Chapter 0150
Athena’s sharp cry made Zachary pull away instantly.
He left me standing there, breathless and forgotten, as if nothing had just happened between us.
My heart hammered violently against my ribs.
He walked straight into her room, leaving me half-aroused in the damn hallway, the taste of him still burning on my lips.
‘What the hell was that?’ Midnight snarled, her voice tight with fury.
‘I need to leave. Now.’
I backed away slowly, reaching the top of the staircase. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.
“No. Absolutely not,” I whispered fiercely to myself, dashing down the steps and wiping my face. I don’t cry. I wasn’t going to start now.
I hurried across the pack grounds, my safe haven coming into view—the hospital. This was my domain. Where I was in charge. Where every member of Obsidian Howl relied on me.
I sank down behind the main station, sitting quietly on the cool floor, letting Midnight’s presence soothe my racing thoughts. Why did I let myself get pulled in like that? Why did I let the mate bond fog my judgment?
‘We couldn’t help it,’ Midnight murmured softly. ‘He awakens feelings we haven’t felt in years.’
‘He’s not Gabriel.’
‘No, he’s not. Gabriel betrayed us.’ I felt her simmering anger, though she’d never say it out loud.
Frustrated, I slapped my palm hard against the tiled floor.
“Angry about something?” A low, gravelly voice spoke from the other side of the station.
I froze. I thought I was alone.
I hadn’t smelled anything. I hadn’t sensed another wolf. That could mean only one thing.
‘Alexander,’ I linked my brother urgently. ‘It’s here. Inside my hospital.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘The Rogue,’ I whispered, fear lacing my thoughts.
‘We’re on our way!’
“I’d prefer if you came out,” the voice rumbled, deep and unnatural. “I only wish to talk.” The beast was speaking.
‘We should shift,’ Midnight urged.
‘No. It’ll attack immediately.’
Keeping my back to it, I slowly rose to my feet. I had no weapons. Nothing within reach that could be used to defend myself.
I turned.
My breath caught in my throat.
I hadn’t gotten a clear look at it in the forest, but what stood before me now was far worse than any Lycan we had ever fought. Zachary was right. They were monsters.
It held my gaze, unblinking. Its nostrils flared as it tilted its massive, distorted head. Dried blood coated its sharp teeth and snout. Had it killed someone to get in here?
“You carry the traitor’s scent,” it growled.
I stared back, refusing to blink, ready for any sudden movement. A part of me had doubted Zachary when he said they could speak.
“How… how did you get in?” I always locked up before leaving.
“Is that your final worry before death, Isabella?”
“You know my name?” My voice came out as a squeak. My eyes flickered toward the door. Where was Alexander? Where was anyone?
“Who do you wait for?” It sounded like it was attempting a laugh. “Your new mate? Your powerful brother? Or perhaps the female Alpha? None can save you now, Isabella.”
‘Keep it talking,’ Midnight whispered. ‘Buy time.’
“You’ve been watching me?” I followed her instruction. Maybe I could stall long enough.
“Call it that if it comforts you.”
It hadn’t moved an inch since I started speaking. Was it trying to unnerve me?
“Your eyes keep drifting to the door. I assume you’ve linked one of them.” It rose onto its hind legs, a terrifying sight. “Our time for talk is over.”
It leaped over the counter directly at me.
Clawed hands locked around my body before I could even react.
It pressed something firmly over my mouth.
I fought hard, thrashing and kicking, but the more I struggled, the more of the substance I inhaled.
My body grew weaker by the second.
My arms and legs became heavy, barely responsive.
This wasn’t like fighting one of the bitten ones, whose only goal was a messy kill. This thing anticipated my every move. As if it knew me.
I couldn’t fight anymore.
My head fell back against a solid, muscular chest.
“Time to sleep.”