Page 98 of Alpha's Redemption

I know exactly what will happen; I’ll deteriorate faster. It’s one thing breaking a bond, and quite another slaughtering it.

“No, Tatum was clear. We’re over. I don't want to be pity marked.” I growl at the thought. No one wants a sympathy mark.

John and Kalen seem to think before John sits back in his chair and gazes at me.

“Okay, what about—and don't take this the wrong way—what if Kalen or I mark you? You, not us, just to keep you alive?”

I gape at him. “Dude, you're old enough to be my father! Ew! Gross!”

“Not like that! Just–”

“Nope! The bond will still have effects, grandpa! Keep your wrinkly, dusty old balls to yourself! I’ll let you help, but neither of you is marking me!” I shriek and pull a face. Yeah, I have no desire to be Valen or Everly's stepmother by default.

“Okay, we’ll figure out that bridge as we cross it,” Kalen says.

“No! I will figure out that bridge. Neither of you is taking a bite out of me. I would rather die than be attracted to your old asses!”

“I am not that old! What is it with this generation thinking we’re old? I have plenty left in the tank! Not that I would–... You're not the only one grossed out by the idea, okay? But at least we have one!” Kalen snaps.

“Did you have a black-and-white TV? You’re fucking old then!”

He curses.

“Damn stubborn woman! Fine! But tell us the plan and let's work something out,” Kalen says, reaching over and snatching John's smokes. He puts one in his mouth.

“Since when do you smoke?” John asks him.

“When I am anxious. So shut up and hand me a lighter!” Kalen snaps, clicking his fingers at John. John offers me the packet and I take it, leaning against the wall.

“So, what is this plan?” John asks, lighting his own smoke before passing me the lighter.

“We kill Carter and take back the city. But first, I need to get close enough to him and get Ava out,” I shrug.

“And theplan?” Kalen asks.

“Uh, that’s all I got so far,” I admit and Kalen curses.

ChapterForty-One

Everly

Two Days Later

Something is going on with Macey and Kalen; they’ve been joined at each other's hip for the last two days. And it’s always the same excuse, too—they’re dealing with the hotel renovations. Yet as Kalen left this morning, I couldn't help but wonder because of the way Macey hung up abruptly on whomever she was talking to when I came out to make something to eat.

“Where are the kids?” I ask her as she starts putting her belongings into her bag. And why is she so dressed up? She’s even wearing makeup.

“Kalen and John dropped them off at school,” she answers with a shrug, trying to push me back toward the room.

“Go lay down, you’re on bed rest. I’ll bring your breakfast in.”

“And Valen?” I ask her. I didn’t hear him get up this morning; usually he wakes me.

“Uh, something about meeting the council elders with Marcus before they pick up Zoe,” Macey answers as she shuffles me down the hall to my room. Their constant fussing is driving me insane.

“Zoe is coming home?” I ask, feeling relieved. She could have come home yesterday, but they kept her an extra night so she could meet with a counselor this morning.

“Yep, and I think everyone is moving to the main packhouse today. Valen said something about organizing it,” Macey says as I climb back into bed. I stare at her as I pull my blankets back up,, still wondering why she’s all dressed up. It’s odd.

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