Chapter 48

As Lucius and Shea settled into the safehouse, the weight of their situation hung heavy in the air. Shea's thoughts kept drifting back to Achilles, worry gnawing at her insides. She paced the rustic living room, her fingers absently tracing the rough-hewn wooden furniture.

Lucius watched her with understanding eyes. "He'll be alright, Shea. Achilles is more capable than you know."

Shea nodded, grateful for the reassurance. "I just can't help but feel like I should be there with him."

"I know," Lucius said softly. "But your safety is paramount. Not just for you, but for the future of our kind."

Shea sank onto the plush sofa, her mind whirling. "It's still hard to wrap my head around. Me, being this... key to the future of werewolves."

Lucius sat beside her, his presence comforting. "It's a lot to take in. But you're stronger than you realize, Shea. I've seen it in your training, in the way you've faced every challenge head-on."

A small smile tugged at Shea's lips. "I had good teachers."

"And you have a fire in you that can't be taught," Lucius added. "It reminds me of your father."

At the mention of Vincent, Shea's eyes widened with interest. "Will you tell me more about him? About how you knew each other?"

Lucius's eyes softened with nostalgia. "Vincent was... extraordinary. Brave, loyal, and fiercely protective of those he loved. We met as young wolves, both trying to navigate the complex world of pack politics."

Lucius leaned back, his eyes distant with memories. "Vincent had a way of seeing the best in everyone, even in our most bitter rivals. It's what made him such a skilled diplomat."

Shea hung on every word, hungry for details about the father she barely knew. "Was he always so... diplomatic?"

A chuckle escaped Lucius. "Oh, not at all. When we were younger, Vincent had quite the temper. I remember this one time, during a pack meeting, when an elder wolf insulted his mother. Vincent nearly tore the place apart."

Shea's eyes widened. "Really? That doesn't sound like the man you described earlier."

"That's because Vincent learned to channel that fire into something constructive," Lucius explained. "He realized that his passion could be used to bring people together, rather than tear them apart."

Shea nodded, a warmth spreading through her chest. "That sounds more like the dad I remember."

Lucius smiled softly. "He was incredibly proud of you, Shea. Even when you were just a little girl, he knew you were destined for greatness."

"Did he..." Shea hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Did he know about my... special blood?"

Lucius's expression grew serious. "He did. It's part of why he was so protective of you and your mother. Vincent knew that if word got out, it could put you in danger."

Shea absorbed this information, her mind racing. "Is that why he... why he sacrificed himself that night?"

Lucius reached out, gently squeezing Shea's hand. "Your father loved you more than anything in this world, Shea. He would have done anything to keep you safe."

Tears welled up in Shea's eyes, but she blinked them back. "I wish I could have known him better."

"You're more like him than you know," Lucius said softly. "I see it in your determination, in your kindness, and in the way you've captured my son's heart."

Shea's cheeks flushed at the mention of Achilles. "I... we..."

Lucius chuckled. "It's alright, Shea. Love is a powerful force, especially among our kind. Vincent would have approved of Achilles, I'm sure of it."

....

Achilles and Lyra drove through the winding roads of Lockewood, tension thick in the air. Lyra, now perfectly mimicking Shea's appearance, fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.

"Nervous?" Achilles asked, his eyes never leaving the road.

"Just getting into character," Lyra replied, her voice an exact match for Shea's. "How are you holding up?"

Achilles's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "I'll be fine once we get this over with."

As they approached the Hawkins compound, Lyra noticed Achilles's jaw clenching. She placed a hand on his arm, the gesture eerily reminiscent of Shea. "Hey, we've got this. Remember the plan."

Achilles nodded, taking a deep breath. "Right. Just... be careful in there. Ryder's not to be trusted."

They pulled up to the gates, where two burly guards stood watch. Achilles rolled down his window, his face a mask of cool indifference. "We're here to see Ryder. He's expecting us."

One of the guards leaned in, his nostrils flaring as he caught their scents. His eyes lingered on Lyra, who stared back with Shea's defiant gaze. After a moment, he nodded and waved them through.

As they drove into the compound, Lyra whispered, "Nice touch with the scents. They won't suspect a thing."

Achilles parked the car, his eyes scanning the area. "Let's hope so. Remember, if things go south-"

"I know," Lyra cut him off. "Get out and signal the others. But it won't come to that."

They exited the car, Lyra's movements a perfect mirror of Shea's mannerisms. As they walked towards the main building, Achilles couldn't help but marvel at the transformation. If he didn't know better, he'd swear it was really Shea beside him.

Ryder was waiting for them at the entrance, a smug grin plastered on his face. "Well, well. Look who decided to play nice." His eyes raked over Lyra, who suppressed a shudder. "Come on in. We have a lot to discuss."

Achilles and Lyra followed Ryder into the Hawkins mansion, their senses on high alert. The opulent interior spoke of wealth and power, with ornate tapestries and gleaming artifacts lining the walls. Lyra, in her guise as Shea, kept close to Achilles, her fingers brushing against his for reassurance.

Ryder led them to a spacious study, gesturing for them to sit on a plush leather sofa. He poured himself a drink, not bothering to offer his guests any. "So, you've decided to play ball. Smart move."

Achilles's eyes narrowed. "We're here to negotiate, Ryder. Nothing more."

Ryder chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Negotiate? Oh, I think we're well past that point." He pulled out his phone, waving it tauntingly. "One click and your little... indiscretion goes viral."

Lyra leaned forward, channeling Shea's fierce determination. "What exactly do you want from us?"

Ryder's gaze lingered on her, a predatory glint in his eyes. "It's simple, really. I want you, Shea, to agree to be my mate."

Achilles tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. Lyra placed a calming hand on his arm, her touch a perfect imitation of Shea's. "And if I refuse?" she challenged.

"Then not only does the video go public, but we'll make sure the Von Lunar family falls from grace. Your precious Achilles here will be ruined." Ryder's smirk widened. "So, what's it going to be?"

Lyra stood up slowly, her movements graceful and deliberate. She approached Ryder, her eyes never leaving his. "You really think you can force me into this?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous.

Ryder's confidence wavered for a moment, caught off guard by her boldness. "I-"

In a flash, Lyra's hand shot out, snatching the phone from his grasp. Before he could react, she tossed it to Achilles, who caught it deftly.

"You underestimated us, Ryder," Achilles growled, crushing the phone in his grip.

Ryder's face contorted with rage. "You'll regret this," he snarled.