Chapter 81

The trio walked through the moonlit woods, their footsteps crunching softly on fallen leaves. Lucius kept a watchful eye on their surroundings while Achilles and Shea stayed close together, hands still linked.

"We should transform," Lucius suggested, pausing to scan the treeline. "We'll cover ground faster."

Achilles squeezed Shea's hand. "Ready?"

She nodded, already feeling the familiar tingle beneath her skin. The change came easier now - her bones shifted and reformed while thick fur sprouted across her body. Where Shea had stood moments before, a sleek gray wolf now stretched its limbs.

Beside her, Achilles transformed into his chocolate brown wolf form while Lucius took on his impressive silver-white wolf shape. The three of them moved silently through the forest, weaving between trees with supernatural grace.

Shea found herself marveling at how natural it felt to run on four legs, to process the countless scents carried on the night breeze. She could smell the lingering traces of deer that had passed through hours ago, the musty den of a fox family, even the sharp metal tang of distant car exhaust.

Achilles brushed against her flank as they ran, a gesture of affection that made her wolf-heart skip. Even in this form, his presence filled her with warmth and security. His larger form kept pace easily with her shorter strides while Lucius led them along hidden paths through the woods.

The mansion's lights came into view through the trees. They slowed their pace, ears swiveling to catch any unusual sounds. Finding nothing amiss, they padded across the manicured lawn toward the house.

Once inside the mansion, they transformed back to their human forms. Lucius immediately headed to his study while Achilles and Shea lingered in the grand foyer.

"I'll ask Alaric to prepare some tea," Achilles said, running a hand through his disheveled hair. The run had left them both energized despite the late hour.

"That would be nice." Shea leaned against one of the marble pillars, still marveling at how smoothly her transformations went now. "It's getting easier each time."

"You're a natural." Achilles stepped closer, his fingers brushing her cheek. "Most werewolves take months to master the change. You did it in weeks."

Shea caught his hand and pressed it to her face. "I had good teachers."

"Speaking of teaching..." Achilles's eyes glinted with mischief. "We never finished our training session from earlier."

"Oh?" Shea raised an eyebrow. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

Before he could respond, Alaric appeared with a silver tea service. The butler's timing was impeccable as always, though his usually stoic expression held a hint of amusement.

"Your tea, sir, madam." He set the tray on a nearby table. "Master Lucius requests your presence in the study once you've refreshed yourselves."

"Thank you, Alaric." Achilles poured two cups while Shea settled into one of the plush armchairs.

The warmth of the tea helped ground her after the exhilarating run through the woods. She watched Achilles over the rim of her cup, admiring how the firelight played across his features. Even in these quiet moments, he carried himself with a predator's grace.

Shea set down her teacup and stood, smoothing her clothes. "We shouldn't keep your father waiting."

"He's probably planning our next move against Hawkins," Achilles said, placing his cup beside hers. His hand found the small of her back as they walked toward the study.

The wooden door was already open, warm lamplight spilling into the hallway. Lucius sat behind his massive oak desk, maps and documents spread before him. He looked up as they entered.

"Feeling refreshed after your little adventure?" His tone held no anger, just mild amusement.

"Yes, father." Achilles guided Shea to one of the leather chairs. "Though next time we'll let you know before we leave."

"See that you do." Lucius shuffled some papers. "Your aunt provided valuable information, Shea. Vincent had shared more with her than I realized."

Shea leaned forward. "What kind of information?"

"Details about the other factions, alliances formed in secret." He pulled out an aged leather journal. "She kept everything Vincent told her written down."

"That's why you weren't angry about us sneaking out," Achilles said, realization dawning on his face.

"Indeed." Lucius opened the journal. "This could give us the advantage we need against Hawkins. But first, we need to verify some of these claims."

Shea felt Achilles's hand squeeze her shoulder gently. After weeks of reacting to threats, they finally had a chance to act first. The thought sent a thrill of anticipation through her.

"Where do we start?" she asked.

Lucius closed the leather journal carefully, his fingers tracing its worn spine. "This changes our immediate plans."

"The cave expedition?" Achilles straightened in his chair.

"Yes." Lucius set the journal aside. "We need to verify these accounts first. The cave can wait."

Shea nodded, though disappointment flickered across her face. They'd spent days preparing for tomorrow's exploration of the ancient werewolf caves.

"Don't look so dejected," Lucius said, his blue eyes twinkling. "This journal could prove far more valuable than what we might find in those caves. But right now, you both need rest. It's been quite the evening."

Achilles stood, offering his hand to Shea. "He's right. We've covered a lot of ground today - literally and figuratively."

"I'll start going through Vincent's notes tonight," Lucius said, already opening the journal again. "We'll discuss what I find tomorrow over breakfast."

Shea took Achilles's hand, warmth spreading through her at his touch. "Thank you for understanding about the sneaking out," she said to Lucius.

"Just don't make a habit of it," he replied without looking up, a slight smile playing at his lips. "Good night, both of you."

Achilles and Shea locked eyes, an unspoken message passing between them as they imagined the same question forming in both their minds: Why delay?

Without a word, Shea turned and headed down the hall, her heart pounding with anticipation. Achilles followed, his eyes fixed on the gentle sway of her hips as she walked.

Reaching her room, Shea closed the door and, with a mischievous smile, pushed Achilles gently in the chest. The slight touch sent a jolt of desire through them both.

"Wanna fuck?" Shea asked, her voice low and husky. She walked to the bed and crawled onto it, kneeling on all fours with her back arched and her head lowered, inviting him to take her.

Achilles felt his breath quicken as his gaze traveled down her body. His wolf stirred within him, recognizing its mate and craving the deep, primal connection they'd discovered.

Crossing the room, he reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head, tossing it aside. Next came his pants, which he quickly undid, letting them fall to the floor.

Naked, he approached the bed, where Shea still waited on all fours, her eyes now closed as she focused on the sensations coursing through her.

Achilles's breath caught as he took in the vision of her—the curve of her spine, the pale skin of her back and shoulders, the way her dark hair tumbled forward, concealing her face.

He climbed onto the bed, his knees sinking into the mattress on either side of her. With a gentle touch, he placed his hands on her hips, his thumbs stroking the soft skin of her lower back.

Shea moaned softly, her head lifting slightly as she felt his hands on her. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, she pushed back against him, urging him to take what she was offering.