Chapter 0498

"She's making fun of my hair." I lie, my cheeks burning with humiliation.

"Well, Evelyn." Zachary says, his gaze fixed on me. "I think it looks good on her."

My stomach fluttered nervously. Compliments were foreign to me.

He gives me a small smile. "Ready to go?"

I just nod, words failing me completely.

Charlotte holds my hand tightly as we walk toward the school. I feel the stares. I sense the judgment. Just days ago, I was locked in a dungeon for being untrustworthy. Now I'm walking with the Beta to pack school.

We stop near the entrance. I spot Seraphina with a young boy. Her brother, I assume. I watch him hug her before rushing inside. As she turns to leave, her eyes land on me. Instant fury flashes in her gaze. She hates me for lying. For betraying her trust.

I open my mouth to apologize. She walks right past me without a single glance.

"She'll come around." Charlotte tells me, releasing my hand. She throws her arms around me in a tight hug. She makes me promise to show Athena the sticker. Then she puts another one on my shirt.

"Do I get a hug?" Zachary asks as Charlotte starts to leave.

"You should hug Evelyn." She grins before darting through the school doors.

He doesn't reply. He just stares ahead silently. Clearing his throat, he asks if I'm ready to see Athena.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I made sure to eat a big breakfast. Just in case she sends me back to the dungeon.

Zachary stays quiet as we pass the destroyed packhouse. Workers are already inside clearing the rubble.

We stop at a house further down. Loud noises come from inside as Zachary knocks.

Alexander answers. His unusual crimson eyes sweep over me briefly before he invites us in.

Athena is on the sofa with her feet on an ottoman. One twin clings to her while the other pushes toy cars down a ramp, squealing with delight.

"How are you feeling?" Zachary asks her.

"Like I'm under constant surveillance." She murmurs, glancing at Alexander.

"Just ensuring you have everything you need." He replies softly.

She rolls her eyes and focuses on me. "How are you settling in?"

"Um, I've mostly been at Zachary's house. I took a walk with Charlotte, but that's it. I promise." I desperately wanted to avoid the dungeons. I hated being alone down there.

"No trouble." Zachary confirms. "Evelyn has been very helpful."

Something about how he said my name. It made me sound more interesting than I am.

"But you have information for us?" Alexander asks.

"I told Evelyn some things Jasmine said." Zachary explains. "Specifically the story about Jasmine coming from a pack called Silver Streams." He gestures toward me.

"Apparently that's where my Dad met my Mom." I blurt out.

"Your mother?" Alexander questions.

I nod. "And before you ask, that's all my father said. He never gave me more details. I knew more about Levi's mother than my own."

Alexander asks the same questions Zachary did.

He questions why Wolves and Lycans existed together. If Jasmine lied about her knowledge. They have almost the same conversation I had with Zachary. This time, Zachary tells him what I said.

I see Athena watching me. I keep quiet. It's easier not to speak. I notice how she shifts the twin clinging to her. He's fast asleep but looks so much like her. He must be the one who can shift.

"Silver Streams was never mentioned to you?" Alexander asks Athena.

"As far as I know, I always lived in Silver Creek. But then again, I don't remember much beyond what happened to me." She frowns, creases forming on her forehead. "Is that where the rest of my family is?"

"Not necessarily." I mutter.

Her eyes snap to mine.

"You're the Alpha. You became Alpha because your mother died. She would have been Alpha too, right? But the title usually passes after death or a ceremony, right?"

They all look at me.

"There might not be anyone there. But there could be others. Extended family." I shrug. Deep down, I wanted to go. I wanted to know about my mother. I wanted to know what she was like. Someone there must have known her.