Chapter 0015
Zachary
"Need a drink?" I ask, noticing Luc's attention fixed on Caleb's property.
"Sure," he sighs heavily. "She won't talk to me for a while anyway."
He trails me inside and perches on the kitchen counter.
I slide a glass toward him. "Lottie is changing. She's maturing faster than expected. Where is she now?"
"At a friend's house. She'll be back soon." I study him carefully. "It's more than just growing up, Luc. I know you're a Hunter, and that's what's awakening in her. But she constantly surprises me. Lottie perceives things differently than we do. She feels things on another level. Significant events occurred during your absence."
He raises an eyebrow. "Has she mentioned souls? Can she actually see them clearly?"
"Not exactly," I shake my head. "It seems deeper than that. She was the one who realized Julian had another mate besides Genevieve. She sensed his mind was clouded." I hesitate, considering whether to continue. "And?"
"She heard you! Lottie knew you were trapped by fire. She knew you were in the ocean. She mentioned something about turning on a light."
"A light?"
"She said something similar to Julian. Is she referring to the darkness inside us?"
He shakes his head slowly, forehead creasing. "Unlikely, but I did tell her I loved her and to behave for you." His frown deepens, matching what Lottie described. "Our survival odds were slim. I wasn't sure she'd hear me, but I had to say it anyway."
"Did you mention the fire or water?"
He shakes his head.
"Then how did she know?"
"It's her nature."
"That's your explanation? The entire episode threw her into full panic mode. The school called me while other children were sent home."
He jumps off the counter, pulls out a chair, and collapses into it. His fingers drum nervously on the wooden table as he stares into space.
"You anticipated this, didn't you?" I press.
"I wasn't certain what to expect. Not long ago, I believed I'd never see my daughter again, and I'm not referring to Silver Streams. But this was inevitable eventually. Being around all these Lycans probably triggered it. Similar to how it triggered me when I was younger."
"Yet she doesn't have issues with most of us. Is this related to her mother? You said Lottie's mother was a Hunter like you, but you never discuss her. Was she like you? A Rogue Hunter? Could she see souls like you, or was she more like Lottie? Or something entirely different?"
"It's complicated."
"Right. And I suppose you won't share that information either?"
His lips press into a tight line, making his silence unmistakable.
"Luc, I don't even know your first mate's name. Lottie has questions I can't answer. Questions only you can address."
His hazel eyes flash up to mine. I've struck a nerve, perhaps more than one.
"You can't ignore this forever. She isn't a Lycan, and she isn't an ordinary Wolf. You're the only one in this pack who can explain her unique nature. You can't keep avoiding this."
"Don't you think I know that?" he frowns deeply.
"You don't act like it."
He rolls his eyes dismissively. "You don't get to lecture me."
"I do when she calls me Daddy!" I snap impatiently. "I invited you here to clear the air and find ways to help that little girl. But for some reason, when it comes to her, you bury your head in the sand."
"I do not!"
"Oh really?"
"I know what I'm doing," he insists.
"Is she broken? Is that why you keep your distance? You're afraid of losing her."
He glares at me with intense hostility.
"She had a terrible start in life, Luc. She's witnessed things most don't see until their teenage years. It makes sense that her soul might be damaged."
"Our souls don't break."
"What?" I scoff incredulously. "What are you talking about? You've made it clear they do. You've said too many fractures can tear someone apart, like what nearly happened to Athena."
Alexander
She had spoken more than usual.
Athena was normally quiet, rarely saying more than a few words.
Perhaps she was finally starting to feel comfortable around me.
‘You still haven’t told her we can sense her desire.’ Titan murmured.
I don’t need to. She’s smart enough to figure it out herself. Her flushed skin gave her away.’ I could feel his desperation to claim her, to make her ours.
But we faced a new obstacle. Marcus.
If I marked her now, I would have to watch her die.
Her body would burn from the inside out.
The pain would be unbearable for her.
I may be ruthless, but the Moon Goddess’s laws were truly merciless.
Her eyes lingered on my face, slightly unfocused.
I knew she was fighting back tears as my words replayed in her mind.
Out of all my chosen brides, she was the only one who truly surprised me.
‘Because she isn’t brainwashed like the others.’ Titan observed.
No, but her knowledge of our world is limited.’ I replied silently as Athena wiped away a stray tear.
“Are you sending me back?” She whispered.
“Why would I do that?”
“Y-you said you couldn’t mark me.”
“Not yet. I can’t mark you yet.” I stood up and turned away. “Get more rest, Athena. It will help you heal faster.”
“Are you leaving?”
“I need to consult someone about removing your bindings. You won’t be alone. Sebastian and Isabella will be here if you need anything.”
I met my brother in the foyer.
He raised an eyebrow at me. “A bit dressed up for a witch meeting.”
“She insisted on a public location.” I glanced at his casual attire. “I don’t want unnecessary attention. You should change.”
He returned ten minutes later in a grey shirt and dark jeans.
“Better.” I muttered.
Our driver stood waiting by the limousine.
I gave him the restaurant name and he nodded.
“Do you really think she can help us?” Julian asked as the door closed.
“It’s worth trying. Even if she can’t, she might know someone who can help Athena.”
“You really care about this one, don’t you?”
My gaze sharpened.
He knew better than to comment on my interests.
He mimed zipping his lips and throwing away the key.
The restaurant was lively and crowded.
We were led to a table where an older woman already sat, sipping a martini.
Her gold bracelets jingled with every movement.
A purple scarf covered her hair, matching her long dress.
“Alpha Alexander.” She smiled. “It’s been too long.”
“Madame Zora. Thank you for meeting us.” I noticed her empty glass and offered another drink.
“No need, but tell your brother to sit. He’s drawing too much attention.”
JULIAN! I mind-linked him.
He quickly slid into the booth.
“Now tell me about this girl.” Madame Zora requested.
“She’s my chosen bride, as I mentioned.”
“Yes, but why consult me? Did you choose a human?”
“No, she’s definitely a Wolf. Her abilities have been bound.”
“Twice.” Julian added.
“Twice?” Madame Zora leaned back. “Do you think I’m involved?”
“Not at all. I hoped you might know how to unbind her.”
“There is a way, but it’s difficult. Why was she bound?”
I lowered my voice. “Accused of killing her parents at age six. Bound again when they discovered she could scent her mate.”
She tapped her long nails on the table.
Then she smiled. “Strong Alpha blood must run in her veins. You want her to have her wolf to break the mate bond?”
“It’s more complicated, but yes.”
She studied me intently. “It can be done, but it won’t be free.”
“Name your price.”
She leaned forward, rubbing her knuckles. “One million.”
Julian choked on his drink, spraying the table. “Bro, you can’t be serious! Not for some girl. You can find another mate.”
“Silence!” I snapped.
Locking eyes with Madame Zora, I nodded. “Done. Unbind her and you’ll get your money.”
She nodded and stood. “One more thing, Alpha Alexander. Which pack is she from?”
“Silver Creek.”
She froze.
Color drained from her tanned face. “The deal is off, Alpha Alexander. I wish you luck, but I can’t help you.” She retreated into the crowd and vanished.