Chapter 0076

Athena

"That's absolutely disgusting." Caleb makes a gagging sound. "Our uncle wants to breed her like some animal?"

I feel sick to my stomach. The idea is horrifying. We're family.

"Not necessarily him." Alexander's voice drops low. He moves closer to me. "You mentioned Dominic and Victoria have been together for years."

I nod slowly. "Since I was very young."

"Yet they have no children of their own. Strange, isn't it?"

I never considered that before. I was too focused on surviving each day without getting beaten.

"Athena carries Alpha blood." Sebastian murmurs thoughtfully.

"Our kind is dying out." Caleb adds grimly.

"Exactly." Alexander studies me intently. "It's the only explanation that makes sense. The plan was to have someone impregnate you. Probably multiple times. To produce another Alpha."

"No." I shake my head violently. "Dominic never-"

"He never allowed anyone near you like that, I know." Alexander finishes my sentence, making it sound even worse.

"You think he wanted to raise the children as his own?" Caleb mutters darkly.

Alexander gives a grim nod.

"What about all the bindings?" Caleb asks.

"Theodore is trying to figure that out." Alexander keeps his voice low. "Dominic had to know."

"He bound me because of Marcus." My voice barely comes out as a whisper. "Because I could scent Marcus." My throat tightens.

"That's what confuses me." Sebastian frowns. "He must have believed there was a reason you were breaking through the bindings."

"Maybe he thought the same as us. That her bindings were failing." Alexander suggests.

Caleb lets out a frustrated groan. "Dominic isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Victoria definitely controls him. This has her fingerprints all over it."

"What do you mean?" Sebastian asks as I try to process their theories.

"I didn't grow up in a pack, but I know how they operate." Caleb's expression darkens. "An Alpha usually has a Luna. The Luna seeks equal power. Normally, she secures her position by providing an heir. Victoria hasn't done that." He runs a hand through his dark hair. "Fucking monsters!"

This is the angriest I've ever seen Caleb. He's usually so calm, especially considering his imprisonment.

"If he turns more people, he'll have a larger pack anyway." Sebastian points out.

"What good is a pack without an heir to continue the bloodline?" Alexander's frown deepens.

"If they had killed you, which they nearly did, the Alpha line would end anyway." Caleb's blue eyes meet mine. "I'm so sorry I didn't get you out sooner."

If the situation weren't so dire, I might have laughed. He sounds like the protective brother Dominic should have been. Maybe it's time to free him.

"The blood tie." Alexander's hands grip my waist firmly. "The blood tie kept you alive. You were weakening. They knew you were fading. Victoria knew they messed up."

Caleb's eyes fill with sorrow. His jaw clenches as he shakes his head. "I should have done more."

"You're right, you should have." Alexander's voice is low and intense. "But we can't change the past. We can only stop what's happening now."

"This...this is too much." I mumble weakly.

"Look at me." Alexander commands.

Hesitantly, I raise my eyes to meet his. His hand cups my cheek gently. His thumb traces my bottom lip. "You are not alone."

"If I'm...if they need an heir. Won't they come for me?"

"I'd love to see them try." Alexander's lips meet mine in a fierce kiss.

"Guys, guys." Caleb groans loudly. "What you do in private is your business. But I don't want to see it."

Alexander winks at me before turning to Caleb. "If you're staying in the packhouse, you better get used to locking your door."