Chapter 0480

Athena

Pure satisfaction coursed through me.

I rolled the remains of his heart in my palm. Crimson blood dripped slowly from my fingers. No one could survive that. Not even him.

My gaze shifted to Evelyn. She remained in Lycan form, seated on the ground beside the severed head. The first kill always overwhelms. Something primal takes over and just happens. For her, Dakota might have taken the lead.

Behind her, hiding behind a tree, was Seraphina. The moment she realized I saw her, she turned and fled through the forest. At least she headed back toward the pack grounds.

Zachary dropped from a tree, landing feet from me. He grabbed my wrist and turned it over. The crumpled heart fell to the ground.

'Go.' His voice echoed in my mind. 'I'll handle the remains.'

Nyx murmured agreement. There was nothing left for us here.

I turned to find Alexander waiting. His crimson eyes locked onto mine, and he smiled. He always enjoyed watching me unleash destruction.

"Something in there for Athena." Luc called out. He pointed to the backpack near Alexander. Alexander snatched it and pulled out a shirt for me.

As I shifted back, Alexander wrapped the soft fabric around me. He guided my arms through the sleeves. He slowly fastened the buttons from top to bottom. "We need to get you cleaned up." He murmured softly.

"Seraphina was here." My words came out barely a whisper. My mind buzzed with tension.

"I expect she wanted to watch." He kept his eyes on mine as he fastened the final button. "Wouldn't you, if someone nearly destroyed your life?"

He took my hand and led me through the forest. "The people he killed?" I muttered, glancing back. "We can't just leave them."

"They will be handled with respect." Alexander said, holding a branch aside for me. "They risked everything. Their sacrifice fueled the others' rage. They were eager to tear him apart for his crimes. They'd do it again without hesitation."

We reached the forest edge. I saw Seraphina talking to Hannah. Sitting meters away was the newcomer, Jasmine.

"Did Hannah regain her abilities? Seraphina did, and so did Jasmine."

Alexander nodded. "She can scent Luc again. Her healing and hearing improved. But like before, she still can't shift. That wasn't Cooper's doing. It's something else entirely." He stopped me from moving further. "Are you going to explain the new woman?"

I felt surprised she remained. She could have fled when we left. Probably stayed because of Zachary. "She's Zachary's mate."

His brows furrowed. "His mate?"

I nodded.

"Already? I didn't expect it so soon."

I shrugged. I didn't understand how it worked. I was still mated to Marcus when Alexander entered my life. That seemed impossible too.

"And Cooper kept her locked in that house." I muttered. There hadn't been time for full explanations. Once I realized snapping his neck failed, I linked Alexander to organize the hunt.

"Why?"

"I don't know all details, but Theodore said she was fine. Cooper was the priority."

We approached her, and she jumped to her feet. She bowed her head to Alexander and extended her hand. "I'm Jasmine. Thank you for allowing me here. Do you know where Zachary is?"

"He's handling cleanup. He'll return shortly."

Her eyes widened, and she dropped her hand. She stared at Alexander. "Oh shit!" She stepped back. "This is a trap for me, isn't it?"

"A trap?" Alexander mused. "If you hadn't noticed, we were busy hunting the bastard who held you captive."

Jasmine's eyes scanned me, taking in the blood from head to toe. "He's really dead?"

"Yes."

Her eyes returned to Alexander. "Have you told him I'm here?"

"Told who?" He asked.

She glanced around nervously. "I only came because Theodore said it was safe. He lied to me."

"About what?" I asked, confused.

"Is he coming?" She pressed, stepping back further.

"I don't know who you mean."

"The man I'm running from. Alpha Julian."

"Who?" Alexander demanded.

Jasmine's eyes widened. She stared without blinking. "Alpha Julian. Please don't. I had to do it. I can't be part of that! Don't make me go back. I'll do anything. Give me time. I can take care of myself. You don't need to tell him I'm here. I can leave."