Chapter 0056

Alexander

Four endless days.

Four days consumed by primal need.

I handed pack responsibilities to Sebastian.

I informed Theodore that Athena’s lessons must wait.

For four days, my world narrowed to her.

Her heat dictated everything.

She lies sprawled on her stomach now.

Deeply asleep.

Her usual lavender scent finally permeates the room.

The overwhelming arousal has faded.

I press my palm to her bare back.

Her skin is cooler.

The fever has broken.

Her heat is over.

She can rest properly.

Finally.’ Titan grumbles.

You enjoyed every moment.’ I retort.

Not the tears.’

She was overwhelmed.’ I snap. ‘She’s sore. Exhausted. Try enduring a four-day heat after only one prior experience.’

He falls silent.

She doesn’t stir as I shower.

She shifts slightly in her sleep.

Soft snores escape her.

I kiss her cheek.

I leave her to rest and head to my office.

Being disconnected from my pack grated on me.

But I trusted Sebastian.

He’s already in my office.

His head is in his hands.

His knee jiggles, repeatedly tapping the desk.

“Report.” I say.

“Is it over?” He looks up, desperate. “Please tell me it’s finished.”

“Yes. Four days. She’s finally free. Now, what’s wrong?”

“Four days is… a long time.” He avoids the question.

“Caleb said it would be prolonged. She’s asleep. She’ll be out for hours. What is the problem?”

He won’t meet my eyes. “We have a visitor.”

“Who?”

“Madame Zora.”

My jaw tightens.

“The last time we met, she wanted no part of this.”

I stride across the grounds, Sebastian following.

“Now she appears offering help?”

“She claims to possess vital information.”

“It’s too late. Athena is already unbound.”

“I told her that.”

“And she still insists her information is valuable? I assume she demands payment. She always does.”

“She didn’t state a price. But she’s been a constant stress since arriving.” Sebastian mutters. “Although my sons adore her.”

“Why is she at your house?”

“Would you prefer her in the pack house? You weren’t exactly confined to one room.” A smirk plays on his lips.

“I recall you getting caught with Natalie in the school janitor’s closet. Privacy has never been your concern.”

“Anyway,” he continues, “I informed Madame Zora we already know about Athena. The truth is out. But she insists there is more.”

We halt outside his house.

Laughter echoes from within.

“Alpha Alexander.” Madame Zora opens the door. “I’m pleased you came. I know you’ve been… preoccupied.” She glances back at the boys, then at me. “This discussion is not for young ears.”

“Boys,” Sebastian commands. “Go to your grandparents.”

They complain but eventually leave.

Sebastian watches until they enter the neighboring house.

“You fled last time we met.” I take a seat at the small kitchen table.

“Yes. I apologize for my abrupt departure, Alpha Alexander. I was unprepared to discuss Silver Creek then.”

“And you are now? I already freed Athena.”

“So I’ve heard. But what you do not know is that Athena has been bound more than twice.”