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.

Raven.

takes my hand and gives it a reassuring

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

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

chuckles, the sound laced with

up and give Alec one last

sounds between us are her soft sighs and occasional yawns.

open and usher her in, heading

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

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

I whisper, even though her eyes are already

I frown, worried that something might be wrong, and I turn and look back at

worry too much," she says again, her voice softer now. "I have

her grip and hold her hand in both

nods 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 against

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

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

is nonexistent right now, and I'm

feeling, but can't. Everyone's hope is riding so high. I can't shatter that Not unless I have hard proof that this will all go

I shove the unease

Pushing down

I feel more composed, I move to leave, but just as I turn the corner,

with her fingers, looking

a word. I

she finally breaks the

I nod slowly.

again.

struggling to

don't seem okay," she

that I can't find