Chapter 0052

I had more questions.

But I sensed this was his way of ending the conversation.

I almost wished he could read my mind.

Just so he’d know how frustrated I felt.

His gaze flickered toward me.

He stayed silent as we moved through the house and out the back.

He led me across the grounds.

He nodded at various pack members.

Still, he said nothing.

We stopped in front of a house.

It looked run-down compared to the others.

Run-down wasn’t quite right.

It just wasn’t as perfect.

Thick vines covered the building.

They snaked around the windows.

Tall weeds crowded the front.

The path to the door was cracked and uneven.

Alpha Alexander knocked once.

Then he pushed the door open without waiting.

He pulled me into the dim interior.

His hand gave mine a brief, reassuring squeeze.

“Ah, Alexander.”

A man around Alpha’s age stepped out from another room.

He knocked over a stack of books.

They crashed loudly to the floor.

His dark hair was tied in a bun on top of his head.

He peered at me with intense green eyes.

“You must be Athena. And right on time.” He smiled warmly.

He extended his hand. “I’m Theodore, your tutor!”

He beamed, his hand still hanging in the air.

His eyes dropped to the bright orange earbuds in my ears.

“Ah, the memories.”

‘He’s safe.’ Alexander’s voice echoed in my head.

I took Theodore’s hand.

He shook it enthusiastically.

“This way.” He guided me past the fallen books.

He sat me at a small wooden table.

“Alexander tells me you can’t read or write.”

I shook my head slowly.

My eyes darted toward Alpha.

‘You will be fine. I’m right here,’ his voice reassured me again.

Theodore moved around the room.

He pulled random books from teetering stacks.

“Theodore graduated younger than most,” Alexander began telling me. “He even finished before I did. Skipped several grades. If anyone can teach you to read, it’s him.”

Hours passed.

I was making progress, but slowly.

I felt foolish, sounding out each letter.

“Keep going,” Theodore encouraged regularly.

He didn’t rush me.

He was patient.

Far more patient than Isabella had been.

But something felt off about him.

A strange feeling I couldn’t shake.

Alpha Alexander suddenly stood.

“There’s something I need to handle. Stay with Theodore. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

He kissed my cheek and hurried out.

Crap. He definitely wasn’t reading my mind.

I sat in silence, staring at the closed door.

I didn’t know this man I was left with.

And I wasn’t in the packhouse.

“Athena? Are you okay?” Theodore asked with a smile.

I nodded and returned to the letters.

At least I didn’t have to talk.

“You’re not much of a talker, are you?” He leaned over my shoulder from behind.

His closeness felt trapping.

“Could I... get some water?” I asked quietly.

I just wanted him to move away.

“Sure.” He chirped and stepped back.

I used the moment to stand up.

I needed to avoid feeling cornered.

“He’ll be back soon. No need to worry.” He handed me a glass of water with a smile.

Then he held his hands up. “I’m not going to do anything.”

My eyes darted back to the chair.