessary. Surf boy is a Wolf, and I'm perfectly capable of handling my own business." A flash of anger appears in Zachary's eyes. "Maybe you should go assist Alexander instead."

Zachary's jaw tightens, his cheeks pulsing with restrained emotion. He keeps his fists at his sides through visible effort. He stalks away before his rage can fully surface.

"Why?" I murmur. "Why do you provoke him like that?"

"It's nothing." He snaps at me. His harsh tone catches me off guard. Even when threatening others, his voice usually remained measured, laced with amusement and sarcastic commentary. Now something entirely different simmered beneath the surface.