Page 89 of Alpha's Redemption

“What is this bullshit vendetta you have against the Shadow pack's Alpha?” I demand, and Carter laughs.

“John started it when he tossed my mother from the city and told my father she left.”

“No, your mother left because of your father’s infidelity. Everly told me this story before.”

“Wrong. That is what everyone was told. John forced my mother forsaken for killing Rachel.”

“And this has something to do with Everly, how? Because of who fathered her?” I scoff. It sounds ridiculous.

“Her family started it, I am just finishing it,” Carter states.

“STARTED WHAT?” I scream at him.

“Rachel was Claire Summer’s cousin. She tried to kill my mother, and my mother killed her in self-defense. And now he will know what it’s like to lose everything, just like my mother did.”

I glance around nervously, looking out the windows.

“Now, I will give you a chance to deal with whatever you were speaking with good old Joseph about, and take Micah as proof my word is good,” Carter says, and I say nothing, though he confirmed my suspicions that he has more people working for him.

“Think about it, Macey. You have until tomorrow to decide—or I kill Ava, Everly, and everyone you love and hold dear. Their fates now rest on your decision, so choose wisely, Love. Because either way, you will be mine.”

“And if I agree, you leave them alone?” I ask him, cogs starting to turn in my head as I navigate this new proposition.

“You have my word,” Carter says, and I chew the inside of my lip.

“We will speak soon,” I tell him, hanging up before he can say anything else.

ChapterThirty-Seven

Valen

Relief floods me when I finally get Everly home. She didn't want to leave Zoe, and I even had to get Doc Darnel in to tell her to go home. She’s supposed to be on bed rest, but I knew she wouldn't rest at all until she saw with her own eyes that Zoe is alive. Everly has been quiet most of the trip, and I know she’s worried about Ava. We had people scour the entire city, including the tunnels, but found nothing. My hands rub over Everly's huge bump.

“Any news yet?” she asks as I lean down to kiss her belly. I shake my head, and she pushes my face away, trying to tug the shirt she’s wearing down.

I growl at her and she sighs, but I can tell she’s too tired to argue with me. She hates her body. She believes she looks stretched out and ugly, but I love the stretch marks lining her skin. I love each one, love that she’s the vessel that currently carries thirty little fingers, thirty little toes, and three extra beating hearts—hearts that are mine to protect and love. Yet to me, none are more important than hers, the one that beats so they can.

“We'll find them. The council–” My words cut off as my phone starts ringing and I reach for it. I told everyone to not use the mind-link; Everly doesn't need the extra stress, and I know she’ll find no rest with everyone chatting away in our heads. Plus, now I have no idea whom to trust.

Macey's name pops up on the screen and I glance at Everly as she rolls to reach for her water bottle. Sitting up, I grab it and hand it to her before kissing her head and walking out, just in case it’s about Zoe.

“Hey, everything okay?”

“Uh, yeah, it's fine, but can you send someone out to the old mine road?” she asks. I pull the phone from my ear to make sure it’s her. It’s an odd request, and she sounds strange through the phone.

“Why?”

“I just drove past the hotel and reserve and saw a suspicious car head out that way. Just seemed odd.”

“Okay, I’ll send Derrick out that way with Dion. He’s filling in tonight,” I tell her.

“Where are you anyway? Everly was expecting you back by now.”

“Just sorting a few things out at work. I’ll grab Chinese on the way home for everyone. Saves your dads from cooking,” Macey says.

“Okay, can you–”

“Yes, I’ll make sure to remember to get the dumplings that the kids love,” Macey laughs.

---