Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 109: Chapter 109

Axel POV

I am sitting on the steps of the cabin, absentmindedly staring into the woods. It was not difficult to decide to send Kane with Elara and stay behind. Unlike Kane, I am still stewing about everything. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

“Do you want to talk about it?” Mother asks, sitting beside me.

“No,” I scoff. “You placed us under a spell. What’s there to talk about?”

“Please, Axel,” she exhales deeply. “Elara and I already explained.”

“How about an apology, Mother,” I say firmly, looking at her. “You lied to us and manipulated our memories. Has it ever crossed your mind to say you’re sorry to your sons?” fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

“Axel, I’m sorry,” she says, resting her hand on my knee. “I’m sorry for keeping things from you, for lying and poisoning you. And I’m sorry for not apologising earlier. It was Elara’s decision to take the potion, and roping you into it was the only way it could work.”

“But it didn’t work, did it?” I huff, shaking my head. “We found our way back to each other anyway. All you did was rob us of time. Great job, Mother.”

“You think it was easy for me?” Her voice climbs an octave. “I like Elara, and always thought she was perfect for you, even though I knew she was a hybrid. And to top it all, I knew I was giving up my only grandchild.”

“That’s harsh,” I say, looking at her intensely. Does she know something we do not? “You have Lanie and Isaac.”

“Allegedly,” she rolls her eyes. “Their paternity remains unknown.”

“They’re ours,” I growl, instantly defensively. I do not care what a piece of paper says. I love them, and they are ours.

“Calm down,” Mother scoffs. “Nobody’s trying to take them from you. All I’m saying is, I knew Elara was carrying my grandchild, and I had to watch her leave.”

“Why didn’t the two of you come to us?” I look at her, desperately. “We could’ve worked something out or ...”

“Oh, Axel, give it a rest,” she groans, looking at the sky and taking a deep breath. “We had a pregnant hybrid living in our house. Do you understand how dangerous that is?”

“Okay,” I exhale deeply. “So, now what? Things haven’t changed. How are we ever going to be a happy family with the Council around?”

“I don’t know,” she replies, her lips pulled into a tight line. “The concealment spell was our best bet. But for now, Elara is safe with her family.”

“Why don’t we ask Isolde for another concealment spell?” I ask, looking at her. “But this time, we tell Elara everything about her past, and she doesn’t have to leave. She will remember everything, but her vampire side will be undetectable.”

“Knowing something and remembering it are two different things,” Mother says sympathetically. “She will know you’re her mates, but she won’t remember how she felt about you. Are you really willing to risk her feelings for you?”

Her words make my stomach dive and my heart stop. What if Elara leaves us? What if she falls in love with Mason ... again?

“We should get home,” I jump up, desperate to get away from my dark thoughts. “We’ve been away long enough.”

“Is there room for me?” Mason asks, emerging from the woods, and I stare at him dumbstruck.

“Mason, why are you still here?” Mother stands up, glaring at him. “Elara made it clear that you’re no longer welcome in her life.”

“Or in ours,” I grunt, crossing my arms.

“Do I need to remind you why I came?” He asks, walking closer. “It wasn’t for Elara; it was to confront my father.”

“And you did that,” I growl. “Feel free to go home.”

“One conversation isn’t enough,” Mason pushes his hands in his pockets and strolls closer. “I want an apology from him.”

“Good luck with that,” Mother snorts unladylike. “He still hasn’t apologised to me for producing you.”

“There’s your answer,” I grimace. “So, hit the road.”

“Either you take me with you, or I’ll force my way into the pack.” Mason’s eyes flash red, and his tone of voice makes me uneasy.

“Feel free to try, lone wolf,” I dismiss him with a sarcastic grin. There is no way in hell Mason will get past our guards and into the pack grounds. His threats do not rattle me in the least.

“I don’t think you understand,” Mason smirks, but his eyes are cold and hard. “Either you take me with you quietly, or I’m telling anyone who wants to listen that their Luna is a hybrid.”

“You will do that to Elara and Stella?” I ask in disgust, furious that he is threatening my mate and child. “Five minutes ago, you pledged your undying love, and now you’re ready to sacrifice them?”

“You heard her,” he shrugs nonchalantly. “She hates me and doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore. Why should I care about her?”

I look at him intensely. I do not trust him for one second. He is a lying fucker, but he is also a dangerous one. One who is threatening the safety of the woman I love.

“Fine,” I grunt, and Mother gasps beside me. “We’re leaving in five minutes.”

“I’ll wait by the truck,” Mason grins, turns around and walks away.

“What the hell are you doing?” Mother whispers urgently, grabbing my arm. “Are you insane?”

“He’s up to something, and I don’t trust him,” I reply softly. “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”