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. Maybe I just need some time

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

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

sound laced with exhaustion

help her up and give Alec one last

in silence. The only sounds between us are her soft sighs and occasional yawns. She's so worn out, even her movements

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

mutters, eyes already half-closed. "I think I might need a month of

off her shoes, then ease her down into the

some sleep, Rave," I whisper, even though her eyes are

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

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

hand in both of mine.

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

my

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

faith is nonexistent right now, and

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

a shaky breath, I shove the unease down.

humorless chuckle leaves my lips because it seems that's all I've been doing lately. Pushing down my

more composed, I move to leave, but just as I turn the corner, I almost run into

like earlier, she's fumbling with her fingers, looking unsure

a word. I

Raven asleep?" she

I nod slowly.

between us grows heavy again.

she's struggling to find the

okay," she

that I can't find the desire to lash