Chapter 0401

"You don't trust me, do you?" He questions, his voice low.

"Trust isn't something you've earned."

He takes a long drink from the bottle before setting it down in front of me. "There. Now drink. We need to get moving soon."

He moves toward the window, scanning the area outside. I knew we were still in the woods, but not the territory of Obsidian Howl. There were no abandoned cabins here.

"Is Evelyn the Witch?" I ask. It couldn't be her if I was mated to Alexander.

"No. I am. Well, half Witch. Though I must say, I'm particularly proud of how powerful I've become." He turns back to face me. "Evelyn is the only one who knows that about me, and now you. Clearly my Lycan side has connected with yours. Even more amusing considering you're a Wolf." He lets out a low growl. "Did you think your Witch side was stronger than your Lycan side?"

"I did, until I stumbled upon you. You caught my scent when I was hiding in the pack as Owen Carter."

"Only briefly. I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. I picked up your scent and then, within seconds, it vanished completely."

"I had to keep myself hidden while I investigated the pack. I couldn't let you ruin my plans, could I?" He flashes me a wide grin.

"That's how you severed the link to Athena? Because you can conceal your true nature?"

"Exactly."

"She will kill you for this."

"I'm sure she'll try. But will she end up killing you in the process?"

He does one final check outside and pulls me to my feet. He ushers me out into the forest. Even in the darkness, birds were already singing, signaling the approaching dawn. I don't resist Levi. There was no point. He had the upper hand. So I walk, letting him guide me through the trees until I recognize the location where Alexander had asked me to bring clothes for Athena.

"Where are we going?"

"Well, since my little escapee has abandoned her house, I thought we could spend a few hours there. You know, close by but not too far. Get some proper rest instead of that miserable cabin."

"You don't think they'll search here?"

"Why would they? Seraphina and Evelyn are securely locked away. But right now, I'm more interested in you. You haven't complained once about losing your Wolf. Why?"

I simply shrug and continue walking.

"Now you stop talking!" He mutters in annoyance. "And I was just starting to like you."

I remain quiet for a while before asking the question that's been bothering me. "Why Seraphina and not Hannah?"

"Hannah is weak. I have no use for her. She's a waste of resources. Though I must admit, I'm impressed she made it back to the pack." He said nothing about Evelyn.

"So tell me Theodore," his husky voice sends shivers through me. "Why are you so calm? I could slit your throat right now. I could plunge my lovely little blade into your chest and tear your insides out. I could force you to shift, skin you, and make a nice winter coat from your hide."

I glance over my shoulder. "Because you need me. That's why you agreed to leave everyone alone if I came with you. What is Evelyn to you?"

"A pain in my fucking ass." He stops me abruptly. "Don't you see the resemblance?"

"Can't say I've really looked at her. I've been busy trying to help Hannah."

"She's my sister. Same father, different mother."

I laugh, and he glares at me. "What the fuck is so funny about that?"

"One of the guys thought Evelyn had a thing for you."

"Ew, don't be so fucking disgusting." He shakes his head in distaste. "How long did it take for them to figure out Evelyn was working with me?"

I considered lying. Telling him that only I had figured it out. But it wouldn't achieve anything. It might help if he thinks she's about to be slaughtered.

"Since she arrived."

"So why are they keeping her alive?"