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.

sigh, trying to ignore it. "I know, Raven. Maybe

my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Okay. Just remember- we're in this

She's right. We've been in this together for three years, and we'll keep going no matter what comes or

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

chuckles, the sound laced

Alec one last look before leaving the

silence. The only sounds between us are her soft sighs and occasional yawns. She's so worn

reach her door, I push it open and

eyes already half-closed. "I think I might need

helping her kick off her shoes, then ease her down into the

sleep, Rave," I whisper, even though her

worried that something might be wrong, and I turn

she says again, her voice softer

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

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

exhale slowly. I feel awful as guilt begins creeping up my throat like a vine. I just lied

I don't trust her. I trust her with my life. I just don't trust this plan.

right now, and

high. I can't shatter that Not unless I have hard proof that this will all go horribly wrong. All i can do now is pray

a shaky breath, I shove

my lips because it seems that's all I've been doing lately. Pushing down my feelings. Some

more composed, I move to leave, but just

fumbling with her fingers, looking unsure and out of

a word. I just watch

she

I nod slowly.

grows heavy again. It's obvious she wants

she's struggling

seem okay," she says gently.

study her, surprised that I can't find the