Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 138: Chapter 138

Kane POV

There is a moment of euphoria, a few seconds of absolute complete bliss and happiness when I wake, and then reality dawns on me.

I slowly sit up and look at Axel and Elara, still sleeping. It is incredible how in sync we were last night. Like it used to be. Even though it was in the midst of drama.

But that feeling of skin against skin was like a canoe in a storm; we relied on and trusted each other, and that feeling was better than anything else.

I am to make a run to the bathroom when a crackle sounds from the walkie-talkie.

“What?” Axel jumps up, waking Elara.

I snatch it off the side table and hold it between us. Another crackle, and then Mother’s voice, barely audible through the static.

“Kane, they’re ...” Her voice cuts out.

“They’re what?” I ask urgently. “What’s going on?”

More static, but no words.

“That could mean anything,” Axel huffs, getting out of bed and pulling on his pants. “They’re safe. They’re dead. They’re ...”

“They’re coming,” Mom’s voice cracks over the walkie-talkie. “They’re coming for you. Get out of there, get away. Now.”

Axel and I lock eyes, my worry reflecting in his face.

“What the hell?” Elara frowns. “Leave here?”

“She must be talking about Dad,” Axel frowns with concern.

“No,” I shake my head. “Mother had said, ’they’re coming.’”

“Hey, people,” Braden shouts from the front door. “You should get moving.”

“I’ll get Stella,” Elara says, jumps up and runs to Stella as Axel and I rush to Braden.

“Gabriela sent a message on the walkie,” Axel informs him. “She said they’re coming, and that we should get out.”

“I know,” Braden nods. “I ...”

“How strong is this protective spell?” I cut in.

“Pretty damn strong,” Braden replies. “But if they find us here, we’re stuck until they can break through.”

“Shit,” Elara mumbles, joining us with Stella. “We have to leave eventually. And if they find us, High Guards will surround us, and make sure we never escape.”

“Exactly,” Braden nods. “That’s why Malachi send me here to get you the fuck out.”

“Kane and I will get Axel’s stuff,” Axel says. “We’ll meet you at the SUV.”

We carry Stella’s things out of the cabin to the black SUV still parked among the trees. Our eyes shift every way as we work, keeping our wolves close to the surface so we can hear anyone who approaches.

“We’re ready to go,” I close the trunk, but then I hear the snap of a branch in the woods.

I whip around, and the others join me. And there, on the other side of the protective border, is Father. With Mason.

“Goddess, no,” Elara gasps, reaching for my hand, and I intertwine our fingers.

Mason looks like he has been through literal hell. He is beaten, bloodied, and barely standing upright. His ankles and wrists are tied together with silver chains.

“That motherfucker,” I grunt. “He did that to his own son.”

“What a nice little reunion,” Father says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“How can he see us?” Elara whispers, confused.

“Mason must’ve touched the barrier,” Braden replies softly. “They can see us, but Orion can’t cross without permission.

“Elara,” Mason wheezes. “Don’t give him anything.”

“Shut up,” Father yells, slapping Mason across the face.

Elara’s body jerks, and her fingers cramp around mine. Mason might not be our favourite person, but we like him enough to keep him unharmed and alive. Also, he is our brother. Father is a fucking asshole, and he is going to pay.

“I want Elara and Stella,” Father announces. “Come with me, or Mason dies.”

Elara POV

“He’s all talk, Elara,” Kane says, his wolf rising as he faces his father. “He’s a fucking coward.”

“You disrespectful little shit,” Orion sneers.

“I’d rather be disrespectful than fucking evil,” Kane snaps. “You’re threatening to kill your sons all because you want to build an undefeatable army. Really?”

“Kane, Axel,” I mind link them. “I’m about to say stuff that you won’t like. Don’t take it personally, okay?”

I do not give them time to respond, and I step forward.

“Are you stupid?” I shout. “Why would I sacrifice my child, or myself, for a man who is not my mate? For fuck’s sake, I wouldn’t even trade my child for my actual mates. You really didn’t think this through, Orion.”

Orion’s eyes flash crimson, and his canines and claws drop. His gaze sweeps over everyone, then lands on me.

“Time’s up,” he hisses, raising Mason off the ground by the throat.

I concentrate on my fear, desperation and anger. Conjuring the wind at Orion’s feet. It starts with a small twirl until it is a full-blown whirlwind at his feet, kicking up dust. I raise my hand, and Orion’s feet lift from the ground.

“Go, Braden,” I whisper urgently.

I drop my hand, and Orion slams into the dirt. There is a whooshing sound, followed by a cry of anger, and then Braden is standing beside me, holding Mason inside the border of the protective spell. freёwebnoѵel.com

“Do you think I wasn’t prepared for something like this?” Orion sneers, his lips spreading into a wicked smirk. Suddenly, High Guards emerge from the trees, walking forward to flank Orion.

“One problem,” Braden says. “The spell. It can only be broken by the witch who cast it. You can stand out there forever, but Elara’s never crossing that fucking line.”

“Actually,” Orion grimaces, waving a guard over. The guard turns away and returns with a bound and gagged Rhiannon. Her eyes are big, glassy and full of fear.

Shit. How and when did he capture her? How did he even know she was the witch who had done the spell?

Orion rips off her gag and shoves her to the ground. Tears are streaming down her face.

“Break the spell,” he commands.

“Rhiannon, don’t do it,” Braden shouts. “Stay strong, we’ll get you out of this.”

“Not this time,” Orion grunts, grabbing her by the hair and pressing his claw against her neck. He applies pressure, breaking her skin, and a tiny line of blood rolls down her neck.

“This time you won’t be fast enough, and she wants to live,” Orion growls. “So, her choice is to live or die. Now, do it!”

The guards behind Orion stand in warrior pose, ready to attack. Kane, Axel and Braden flex their fists, moving in front of me.

“I’m sorry,” Rhiannon whispers, before closing her eyes and speaking an incantation in a rough, crackling voice.

Suddenly, there is a burst of light, and then a deafening silence.

And then all hell breaks loose.