The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Chapter 171

**Evelyn's POV**

I took a deep breath, facing Lucian's request. This conversation was coming sooner or later.

"Fine," I said, "just let me give her the keys first."

I hopped out of the car and pulled the keys from my pocket, handing them to Sophia.

"Drive carefully on this terrain," I warned.

"I've driven before, you know," she rolled her eyes.

"Don't let her drive!" Freya yelled from the window. "Orion, if you want to live, don't let her near that wheel!"

Freya and I broke into laughter. Sophia was notoriously terrible behind the wheel despite all her training.

Orion silently took the keys from Sophia. "I'll drive. I'd prefer to arrive in one piece."

I grabbed a jacket and blanket from the tactical vehicle and tossed them to Freya. "Try to sleep if you can. We've been up for almost two days straight."

"Yes, boss," she mock-saluted as I climbed back into the SUV next to Lucian.

"So why'd you need Orion gone?" I asked directly. "What can't be said in front of him?"

"Can't I just want some time with an old friend?" Lucian answered, his voice gentle.

"It's just... things are different now."

"A lot's changed since you left, Tiny," Magnus said from the driver's seat. "We don't hang out together like before. Everyone's got their own responsibilities now, preparing for our official roles." He paused. "Will you tell us what really happened that night? Was it Acacia?"

"I don't want to talk about that," I turned to the window. "I'm trying to forget it. But I'm not the same person anymore."

"We can see that," Lucian said softly. "You seem stronger."

I nudged his shoulder. "Thanks for the gear. It saved my life more than once. And the birthday gifts... didn't think you guys would remember."

"How could we forget?" Magnus reached over and squeezed my hand. "You've always mattered to us. We just hoped we mattered enough to you for at least a text letting us know you were okay. We were near the training center several times, but you only sent that formal letter."

"You know I wasn't allowed - "

"That's bullshit," Magnus's voice hardened. "If you really wanted to see us, Alpha King Nathan would've made it happen. Commander Taric would've brought you himself."

"Stop!" I snapped. "My whole life I've been the weak one, the Beta's daughter who needed protection. People only noticed me because I was your friend. I needed to prove myself on my own!"

I took a breath to calm down. "Even if you don't get it, I had to choose Sentinel training. It was hard, but I did it. I've been working my ass off to show what I can do."

The car went quiet. Magnus breathed deeply before speaking again.

"I won't bring it up again. But I need to ask one thing. Alpha King Nathan never told us details." He seemed to struggle with his words. "We know you were captured. Did that bastard... hurt you? Freya seems like she went through hell."

His knuckles turned white on the steering wheel.

"Not like that," I said quietly, staring out the window. "But I saw too much. It's not my story to tell."

Magnus's shoulders relaxed. I leaned against him and took Lucian's hand.

"I'm okay now, and I'm home for a while. Can we leave it at that for now? I'll explain everything eventually, but some things are hard to talk about, and I don't want to keep repeating it."

He grunted in agreement, squeezing my hand while focusing on the road.

We drove in silence for a while. My leaving was clearly still a sore spot, despite my reasons. Maybe after the shock of seeing each other wore off, we could really talk. But right now, I needed to focus on the mission.

"Does Luna Isabella know I'm coming? Should we call ahead?" I asked.

"No need," Lucian laughed. "When Milo spotted you, he blasted it through the pack mind link like a kid who found candy. Everyone knows you're back by now."

"Where will we stay? I didn't plan on being this close to the pack."

"You've been gone too long," Lucian said. "Your teammates will stay in the pack house as guests."

"And me? Will I be in the Beta family area?"

"You still have your own room. No one's touched it since you left. We've... avoided it, actually." Lucian looked away.

"As long as I'm not imposing. You're right, I've been gone a while, and things change. If we're causing problems, just tell me."

We pulled into the familiar courtyard. A figure in pink was pacing by the entrance. I recognized Acacia immediately and took a deep breath to stay calm. After we parked, Milo and Elliot went to handle the prisoner, and Orion parked the other car.

"Back already?" Acacia said dramatically, her face freezing when she saw me. "What's she doing here? I thought you all finally dumped her."

My wolf growled in my throat. "I wasn't dumped, Acacia. I was at Sentinel training - "

"Don't kid yourself," she stepped closer with a nasty smile. "You're not Sentinel material. You're just a weak little Beta's daughter who can't even protect herself."

In the past, I'd never told the guys about her bullying, and she'd never been this bold in front of them - probably thinking I was still scared and they wouldn't step in.

Before I could answer, Lucian wrapped his arm around my waist, Magnus moved in front of me, and Orion appeared at my side, forming a protective wall.

"Remember," Magnus's voice was calm but carried authority, "you're only allowed in the pack house as a courtesy. You need to respect our members and guests."

Sophia and Freya flanked me, looking calm but ready.

*Is this the woman who's been messing with you?* Sophia asked through our mind link.

*This bitch needs a lesson. Let me give her one,* Freya cut in, anger clear in her tone.

*Not happening. She's still pack. We can't attack without cause. Plus, she's the worst kind of trouble,* I replied.

Our exchange was cut short by rapid footsteps - Luna Isabella rushing toward us, face glowing with joy. Lucian released me just as Luna Isabella pulled me into a tight hug that nearly crushed my ribs.

"My dear child! I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed.

"Luna Isabella, you saw me weeks ago," I laughed.

"That was when you were safe," she whispered. "Someone wants to hurt you, to take you from us again."

"Luna Isabella, shouldn't we discuss the party plans?" Acacia interrupted sweetly.

Luna Isabella hugged me tighter. "I'll explain later."

She turned to Acacia: "Plans have changed. Border activity means the party's on hold. I'm sorry."

She addressed everyone: "We need to meet with Alpha Adam immediately. Evelyn, we must decide about the prisoner and arrange lodging. Tell me what you'd like for dinner. Adam will be thrilled you're back."

She guided me toward the house, arm around my shoulders, with Freya and Sophia following. Acacia stood frozen, her eyes burning with hatred.