Chapter 0495

“She’s the spitting image of her.” He speaks softly. “The eyes. The hair. Even those tiny dimples in her cheeks. I should be overjoyed that she resembles her mother so closely.”

“It’s a painful reminder of your loss.” I let out a quiet breath.

“I love her. She is mine. She will always be mine.”

We stand without speaking for several minutes. “Is Eris gone?”

“Yes.”

I nod slowly. “Isabella would have despised her. I still don’t understand why she was chosen as my mate.”

“The fates operate in mysterious patterns. But I have a theory.”

“Do enlighten me.” I mutter, rolling my eyes.

“You were once Human.”

“That’s it? That’s your entire theory?”

“Legend says each of us has an expiration date. A day when we can no longer heal from what life throws at us. Part of that destiny involves finding our mates. But for Wolves and Lycans, those bonds are decided long before we are born.”

“If that’s true, then why are Lycans being paired with Wolves?”

He shrugs lightly. “Like I said. It was predetermined. But your kind disrupted the natural order.”

“Lycans?”

“Bitten Lycans. Perhaps the fates didn’t anticipate that.”

“That makes no sense. If our mates were pre-chosen, they would have accounted for our existence. Otherwise, the bonds wouldn’t form.”

He tilts his head toward the sky. “Or perhaps they’re merely toying with us. Setting challenge after challenge in our path. A brutal game of survival. But in the end, death comes for everyone. That much is certain.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Did you eat something strange in the forest?”

He offers a faint smile. “No. But sometimes what we seek is right in front of us, Zachary.” He moves toward the gravestone and rests his hand on it, glancing back at me. “She was a stepping stone. Leading you to the one you’re truly meant to be with.”

“Are you talking about Eris or Isabella?”

“Perhaps both.” He picks up the shovel and walks away.

Sometimes I’m convinced he’s on something.

I lower myself onto the grass. Staring at her gravestone for a long time. Wondering what she would think of everything that’s happened.

Maybe Luc was right. Maybe she had an expiration date. Never meant to live this long. But I know a part of her will always remain with me.

It’s late when I return. Evelyn is sitting on the sofa. Her hands wrapped around a mug as she drinks deeply. I scan the room. Sheets are draped everywhere, held up by pegs and string.

“Sorry, we built a fort. Charlotte wanted to show you, but she fell asleep.”

“She’s asleep?”

She nods, setting her mug down. “She had a bath. A story. Now she’s sleeping in her bed.”

I glance toward the stairs, frowning. “She didn’t make a sound?” There are very few people she allows to tuck her in. “How long has she been out?”

She checks the clock. “About an hour. When you didn’t come back, I told her you might have been called away on pack business. That she was safe with me.” She pauses, her expression shifting. “Sorry, should I not have—”

“It’s just surprising. That’s all. Excuse me for a moment.”

I move quietly up the stairs. Peek into Lottie’s room. She’s sprawled on her stomach. Her light brown hair is braided. Soft snores fill the quiet air. It’s unusual to see her so relaxed in sleep. Not curled into a tight ball. The teddy bear she received after I rescued her lies on the floor instead of clutched tightly in her arms.

“Is everything alright?” Evelyn asks as I descend the stairs.

“Yes. It’s just been a long day. Lots to process.”

She offers a gentle smile. “Do you want to talk?”

“Not yet.”

“Okay. Do you mind if I get some sleep? Your kid is wonderful, but I’m exhausted. It’s been a while since I’ve been this active.” She gives a soft laugh.