CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 98: TWIN SISTER

Third POV

"Who is Helena?"

Lucas’s question hung in the air. The confusion on his face mirrored Liam’s own.

"What do you mean, ’who is Helena?’" Percival asked, his eyebrow twitching in annoyance. "She’s my granddaughter. The one you claim is your mate."

Lucas and Liam exchanged glances.

"No," Liam said slowly. "Our mate’s name is Hazel. Hazel Bailey."

"So that’s why I couldn’t find her," Percival muttered to himself, slumping into his seat. "She must’ve changed her name and found a new identity."

"No," Lucas said, his frown deepening. "I don’t think that’s the case."

"And why is that?" Percival asked.

Lucas’s jaw tightened. "Hazel Bailey is the daughter of David and Angeline Bailey. She was placed in our pack’s care when she was young. She’s been living with us nearly her entire life."

Percival sank back into his chair, the color draining from his weathered face. "That’s impossible. Angeline brought Helena to me. I raised her until she was twelve."

"And we’ve known Hazel since we were children," Liam countered. "She’s the one who was left with our family to pay off her parents’ debts. Or at least, that’s what we thought until recently."

Percival shook his head slowly. "Left with your family? No, that can’t be right. Angeline would never—" He stopped abruptly, his eyes growing distant. "Unless..."

"Unless what?" Lucas pressed.

"Twins," Percival whispered. "Goddess, could they have had twins?"

The realization hit the brothers simultaneously. Lucas felt his heart race. "Are you saying Hazel might have a sister?"

"Yes," Percival confirmed, his voice thick with emotion. "It would explain everything. I raised Helena, while Hazel was sent to your family."

"But why split them up?" Liam asked. "Why not keep them together?"

Percival’s hands trembled slightly. "Protection, perhaps. If they were being hunted, separating the girls would ensure at least one might survive."

Lucas paced the small office, his mind working furiously. "So Hazel has never known she has a twin? And you never knew about Hazel?"

"No," Percival said quietly. "Angeline never told me about another baby." His eyes clouded with sorrow. "And you say this Hazel has been with your family all these years?"

"Yes," Liam nodded. "Though not exactly as family. She was treated more like..." He hesitated.

"A servant," Lucas finished, shame coloring his voice. "Our parents treated her poorly. We did too, when we were younger."

Percival’s expression hardened. "And now she’s your mate? Both of you?"

"All three of us, actually," Liam corrected. "Our younger brother Levi is also mated to her."

Percival smiled, but the joy in his eyes was only half full.

Liam noticed it immediately. "You thought we were Helena’s mates."

He must be glad that he actually had more family left on this earth than he thought, but no doubt Percival was upset that this wasn’t the granddaughter he had raised himself.

The old man nodded slowly. "I had hoped finding her mates might lead me to her."

"I’m sorry," Liam said, his voice softening. "But I promise you this—in return for helping us find Hazel, we’ll do everything we can to locate Helena. Hazel would want to know her sister too."

Hope sparked in Percival’s eyes. "You would do that?"

"Absolutely," Lucas assured him. "Family is important to Hazel. Finding her sister would mean everything to her."

The old man nodded, seeming to gather himself. "Then let me tell you what I know about the Vox Solis. There’s a location on our suspect list. It’s on neutral territory, but it’s dangerous—overrun with rogues. We haven’t pinpointed the exact spot yet."

Liam suddenly straightened. "Wait. My opponent at the fighting ring—the vampire. He had the Vox Solis brand." His expression darkened. "He knew that we were looking for Hazel."

"A vampire with their brand?" Percival leaned forward, suddenly alert. "If we could capture him, make him talk..."

"If this vampire is connected to the Vox Solis," Lucas said, "he might know where they’re keeping Hazel."

Liam nodded grimly. "And if he knows anything about Helena, we’ll find that out too."

The old man’s eyes glistened. "I’ve been searching for so long. To learn I have another granddaughter, and that she’s in danger..."

Liam placed a hand on the elder’s shoulder. "We’ll find them both, sir. I promise."

"In that case," Percival said, pressing the button on the coffee table.

The intercom crackled to life.

"I need eyes on the arena," Percival said, his voice hardening. "Find me the vampire that fought earlier."

Percival looked at Liam, waiting.

Liam grinned. Consider this as revenge for all the free punches. "Felix Romano."

+++

The Shattered Fang lived up to its name. The dive bar’s neon sign flickered pathetically, half the letters burned out. Levi Sullivan pushed through the door, wrinkling his nose at the assault of odors that hit him.

Smoke hung thick in the air, mixed with the sharp scents of various herbs—a deliberate tactic by the bar to mask the scents of its clientele. Perfect for those who didn’t want to be found. Like Annie Williams.

She’d been spotted here three times in the past week, according to their sources.

’Levi?’ A familiar voice hummed in his head, and Levi stopped in his tracks.

’What is it, Lucas?’ he asked. ’Found anything?’

’Does Hazel’s grandfather count?’ Liam chimed in.

’Her grandfather?’ Levi echoed.

’Apparently Hazel also has a twin sister named Helena. She was raised by their grandfather, who never knew about Hazel’s existence.’

Levi’s eyebrows shot up. A twin sister? Just when he thought this situation couldn’t get any more complicated.

’More importantly, the mark,’ Lucas said. ’It represents a cult called the Vox Solis. We’re working on finding their hideout.’

His eyes scanned the dimly lit room. A handful of patrons hunched over their drinks, faces obscured in shadow. Near the back, two werewolves played pool, their movements unnaturally smooth. Judging by their rugged appearances, they were rogues, most likely.

They weren’t obvious, but Levi still caught them looking in his direction.

Warily keeping an eye on them, he turned his attention back to the conversation with his brothers.

’Annie’s probably working with them,’ Liam added.

’Got it,’ he mindlinked. ’I’m currently at The Shattered Fang. Heard Annie’s been seen—’

However, something cut through the bar’s manufactured scent-mask. It was so familiar that his wolf stood at attention. His finger hovered above the screen and his eyes widened.

Hazel.