Chapter 0031

"Did he talk?"

"Nothing useful yet." Sebastian sighs, his gaze shifting to me. "I believe this is the true form of a Silver Creek wolf."

"Lock him in the dungeons. Maximum security. We'll interrogate later. And this stays between us!" I command sharply.

"What about Athena?" Sebastian asks.

"What about her?" I glare at him.

He immediately falls silent, choosing not to press further.

"Take the beast to the dungeons." I repeat.

Sebastian nods and they load the creature back into the vehicle, driving toward the secure facility.

She can't be one of them.' Titan protests in my mind. 'It's impossible.'

Why are you so quiet?' Titan demands as I walk back through the mansion.

Pieces were finally connecting. My lack of knowledge about Silver Creek until recently. Their extreme secrecy. How they kept vanishing without trace. How Athena had never seen their wolf forms. How the beast hid in the trees. Athena's comments about gaining their wolves at thirteen.

What if that was the key? They didn't disappear—they ascended. Hiding high in the canopy where we'd never think to search.

I settle into the chair in our bedroom, watching my mate sleep. Was she one of them without realizing it? If I unbind her, will this become her fate?

She's ours!' Titan insists, as if that explained everything.

I wake to the sound of running water.

The bed lies empty.

Athena's clothes are discarded at the foot of the bed.

I glance toward the bathroom.

She sits on the shower floor, water streaming over her small frame as she leans against the glass.

"Athena?"

She doesn't respond.

I wrench the shower door open.

She hugs her knees to her chest.

"I... I don't really remember my parents." she whispers. "But I see their faces. I... I see blood flowing from their noses and eyes. I see them clawing at their throats while choking on blood. I remember their eyes locking with mine as they took their final breaths."

I had feared she felt the bond break with Marcus.

Instead, she was reliving her parents' dying moments.

No amount of reassurance would erase that haunting final image.

I strip off my shirt and step under the water.

Sliding down the cool tiles, I sit beside her.

In one swift motion, I pull her naked body onto my lap.

I lock my arms around her, holding her tightly against me.

Hoping it would provide some comfort.

Hoping she would understand she isn't alone.

She rests her cheek against my chest, taking deep breaths.

Her racing heart gradually slows to a steady rhythm.

I desperately wanted her.

I could feel myself hardening beneath her.

"Let's get you dressed." I murmur, ignoring Titan's frustration.

My needs could wait.

My self-control continued to surprise me.

Athena remains still as I wrap a towel around her.

She sits on the bed while I find fresh clothes for her.

"The contract is void, right?" She asks quietly. "You're finished with my brother?"

"Yes."

"So I'm free to leave without you killing me?"