Chapter 0226

I had no idea Crestwood City was dealing with any issues. My words needed to be chosen with precision. “My brother discovered a solution for you?”

“Yes! And like I mentioned, I’m grateful they eliminated the Rogue. It means the young girls in our pack are safe. The parents have finally stopped panicking.” His voice trembled slightly. It sounded like he was searching for an excuse to stay uninvolved. To avoid falling under my command. He didn’t want to end up like Ethan, and I understood that.

“Did my brother deliver the final blow?” I asked, careful not to reveal my ignorance about Julian’s activities.

“Uh, no. I believe it was his female companion, Seraphina.”

“I’m not requesting anything from you.” I cut the conversation short. “No contract this time.” I muttered it low so he wouldn’t question further. “I’m glad they could assist you.”

He fell silent, but I could hear his breath through the phone. “Are there more?” he finally asked after what felt like forever.

“The last time we spoke, I informed you about the Lycans. I even mentioned my mate was one. We believed their numbers were very limited. But now,” I paused. He deserved clarity. “There’s a possibility. What I didn’t tell you is that my mate is the Lycan Alpha.”

I noticed Zachary raise an eyebrow at me, a smirk forming on his lips.

Ryan went quiet again. I could only imagine the questions swirling in his mind. “Can she control them?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer. She had exerted control over those who attacked us, but Gabriel had resisted. I wondered if others could do the same. I didn’t even know if she had any influence over Zachary or Brianna.

“Time will tell,” I murmured into the receiver.

“What about Rogues? Are there more? Julian and Seraphina left without another word. I didn’t get to ask anything else. Should I bury the Rogue?”

I glanced at Zachary, knowing he could hear both sides. He silently mouthed the word ‘burn’.

“Burn the Rogue. As for whether there are more, the truth is I don’t know.”

“So what should I do?”

“Train your guards to be stronger.”

“Right.” I heard the doubt in his tone. The same hesitation I’d heard from so many others. It wouldn’t be long before he asked for my help. It had been years since I’d forced anyone into a new contract. But if it benefited me, I would never refuse.

“Thank you for calling, Ryan. I hope you’re settling into your Alpha duties. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.” I ended the call before he could respond.

“So I was right,” Zachary muttered.

“It seems so.”

“She does,” he said quietly.

“What?”

“His question about Athena. She does have a hold over us. She’s never used it, but just like your Wolves feel your power over the pack, she has that same influence over us.”

I had sensed it. I felt that lingering power the first time I saw her. When I watched her slender, fragile form slide down that door until she collapsed on the floor. The energy radiating from her was one of the things that drew me in. Well, that and the fact she was my mate.

“If the power is there, how did Gabriel resist it?”

He scowled. “What was her demeanor when she forced the others to obey?”

“Confident. She had been hiding upstairs with Sophia. They came out when Victoria forced Sophia to bring Athena to her. But it was all a setup.” I smiled. “I could feel her power, but… it’s not always present now. It’s strongest when she’s near our sons.”