Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

I feel like a weight has been placed on my shoulders. Like there's this massive boulder crushing down on me.

They make killing Kaden seem so easy-like it's a walk in the park. But what if it's not? I mean, the deities tried to kill him and failed. What makes them think I can?

Forget the prophecy. Forget what it says. This feels like a mission impossible. Like we're already doomed to fail.

"Sadie," his voice calls, drawing me back to the present. "Are you okay?"

I blink and glance around the room, realizing that everyone except Raven and Alec is gone. I'd been so lost in thought I hadn't even noticed them leaving.

I focus on Alec, all the while trying to push down the rising tide of anxiety. What do

I say? That I'm not okay? That I'm scared out of my mind? That I don't believe this plan will work? That I don't feel ready or powerful enough to go up against Kaden?

Honestly speaking, Xena scares the hell out of me, but Kaden? He's something else. There is just something about him. Something I can't put into words. The fear I have of him seems to be etched in my soul.

"Sadie?" Raven's voice this time.

I look at both of them, trying to summon a reassuring smile. All I manage is a slight twitch of my lips.

"I'm okay," I lie softly. "Just thinking."

Weirdly enough, Raven and Alec glance at each other, as if silently

communicating. It's unexpected. I wouldn't have imagined that kind of unspoken understanding between them.

"Are you sure?" Alec presses, eyes locking with mine.

"Yes."

"Is this about Kaden?" Raven asks gently. "Don't worry about it. It's only a matter of time until I trace the source of the spell and find his exact location. You know me—I wouldn't bring this to you unless I was sure it would work."

I do know that. I know she wouldn't present a plan unless she had thoroughly thought it through. But still... there's this gnawing feeling. That feeling that cautions you. That leaves alarms bells ringing in your head... A familiar sense of foreboding I can't shake. Like a warning in my bones.

trying to ignore it. "I know, Raven.

takes my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Okay. Just remember-

smile for real this time. She's right. We've been in this together for three years, and we'll

I stand up when I see her yawn for the hundredth time. "I need to get you to bed before

chuckles, the sound laced with exhaustion and

help her up and give Alec one last look before leaving

silence. The only sounds between us are her soft sighs

we reach her door, I push it open and usher her in, heading straight for her

eyes already half-closed. "I

while helping her kick off her shoes, then ease her down into the bed and cover her with a

Rave," I whisper, even

as I turn to leave, her hand catches mine. I frown, worried that something might be wrong,

worry too much," she says again, her voice softer now. "I have a feeling this is going

in both of mine. "I know, Raven. I trust

and closes her eyes, finally letting go as her breathing evens out. Once I'm sure she's asleep, I leave her room and quietly close the door behind me― then I slump

awful as guilt begins creeping up my throat like a vine. I just lied to my

her with my life. I

nonexistent right now, and I'm fully

I'm feeling, but can't. Everyone's hope is riding so high. I can't shatter that Not unless I

breath, I shove the unease down.

my lips because it seems that's all I've been doing lately. Pushing down my feelings. Some would say it's unhealthy, but it's

to leave, but just as I turn the corner, I almost

her fingers,

say a word. I just

asleep?" she finally

I nod slowly.

us grows heavy again. It's obvious

she's struggling to

seem okay," she says

head tilts to the side. I study her, surprised that I can't find the desire to lash out