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?"

name. The tone of her voice. Sends

is serious,

"What is it?"

available for a

into me,

you won't be available?" My voice comes out sharper than I mean it

of hibernation state. Think of it like pulling back

shake my head, pacing as my chest tightens. "No, no, you can't

need this, Sadie," she whispers. "There are things I need to take care

to abandon me for that?" my voice catches. "What am I supposed to do without

do this, she says gently. "And you'll be okay. You're stronger

makes the panic rise in me. "That's not the point!

you need to trust me, Sadie. This is both for our

being cut off from each other any

still haven't dealt with