Chapter 0263

Athena

“We’re aware there are more out there, but time isn’t on our side!” Alexander snaps at Brianna. “She could already be here. Watching us.”

The twins have gone quiet, staring up at their father. Since they became aware of their surroundings, they’ve always sensed his anger. It never made them cry. It fascinated them.

“WE don’t need to do anything.” Brianna mutters, turning her gaze to me. “You do.”

“Right.” I let out a bitter laugh. “Last time I tried speaking to Lycans, they were the bitten ones. The marked. And you struggled to link with me.”

“Something is holding you back.” She shrugs.

“I know. The darkness inside me.” My tone drips with sarcasm.

“No. You.” She points directly at me. “I thought it was Nyx blocking me.”

‘Not me.’ Nyx grumbles, annoyed.

“Now I believe it’s you. You’ve been so focused on fighting the darkness that you’re shutting out your natural bloodborn gift.”

“It didn’t work with Gabriel or Seraphina.”

“Neither was present when Victoria targeted you. But what began then is what you battle daily. I think it’s connected, but it’s not the barrier.”

“I’ve accepted who I am.” I say defensively.

“Much has changed since then.” Alexander’s eyes lock on mine.

“Athena, you are the last female Alpha. A descendant of Aldous Harrison. Every Lycan in this world belongs to you. Rogue or not. If it’s true there are more, you must find a way to link them. To bring them here.”

“What if I bring more trouble to our pack? What if they hate me? What if they reject having an Alpha? I understand what you’re saying, Brianna, but the twins.” I glance at Alexander, who is now making funny faces at the boys in his arms. "I can't risk their safety."

“You would be doing this for them. And if anyone tries to cross us, we will unleash hell.”

I study her. Less than a week ago, she claimed she’d gladly give up being a Lycan. Perhaps the chance to belong has changed her mind.

My eyes meet familiar crimson ones. He stays silent, just watching me. His look says the decision is mine. Sometimes, I prefer when he makes the choice. The last time I decided, Brianna almost died.

I look at my sons, safe in his arms. They are oblivious to our world. Unaware of what they were born into. My only goal is to give them the best life possible. Because as much as I am the last female Alpha, they are future Lycan Alphas. Destined to rule both Lycans and Wolves.

“If I figure this out, Seraphina will likely seek the others out. Try to sway them to her side. What if she succeeds?”

“I have an idea, but it’s extreme. We’ll need Isabella’s agreement.” Brianna tells us.

“What is it?”

“We ask them if they would die for you.”

“How does that prove anything? They could lie.” Alexander questions.

“We administer Wolfsbane Toxin.”

“WHAT?” I nearly died from that poison. Isabella barely saved me. Without the antidote from the Witch, I wouldn’t be here. I still see my parents’ blood-soaked faces in my nightmares.

“Because Isabella knows how to make the antidote.” Alexander nods, ignoring my reaction.

Brianna agrees.

“Am I the only one who sees a flaw? Suppose we do it. Then word gets out we have the antidote. That it’s just a test.”

“You order them not to tell anyone. Athena, I think you sometimes forget the power of an Alpha’s command.” Alexander states firmly.

“I won’t poison them. I’m sorry. There has to be another way.”

Silence falls as Charlotte skips back into the room, holding a bag of popcorn. “Do you know where Daddy is?”