Chapter 0054

Alexander

“That wasn’t a test,” I say softly.

She tilts her head. “Then what was it?”

“He’s the best tutor I could find for you. The only one I trust not to lay a hand on you. I need to know you can handle sessions alone with him. As much as I enjoy watching you learn, I have a pack to lead. I still need to track down Dominic and Victoria.”

Her frown slowly fades.

“Not everyone wants to hurt you, Athena.”

She hesitates. “He... he asked why I was bound.”

“I heard.”

“Was it okay that I told him? Should I have said more?”

“You didn’t lie.” I offer a small smile. “But it’s time I address the pack. Tell them everything. If you shift, Athena, and I’m not there...” I trail off, holding her gaze. Fear lives in those blue eyes. Fear of their judgment.

“I won’t shift.”

“You can’t promise that. Caleb mentioned the signs. The first shift is often uncontrollable. It happens when you least expect it. Honestly, I thought it might happen when you saw Genevieve.”

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears.

She rarely asks about shifting. It’s clear she hopes to suppress it entirely.

“Come. You must be hungry,” I murmur before panic fully takes hold.

She nods silently and takes my hand, following me toward the house.

“Go ahead to the kitchen. I need to check on something.” Genevieve’s scent lingers in my office. I won’t let Athena near her.

‘What does she want now? We were clear,’ Titan grumbles. He wants to stay with Athena. So do I. Her heat could start any moment.

Reluctantly, Athena releases my hand and heads toward the kitchen.

I push open the office door. “What do you want?”

Genevieve beams from my chair. “Hey, Alexander. I was thinking we could grab a meal? Catch up, like old times.”

‘Is she insane?’ Titan snaps.

“No.”

“Come on, just as friends,” she pleads. “I won’t try anything.”

‘She doesn’t know the meaning of friendship,’ Titan scoffs. I fight back a laugh.

“No. Get out of my chair.”

She spins once before standing. “I’m not trying anything, Alexander. It’s just... I don’t have friends here. I could use one. You know me better than anyone.”

“You should’ve tried harder back then. I have a pack to run, Genevieve. I can’t just disappear for dinner to ‘catch up’.”

“We went out all the time when we were together.”

“The pack was smaller then. It’s grown tenfold since.”

Light catches her grey eyes as she grins. “I’ve noticed. I always knew you’d be a great Alpha. You just need the right Luna beside you. Are you sure she’s the one?” She twirls a strand of blonde hair.

“Don’t judge someone you don’t know.”

She rolls her eyes. “I saw her, Alexander. She’s weak. Full of fear. Not fearless like me. A fearful Luna is a useless Luna.”

“Like I said, you don’t know her. Now, unless it’s important, you can leave.”

Frowning, she heads to the door. “She won’t make you happy, Alexander.”

I watch until she’s completely left the house.

‘She’s never going to give up,’ Titan mutters. ‘We’d be better off killing her.’

‘When the time comes, I won’t hesitate. But right now, she’s not a threat.’

I find Isabella in the kitchen with Athena. They’re sharing a tub of ice cream.