Chapter 0427

Athena

“And she was genuinely kind?” I question Hannah, struggling to accept her account of Seraphina.

‘Seraphina must be deceiving us, right?’ Nyx murmurs internally.

“She was. Luc made her visibly anxious, and she kept glancing around to track his location. But in the end, she didn’t speak negatively about anyone except Levi. I barely know her, which is exactly why I offered to be present. I thought if she was putting on an act, she might reveal her true intentions to a stranger, or someone who’s endured similar trauma. I even showed her the bruises I still carry. And you know what? She advised me to rest. But I insisted on helping.”

“You didn’t need to go that far.”

“I know. I just wanted to contribute. You and the Alpha are both allowing me to stay in the house, even though I’ve lost my Lycan abilities. This felt like something I could actually do.”

“Has Luc discussed your Lycan with you?” I ask.

“He suggested that you bite me to restore my abilities.”

‘He did what?’ Nyx responds, clearly startled by the idea.

“I told him I’m not even certain that’s what I want anymore.”

“That… wasn’t what I meant. There’s a possibility your lack of abilities is only temporary. They might return.”

She frowns and shakes her head firmly. “No.”

“What do you mean, ‘no’?”

“Levi told me. It’s all a bit foggy, you understand.” She taps her temple gently. “But he definitely said it. He called it my punishment for being with Luc. He said I would never experience being a Lycan again. Only those who are worthy deserve it.”

‘But it wore off for Evelyn?’ Nyx whispers.

“He said never?” I press.

Hannah nods. “Something about how he doesn’t make mistakes.”

“He doesn’t make mistakes?”

“Sorry.” She shrugs slightly. “Like I said, it’s still fuzzy. Sometimes the memories don’t feel coherent. Occasionally, a clear memory surfaces, and I know it’s not a dream. I remember him standing over me, saying those exact words.”

‘He doesn’t make mistakes? That feels like a hidden message,’ Nyx mutters.

‘I agree.’

“Do you remember anything else, Hannah?”

She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Athena. I try, and Luc keeps asking me. But when I attempt to recall, it feels like I’m being pulled into a dream. I can’t always distinguish what’s real. Is it okay if I go lie down? It’s been a long day.”

“Of course.” I offer a warm smile as Nyx repeatedly echoes Hannah’s words.

‘He doesn’t make mistakes.’

‘It’s a strange thing to say, right?’ I mutter to Nyx.

‘Yep!’ She emphasizes the ‘p’. ‘Everyone makes mistakes. Do you think she knows something more?’

I shake my head. ‘I doubt she could keep anything from Luc. Not through words, and not because he’d see it in her soul.’

I sink onto the sofa, tucking my legs beneath me. “Do you think he messed up by saying that to her?” I speak aloud, yawning.

‘Like I said, everyone makes mistakes, so it’s possible. Maybe Levi thought she was unconscious? Maybe he believed she couldn’t hear him?’

“Maybe.” It’s incredibly frustrating.

Nothing about Levi adds up. What was his goal in turning some of Alexander’s Wolves to his side? Why target Seraphina and then Hannah? Why did he have such control over Evelyn? There are no clear connections between any of them.

‘Power?’ Nyx mutters.

“Then why hasn’t he come after me or Alexander? He isn’t accomplishing anything by targeting the people he has. Hannah couldn’t even shift, and he knew that!”

The front door swings open, and moments later, Luc’s scent fills the room. He drops onto the sofa opposite me. His hazel eyes study me intently. “Alexander isn’t happy.”

“I know,” I mutter.

“He feels he’s losing the pack.”

“I know.”

He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “That could mean trouble, Athena. For everyone. I’m aware Alexander has his methods, but I’ve seen what happens to angry Alphas. I’ve watched their packs disintegrate.”

“What do you suggest?” I mutter. “Because some members of this pack seem to be forgetting who’s in charge.”

“We go after Levi. Deal with him permanently. Bring Theodore home. Just you and me. In and out. We leave Levi with a bullet in his brain.”

“I’m not doing that. That’s exactly what Levi wants us to do. As much as Theodore is family, he’s safe as long as we don’t intervene. Levi believes Theodore is his mate.”