Chapter 0467

Theodore

"Are you leaving?" Athena's voice was barely a whisper.

I gave a slow nod. "I have to discover the truth about myself. You, more than anyone, would understand that need."

"Does anyone else know?"

"I only made the decision recently."

Her gaze drifted past me to the stacks of books. "Where will you head?"

"Wherever the path leads." I offered her a reassuring smile. "This isn't goodbye, not yet. And when it is, it won't be permanent. Since my past came to light, I can't stop questioning everything. I've researched you, other Lycans, even Alexander, but never myself. Never felt the necessity."

"Until now?"

"Until now," I confirmed. "All I know comes from my original pack, and that information was scarce." I motioned toward a chair. "Please, sit."

"It won't be the same without you here. Who will serve as pack physician?"

"The nurses who've assisted me are fully qualified. They'll be here to help with the birth, whether it's one pup or more."

"You knew?"

"Didn't require genius deduction. You've been touching your stomach since you arrived. How far along are you?"

"It's still early," she murmured. "Why does everyone assume multiples?"

"Twins are common in the Black family lineage."

"Alexander isn't a twin," she countered.

I pressed my lips together. He hadn't told her. "Theodore?"

"Alexander was a twin during gestation."

"What?"

"My apologies, I truly believed you knew." I mentally chastised myself for the slip. "His twin was stillborn."

She stared at me, completely stunned.

"It's not something he discusses." I attempted damage control. Alexander might actually kill me for this. "I genuinely thought you were aware, Athena."

"No... no, I wasn't." Her gaze dropped to her abdomen. "I only came to ask for your help setting up Levi. Now I understand why Alexander keeps saying there's more than one."

I remained silent, deciding it was the safest response.

"Could I have some water?" she asked softly.

"Of course." I moved to the kitchen and returned to find Athena flipping through my current reading material.

"Athena. I'm certain he has reasons for not..."

"Will you help me with Levi?" She cut me off.

"You know I will, but I'm unsure how I can assist."

"I need you to take Evelyn to him."

"You want her released from the dungeons?"

"She has her Lycan now. Dakota won't allow betrayal. Her Lycan believes she's destined to be my Beta."

"Your Beta?" That was unusual. Betas were chosen, not inherited. Usually.

She nodded confirmation.

"So I take her to him, then what?"

"Make him vulnerable. Make him think all his dreams are coming true so I can infiltrate his mind."

"When?"

"No time like the present."

"It's the middle of the night."

"Exactly. I can't wait any longer."

We moved swiftly across the grounds, stopping at the dungeon entrance where Zachary waited.

"What are you doing here?" Athena whispered.

"Saw you heading toward Theodore's place. Figured you might need assistance, and this would be your destination." He offered a reassuring smile that said he was fully committed.

"Theodore is taking Evelyn to Levi," Athena informed him. "I need to be distant enough that he can't catch my scent, but ready for when his guard drops."

"No offense intended, but why would Theodore be the solution? After what happened when Levi projected here, he'll be expecting something."

"Yes, he will," I confirmed. "My time with him was brief but educational. He learns from his mistakes quickly. He won't fall for the same trick twice, but if Evelyn is with me, he might believe I've switched allegiances."

"And he still believes Theodore is his mate," Athena added. "He won't give up on him easily."

Zachary paused briefly before nodding. "Alright. Someone needs to ensure your safety." His dark eyes shifted to me. "Though I have a suggestion."

"What's that?"

"If he believes you're mated to him, lead him down that path but maintain distance. It will drive him insane."

Both Caleb and Evelyn were asleep in their cells. I felt sympathy for the boy but understood Alexander and Athena's reasoning. Had he been an adult, his actions would have earned him execution by fire or tearing.

Zachary quietly opened Evelyn's cell. He moved silently inside as she began stirring, quickly covering her mouth to prevent screams that would wake Caleb.