Chapter 68: CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT

“I was merely reacting to Kaelin keeping secrets from me. Nothing more serious than that,” Alpha Thorne said lightly, careful not to reveal anything of significance.

“And what are you planning to do with Luna Celeste?” Varick asked, his tone confirming the curiosity he could not conceal. It was clear he had interest in her, though he had previously stood by passively when Alpha Alaric attempted to harm her.

“I’m undecided. Perhaps I’ll end her life once I grow bored of tormenting her,” Thorne shrugged, but his eyes didn’t miss the dark gleam in Varick’s expression. Thorne could sense that Varick wasn’t just imagining—if he was indeed the hidden adversary, he had an unexpected hold over him.

“There are rumors she didn’t commit the acts she’s accused of,” Varick said cautiously, trying to deter Thorne from killing Celeste, though his reasons remained hidden.

A few days prior, Varick’s mate, Selara, had died at his hands. He had discovered her in Duskridge territory only weeks before and, in a surge of fury, had ended her life. Initially, he had felt exhilarated, but when news spread of Thorne’s defense of the Litha Moon Pack, Selara had celebrated as if Thorne were her own mate.

When Varick questioned her, she unabashedly admitted that any woman would desire a mate like Thorne. That statement was the final spark of rage. Without further thought, he had choked Selara to death. It had been impulsive—he would later regret the act—but the dominant feeling was his relief at her inability to resist. She had been too feeble to serve as the Luna of his pack.

Now, cursed and solitary, Varick knew the Moon Goddess would never pair him again. The only solace was the secret: no one else was aware of it.

“So?” Thorne’s voice jolted him from reflection.

“I think you should release her,” Varick suggested. If Luna Celeste had endured all of Thorne’s torture, she was clearly as resilient as the whispers had claimed—and perhaps the perfect Luna for Thorne himself.

Having gained confirmation, Thorne felt less concern for Celeste than he did for Seraphine. Though he resented that Varick harbored interest in her, he could not act violently—at least, not until he understood the network of allies Varick might be involved with.

“Our perspectives differ. I must depart for work, and you are not to remain here,” Thorne said with a tone of finality. Varick did not take offense; he had accomplished little anyway. What was effortless for Kaelin proved painstaking for him.

“For the sake of friendship, may I see Luna Celeste?” Varick asked, attempting to gauge where Thorne was keeping her. Thorne’s expression darkened, anger flaring. Bottling his emotions was difficult, but Varick’s audacity was nauseating.

“For what purpose?”

“Curiosity. Is she at the pack?” Varick pressed. Everything Alpha Kalen had reported aligned: they were searching for Luna Celeste’s location. For a fleeting moment, Varick felt satisfaction knowing she was safe at the small cottage, hidden from everyone—even Kaelin.

Even Kaelin had no knowledge of that secret retreat. Thorne also realized how cautiously outsiders lingered when Celeste was first brought there; whenever Varick passed along information, Thorne’s network would quietly confirm it.

Thorne found himself considering an assault on his former ally’s pack. He now knew who the enemy was, while Varick remained unaware of the depth of Thorne’s insight—a strategic advantage.

“What’s your verdict, Varick? I have work,” Thorne said, having set aside the nearly untouched steak and poured another measure of whisky. The pain of losing his wolf, Myra, weighed on him, and he could barely imagine life without her presence.

Unable to glean more from Thorne’s cryptic replies, Varick forced a smile. “I’ll tidy the Moonveil Pantry and leave,” he said. He carefully collected the plates, including Thorne’s nearly untouched food, making certain nothing was neglected.

Thorne interrupted suddenly, his voice sharp: “Have you located your mate?

It was unlike Thorne to ask such questions directly, but a subtle pain lingered in his eyes as he denied Varick access to Celeste.

“Yes,” Varick admitted, unflinching. Thorne’s shock was evident.

“Where?” he asked again, disbelief in his tone.

“Dead,” Varick replied, emotionless. Thorne’s memory of Lisa’s death resurfaced, showing how profoundly he had changed.

“Myra… how?” Thorne asked, unable to mask his anguish.

Varick, seizing the moment with his usual manipulative skill, answered, “Someone is hunting us. They killed my mate as they did yours. I thought remaining close to you might offer some shelter. It was only a few weeks ago when I lost her.” He carefully avoided specifying the exact time, making it easier for Thorne to investigate secretly if he chose.

“Apologies,” Thorne said dryly. But the lack of genuine pain in Varick’s eyes left him unsettled. No news had circulated about Selara’s death—it couldn’t simply vanish unnoticed.

“Did you report it to the Regional Alpha Assembly?” Thorne asked. Varick tensed slightly.

“I don’t trust them. They’ve failed to resolve any complex case, so I’m handling it myself. I intend to investigate yours as well—perhaps we’re being targeted because we were once close.”

Thorne always considered Varick a friend, though the term “best friend” now rang hollow. Suspicion tainted every word, bitterness lacing his thoughts.

“I’ve stopped trying. If you uncover anything relevant, inform me. I need to consult someone at the Obsidian Hall Offices.”

Varick was left puzzled as Thorne returned to his cottage, expecting sympathy, or at least permission to see Celeste, yet he received only a curt apology. He realized Thorne’s heart had grown colder and more bitter after Lisa’s death. No wonder it had been so easy to deny Luna Celeste.

Later, Thorne changed clothes and sent a message to Seraphine: “Give the phone to Luna Celeste, but ensure a tracker is installed without her knowledge.” It was the only way to confirm her safety at all times.

Seraphine responded instantly, her excitement palpable: “Yes, Alpha.” A thin, satisfied smile touched Thorne’s lips just as his phone rang, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Alpha, we have Elowen,” Ronan’s urgent voice reported.

Thorne’s eyes lit up; finally, he would have a lead on the person responsible for Lisa’s murder.