Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 101: Chapter 101

Katie POV

I help Braden into bed and ensure he is comfortable before tending to Stella, who has just woken up. Just my luck. Now that I have a chance to sleep, she is awake.

“You’re exceptionally harsh on Mason,” Braden comments while I play with Stella on the floor.

“So should you,” I reply drily. “It’s because of him that we’re in this mess.”

“If we didn’t come here, you would’ve never known that a spell was cast on you,” he reasons.

“You’re right,” I exhale deeply. “I’ll lighten up, but I’m still pissed at him for what he said to me.”

There is a knock on the door, and I stand up to answer it, relieved that it interrupts our conversation. This is a conversation I am not thrilled to have.

I open the door and instantly stiffen when I look into Mason’s eyes.

“Don’t worry,” he says, holding his hands up defensively. “I’m not here to finish what I started.”

I want to snap a sarcastic reply, but bite it back when I remember Braden’s words. He felt hurt and betrayed by me because he was reminded of Alice. And even though it does not excuse his behaviour, it does not mean I cannot be the bigger person. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

“Would you like to come in?” I ask politely, but he shakes his head.

“I want to apologise,” he clears his throat, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “I acted rashly when I bit Braden. I don’t think he deserved that.”

“Then you should come inside and say it to him,” I reply.

“I will,” he nods. “But before I do, I must apologise to you. What I said at the showers was uncalled for and untrue. I am truly sorry.”

I look intensely at him, searching his face for the truth. But I do not see anything but sincerity.

“Thank you,” I answer, opening the door wider for him to come in.

“Katie,” he says softly, “I was upset, and ... it did not change how I feel about you. Not even for a second.”

I blink quickly, staring at him. I did not expect that. I have no idea how to respond. I want to clear the air, but I am not ready to pick up where we left off. Now more than ever.

“I ... uhm, I’m sorry, Mason,” I stutter awkwardly. “I don’t think we ...”

“I’m not here to kiss and make up,” his voice is filled with sadness. “I only want you to know the truth before I turn myself in.”

His words are a bucket of ice-cold water dumped over my head. Just because we are over, does not mean I want anything bad to happen to him.

“Why would you do that?” I ask, stunned.

“I did this,” he replies. “I should undo it. Hell, the Council might even reward me for fixing their vampire problem.”

“Mason, that’s not funny,” I argue, dismissing his attempt at a joke. “If Braden dies, and word gets out, the treaty is void. Braden will drink my blood, even if I force him to.” freeweɓnøvel.com

“And what about Stella, huh?” He huffs, eyes blazing. “What if he does drain you, and you die. What will happen to your daughter? You don’t want her to grow up to be an orphan. Trust me, it sucks.”

“That won’t happen,” I say adamantly, but in the back of my mind, I worry. Never say never. It does not matter how much faith I have in Braden or how much I trust him; there is always a possibility that something can go wrong.

Mason POV

I can see the gears in Katie’s head turning. At least, she is listening and thinking about it. I meant every word I said. I am truly remorseful for what I have done to Braden. But mostly, I am sorry for what I have said. I want her back, and if going to the Council is what it takes, I will.

I watched her and Braden, they have an unmistakable connection and without a cure for him, I do not see how we could have a happy ending.

Perhaps I can even convince the Council that Kane and Axel are the reason Braden and I crossed paths in the first place. Then, if I go down, at least I can take the Constantines down with me. If I cannot have her, then neither could they. I only need to ensure Katie is safely back in Stillwood before that happens.

“But it might,” I insist. “What definitely will happen is Stella suffering. You should not make this decision for Braden, me or yourself. You should decide for her. Think about what I have said. Forget about me, the twins and Braden and return to Stillwood where you were happy.”

“I ... uhm,” she exhales deeply, look at her toes for a moment, then back at me. “Do you still want to come inside and talk to Braden?”

“I’ll do it later,” I take a step back. “Think about it, okay?”

I do not wait for her reply, turn around and walk away. I do not want to get ahead of myself and call this conversation a success, but I am hopeful that it went well.

As I walk to my room, I hear Kane and Axel’s hushed voices. I freeze, and Colt paws around me, my wolf hearing perks up to catch their conversation.

“So, it’s settled then,” Kane says. “We get Mother to drive her back to the mansion in the morning, and we take Mason to the Council to hand himself in.”

What the hell? I knew it! They were only pretending to help me. They are doing this to get Katie for themselves.

“This better work,” Axel says. “There’s a reason our wolves are drawn to Katie. And with Mason out of the picture, we might finally get to find out why that is.”

I do not waste time listening any longer. I know their plan, and I must act fast if I want to get ahead.

Screw showing remorse and going to the Council. I wanted to win back Katie the right way, but with these two assholes, I am out of time.

I need to find Rhiannon, and fast. There must be an alternative cure. I will save Braden, Katie will hopefully forgive me, and we can return to Stillwood.

Together, and happy.