Chapter 0366

Lucas

My gaze traces the wound on Hannah's face.

Theodore had stitched it up skillfully.

He made it as neat as possible.

But he was right.

She would have a scar.

A permanent reminder of the attack.

She can't heal anymore.

Everything can hurt her now.

Her breathing is slow and steady.

Ugly purple bruises cover her pale skin.

I watch as her soul fractures before my eyes.

I feel no connection to her.

I can't scent her as my mate.

Yet I can't bring myself to leave.

I should go deal with those bastards at the gate.

Neither of them saw her.

Did she call for help?

Did they see her and ignore her?

Did they watch her fall and turn away?

I step out of the room.

Zachary is waiting.

"How is she?"

"What do you think?"

He studies me.

"Is she awake?"

"No.

Where's Alexander?"

"Gone to investigate."

"Then I should go too."

I glance back at the room.

Zachary's hand slams against my chest.

"No.

You stay with her.

She'll want to see you when she wakes."

"I never claimed her."

I tell him.

"I can't scent her anymore."

"So you'll just walk away?"

He challenges me.

"Just like that?"

Hannah and I were never meant to be.

I'm a Hunter.

She's a Lycan.

Was a Lycan.

It should never have worked.

Yet I couldn't get her out of my head.

I met her every day since the fire.

At first, it was just to watch her.

To make sure she didn't cause more trouble.

Then I got to know her.

It became harder to stay away.

I couldn't keep my hands off her.

It was wrong.

But I couldn't stop.

"Well?"

Zachary asks.

"This is new for me."

I mutter.

Decisions were always easy for me.

Until her.

I wanted to protect her.

Even though our bond was wrong.

I still want to protect her.

But I could also walk away.

"We'll find a way to restore her Lycan."

Zachary says confidently.

"You don't know what we're dealing with.

That Evelyn girl said she lost her Lycan five years ago.

What if there's no way?

What if this is her life now?"

"She can stay with the pack.

She'll be safe here."

I snort.

"You're serious?

Look around.

She was taken from the pack."

He stares but says nothing.

"Go on.

Say it, asshole."

I demand.

"Why didn't you trust your instincts?"

"You're blaming me?"

I snarl.

"You said it yourself.

You didn't like the guy.

But you let him go because of one of Lottie's stickers.

You trusted a seven-year-old.

A kid who can't remember breakfast."

"Trust me.

I won't make that mistake again."

Groans come from Hannah's room.

Zachary glares as I back away.

I slip inside to check on her.

She moans in pain as she stretches.

Eyes closed, her hand moves to her face.

Fingertips brush the fresh stitches.

"Ow."

"Leave it."

I tell her.

"Luc."

She whispers, peering through slits.

"I'm here."

I take her hand.

"I made it back."

She winces.

"Everything hurts."

"I know.

Close your eyes and sleep.

We'll talk after you rest."

"His name wasn't Owen."

She murmurs, eyes closing.

"His name is Levi."

Her grip on my hand loosens.

Her heartbeat slows but stays steady.

She drifts back into unconsciousness.

"It was just as we suspected."

I mutter to Zachary.

He stands in the doorway behind me.

"How did she get away?"

Zachary mutters.