Chapter 0405

Fire was my only weapon.

Deep burns take a long time to heal, even for fast healers like us. The damage continues to cook beneath the surface long after the initial injury. I burned down several houses during my escape. I don't regret any of it.

But Nathan, the man Luc killed, learned quickly. He never let me out of his sight after that first attempt. Not even for a second. I couldn't shower alone. I couldn't use the bathroom without him standing guard. When he took me shopping for clothes, he came right into the changing room with me. At night, he handcuffed me to the bed so I couldn't sneak out. So I couldn't set another fire. Or strangle him in his sleep.

She nods slowly. So I know I'm broken, Luc. I've heard you talk about the fractures in Athena's soul. I know what happens when those cracks finally meet. It was only a matter of time before it all caught up with me.

Why didn't you tell me any of this before? I knew she was hiding something, but this... this was beyond anything I imagined. Every word from her lips rings with heartbreaking truth.

She releases a soft sigh. Coming here was supposed to be my fresh start. Especially after you shot Nathan. Her hand rubs at her neck again. I never thought I'd lose the rest of my abilities too.

What if you could get them back? And gain your Lycan form as well? It's a long shot, but it might work.

Don't be stupid. This is the hand I've been dealt. This is what I have to live with now.

No. I refuse to believe you came into my life just to wither away in front of me. The higher powers work in messed up ways, but your death isn't part of their plan.

Luc, it's fine. I know what's coming. I've made peace with it.

You can be so fucking frustrating. I snap. She wasn't even willing to hear me out.

Just as frustrating as you watching me for weeks! Making me feel like I was losing my mind before you finally accepted me! Even if it was in secret!

I cross the room and pull her off the bed. She lets out a surprised squeal as I crush her against my chest. My lips find hers in a hard, desperate kiss. She melts into me instantly. Her arms loop around my neck while my hands slide down to her waist.

She pulls back, breathless. I hold her steady, keeping her hips pressed firmly against mine as she leans back to stare at me.

Just because I can't sense our bond anymore doesn't mean I don't want you.

But I'm...

Not if I can convince Athena to bite you.

Bite me? As in mark me? I don't understand. She's already mated.

Not marking you. That's different. You would be like Zachary and Brianna.

Her eyes widen. Her brows shoot up. I still don't understand.

They aren't pure-blooded Lycans. They were created. They were once Human before they were turned.

She frowns, sucking in her cheeks. When her eyes meet mine again, they're filled with a deep sadness that wasn't there before. But you're a Hunter. Why would you make me Lycan again?

You don't want to be?

I don't know anymore. For most of my life, I've just been fighting to exist. More often than not, I've been waiting for Death to find me.

You were in a horrific situation.

I was. But I'm not like other Lycans. I know that deep down. I've never been able to shift. I never had that exciting moment when I turned thirteen. The only thing that changed was that I became a toy for assholes. Having my abilities but not being able to shift did nothing for me. I always thought they were drugging me to keep my Lycan trapped. But since coming here with Cooper, I've known exactly what's being put into my body. And I still can't shift. So what's the point of being bitten if I still can't transform?