Page 36 of Coveted By the Alpha Pack

Is Grace alright? His voice is soft and concerned.

Not even close. You went through something similar. I think you would be the best one to help her now. I press my lips to her temple, holding her.

I’m on my way. Barrett’s voice faded from my mind.

Soon I hear Barrett’s footsteps approaching, and then I scent him in the room with us. “I’ll take it from here.” His voice is soft as he gently scoops Grace up and takes her from me. I’ve never killed, never had to. Barrett had killed to protect Grace. He would be the best to help her now.

Chapter 22

Barrett

-Take me back to Eden- Sleep Token-

Grace is a shadow of the woman she once was. She looked like a broken doll in Lorcan’s arms. The violence she endured and then unleashed upon her almost murderer. Lorcan was wise to summon me to his side to help Grace. It took me months to work through killing Roxy.

I pull my mate to my side and tuck her under my arm and guide her down the hall and upstairs. I pass Ethan and Griffin standing in their open bedroom doors. Shaking my head gently, I tell them not to follow.

Ethan looks broken, Griffin looks lost. Alphas unable to fix a problem, leaves them floating, haunted in their own thoughts. Grace had bathed, so that was a step in the right direction. “Come, lie down with me.” I pull her towards my nest.

Grace slowly climbs into my nest and snuggles into the blankets and pillows. Once she was comfortable, I pull my shirt off and toss it on the chair before I climb in with her. Grace immediately snuggles in close and holds me like a teddy bear. “How did you?”

Ah, she wants to know how I made it through killing Roxy. “It took a long time. Like you, I’ve never killed anyone.” I press my lips to her forehead. “The best question is, why did you?” Sighing, I band my arms tighter around her. “My answer was to protect you and the babe in your womb. If I died saving you, I would take her with me.” I nuzzle her hairline and press a kiss to her forehead.

“Why did I kill him?” She repeats my earlier question, and I nod my head and wait.

She closes her eyes as she thinks about the question. “I knew he would keep hunting me and Ashina. I didn’t want my daughter living in fear for the rest of her life. She deserves a happy childhood free of fear, full of love and happiness.” I could feel the moment it clicks for her. Grace stills in my arms and she stops breathing before she pushes to sit up.

“Your reasons are the same ones I have for killing Roxy.” Smiling, I reach up and caress her cheek. “I want you and all of the children to have a happy, safe life. Roxy would never stop hunting you because you have Ethan’s and Griffin’s attention. She wanted power, the power you have and don’t want.” Smiling, I search her face.

“I still don’t want the title and power.” Grace rolls her eyes, searching my face like I was hers.

“That’s what makes you perfect for the position. You rule from the heart, not out of desiring control.” I can only hope she can one day see herself the way I do.

“What if I become an ember wolf?” Her brows furrow as she lays back down.

“Being an ember wolf doesn’t make you evil. It’s true they are the embodiment of rage. It’s usually born of loving fiercely and protecting those that matter most to them.” I say softly, kissing her temple again.

“You wouldn’t think less of me?” Grace’s voice softens as she presses her nose against my throat.

“I could never think less of you, Gracie.” I give her a squeeze and kiss the crown of her head. “You always do the what’s best for everyone. It won’t matter, even if you choose to become a wolf of darkness.” I smile against her hair, holding her.

“What’s a darkness wolf?” Her finger tips trail over my ribs and stomach as she asks her question.

Drawing in a fortifying breath, I try to settle my self ignoring my dick’s response to her touch. “It’s what happens to a made wolf that is lost to its beast. No shreds of humanity left. Their fur black as night, making Ethans look dark smoke gray.” I swallow hard and shudder a breath.

“I’m guessing it’s a terrible thing?” Grace moves slowly to sit up and look down at me.

“It is. They are hunted and killed. They will seek out all of those that had ever hurt them and kill them on sight.” I sigh softly and watch her reaction.

“Would you hunt and kill me?” She arches a brow, looking at me.

“No. I would let you kill me if that is what your beast demanded. I could never raise claw or fang at you.” Closing my eyes, I swallow the fear as I close my eyes.

My nest creaks and I feel Grace’s warmth over me. She sits upon my lower stomach, her hands splayed upon my chest. When I open my eyes, Grace’s eyes search my face. A single tear rolls down her cheek. “I could never hurt you.” She lays down over me, her breasts pressed against my chest.

“I know.” Out of submission, I stretch my arms over my head and grab onto the rail above my head.

Grace watches me stretch out and her eyes flicker between wolf and human. “Why do you do that?” She sits up and runs her hands up and along my arms.

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