Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

The air is cool and still when I step out onto the training field. Morning dew clings to the grass, sparkling under the rising sun.

I should be focused. I should be clearing my mind and centering my energy. But all I can think about is Nyx and Xena. All I can think about is the love that turned into hatred. The power that was never wanted. The betrayal I still don't

understand.

What could possibly shatter a bond like that?

I try to picture Xena, but it's hard to imagine someone I've never seen. All I have are fragments of who she is, but no face.

Nyx... I know her. I've felt her pain, her strength, and her rage. I've carried her memories like they were my own. But Xena? She's still a mystery. And I can't fix what I don't understand.

I shake my head and push the thoughts aside. Enough. I didn't come here to spiral into my thoughts. I came to train.

The field is empty, just me and the silence. Nyx is nowhere in mind, so I rely on what she taught me yesterday.

I steady my breath, spread my fingers, and reach inside myself, searching for that spark, that golden thread of power waiting to be pulled.

Nothing.

I try again and again.

Still nothing.

heat of frustration crawl up my spine. My palms

is the familiar sting of failure, I scream. Loud and raw. It tears out of me

ground, my breathing uneven. My hands

me.

technique immediately? This crashing weight of disappointment and failure. No wonder she always felt inferior. I don't know Xena personally, but the fact that she can create a whole new species and I can't even summon

threatening to fall, but

I need a break.

calm the

I didn't even

This foolish, reckless hope that maybe, just maybe, everything will work out. That maybe we can heal

that scares me because

work out? What if the goddess decides to fuck me up again? I can't handle another heartbreak. Especially not from the same

and pull my phone from my pocket, needing

contacts and call King. It only takes two

Sadie," he answers, voice warm

I say softly, "how are

good. How about

not to lose my mind," I laugh dryly.

sighs. "The pack is doing really well. Everything is

knew King would take care of the pack so well, they n't even