Page 128 of Alpha's Redemption

Lying down, I close my eyes, but paranoia has me opening them every two seconds and flicking the lamp on, worried one will slip out of her arms. Giving up, I drink the tea and watch them sleep, sticking my finger under Baby B's nose every two seconds to check she’s still breathing.

Again I try to sleep, yet that nagging voice in my head has me flicking the lamp on and I decide to try to detach them from her. I unlatch one, only for Everly’s eyes to fly open.

“Did you make my tea?” she asks, glancing around before spotting the empty mug.

* * *

Midday

Marcus is on his way to come to get me. I finally figured out the name to go with the middle name I chose. I just hope Everly likes the names I picked. When he texts to tell me he’s here, I climb off the couch, passing Baby C to Everly and kissing her and the baby’s head.

“Everyone should be here soon for the baby's name reveal. I’m hoping to get back before they get here,” I tell her, and she nods.

Everything seems to come so naturally to Everly, and despite the chaos our lives have been of late, she holds it together well.

We have so much to do and to get ready. The hotel is opening up soon. Everly has the council meeting next week, and she’s officially changing the laws on the rogues. Court cases and investigations are still ongoing, and I spent half the morning on the phone or checking emails. Until Nixon is caught, I don't want to be away unless necessary, so John came over early this morning to sit with her.

Everly and I discussed briefly this morning the need for a bigger place, so Dad is getting the packhouse ready. Everly wants an extra room so our fathers and Ava can remain with us to help with the kids, and I’m not saying no to any help. One night has taught me this is going to be exhausting.

I press the elevator button, and lean against the wall as soon as the doors shut, closing my eyes. I’m nodding off when the doors open up to the underground garage. Marcus is leaning against the hood, waiting for me. He wasn't happy about not being able to kill the other one responsible for hurting Zoe, yet he understands it’s her choice. I don't know if I would have made the same decision as her, though; I would have wanted revenge.

But it shows what sort of person she is. Despite hurting herself, she didn't want to hurt another or kill Amber, though death, I believe, is too kind even for that girl.

“You look like shit,” Marcus comments as I open the car door and slide into the passenger seat. He moves to the driver's side and hops in.

“Thanks for taking me. I didn't trust myself to drive.” I yawn while covering my mouth. He nods, starting the car and driving toward Dion's jeweler’s.

“Derrick had Clarke removed from the city, and the other scumbag, Deacon, is also under investigation for corruption within the council,” Marcus tells me.

“Good. I spoke with Alpha Daxon earlier. He doesn't want Nixon's land, so we decided to leave it as neutral territory,” I told him.

“More housing for the rogues, then,” Marcus says while navigating a roundabout.

“How is Zoe?” I ask him.

“She says she’s okay,” Marcus says with a sigh.

“Nightmares?” I ask.

“No, guilt. She feels bad for Macey having to kill Carter. Even though Macey told her it wasn't just because of her, I think Zoe knows it was,” Marcus tells me.

“Macey loves Tatum, and they’re good together,” I tell him, but yeah, I could not imagine being in her shoes and killing my mate; that would be torture.

“Think it’s just knowing Macey did it for her. Anyway, hopefully today will take her mind off it. I have to pick them up after I drop you back, home” Marcus tells me.

We pull up along the sidewalk and climb out. I’m excited to see the bracelets engraved though I’m nervous about the names. Marcus knows two of the names and even tried to help me pick a name suited to the middle name I was stumped on. It’s not usually a middle name, and nothing seemed to go with it until I finally found something perfect.

The bell rings as we step inside, and Dion looks up.

“Just waiting on that last name. The other two are done,” he tells me, getting to his feet and pushing his glasses up his nose.

“Summer,” I tell him, and he nods, walking out the back to do the last engraving.

“Summer?” Marcus asks.

“Everly's mother's maiden name. It's also the name she used to go by before I found her. It seemed to go with the other,” I tell him, and Marcus smiles.

“I can't wait to see her face when she hears them,” Marcus chokes up. He knows the meaning behind each name. Each one has a link to someone special to us, inspired by the strongest women I have ever met or wish I could meet, names from women I find inspiring. Each holds a special meaning not only I will hold dear, but Everly, too.

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