Chapter 26: Hidden Connections
286words
"It's possible," Liam said. "The timing is... concerning."
"But how would they even know I'm working with werewolves? I haven't told anyone."
Liam and Ethan exchanged another look. "There are ways," Ethan said cryptically. "Old magic, new technology. The hunters have evolved their methods over the centuries."
My head was spinning with this new information. "So what do we do now?"
"We need to know more," Liam said decisively. "About your birth family, about who might be tracking you, and why."
"I don't know anything about my birth parents," I admitted. "The adoption was closed. All I know is that I was left at a hospital in Seattle as a newborn."
"That's a start," Ethan said. "With your permission, I'd like to do some research. I have... connections that might help us learn more."
I nodded, still trying to process everything. "Of course. Anything that might help make sense of this."
"In the meantime," Liam added, "you should continue your work with Jackson. But we'll need to be more careful. No more coming and going from the forest alone. Either Jackson or I will escort you at all times."
Under normal circumstances, I might have bristled at such a restriction on my independence. But the gravity in Liam's voice and the concern in his eyes made it clear this wasn't about control—it was about protection.
"Alright," I agreed. "But I want full transparency from now on, Liam. No more secrets. If I'm potentially in danger because of my birth family, I need to know everything you know about them."
He hesitated, then nodded. "Fair enough."
