Chapter 103
Zara
I saw the worry in Alpha Kane’s eyes as we slipped into bed together. I felt his anxiety mirror my own. Would I go to Father tonight? It was clear Alpha Kane was used to dealing with threats through brute force and his claim to the Alpha title.
He had never met an enemy he couldn’t touch, and he was powerless to stop Father from drawing me to him again. I remained silent as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing me against his large chest.
The intimate position we shared made my heart clench, and I surrendered myself to his warmth and the intoxicating swirl of his scent.
I slept peacefully last night, and not a single dream lingered in my mind. When I finally opened my eyes and winced in the bright sunlight, Alpha Kane was already dressed and ready to leave.
His gaze lingered on my porcelain skin, searing every curve of my body. I’d long since given up on wearing clothes in his bedroom. Alpha Kane was a man of his word, never once allowing me to sleep with my clothes on.
“Be here by six o’clock, no later,” Alpha Kane grumbled, tearing his dark eyes away from me. “I wouldn’t tell your father where we’re going yet; I wouldn’t want to get his hopes up p>
“As soon as I tell him we’re leaving, he’ll understand what’s going on,” I snorted, pulling on jeans and a dark blouse.
“Then don’t tell him you’re leaving.” Alpha Kane’s dark eyebrow rose, his gaze wandering questioningly over my face.
I shrugged. “But I’ll do my best,” I told Alpha Kane about the information Sofia had found in her mother’s library and how they could provide more insight into our situation.
Alpha Kane seemed almost impatient when I told him it might contain information on how to remove the scarlet mark from my skin.
“You two can skip training.” Alpha Kane chuckled, his honey eyes sparkling as he looked at me.
I rummaged through one of the closets in Alpha Kane’s bedroom. He’d moved all my clothes to his room, and a few hours later, the thought made my stomach churn.
I put on a tight black dress. It reached mid-thigh but covered all my flaws well. The neckline fell low, revealing a subtle hint of cleavage. Perfect for clubbing, but it also gave me a sense of security.
I curled my hair slightly, letting it fall my back in thick obsidian waves. I slipped on a pair of mid-heeled pumps, long enough to poke an eye out if necessary. When I finally made it downstairs, Alpha Kane and Alpha Zeke were in the midst of a heated conversation.
Alpha Kane’s eyes met mine, as if he’d sensed my entrance. I watched with secret satisfaction as his honey-colored orbs darkened, absorbing every ounce of creamy skin I’d left exposed.
“I’ll stay here and babysit Alpha Bran, but next time you’re taking me with you,” Alpha Zeke grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. A sly smirk appeared on his face at Alpha Kane’s obvious reaction.
The sight sent a thrill of pleasure through me, making me hope that Alpha Kane really was my partner.
Sophia arrived on time, at ten to six. Sofia’s dress was similar to my own. I ignored Alpha Zeke’s openly lustful gaze at Sofia, and it seemed she ignored his commanding gaze as well.
Alpha Kane outshone us all with his simple outfit, which nevertheless accentuated every delectable ounce of his body. His black shirt was thin, clinging to every fold of his muscles.
In the outfit, which concealed most of his skin but accentuated every ridge and hollow, he seemed enormous. His large forearms were visible, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up at the elbows.
Carter and Wade entered the room last, and a slight smile appeared on Carter’s face. Wade, as always, remained calm, eyeing the four of us with some apprehension.
“I want to get this done as quickly as possible,” Alpha Kane grumbled, turning to the four of us. “Alpha Zeke’s friend can send the two of us into battle; the rest will remain at the club. Keep the mind link open at all times; I don’t want any surprises tonight p>
While I was feeling nauseous, we all listened attentively. The prospect of finding my brother weighed heavily on me, and for a moment, I regretted skipping dinner.
We discussed the plan a couple more times in the car. The silent whistle from the highway lulled me to sleep, almost tiring me out. My eyelids were drooping, and my nerves were on edge.
Too much depended on our success tonight, especially on such short notice. Alpha Kane was behind the wheel of the dark SUV we were riding in. I sat at the very back, squeezed in next to Sophia. Carter and Wade sat in the middle seats, separated by a thick console.
“We’ll all go there separately. Zara’s staying close to me, Sofia, Carter, and Wade are covering each other,” Alpha Kane grumbled from the front seat.
“They won’t figure out who you are, will they?” Sofia frowned, casting a wary glance at Alpha Kane.
I met Alpha Kane’s gaze through… the rearview mirror. In his strange sense of determination filled me, a look of honeyed eyes. I knew Alpha Kane was here for me. Usually, he sent his pack of wolves away and stayed.
Alpha Kane was taking a risk by leaving his pack, a risk that didn’t go unnoticed. Beta Hunter and Alpha Zeke remained behind to keep an eye on the pack, making sure no one noticed Alpha Kane’s absence.
“I’ll mask my scent. Most of them haven’t seen my face. That will be enough.” Alpha Kane frowned, his light eyes meeting mine.
“Zara and I will go to the back, to the underground cells. Sofia will stay in the club, keeping a close eye on everything. Carter and Wade circle the building, then return to the entrance. Make sure the car is ready p>
“What city did you say we were going to?” Sofia frowned, shifting uncomfortably in the backseat.
“I didn’t say.” Alpha Kane sighed, running a hand through his dark, tousled hair. “We’re going to Atlanta p>
I fell silent, because really, what could I say? Losing a mate was more than just a breakup. Losing a mate meant losing a part of one’s soul. Happiness could still be found, but one would live a half-life, constantly wondering “what if p>
This raised the question I’d been trying to avoid. If Marcus were my mate, what would I do? Would I have the strength to resist this connection? If I could reject him, what would I do next?