Page 41 of Their Mate
Edward answered with confidence. “According to Sera, the Elder Lycan is stronger, faster, smarter, and capable of turning humans and wolves alike into lycans with a single bite. The ones he turns don’t live long—three to five years at most. Apparently, that’s the only reason he hasn’t amassed a permanent army just yet.”
There was a heavy silence as the rest of the pack absorbed the grim information. Callum spoke up quietly, concern clear in his voice. “And Declan might’ve been bitten?”
Aidan answered, the pain in his voice unmistakable. “It’s possible. The bastard grabbed him and dragged him away before I could get close enough to stop him.”
Killian swore under his breath, the soft clink of metal indicating he was already gearing up. “Then we better move quick. Sera said we have less than twenty-four hours, right? Bloody tight window if Declan’s bitten.”
Thorne’s calm detached voice cut through sharply. “And this Elder Lycan—he retains his intelligence?”
“Yes,” Logan confirmed. “That makes him exponentially more dangerous. He’s not just a mindless beast.”
Magnus hummed thoughtfully, the quiet sound of his customary Irish melody briefly filling the silence. “An intelligent, mutant lycan capable of creating more of his own kind. Can’t say I love our odds here, lads.”
“We’ve faced worse,” Tobias muttered darkly, clearly not intimidated.
“Aye,” Jamie agreed dryly, “but have we?”
Finished changing, I stepped out into the main room, immediately drawing the attention of every wolf present. Their eyes lingered, curious, wary, and watchful, but I refused to show discomfort, lifting my chin as boldly as I dared.
Logan broke the awkward silence first, clearing his throat. “So this Elder Lycan—anything else we need to know, Sera? Weaknesses, patterns, anything you’ve held back?”
I hesitated, wary of divulging too much information, but ultimately resigned myself. If we were going to have any chanceat stopping this thing, I couldn’t afford half-measures. “He’s highly intelligent, as I already told you. He learns and adapts.”
Magnus nodded slowly, clearly processing. “We have to be careful. A cornered predator fights hardest.”
Edward stepped forward. “Then let’s move quickly. Gather weapons, gear, everything we’ll need to take this thing down.”
Jamie flashed me a small, reassuring smile. “You ready for this, lass? Might get messy.”
I crossed my arms tightly, glaring back at him. “I’m always ready. Just keep up.” With my body still aching and sore from what these wolves had done to me, I secretly hoped I could back up my brash words with my forthcoming actions. A surge of resentment raised bile into my throat. The bastards.
Killian laughed softly, eyes glittering with mischief. “Feisty. I like her already.”
Logan sighed, shooting Killian an exasperated look before turning back to me, concern evident behind his steely gaze. “Stay close to us, Sera. Whatever happens out there—you’re one of ours now, whether you admit it or not. We’ll keep you safe.”
I met his intense stare head-on, refusing to show even a hint of weakness. “I don’t need your protection.”
Even as I said the words, a faint, traitorous whisper stirred within me, silently acknowledging the fragile bond I’d unwittingly formed with these wolves. It was dangerous, maybe even deadly, to feel anything but cold, detached calculation toward them.
The wolves moved efficiently as they armed themselves. Blades and weapons exchanged hands in quiet movements; knives,pistols, even crossbows, as well as plenty of flashlights. I watched warily, noting each subtle shift of posture and expression. They operated like a well-oiled machine, each member fully aware of their role, and ultimately, their place within this strange, tight-knit family.
“Take this,” Edward murmured, handing me a sleek knife with a perfectly balanced handle. His eyes met mine briefly, as calm and collected as ever. “You’ll need it.”
I hesitated, feeling the cool weight settle into my palm. Part of me was grateful to hold a weapon again; part of me bristled at accepting anything from these wolves. Still, practicality won out. “Thanks,” I muttered tersely. I wanted my own weapons back in my hands and strapped to my body.
Edward nodded slightly, returning to his preparations without further comment. Around me, quiet banter passed between them, lighthearted on the surface, but masking deeper trepidation.
Magnus hummed absently as he holstered his weapon, the traditional melody oddly soothing even in its melancholy tones. “So, our assassin lass, she seems plenty dangerous,” he drawled casually, casting a glance my way. “How’d you lads manage to get close enough without losing a limb or two?”
Killian snorted softly, shooting me a wicked grin. “Pure luck, I’d wager.”
Jamie chuckled dryly, pulling his hair back with practiced ease, tying it neatly at his nape. “Luck and stubbornness. Aidan bears the bite of a bear trap she set, Declan took her blade to the belly, and she nearly took Logan’s head off with her knife before she finally surrendered.”
Zara smirked, tilting her head thoughtfully toward Logan. “You letting humans get the drop on you now, big brother? Slipping in your old age?”
Logan sighed, clearly accustomed to his sister’s teasing. “She’s not exactly your average human, Zara.”
Zara’s gaze flicked back to me, a mixture of curiosity and respect behind her thoughtful eyes. I met her stare evenly, unwilling to show even the smallest hint of weakness. She nodded briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between us. We weren’t friends, not by a long shot, but there was a faint trace of understanding there that unsettled me.
