Page 146 of Freeing My Alpha

For the first time since I’ve met her, I’ve never seen Lilian's fear so clearly represented in her anger. All I can do is open and close my mouth, shaking at the sight of her fear.

“You’re a prime target! Not even the windows are safe. Don’t you remember how your father died?”

I’m so horrified by her words that I sputter out an instinctual response. “I-I'm sorry, Luna, I— I wasn’t thinking—”

We freeze. Lilian is no longer looking at me, her bulging eyes locking onto Mason as he emerges from the tree line.

I huddle into Lilian, terrified of what she could be so afraid of. What if she knows something about Mason’s capabilities that I don’t? The tighter she holds me, the worse my anxiety spikes.

But Noah's emotions twist in anticipation, warning me of his approach. When I spot his wolf overtaking a hill—only about a mile away now—his wild eyes are busy assessing everyone's position. When he spots Mason, he bares his teeth. Aliya? I need to know where you are.

I’m still hiding in the shop. Your mom and I are behind the first clothing rack.

Golden, electric eyes zip to the shop, bristling my wolf’s fur in our bond.

Noah’s ears flatten in relief. You’re okay. Thank you, Moon Goddess.

Yes, I’m okay. But don't get distracted. If you're reckless and die, I’ll die of heartbreak. Please stay as calm as you can so we can think through this.

Noah’s wolf sneezes in irritation. But as he glances at the shop again, his ears slink back. Okay, I’ll regain my cool. Just do me a favor and stay inside with my mom, okay? My wolf is edgy as hell today and won't shut up about your safety.

I shudder, wrapping my robe tighter over my abdomen in a protective hug. Does his wolf feel extra certain that we're pregnant too? I should wait to tell him, shouldn't I? But God, I want to.

Omega, I'm serious. Don't put yourself in harm's way over this bastard.

That's not what I'm thinking, Noah. I just want to say— My heart races so heavily I can feel it in my throat. There's still a lot you want to accomplish as Alpha. Please stay focused. Not just on me, but on yourself.

Noah’s emotions ripple with anxiety. Why are you saying this now? What’s wrong?

God, he knows me too well. Sorry, I— I just meant— It's not just me you're protecting by staying alive. Taking care of yourself protects the entire pack. And even more than that... I need you to be okay. I can’t do this alone.

Aliya, tell me what's wrong. Something's wrong.

Nothing's wrong. I'll tell you what I'm thinking after we deal with Mason, but just listen to me that I need you to stay safe, okay? I can't do this without you.

Noah's anxiety heightens as he closes in on Mason, and I have to do my best not to feel guilty for being as honest as I can.

But Noah is filled with an intense resolve, steeling my heart with him.

Everything's going to be okay, my love. I'll hold you soon, okay? He mindlinks.

Okay. But don't sacrifice yourself. You're irreplaceable, Noah.

His ears flick in discomfort at my words.

That doesn’t stop him from crashing into his classic skidding halt, soaking Mason with mud.

Ugh, are you fucking kidding me? Mason bares his teeth as he mindlinks us all.

Noah snarls louder than I’ve ever heard him, enough for the vicious sound to seep through the windows as he takes a swipe at Mason.

Mason scurries back into the cover of trees. Shit! I just want to talk, asshole!

Noah somehow gets even bigger, making Yasmine and Kira look like pups at his flanks. You’ve lost your talking privileges.

Mason shakes the mud from his coat. Clearly. Which is why I’m declaring a pack split. I’m leaving Greenfield, and taking your strongest Alphas with me.

Noah’s ears perk up in surprise.

---