Chapter 0088

He shifted back into human form.

His voice was quiet as he asked if I was alright.

He pulled clothes from the bag.

“Why are we up here?”

“Like I told you. Alpha Alexander ordered me to bring you here if your safety was ever at risk.”

Why hadn’t Alpha Alexander mentioned this place to me?

“When did he tell you that?”

“Hmm?” He wasn’t looking at me.

His attention remained fixed on the grounds below.

I hadn’t heard anything except those footsteps outside my door.

I hadn’t seen any other Lycans.

A sickening dread began churning deep inside my stomach.

“When…when exactly did he tell you?”

“Yesterday. While you were still in the hospital.”

I didn’t know whether he was lying.

Everything about this felt wrong.

Being up here felt wrong.

Where was Alpha Alexander?

He should be sensing my panic by now.

I desperately wished I could link him.

“Are you hungry?” Caleb asked.

I slowly lowered myself to the floor.

“No.”

“You sure? You barely left your room all afternoon.”

He had been watching me.

“I’m fine,” I murmured.

My eyes drifted toward the forest.

I hoped someone would return soon.

Alpha Alexander. Theodore. Beta Sebastian. Anyone.

“Suit yourself,” he muttered.

I could feel his gaze heavy on me.

He was waiting for me to make a move.

If I didn’t fight, maybe I could buy some time.

Maybe he would eventually leave me alone.

“You gave me a real scare,” he said, biting into an apple.

“That bitch drugging you…that wasn’t part of the plan.”

“Plan?” I pulled my knees tight against my chest.

I kept my eyes lowered.

“Alpha Dominic’s plans were almost ruined.”

He took another loud bite of the apple.

Alpha Dominic.

He had been working for him this whole time.

“Are you…are you even my brother?”

“No. I just bear a strong resemblance to your family. Alpha Dominic made sure of it. He knew it was the only way you’d trust me.”

“I could sense you.”

“Of course you could, you stupid girl. You have Alpha blood running through your veins. Honestly, Athena, I expected more from you.”

“You…you linked me.”

“And you still haven’t figured it out.” He tossed the apple core off the roof.

He pointed at me. “Alpha blood.” As if that explained everything.

“It was all a game!” Rage boiled inside me.

It was hotter and fiercer than anything I had ever felt.

“Just a fucking game!”

He took a step back, laughing.

“Is that all you think this is? That’s all you think I’m worth? I believed you. I…” I shook my head, too furious to form words.

“So did everyone else. Sebastian. Theodore. But you…you were the easiest to fool. Did you really think I’d hide in a forest all day? Watch Alpha Dominic’s house for years? No. My job was far more important.”

I had been so incredibly stupid.

“You’re just going to hand me over to him?”

“Kicking and screaming if I have to.” He shrugged.

“You’re a fucking asshole!” I pushed myself up onto my feet.

“I should have let Alpha Alexander tear you apart.”

“But you didn’t. Because you felt sorry for your poor little brother.” He mocked my voice.

A sharp pain shot through my skull as I stared at him.

White-hot fury ignited within me.

My entire life, I had been nothing but a pawn.

A punching bag for whenever they needed to vent.

“You don’t get to do this!” I snapped.

“And what are you going to do to stop me? Alpha Dominic will be here the second I call him.”

I refused to be pulled back into that life.

I wouldn’t let it happen.

My eyes scanned the rooftop.

There was nothing here I could use to defend myself. Nothing.

Another wave of agony ripped through my head.

It nearly brought me to my knees.

I fought with everything I had to stay standing.

I would not show him any weakness.

“There’s nothing you can do, Athena,” he mused.

“Your life has already been decided. And you are completely alone.”

I’m here.

A female voice echoed inside my mind.

Excruciating pain shot through my entire body.

My body launched itself at Caleb.

Large claws erupted from my fingertips.

They plunged straight into his chest.

When I pulled my hand back, fragments of his heart were clinging to my claws.

He choked, staring at me in shock.

The claws retracted.

Pieces of his heart remained in my palm.

Push him.

The voice whispered inside my head.

Push him over.