Chapter 0414

"Alright, I'll show up. No weapons, and I'll keep my hands in my pockets." He clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes. "But I can't promise I'll agree to anything."

"I can live with that for now. Now that's settled—why the hell did you shave Evelyn's head?"

He chuckles. "I was wondering when you'd ask. You said I couldn't physically harm her. So I made sure there was no physical pain. Only psychological. Still got nothing useful out of her, though."

"Always hunting for a loophole."

He nods and flashes me a smile. "So Evelyn and Levi are siblings?"

"You couldn't tell that from her soul?"

"How many times do I have to remind everyone? I'm not psychic. If they were twins, sure, I might’ve sensed it. But I’m guessing half-siblings?"

"Why do you say that?"

"No real resemblance. Apart from the blonde hair. Different eye colors, different nose, lips, face shape. If I saw them on the street, I wouldn’t guess they’re related. Do you believe it?"

"Athena compelled her to tell the truth. You saw how confused Evelyn was. She panicked when her hearing got louder and louder."

"Almost like she’s never shifted?"

"Exactly. Reminded me of Athena when her bindings broke. She wore earplugs for eight months just to handle the noise."

He nods. "Theodore told me."

"He did?"

"When we were out looking for something to help Athena, he filled me in. I think you're right about Evelyn. She's never had the abilities."

I frown. "She kept saying Levi told her he was protecting her. Keeping her safe so she wouldn’t become a danger. I thought Rogue, but if she’s never shifted, that’s not possible. Which means he did it before she turned thirteen."

"And I’d know if she’d ever gone Rogue. Let me spend more time with her. I might see her soul clearer."

"Wait until morning. And don’t touch her."

He rolls his eyes. "I won’t."

Luc drops into one of the office chairs. "I assume there’s no news on Theodore?"

"Not yet."

"Hannah doesn’t know anything else, either." He sighs.

"She’s talking to you now?" We all heard the yelling earlier. It was obvious how furious she was. One of the few times I’ve heard Luc sound so unsure.

"Yes." His answer is sharp. "I actually wanted to talk to Athena about her."

"About what?"

"Turning Hannah back into a Lycan."

'Seriously?' Titan scoffs. I hold up a hand to Luc, trying to push down my own frustration.

"You what?" I sputter as Titan starts losing it. It’s been a long time since he’s gotten this worked up.

"To restore her Lycan nature," Luc states.

"You want Athena to bite her?"

"Yes. Though Hannah is unsure right now."

"No."

"It’s for her own good."

"Why? So you can feel the bond again? You don’t even like Lycans. You struggled to accept her."

"I know. She’s grown on me."

"Athena won’t do it. Not after... she just... And we don’t even know if the Hannah situation will wear off, like with Evelyn."

He glares at me, gets to his feet, and storms out.

I was grateful for the silence. Over twenty-four hours awake without a moment’s peace.

'Alexander. Alexander. Are you there?'