Chapter 0201
Harrison. It was an unusual surname. Among all the Wolves and the scarce Lycans I had encountered, Athena was the sole bearer of that name remaining.
"An ancestor?" I whispered, turning the aged brown book in my hands.
"Most likely, judging by how he discusses bloodlines. Athena is a female Alpha. Her genetics had to originate from somewhere."
"Are the Lycans a threat?"
"I'm uncertain." He muttered. "It mentions their resurgence, but that was centuries ago, Alexander. Any from that era would be long deceased. We're dealing with descendants now."
"Zachary has always maintained there are more out there. Are you implying my mate wasn't merely leading Moonshine but leads all Lycans in existence?"
He gave a slow nod.
"Has anyone else been informed?"
"No, I came directly to you."
"Good. Maintain that silence. I must determine my next course of action."
More Lycans. Could they endanger our kind? What if others like Gabriel exist? Too wild, too uncontrollable.
"She couldn't control Gabriel." I murmured. "Not entirely."
"Zachary mentioned something related to that. It connects to the rejection. Similar to Julian. Julian rejected you as his Alpha and renounced the pack. Salem likely did the same, probably long before encountering her. I'm no longer certain. New details are emerging constantly."
"You genuinely believe that?"
He sucked in his cheeks. "I only trust what I read and what I witness personally."
"I need to speak with Zachary."
Theodore trailed me upstairs. I knocked on Isabella's door, calling for Zachary, only to find him emerging from the adjacent room where Charlotte now slept.
He yawned, checking his watch. "A bit early, isn't it?"
I gestured to the door he was closing. "Is she alright?"
"Still some nightmares. She's improving gradually."
Zachary settled into the chair in my office, legs apart, leaning forward with elbows on his knees. "So I was correct."
"It appears so, yes. Why did you suspect there were more?"
"Shortly before I was bitten, Victoria would speak to me. She lamented that I wasn't a true Lycan. Muttered about how I would have been a valuable specimen in the Lycan pool, but as a bitten Lycan, I could never match the genuine article." He chuckled. "If only she could see me now."
"That doesn't confirm more exist."
"You're right. But when I questioned her, she never provided a clear answer. To me, that implies there was, and is, far more than I knew. Far more than any of us know."
"But you've traveled extensively. You've never encountered any?"
"Other than Brianna and the Rogues, no. Even during my hunt for Gabriel, I never detected any Lycan scents."
"So it might be entirely false."
"Come on, Alexander. We both know you don't believe that." Zachary shook his head. "What if they've discovered a method to conceal themselves?"
"You mean masking their scents?"
"Exactly."
I glanced at Theodore. "What's your opinion?"
"Perhaps there is some truth to his words." He shrugged.
"So there could be hundreds more?"
"It's a vast country. They could be hiding anywhere. Didn't you mention Silver Creek hid in trees?" Zachary pressed.
I nodded.
"What if they chose the opposite? What if they went underground?"
Both fell silent. Waiting for my response.
"We will take no action." I stated after consulting with Titan.
They both raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"Athena will give birth in approximately a month. We already have enough trouble with Gabriel and his potential return. Plus, you have Charlotte. I cannot handle additional complications now."
"But..." Zachary began.
"No. I am constantly monitoring my mate for any changes. What do you think discovering more Lycans would do to her? She doesn't need that stress. And I certainly don't need it either."
"They are her kind. The kind of your soon-to-be-born pups."
"I am doing what is best for my mate. And you will remain silent. I mean it, Zachary. If a single word of this reaches her, you will regret it."
He snorted.
"You haven't witnessed what I am capable of. I will do whatever is necessary to protect my mate."
My eyes flicked to Theodore, who had already lowered his head in submission to my tone. But Zachary held my gaze.
"Fine." He snapped. "But I'm warning you, this will backfire. If I've learned anything about your mate, my Alpha, she absolutely despises secrets. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to check on Lottie."
He slammed my office door shut behind him.
Under different circumstances, I might have pursued answers for Athena. They had remained hidden for centuries. A little longer wouldn't cause any harm.