Chapter 163
Zara
When we arrived at the packhouse, Dad had already driven most of the elderly home in his truck. Maid had already baked something in the kitchen and was arranging cookies and brownies in Tupperware containers.
Everyone had their own way of coping with stress. Despite Dad’s injured knee, he insisted on being there. He loved to bake enough baked goods to feed the entire country.
The smell of baked goods filled the house, and I couldn’t help but glance into the kitchen. Dozens of Tupperware containers stood there, and I watched the maid wipe the countertops with a rag, humming softly to herself.
A small smile appeared on her face as she caught my eye and hugged me, which eased my anxiety somewhat.
“How is Ryan?” she asked.
“They’re doing well, just helping the others clean up.” I sighed, smiling wearily.
“Looks like we weren’t the only ones busy,” Alpha remarked as he entered the kitchen.
A small smile appeared on his face as he looked at my dad, and I wanted to ask about his family. My dad nodded gently at Alpha, a radiant smile blossoming across his face.
“Welcome to the family, Alpha.” My dad chuckled. “I’m afraid I’ve emptied your kitchen p>
“Could you give a few of these to some families tomorrow?” Alpha asked, eyeing the dozens of Tupperware containers. “Save a few for us, of course. Zara didn’t leave me any last time p>
Dad’s eyes lit up at Alpha’s words, and I chuckled when he gave me a meaningful look. he always judged a person’s character by how well they liked his cooking, and Alpha wasn’t listening yet.
“Of course I will.” Dad nodded happily.
By the time Dad had dropped all the elderly off, Ryan had returned. The four of us piled into Dad’s truck and headed home. I was practically unsteady on my feet and didn’t argue as Alpha led us upstairs.
“You smell like death,” Alpha chuckled dryly, taking a strand of my hair and inhaling deeply. His face twisted into a grimace, causing me to roll my eyes and slap him on the shoulder.
“You don’t smell very good as it is, buddy.” I grinned, sniffing him ostentatiously, nearly choking.
“Keep tormenting me, and we’ll both stay awake tonight,” Alpha muttered, though a rare smile appeared on his face.
We both jumped into the shower, and with what little strength I had left, I washed the scent of death from my skin. The hot water eased some of the tension, but worry clouded my mind. Alpha would never agree to my plan, but this was our last chance.
Marcus would tire of tormenting us, and we needed information before that happened.
Kane’s eyes narrowed as he noticed Marcus’s mark still lingering on my skin. The wound Alpha had left on my neck was healing, revealing a cobalt-blue mark beneath the crust.
“His mark is still there,” Alpha growled softly, running his finger over it with a grim grin.
“I asked the shadows. They said I have a pair for each side.” I frowned. “I asked them to remove it, but the price was too high p>
“What did they ask for p>
“They wanted our bond,” I said quietly, running my finger over the wound left in Alpha’s clear skin. “I can’t part with what I feel for you. Not for anything in the world p>
“And what about him?” Alpha growled. “What do you feel for him p>
I looked into his eyes, holding his dark gaze. I let the truth pierce the bond, soothing his aching heart.
“I feel nothing for him, Kane. Nothing…compared to what I feel for you p>
Alpha hugged me and kissed me passionately on the lips. Our lips were barely contained when my back hit the tiled wall. Despair, love, and jealousy flared in the kiss, and I absorbed every feeling as sparks skimmed my skin.
We only pulled away when our lungs were deprived of oxygen, and our lips were raw and blue.
My thoughts were still spinning as we slipped into bed, the silky blankets soft against my bare skin.
Alpha held me close, and I inhaled his clean scent. A clean, masculine scent, mingled with spices and earth.
The sparks running across my skin lulled me, making my eyelids feel heavy.
“Tell me about your family,” I asked sleepily. “I barely know anything about them p>
“My mom’s name is Claire, and my dad’s name is Killian. They had a rocky start, but it all worked out in the end. I have an annoying little brother, Brandon, and a couple of cousins.” Alpha’s voice was soft, his hand tracing circles along my spine. “What else are you wondering p>
“Where are they now?” I asked, my words a little slurred. “How hard was it for them p>
“I sent them away when all this started. My mom, dad, brother, aunt, uncle, and cousins they’re all safe.” Alpha replied, “As for my mom, she had to deal with some issues when she was younger that later plagued her. My dad wasn’t very understanding at first, but he eventually came around p>
“They seem really nice.” My voice was quiet. I ignored the rest of his words, as I’d already dozed off.
I woke up in an empty bed, clutching the pillow Alpha had slept on. His side of the bed was still warm, indicating he hadn’t slept long. I pulled on sweatpants and a T-shirt and headed to the kitchen. Alpha grinned as I walked in the door, holding cookies.
“Cookies for breakfast?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. I brewed myself a cup of coffee and took a long sip, letting the warmth spread through my body.
Alpha snorted at my comment and took another bite. “Can you blame me? Last time, you and Zeke ate everything. I never thought lavender cookies would be so good p>
“Never underestimate Dad’s baking.” I shook my head, grabbing a cookie. “Dad will knock you down if he hears you doubt his incredible abilities p>
“Just as I have no doubt, he can defeat me,” Alpha chuckled. His nonchalance was short-lived as the events of the previous night flashed back to him. Alpha knew I had my own plan to prevent Sophia and Govinda from suffering. “Would you mind telling me about your plan for them? I watched you ponder it for hours last night p>
The kitchen was the last place I wanted to have this conversation, but Bran, Zeke, and Alpha’s beta were still asleep. It was better to get it off my chest now, since I didn’t want to negotiate.
“I’ll give in.” I nodded, calming the turmoil in my soul. At first, Nova had been categorically against the idea. She didn’t like the thought of not being able to contact me, the thought of me being in danger.
Hours passed, and she agreed. We had no information about where they were being held, and we didn’t have time to send spies into the world.
“No,” Alpha stated simply. His face twisted into a grimace that made my heart ache. “They’ll kill you, Zara. Have you thought this all through p>