The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 138

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**

**Chapter 138: A Question**

“Keep staring at me like that, and I’ll start thinking you’ve got some weird thing going on,” Thora’s voice sliced through the air, cool and teasing, pulling Tristan from the depths of his thoughts.

With a wicked grin spreading across his face, he shot back, “You’re overthinking it.” He continued to run, his heart pounding in rhythm with his words. “But really, I need to ask you something.”

“Catch me first, then maybe I’ll answer,” Thora replied, her tone playful yet challenging.

Without a glance back, she propelled herself forward with a burst of energy, leaving Tristan in her dust.

Tristan twisted his neck, a confident smirk dancing on his lips, as if he already knew he would close the gap. His muscles tightened, coiling like a spring, and he surged after her, determination fueling his every stride.

As they neared the end of the grueling weighted run, Luke lagged behind, panting heavily. He had expended all his energy in that initial sprint and was now struggling to keep pace.

Thora should have crossed the finish line first, but she deliberately slowed her pace, allowing Tristan to slip past her.

Even in victory, Tristan held his question close, waiting for the right moment to unleash it.

Later that night, the air was thick with focus as Thora practiced alone at the shooting range. Tristan arrived, a pistol in hand, drawn in by the sight of her poised stance and the fluidity of her shots. He couldn’t help but admire her; she made each drill look like an art form, a performance that captivated him.

Moving to the adjacent lane, he began firing shot after shot, trying to match her precision.

Thora holstered her pistol, her expression turning serious. “What do you want?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“During the weighted run, I beat you,” Tristan stated bluntly, also securing his weapon.

A sly smile crept across her lips as she brushed off her pistol. “A bet is a bet,” she replied, her tone light yet laced with challenge.

Tristan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He was well aware she had slowed down on purpose, but a win was a win, and it gave him the right to ask the question that had been burning in his mind.

“I want to know—are you a man or a woman?” His voice dropped, serious and rough, carrying a weight that hung in the air between them.

Thora’s reaction was unexpected. She raised an eyebrow, a playful smile gracing her lips. “Take a guess,” she said, before turning on her heel and walking away.

“Commander Green, that’s cheating!” Tristan called after her, a mixture of irritation and amusement bubbling within him.

A glint of mischief sparkled in her eyes as she replied, “I said you could ask. I never said I’d answer.”

Without breaking her stride, she slipped into the shadows of the night, leaving Tristan standing there, teeth clenched, caught in a whirlwind of frustration and exhilaration.

—

He tapped his brow thoughtfully.

Thora was the eldest daughter of the Greens from the Sverleaf Pack in the Astralis Empire, yet the old files proved to be of little use.

The girl in the intel didn’t match the formidable opponent he had faced.

“Boss, the Astralis intel only goes up to two weeks ago. Half a month back, Thora disappeared,” Julio said quietly, arms crossed, leaning against a pillar as he spoke.

Lance’s tongue brushed over his lip, his eyes igniting with the thrill of the hunt. “Disappeared, huh? Looks like we’ll meet again soon.”

“Boss, he’s here,” Sharkie announced, entering with a man in a suit, a briefcase clutched tightly in his hand.

The man froze upon seeing Lance, his composure wavering. “Greetings, Mr. Wright,” he stammered.

Lance’s grin widened. “Take a seat,” he commanded, gesturing toward a chair.

The man sat, his eyes flicking nervously toward the photos on the table. But before he could study them further, a cold, lethal glare from Lance made him flinch.

In an instant, the photos ignited, reduced to ash in eerie blue flames.

The man recoiled, attempting to maintain his calm facade. “Mr. Wright, I’m here on orders from the Lathrops of the Morandell Empire to discuss a deal with you…”