Page 97 of Alpha's Redemption

“I would never harm your daughter, Macey. Why do you think I was punishing one of my men? He wanted to have your daughter killed. I stopped it and made him watch as his whore of a mate sucked my dick. Vile woman!” he says.

“Where is Ava?” I ask, ignoring his words.

“Beside me, safe and sound. And she will remain that way as long as you abide by the plans,” Carter tells me.

“And no harm will come to anyone here?” I ask him.

“None, you have my word. I just want you.”

I chew my lip, leaning on the wall and looking over at the city.

“Fine, we have a deal. Send me the details,” I tell him before hanging up on him. I don't want to talk to him more than I need to. I sigh heavily.

I can do this! I just hope the bond doesn't get in the way when it’s time to kill him. He will die for what he did! I’m about to head back inside when I spot John sitting in one of the fold-up chairs.

“Interesting conversation you just had, Macey,” he says quietly, drawing back on his cigarette.

“Yes, indeed, it was. So I assume you have a plan and reason for keeping this from my son?” Kalen murmurs as he comes to stand by John.

“And my daughter?” John adds.

How I was stupid enough not to realize I was being followed and that John was up here the entire time is beyond me. I let my anger get the better of me and became solely focused on Carter's infidelity that I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings.

“You lied to Everly and me earlier, though I knew it was a lie. You don't get periods after a hysterectomy,” Kalen says. I admit, I panicked when put on the spot. But it wasn't actually a lie; I still get cramps.

“Technically, I still get the occasional cycle, and monthly cramps, though they’re more of a dull ache.”

“So you did only have a partial hysterectomy?” he asks, and I nod.

“Yes, I still have ovaries. The way Doc explained it is that besides eventually going into early menopause, my body will still have a form of a cycle, though the body absorbs any egg.”

“But you still lied?”

“Do you think I want to? How would Zoe feel knowing the man responsible for letting what happened to her is my mate? Carter needs to die and they won't risk my life by killing my mate, so I have no choice.”

Kalen and John look at each other.

“So Carter is your mate? You're certain?” John asks.

I nod and bite the inside of my cheek. “You can't tell them. I know the girls and they won't risk my life. Killing Carter is the only way!”

“And you could really kill your mate?” Kalen asks.

“I have no choice. Besides, if I do as Carter says, he’ll give me Ava back. It's a trade.”

John leans forward, clasping his hands together. “And you're the trade?”

“Let us help you. I get why you don't want to tell the girls, but you don't have to do this alone. Let us help,” Kalen says.

“It can only be you, no one else. Carter has people on the inside helping. He knows things he shouldn't know,” I tell them.

“Okay. Say we let you go along with his demands, you ambush and kill him, so then what, you die? You have a daughter, Macey. You and Tatum split. What happens to her then?” Kalen asks.

I’ve thought of it plenty, which is exactly why I had Everly sign those papers. My baby will be safe.

“I have plans for her in place. Everly and Zoe will take her,” I tell them, and John looks at Kalen.

“I’ll talk to Tatum after we sort out this mess. Killing your mate—we have no idea what effect that will have. It's different from Valarie and me, and you’re rogue,” Kalen points out.