Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

I walk back to the packhouse slowly, my steps dragging, my thoughts heavy. My thoughts circle around what I learned from Nyx and Piper's. Her tear-soaked face sticks to my mind like a tattoo.

I feel for her. I feel her fears, the uncertainty of the situation. If Calvin hadn't been locked up, they'd probably be celebrating the news, instead of Piper being all alone, crying her eyes out.

I wish I could do something to help. I'm even toying with the idea of letting Calvin go for her sake, but what about me? What about the justice I deserve? Because of his actions, his greed, he wrecked my life and almost got me killed.

If Micah hadn't helped me escape, I'd probably be dead by now, executed for conspiring against my alpha, and with my death, there would have been Aspen's too.

As much as I'd want her to have Calvin by her side, I can't set him free. Not when his actions brought on a chain reaction that nearly destroyed my life.

By the time I slip into the house, the corridors are quiet. Aspen isn't awake yet, and the thought makes me smile a little. She always sleeps the hardest when she's had a long day, her small body curled in a mess of blankets and dreams.

I head to the bathroom and take a shower, letting the hot water run down my body, trying to wash away the tension pressing against my chest.

When I step out, towel wrapped around me, Aspen is still sleeping peacefully. I decide to let her rest longer. The day will be long enough when she wakes.

I head downstairs after dressing, still rubbing my fingers through my wet hair when Nyx's presence brushes against my mind.

"Sadie."

I stop mid-step. "Nyx?"

about the way she said my name. The tone of her voice.

tell you something." Her tone is serious, in a

"What is it?"

be available for

words slam into me,

My

going into a sort of hibernation state. Think of

pacing as my chest tightens. "No,

to take care

that?" my voice catches.

to do this, she says gently. "And you'll be okay. You're stronger now, Sadie. Your powers have awakened, and you can defend yourself That's why I waited until

not the point! I-Nyx, I need you. You can't just disappear without explaining.

when I come back, but you need to trust me, Sadie. This is both for our

me? How's being cut off

still haven't dealt with Xena. What