Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 311

Raven's steady hands tilt my face toward the light as she dabs foundation onto my skin. I'm seated at my vanity, my heart thudding harder than it should for something as simple as getting ready for a date. A date. With Alec.

Behind me, Aspen is sprawled on my bed, legs crossed, eyes glued to the small screen of my phone. She's tapping furiously at her game, her little tongue sticking out in concentration. Every now and then, she mutters a triumphant "Ha!" when she beats a level.

If you had asked me once if I ever imagined this day would come, my answer would have been a big, fat no. As much as I used to dream of Alec looking at me —really looking at me I never let myself believe it could ever happen. He was the Alpha, powerful and untouchable and far above my station. My parents were omegas, simple and ordinary.

I loved and clung to the idea of being mated to Alec, but if I'm honest with myself, deep down I always knew the truth. The chances of that happening were slim to

none.

But here we are now, and it still feels like a dream. Like a fantasy. Part of me wants to cling to whatever is slowly happening, but the other part is still afraid. Still scared that this isn't real.

"You're fidgeting," Raven murmurs, her tone calm but pointed.

"I'm not fidgeting." I force myself to sit still, though my leg bounces under the vanity.

"Yes, you are." She arches a brow, reaching for a brush. "Relax, Sadie. You're so nervous I can practically smell it. It's just dinner."

"Yes, dinner," I echo, staring at my reflection. "With Alec. Who happens to be infuriating, impossible, and..." I catch the way Raven smirks

Her smirk deepens. "Don't stop on my account?"

"I wasn't going to

Because I had this little inkling you

he sets your insides on

(and failing) to hide both my smile and the heat

chuckle, her grin lighting up and transforming her whole

is stunning, and if I'd been batting for the other team, I probably would have

as she

cheeks. "I've

he's

become. Honestly, I'm surprised... He's allowing himself to become human; he letting himself care. It's written all over his

my eyes. "That doesn't mean I can just jump into this. Giving him a chance means opening a door I thought was

down and meets my gaze in the mirror. "Healing doesn't mean you forget the past, Sadie. It means you're brave enough to let something

words sit heavy in my chest, equal parts terrifying and

voice mischievous. "You like him. That's why you're getting all

I'd

Aspen

one ear is always tuned in. You won't even realize she's listening until she suddenly chimes in, as

her a look over my shoulder.