Chapter 0347

“I already told you, you’re focusing on the wrong person!”

“So if something happens to her, what then? Her father comes after us? You come after us?”

“Exactly. I’ll say this once. If you or any other Lycan tries anything foolish, it won't just be me or Luc you have to answer to. Lottie is part of Athena’s family. How do you think Athena will react after she welcomed you into her home?”

“I support our Alpha completely, but I don’t want that Hunter’s child around my kids.”

“Why? Worried they’ll turn out like Seraphina?” I walk off before he can respond.

Athena stands at the front door, hands on her hips. “Now you’re threatening other Lycans?”

“It wasn’t a threat. But I’m glad they can mind-link you when necessary.”

She sighs and sits on the bottom step. “Zachary. I’m sorry, alright? I had to intervene. I couldn’t let you do it.”

“Stop apologizing, Athena. I keep telling you I understand. You don’t need to keep saying sorry.”

“But—”

“I don’t blame you, Athena. Not for anything. I blame her. She took the easy way out. She didn’t even fight for what was hers. And honestly, I have bigger things to worry about.”

“If you need to talk, I’m—”

“I don’t.”

She exhales sharply. “Are you going to tell me what happened with Caleb?”

“I’m sure he’s already told you.”

She rolls her eyes. “I like to hear both sides.”

I sit beside her on the stairs. “I won’t let anything happen to Lottie.”

“I know. But we all have to make this work. We have the original Wolves, Lycans—both bitten and pure-bloods—and several Hunters. Though I’m not sure I’d put Theodore in that category.” She smiles faintly. “I’ll talk to Caleb.”

“He’s a jerk, Athena. Don’t fall for his nonsense.”

“It’s my choice.”

I nod. “Where’s Alexander?”

“Down at the gate. Apparently, there’s another one.”

“And you didn’t go?”

“I waited for you. Isabella took the twins. I was about to head down, but whoever’s at the gate isn’t urgent. You understand that, right? You’re not alone here. Just because she’s gone doesn’t mean you’re not family.”

“Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”

We walk down to the gates together. A woman stands on the other side, arms crossed defensively. She’s human. How did a human get all the way out here?

Her eyes are an unusual shade of grey. “You don’t believe me, do you?” she mutters to Alexander.

“Why would a human be here?” Athena whispers.

“Only one way to find out.”

The woman’s strange grey eyes shift to Athena as we approach. Her lips part slightly. “Shit!”

I immediately pull Athena behind me. Her life is far more valuable than mine. I don’t need another fool trying to harm her.

“How did you find this place?” Alexander demands.

“I was shown.”

“By who?”

“Someone like me.”

“Another human?” I ask.

“I’m not human. Not anymore, at least. It’s complicated. I was a Lycan. Then my abilities were taken.”

“You weren’t bound. If you were bound, you’d still carry a scent. But you only smell human,” Alexander tells her.

“I don’t know what he did to us. I just know I was never the same after.”

“Bullshit!” Alexander snaps.

“What if I told you the same thing happened to Seraphina?” the woman says.

“What are you talking about?” Athena steps around me.

“Seraphina isn’t a Lycan anymore.”

“Impossible.”

“She’s the one who showed me where your pack is. I came to warn you.”

“Really? What is Seraphina threatening me with now?” Athena demands.

“It’s not Seraphina. She didn’t want me to come, but we had no choice. The man who did this to me and others is probably on his way here looking for her. She told him she was your half-sister.” The woman shakes her head at Athena.

“I’m not afraid of one man!” Athena retorts. “Whatever happened to Seraphina is exactly what she deserved.”

The woman sighs. “She did a lot of terrible things, I know. But instead of facing consequences, she had everything stripped from her. That’s what he does.”

Athena scoffs.

“What’s your name?” Alexander asks.

“Evelyn Reed. But everyone calls me Evie or Eve.” She shakes her head. “This man is dangerous.”

“Is this a trick?” Athena whispers to me.

“She seems to know a lot.”

“She isn’t lying.” Luc strolls up beside us. His hazel eyes fix on the woman. “But you’re not telling us everything either, are you, Evelyn?”