Chapter 0128
Athena
“Where is she?” My blood runs hot. She can’t be far. Theodore said she was with Sebastian and Isabella. Where are they? He couldn’t have taken them all.
But if he was wounded, he’d be healed by now.
I turn from him. I rush through every room on the ground floor. Ethan follows close behind me. He laughs each time I find an empty room.
“The contract ended the moment Dominic died.” His voice is low behind me.
Just kill him! Nyx urges.
We can’t. We don’t know where Sophia is. He knows that.
“Don’t listen to that beast inside you.” He smirks.
“Sophia is just a child.” I snarl.
“I know. That’s why she’s safe. For now.”
“She is part of this pack!” I snap. “You’re breaking your deal with Alexander.”
“The deal ended when you killed Dominic. Alexander said it himself. The threat is gone. The contract is over. I’m not threatening your pups.”
“So this is revenge? You asked for his help. Is this how you repay him?”
“I did repay him. I helped kill the Lycans for both of you. She’s not in his pack. She’s in yours. Tell your beast to stand down.”
My eyes betray me, turning black as Nyx pushes forward. Shifting now won’t help. Where is Alexander? He must feel my panic.
I close my eyes. What does he want with Sophia?
“It’s about me, isn’t it.” I mutter. “You said you were fascinated by my shift. You can’t have me because of Alexander. So you’re trying with Sophia. It’s disgusting. You’re twenty years older. She’s fifteen. A child.”
He doesn’t know. Nyx whispers. He doesn’t know she has a mate. If he tries anything, it will kill her.
Ethan shrugs. “Do you think age matters to me?”
“What do you want? Pups? Lycan heirs?”
He smiles. I feel sick.
“She can’t give you pups.”
I see Alexander in the window behind Ethan. He puts a finger to his lips. Keep him talking. His voice echoes in my mind.
“The witch told you that?” Ethan asks.
“Yes. We’re a dying breed. I’m the last true Lycan. That’s why only one pack remained. They’re dying out.”
“Yet you carry twins.” He mocks.
“There’s a good chance they’re Wolves.” I snap back. Part of me hopes they are. The thought of bringing more Lycans into this world terrifies me. Everything I learned about myself happened here. In this pack. I can’t raise Lycans without knowing how.
“Maybe. Only time will tell. I need to prepare.”
“By making your own? What’s your plan, Ethan? Attack Alexander for revenge?”
“What’s happening here?” Theodore enters from the back. I get no answers.
“Nothing.” Ethan mutters. “I was just telling Athena I’m leaving.”
I frown. Him leaving now is bad. I need to find Sophia.
“So soon? Don’t you want to stay for Athena’s birthday celebration?”
I hide my surprise. No one mentioned a party. This must be Alexander’s doing.
What is Theodore up to? Nyx murmurs.
“It’s tomorrow.” Theodore continues, avoiding my eyes. “After everything, we need a celebration. Alexander wants a party. A joint event. Athena’s birthday and victory in the war.”
“A party?” Ethan raises a brow.
Theodore nods. “Interested? You helped take down many Lycans.”
Ethan’s eyes narrow at me. “Sure. It’s been a while since I celebrated.”
“Great.” Theodore smiles. “Where’s your brother? I need to ask him too. Making a list.”
“He left earlier. Heading home to his wife.”
“I see.” Theodore mutters. “That’s a shame. More drinks for us.” He laughs. It sounds forced.
His brother has her. Nyx tells me.
They live hundreds of miles away. I panic.
“I thought you traveled together. Since you live that way.” Theodore presses. He thinks the same as me.
“I had things to settle. I wanted a written letter from Alexander. Confirming the contract is over. I don’t need him finding loopholes.”
“He said it’s over. Multiple times.” I mutter.
“Still. Best to have it in writing.”
Ethan smirks at me. He’s too dumb to see Theodore digging for info. “I’ll stay for the party. It could be fun.”
He turns and leaves.
“Aren’t you going after him?” I whisper to Theodore.
“No. Alexander is already on it.”
I look at the window. He’s gone.