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.

know, Raven. Maybe I

a reassuring squeeze. "Okay.

She's right. We've been in this together

see her yawn for the hundredth time. "I need to get

sound laced

and give Alec one last look

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

I push it open and usher her

"I think

shoes, then ease her down into

sleep, Rave," I whisper, even

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

she says again, her voice softer now. "I

and hold her 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 door behind me―

begins creeping up my throat like

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

right now, and I'm fully

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

shaky breath, I shove the unease down.

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

just as

fumbling with her fingers, looking unsure and out

don't say a word.

she finally

I nod slowly.

again. It's obvious she wants to

she's struggling to

she says

side. I study her, surprised that I can't find the