Chapter 224
Jade
As we stepped out of the hotel, I spotted a familiar vehicle parked nearby. The window rolled down, revealing my older brother Dylan.
"Wait for me a moment," I told Zane, then walked over and opened Dylan's car door.
"So," Dylan said with that infuriatingly casual tone, "planning to switch mate already? Makes sense though. Aiden's too cold and distant. This Beta seems much more charming."
My Alpha temper flared immediately. "Dylan, what the hell are you talking about? Aiden is my intended mate."
"You recognized him as your mate when you were barely mature," he replied dismissively. "Just because you felt the mate bond doesn't mean you actually love him. It's probably just stubborn pride at this point."
I stared at him in disbelief. Why did everyone think Aiden and I were incompatible? My golden wolf eyes flashed with irritation.
"Dylan, do you actually have something important to say, or can I leave?" I snapped.
Only then did Dylan's expression turn serious. "I've been away for a few days, just got back. I heard you went to Morgan Group with Paxton. Any news about Freya?"
I almost laughed with fury. "Instead of asking how I’m doing, all you care about is news of Freya?"
Dylan replied, "I did ask – I suggested you change mate, didn't I?"
My head was starting to pound. "Stop making excuses. It's obvious you like her."
To my shock, Dylan simply nodded without any shame. "What else? Should I keep pining for Claire instead?"
The mention of Claire made my face go pale with disgust. I said, "Dylan, don't make me sick."
Dylan waved his hand dismissively. "Look, you won't let me continue my mess with Claire, so naturally I'm pursuing Freya instead. For my sake, let's call off this competition thing. Freya's probably just delayed by something."
"In your dreams!" I snarled. "I'm definitely going to compete with her and prove who's superior. And I absolutely refuse to have Freya as your mate!"
Dylan looked at me like I was delusional. "You're giving me way too much credit. Do you think Freya would actually like me?"
Our argument reached an impasse, and Dylan drove away, leaving me seething with rage. My own brother preferred that mixed-blood over his sister's happiness.
---
Lucas
The moment I arrived at Celia's private island, Atlas arranged for guards to meet us at the landing pad.
"Where is she?" I demanded.
"Undergoing neural linking," Atlas replied. "She's connected to Michael James - Celia's mate and her biological father."
My blood ran cold. "Is it dangerous?" I asked.
Atlas responded, "There are always risks with consciousness bridging. But Freya insisted. Celia hoped the procedure might unlock research data to help your spinal injury."
As we moved through security checkpoints, Atlas explained, "Celia didn't just want to stimulate Michael's awakening. She hoped Freya could have close contact with him - to know she has a loving father who cares for her."
"The standard protocol requires three months for safe extraction," Atlas continued. "We need to accelerate the timeline, or Freya won't wake up by her promised deadline."
"Do it," I said immediately. "Speed up whatever process you need to. I want her conscious and safe as soon as possible."
While we waited, Atlas spoke up. "Do you mind telling me about Freya's life? I'd like to understand her better."
I felt a protective surge and said, "I don't think Freya would be thrilled about suddenly having more siblings - especially ones who got to grow up with their mother."
Atlas paused thoughtfully. "I understand. If I were in her position, I'd probably feel the same way. If she can't accept us after she wakes up, then my two siblings and I won't continue appearing in her life."
His reasonableness made me reassess him. Maybe having a protective brother like Atlas wouldn't be such a bad thing for Freya.
Even with the accelerated timeline, we had to wait about ten days. During that time, Atlas arranged for Celia's medical team to treat my condition. I couldn't stand up yet, but sensation was beginning to return to my legs.
After several days, Celia finally awakened - two days before Freya was scheduled to emerge. When I wheeled into the medical room, I felt the full impact of Celia's assessment. The resemblance to Freya was striking, but where Freya carried warmth, Celia felt calculating.
Celia looked me up and down with obvious judgment, her gaze lingering on my wheelchair with disdain.
"I honestly don't understand why Freya would choose you," she said without preamble. "Frankly speaking, whether it's Aiden, Zane, or even that young Valor - they all seem better than you. At least they come from clean backgrounds."
Her eyes flashed with contempt. "But you? The Morgan family is an absolute mess. Your father, your cousin, even Morgan Group's senior shareholders - none of them are simple. With you, all Freya gets is pain and complications."
"Perhaps you've given Freya many things," Celia continued relentlessly. "But what you possess is worthless in my eyes. You were just lucky enough to catch her when Paxton Sterling hurt her - you took advantage of her vulnerability."
The brutal honesty of her assessment left me momentarily speechless. Because Celia wasn't entirely wrong. I had appeared at Freya's lowest moment, when she was most desperate and alone. That timing had allowed me to become someone she depended on.
Yet I met Celia's gaze directly and replied, "I think I was indeed fortunate to meet Freya in this lifetime."
My honest admission seemed to surprise her. Celia frowned, clearly not expecting such straightforward acknowledgment.
She said, "Lucas Morgan, you'd better treat Freya well for the rest of your life. Otherwise, as her mother, I will make you regret it."
"No matter who you are," I said, my voice carrying the low rumble of my wolf, "no matter whether you interfere in our lives or not, Freya will always be the most important person in mine."
Celia studied me for a long moment. "You'd better mean that."