Chapter 40

Shea sat in stunned silence, processing Lucius's words. True mates? The concept seemed almost too fantastical to believe, yet it explained so much about the intense connection she felt with Achilles.

"What should we do?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucius's eyes softened. "For now, we continue as planned. Your training is crucial, regardless of this potential bond. But I want you both to be aware of the possibility and the risks it may bring."

As if on cue, a knock sounded at the study door. Achilles poked his head in, his gaze immediately finding Shea's. "Everything alright in here?"

Lucius nodded. "Come in, son. We were just discussing some important matters."

Achilles entered, his presence sending a thrill through Shea's body. She fought to keep her composure as Lucius briefly explained what they'd discussed.

Achilles's eyes widened, darting between his father and Shea. "True mates? But that's... I thought it was just a legend."

"Many things we once thought were legends have proven to be true," Lucius reminded him. "We must be prepared for all possibilities."

An awkward silence fell over the room. Shea could feel Achilles's gaze on her, intense and questioning. She met his eyes, seeing a mix of confusion, hope, and desire reflected back at her.

Lucius cleared his throat. "I think that's enough heavy discussion for one day. Shea, why don't you get some rest? We'll continue your training tomorrow."

Shea nodded, grateful for the excuse to retreat. As she stood to leave, Achilles reached out, his fingers brushing against her arm. The touch sent sparks through her body.

"We should talk," he said softly. "Later, when you're ready."

Shea managed a small smile. "Okay," she agreed, her voice barely audible.

Shea retreated to her room, her mind reeling from the revelations of the day. True mates? The concept both thrilled and terrified her. She paced back and forth, unable to shake the memory of Achilles's touch and the intensity in his eyes. She just retreated to her bed and lied down there for an hour thinking about her life.

A soft knock at her door startled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called, her heart racing as Achilles entered the room.

He looked uncertain, a far cry from his usual confident demeanor. "I thought we should talk," he said, running a hand through his hair. "About... everything."

Shea nodded, gesturing for him to sit beside her on the bed. As he settled next to her, she could feel the heat radiating from his body, drawing her in like a magnet.

"So," Achilles began, his voice low. "True mates. It's a lot to take in."

"Yeah," Shea agreed. "I don't even know what to think about it all."

Achilles turned to face her, his blue eyes searching hers. "I know we haven't known each other long, but I can't deny there's something between us. Something I've never felt before."

Shea's breath caught in her throat. "I feel it too," she admitted. "It's like... a pull. Like my body knows something my mind is still trying to figure out."

Achilles reached out, gently taking her hand in his. The simple touch sent electricity coursing through her veins. "Whatever this is," he said softly, "I want to explore it. If you're willing."

Shea found herself leaning closer, drawn in by his warmth and scent. "I'm willing," she whispered, her lips mere inches from his.

Just as they were about to close the distance, a loud crash echoed from downstairs. They sprang apart, instantly alert.

"What was that?" Shea asked, her heart pounding for an entirely different reason now.

Achilles was already on his feet, his body tense. "Stay here," he ordered, moving towards the door.

But Shea wasn't about to be left behind. "No way," she said, following him. "We're in this together."

Achilles hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Together, they crept down the hallway towards the source of the noise. As they descended the stairs, they heard muffled voices coming from the study.

"...can't keep her hidden forever," a gruff voice was saying. "The Hawkins pack will find her eventually."

Achilles and Shea exchanged a glance. They recognized Lucius's voice responding, "We're not hiding her. We're protecting her until she's ready."

Inching closer to the partially open door, Shea and Achilles peered inside. Lucius stood facing a tall, broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper hair. The stranger's back was to them, but his posture radiated tension.

"And when will that be?" the man demanded. "The longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes for everyone."

Lucius's eyes flicked towards the door, spotting Achilles and Shea. He gave an almost imperceptible nod before turning his attention back to his visitor. "Patience, Marcus. We can't rush this. Shea's safety is paramount."

The man called Marcus growled in frustration. "The other packs are getting restless. They know something's brewing, and they want answers."

"Let them wonder," Lucius said firmly. "We'll reveal everything when the time is right."

Marcus turned, giving Shea and Achilles a glimpse of his weathered face. His nostrils flared, and his eyes narrowed. "We're not alone," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Before Lucius could respond, Achilles pushed the door open fully, stepping protectively in front of Shea. "No, we're not," he said, meeting Marcus's gaze steadily.

Marcus's eyes widened in recognition. "So, this is her," he murmured, his gaze shifting to Shea. "The one everyone's been whispering about."

Shea lifted her chin defiantly, refusing to be intimidated. "I have a name," she said. "It's Shea."

A ghost of a smile flickered across Marcus's face. "Indeed you do," he said, his tone softening slightly. "And it seems you have more spirit than some gave you credit for."

Marcus turned to Lucius, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "You didn't tell me she was already here," he said, his tone accusatory.

Lucius sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It wasn't relevant to our discussion."

"Wasn't relevant?" Marcus scoffed. "Her presence changes everything."

Achilles stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "She's not a pawn in your games," he growled. "Shea is a person, and she deserves to know what's going on."

Shea placed a hand on Achilles's arm, calming him. She addressed Marcus directly, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "He's right. I want to know why everyone seems so interested in me."

Marcus studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Fair enough," he said. "You've been thrust into a world you know little about. You deserve answers."

Lucius moved to intervene, but Marcus held up a hand. "No, old friend. The time for secrets is over. She needs to understand the gravity of her situation."

Turning back to Shea, Marcus's expression softened. "Your father, Vincent, was more than just a werewolf. He was a peacekeeper, a bridge between the packs. His death left a void that we've been struggling to fill ever since."

Shea's breath caught in her throat. "What does that have to do with me?"

Marcus exchanged a glance with Lucius before continuing. "We believe you inherited his unique abilities. Abilities that could either unite the packs... or tear them apart if they fall into the wrong hands."

Achilles tensed beside her, but Shea stood her ground. "What kind of abilities?"

"That's what we need to find out," Lucius interjected. "It's why we've been protecting you, training you. We need to understand the full extent of your powers before we can determine the best course of action."

Shea's mind reeled with the implications. She looked at Achilles, seeking reassurance in his steady gaze. He nodded encouragingly, and she took a deep breath before facing Marcus and Lucius again.

"I want to know everything," she said firmly. "No more secrets, no more half-truths. If I'm going to be part of this world, I need to understand it fully."