Page 79 of Alpha's Redemption

“Hello, Valen,” Carter drawls through the phone.

“Done wasting resources? Though I’m shocked at how hard you searched for… Zoe, is it?”

“You vile bastard! Marcus will kill you when he gets his hands on you,” I growl at him while opening the mind-link.

“I never touched her,” he claims.

‘Find Carter! He has them,’I call to my pack through the link.

“Well, that was fast,” he says, confusing me.

“Excuse me?”

“Two seconds. You didn’t waste any time. I haven't even asked for anything yet, and you’ve already called across the mind-link. You won't find me,” he adds, then laughs.

I look at Everly. I knew he was crazy, but this is a whole other level.

“You have a mole,” he states. “Don't be surprised—you have plenty of enemies in this city. It shouldn't come as a shock to know one lives in your pack.”

Fuck! That renders the mind-link useless.

“Where are Ava and Zoe?” I demand.

“With me, of course. Now call off your men or I'll send Zoe back in pieces.”

Everly whimpers beside me and I glance at her, the blood draining from her face. Macey bursts into the living room and rushes to Everly's side, then helps her sit down when she sees the look on her friend’s face; Macey’s been staying here while we organize search parties.

“What do you want? I swear if you’ve hurt them–” Though I know he already has, by the fact my Beta has had to be sedated for two days.

“You'll do nothing, Valen. I am calling the shots. Now, I have two requests. One, I want the money John owes. Two, you stand down as Alpha, hand your pack over to me, and leave the city, leaving your mate and son behind until I know you are far enough away for me to escape.”

“Like fuck, I will! Hand them over and we can talk this out,” I tell him.

“Uh, uh, uh, you're not in a position to compromise. As I said,I'mcalling the shots, not you. As a sign of goodwill, I want the money by 5:00 p.m.—I will select the meeting spot—and send Everly to drop the money–”

“No!” I snarl, cutting him off.

“I don't think you understand the position you're in, Valen.”

“I'll do it,” Macey says. I glance at her and Everly shakes her head, trying to get out of her seat, but I growl, telling her to sit down.

“See, you have a volunteer. May I know who the brave lady is?” Carter asks and Macey growls. “Oh, she sounds feisty,” he chuckles.

“You're a sadistic prick!”

“Oh, you have no idea how sadistic. But nonetheless, money at 5:00 p.m.. I will call with the drop-off point and tell her where to go. In return, I will give her Zoe. Once you see I made good on this, then we move on to the next part.”

“You want me out of the city? That’s fine, but I am taking my mate and son with me.”

“That isn't what I agreed to, but for now, I need the money. If anyone follows her, I will get one of my men to slit Ava's throat.”

Everly gasps at his words, making my eyes dart to her briefly.

“Why are you doing this?”

“I don't know. WhyamI doing this? Maybe I’m just a sadistic prick,” he laughs.

“Do as he says, Valen, please,” Everly begs with tears in her eyes, though her rage is evident through the bond.

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