Chapter 0103
Athena
My gaze darted between Julian and Isabella.
They had been anticipating this moment.
Waiting specifically for me.
Was Alpha Alexander part of this scheme?
“This… this was your strategy from the beginning?”
“A contingency plan. Alexander made it clear you were resistant, so it became our secondary option.” Julian remarked casually. “And don’t jump to conclusions. We aren’t literally using you as live bait.”
“It’s about the perception of your control.” Isabella added quietly. “We understand you don’t desire it. We know you want no connection to them. But they remain unaware. From their perspective, you embracing your position implies you welcome it.”
“Right!” It irritated me that Julian and Isabella had already debated this as a viable tactic.
Isabella seized my wrists, her dark eyes locking onto mine. “They aren’t solely coming for you. They will eliminate us to reach you. Our pack, as fierce as we are, isn’t prepared to die.”
“Isabella!” Julian snapped sharply.
She released my wrists, turning toward her brother. “I’m merely stating we’ve sacrificed greatly for her. She could at least do this for us.”
“That isn’t your decision to make!” Julian warned his sister, his tone severe. “Alexander will execute whatever is necessary to protect her. We can only present her with choices.”
Isabella frowned, and I suddenly understood her outburst wasn’t born from anger. It was pure panic, a deep fear that the Lycans would devastate the pack she cherished.
A rustle sounded from the trees. All three of us instantly turned toward the noise.
A massive Lycan burst through the bushes, charging directly at us. It was the largest we had encountered, standing well over eight feet tall. Its heavily muscled arms stretched out as it lunged forward.
Its focus was entirely on me. Drool dripped from its razor-sharp teeth. Claws were raised, poised to strike. It showed no concern for the others present. Each footfall hit the ground with such force the earth vibrated beneath me.
White-hot rage surged through my veins.
Julian shoved me backward, shifting instantly into a powerful black wolf. He launched himself at the Lycan.
The Lycan swatted him aside effortlessly, sending Julian crashing into a tree trunk as if he were weightless.
“Shift!” I screamed at Nyx. I was defenseless in this form. I knew shifting was the only way to protect both myself and Isabella.
Nyx reacted without delay. She forced the transformation forward.
The pain was excruciating, but thankfully brief. My bones stretched and my body reconfigured. My clothing tore away, falling to the ground in shreds.
The Lycan skidded to a halt directly in front of me.
At that exact moment, my claws plunged deep into its chest.
It glanced down at the claws embedded in its body. Unlike when I killed Caleb, I could distinctly feel the heart pulsating against my grasp. I felt my claws slide into the organ smoothly, steadily.
The heart raced frantically, fighting to continue beating.
I did not retract my claws.
I watched life fade from the beast’s eyes, like a light slowly dimming to darkness.
A thrill of satisfaction fluttered through me.
One by one, I withdrew my claws from the Lycan’s chest.
It collapsed backward, hitting the forest floor with a heavy, final thud.
No pieces of heart remained on my claws this time. I felt a flicker of disappointment.
“Athena? Athena, are you okay?” Isabella stood staring up at me. The height difference almost made me laugh; she was usually taller.
I nodded, feeling the familiar surge of pain return. My claws retracted. My limbs shortened until I stood completely naked amidst the trees.
“Crap.” Isabella swiftly removed her jacket and wrapped it around me. It covered very little, but at least I wasn’t fully exposed.
She hurried over to Julian, who hadn’t moved since impacting the tree.
“Is he… is he dead?” I whispered, dread filling me.
“No, but his back might be broken. That’s why he’s still unconscious. It takes hours to heal. I need to link Alexander immediately.”
I nodded, my attention returning to the dead Lycan. Aside from the five small red marks on its chest, it appeared to be merely sleeping.
‘He will not wake.’ Nyx murmured. ‘The heart is pierced. Blood is slowly leaking into the cavity.’ She let out a soft, dark laugh. I fought hard not to laugh with her.