Chapter 0355
Athena handed her a cloth.
Evelyn wrapped it tightly around her injured hand.
“So he keeps you prisoner. Where?”
“Up north. It’s not a place meant for coming or going.”
“Then how did you escape?” Athena pressed.
“I did what was necessary. I got out.”
I watched Athena over Evelyn’s shoulder. “What about you?”
“I… The doors opened. I just walked out.”
“Someone opened them?” Athena muttered. “They released you.”
“Seems that way. But I don’t know who. Or why. You might not believe me, Athena. I don’t deserve your trust. Evelyn insisted we come warn you.”
“Someone let you out,” Athena repeated. She wasn’t hearing anything else Seraphina said.
“Yes. All the locks disengaged.”
Her eyes cut to me. “He did it on purpose.”
“He released me?” Seraphina asked. “Why would he do that?”
“Take it from me—it was a test. He let you go to see where you’d run. You led him straight to Obsidian Howl.”
“He said he wasn’t interested in you,” Seraphina murmured.
“That doesn’t mean he isn’t interested in my pack,” Athena growled.
“You don’t know that,” Evelyn muttered. She still blocked the doorway.
“You escaped,” Athena said. “She was freed.” She turned to me. “I need to link Alexander. I promised updates.” Her gaze flicked to the women and back. “Don’t do anything reckless.”
I nodded. She walked toward the end of the drive.
“You think this is a trap?” Evelyn asked.
“Given your story, it’s obvious. You both lost your Lycans because of his schemes. What he did to you was cruel.”
“You think she deserved it?” Evelyn challenged.
“If it weren’t for her,” I said, pointing toward Athena leaning against the dirty Porsche, “I’d have driven a knife through Seraphina’s heart. Maybe yours, too. But even that wouldn’t be enough for what she did.”
Evelyn’s grey eyes widened with curiosity. Seraphina looked away.
“I know everything,” Evelyn said. “She told me every detail. But I won’t let you kill her.”
“Do you really believe you can stop me? You said it yourself—you have no abilities left.”
“I still know your kind.”
I smirked. For someone powerless, she wasn’t afraid. “Did you ever go Rogue?”
“No.”
“She did.” I pointed at Seraphina.
“I know.”
I raised a brow. “That doesn’t bother you?”
“Do you see a Rogue standing behind me?” she spat.
Athena returned. “Zachary is doing a head count. Making sure everyone else is safe.”
“What do you want from us?” Evelyn asked.
“Where did he take them?” Athena demanded.
“Nowhere near here. But if he sees potential threats, he won’t go far. Just far enough that he thinks you can’t find him.”
“You’ve barely spoken,” Athena glared at Seraphina.
“Anything I say will be wrong.” She muttered and shifted out of sight.
She wasn’t the same as before. Almost sorrowful. But it didn’t make her trustworthy. And I was no closer to finding Hannah.
I turned to Athena. “We should go. We got all we’re getting.”
She looked between me and Evelyn. “Are you sure there’s nothing else?”
“No, I don’t…” She trailed off, frowning. “I already told you he tricks us. Makes us believe he’s our true mate.”
Athena opened her mouth. I shook my head. They didn’t need to know the taken woman was mated to me. If they hid anything, I’d find out.
She turned to leave.
Then spun back suddenly. She forced the door open. Evelyn jumped back, startled.
Seraphina stood at the far end of the room. She was tying a blue scarf over her head. Trying to hide her short, fuzzy hair.
She froze. Maybe she felt death was coming.
“Everyone wants you dead, Seraphina. You betrayed so many. But Evelyn is right. Losing your abilities is a better punishment. Death is too good for you. Too easy,” Athena declared.
“That’s not fair!” Evelyn cried. “We came to warn you!”
“She never wanted to come back. She knew the risk. She came because of you. You’re her only ally,” I said.
“You’re wrong. Being like this changes everything. And if Cooper thinks we’re bad… What will he make of you? A Hunter?”