Chapter 0373

Alexander is giving them a head start.

But we all know they won't escape alive.

His hand drops.

The Wolves charge forward with impossible speed.

They are hyped by the hunt.

Alexander shifts next, taking his time.

He moves into the forest like he's savoring every moment.

Those wolves are going to suffer.

I assume they deserve it.

A small part of me wants to watch it happen.

"Brianna?" Zachary's voice cuts through my thoughts.

"Up here." I call back.

He enters the room still cradling a tiny pup.

The baby is somehow fast asleep.

"Why do you have a Lycan pup?" Athena asks.

"It's a long story." His dark eyes find me by the window. "I assume you saw what happened?"

I nod. "Athena explained the rest."

"They were planning to leave and join Levi." He shakes his head in disbelief.

"Why?" Athena asks.

“It sounds like he made them an offer. They were stupid enough to accept."

"And the pup? Where does he fit in?"

"Finn tried telling Alexander the pup was his and Chloe's. It quickly became clear he wasn't. Turns out Chloe already left with Levi while still pregnant. Finn picked this one up from the city. He practically threw him away when he learned the boy is Lycan."

"So they didn't know Levi is Lycan?" I ask.

"No."

"And decided to kidnap him?" I gesture to the wrapped pup in disgust.

"Finn claimed he found him dumped and abandoned. Whether that's true, I don't know."

"What's going to happen to him?" I ask.

Surely Alexander wouldn't just abandon him again.

"I was hoping you would take him. Until we figure out where he came from. And if anyone is looking for him.”

I stare at him, speechless.

"He's maybe a day old. Maybe two according to Luc. He doesn't even have a name. I thought you might like to name him."

I feel frozen.

Still processing why Zachary asked me.

"I still have loads of the twins' baby stuff." Athena declares. "I'll go dig it out."

"You want to give me a pup?" I mutter as Athena leaves with a smile.

"I can't think of anyone better."

"I can't...." He steps toward me and holds the tiny pup out. "He's not mine."

“And Lottie isn't mine." He presses the pup against my chest.

I have no choice but to hold him as he pulls his hands away.

"Zachary, don't." I've never felt panic like this.

My heart thuds heavily.

Blood whooshes between my ears.

My lungs grow tight. "I'm not ready."

But he is already stepping back.

"Then it's a good thing you have a whole pack supporting you."

"And a mate." Sebastian announces as he enters the room.

"Give him to Athena. She's had practice." I move toward Zachary.

He refuses to take him back and folds his arms. "Look at him." He mutters instead.

I glance at Sebastian.

He watches me calmly.

Leaving the decision to me.

The pup starts to move in my arms.

He'll probably start crying any second.

I take a deep breath and shift my gaze to the poet.

Deep brown eyes stare back at me.

My heart explodes in the best way possible.