Page 118 of Alpha's Redemption

After a moment, his lips trail down my ribs, nipping and grazing my flesh with his teeth. I swallow, trying to ignore our bond that’s telling me to give myself to him; despite not wanting his hands pawing over me or his lips tasting me, the sensations are overwhelming. At least down there, he’ll be distracted.

He nips at my hip, shoving my legs apart, and I feel beneath my pillow to the edge of the bed just before his mouth is suddenly on me; I cry out at the pleasurable sensation as his tongue sweeps over me even as my fingers search for the piece of the antler I broke off.

The chain on my ankle seems to annoy him when he shoves my leg higher and spreads me wider for him. I need to move closer to my side of the bed, knowing the antler is at the very edge of the mattress by the headboard, but the moment he sucks my clit, an involuntary moan escapes my lips and my hand fists the sheet. I hate that he can play my body like a damn instrument, thanks to the bond we share.

“You seem distracted,” Carter murmurs against my lower lips, and my hand freezes in its search. I glance down at him to find him watching me, and his eyes flicker to that of his wolf side. It’s eerie staring into them and seeing my face reflected back at me.

“No, I’m just worried about Taylor,” I tell him, which isn't a lie. I’m terrified for her. I don't want Nixon anywhere near her, and if I don't tell him the truth, he would feel it through the bond and know I’m up to something. Carter sits up on his elbows and kisses my knee before he looks at me, his eyes scrutinizing my face.

“You will be reunited with your daughter soon enough, but for now, we complete the bond, Macey,” he says, dipping his head and running his tongue along my thigh. He grips my hips, his hands going beneath my ass so he can lift me to his mouth. His hot lips cover me, and I squirm, using the movement to wiggle closer to the side I need.

While he’s distracted, I slowly move my arm above my head again, placing my other hand on his head and fisting his hair while my fingertips search the edge of the bed. Carter growls against my clit, the vibration sending shock waves through me before I brush the edge of the antler.

I gently pull it out, knowing it isn't a hundred percent straight, and if it bangs on the wood, he’ll be alerted; I leave it beneath my pillow within easy reach before tugging on his hair and moving my hips. He growls at me, trying to hold me still when I jerk his head back by his hair; he lifts his face in surprise, then crawls up my body, settling his weight between my legs. I wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him closer to kiss him.

My tongue delves between his lips and he kisses me back hungrily when I feel his erection pressing against me. I wrap my legs around his waist, rolling my hips against him, and arousal floods me. It helps me keep my plan concealed, yet also clouds my mind as my body decides it wants to overtake all rational thought. Carter groans against my lips, his tongue tangling with mine as he tastes every inch of my mouth.

Tears spring to my eyes at what I’m about to do.

I’m about to kill the one person whose soul should be linked to mine, my twin flame. I’m about to extinguish the fire and replace it with his blood—and death, including my own.

He’s my mate. Carter is willing to love me despite me not being able to give him kids, despite me being rogue. It saddens me that the one person who actually wants me is toxic. I can't have him.

Though I hate the man, I still want him, just like I want Tatum, yet the bond pulls me to Carter so strongly. Some rational part of me knows it’s just the bond making me feel this way but it’s hard to focus on that part. If only Carter hadn't done what he had, no doubt I could have loved him. But I also love Tatum, and that love is pure, not tainted by death and anguish.

Carter rocks his hips against me, his hand going between our bodies as he positions himself at my entrance as his lips travel down to my mark on my right side. He sucks on it, nipping at my flesh, and I run my fingers through his hair.

My throat suddenly develops a lump as I choke back emotion, and I kiss his cheek before he thrusts himself inside me. He groans, and I roll my hips against him while he buries his face in my neck and breathes against my skin.

My hand leaves his side, slipping beneath the pillow beside me. I can’t get his heart from this angle, yet still, I wrap my hand around the piece of antler.

His tongue traces over my mark. I’ll miss that feeling. Tears stream down my face as he moves slowly, rocking his hips against me. I twine my fingers through his hair, getting a good hold and locking my legs around his waist. His hand grips my thigh.

Before I can stop it, sob tears from my lips as I plunge the antler into his neck.

He stills and gasps, startled, and I can feel the pain through the bond, the betrayal he feels at what I just did. The sobs grow harder and my heart aches with agony.

I grip him harder when he tries to push off the mattress, and I jerk the antler out, only to plunge it back in. Blood spurts across my face and gushes out of him, and his hand tries to pry free my hand holding the antler in my fist.

“Macey,” he gasps, and I choke at the sound. Even so, I twist it, causing more blood to pour out. I feel it give as it goes through his windpipe, and I hear him gurgle.

“I could have loved you, and I would have loved you!” I cry as I clutch him. “But you hurt my sister,” I breathe.

Carter gurgles, trying to lift up, but my legs are wrapped around his waist, my feet locked behind him at the ankles, keeping him trapped, keeping him inside me. I hold on to him as he struggles to breathe.

“No mate bond is stronger than the bond I have with my sisters,” I tell him as he chokes on his own blood. It spews out of his mouth and coats my shoulder, face, and neck with its warmth.

His last breath beside my ear will always haunt me.

As will the pain that slices through my chest as sharp as a razor edge; it cuts right through my heart and makes my soul bleed as a coldness settles over me—so cold, it feels like death.

His.

And mine.

I feel the part of me that was connected to him die along with him. The bond tether snaps and agony tears through me, and I hiccup a sob.

Kalen said killing your own mate would have consequences, and it feels like I’m rotting from the inside out. I feel blood trickle from my nose instantly.

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