Chapter 0372

Brianna

Something feels off.

I frown, restless despite doctor's orders to stay in bed. Lying still only makes me dwell on what I've lost. I need movement, distraction.

From the window, I spot Alexander, Zachary, and Luc shoving a man and woman forward. The man looks familiar, one of the gate guards usually. But it's the bundle in Zachary's arms that confuses me. A doll for Charlotte perhaps?

Athena steps closer to the window, careful to remain half-hidden behind the curtain. "No one can see me here, remember."

"Tell me I'm hallucinating. Maybe I'm sick again and this is some fever dream."

She pinches my arm sharply.

"Ow!"

"Not dreaming." She risks a quick glance outside. "Why is Zachary holding a pup?"

"It's not a toy?"

"Toys don't squirm like that."

I look again just as a tiny arm stretches out. The movement is brief as the group moves farther away.

"Maybe those Wolves had a baby?"

"Mako and Kira are due soon, but that's not Kira." She presses against the wall, closing her eyes. "That's one of Isabella's nurses from the hospital. Paige, I think her name is."

She takes a deep breath. "I know what's happening."

"What?"

"They're being hunted!"

"Luc will execute them?"

"Not just Luc." She sighs heavily. "Some pack members will shift and chase them like prey. Alexander has done this before."

"Before you came, a woman drugged me with Wolfsbane Toxin. Nearly killed me. Alexander took her to the forest and had his Wolves hunt her down. They tore her apart while she still breathed."

"Seriously?"

She nods as more pack members approach. They're already shifting as they move. The woman, Paige, clings to the guard like he might protect her. I can see her lips moving, probably begging for mercy. They must know what's coming if this is Alexander's chosen punishment.

"It's for those he feels deeply betrayed by." Athena whispers. "If Luc hadn't shot those who crashed into us, Alexander would have done the same to them."

"But he never did that to Julian?"

She shrugs. "Julian was his brother. Even after what happened with Seraphina, even after what he did to Isabella. He couldn't do it, though he threatened Julian many times over the years."

I nod slowly. I can't call it cruel. I've seen Rogues do worse. I've done worse myself. Long ago, I almost beat Athena to death.

"But the pup... surely Alexander won't let that be torn apart?" I mutter, disgusted by the thought. I watch Zachary turn away from the Wolves, heading back toward us. The small form is cradled against his chest, and I breathe out in relief.

"No, he won't harm a pup." Athena confirms.

I turn my attention from Zachary just as Mako and Paige bolt toward the forest. Mako shoves her down right before the trees, giving himself a head start as he disappears into the greenery. She scrambles back to her feet desperately.

Alexander keeps his hand raised high. A signal for the Wolves to hold. Even Luc has shifted, ready to join the chase.