Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 162: Chapter 162

Elara POV

"Alright, guys," I look at Axel and Kane, "now that Mason’s issue is about to be resolved, we should figure out how to deal with the council."

Axel shrugs, "Totally agree."

Kane rubs his chin, looking thoughtful, "Maybe we need Braden to get some information."

Goddess, I can hardly believe this is Kane’s suggestion. Besides Mason, he hates vampires the most.

"Uh. Don’t be so surprised, I’m just being practical." That’s right, the current Kane is clearly much more mature, this handsome bastard.

Axel nods, "But how do we find him?" I snap my fingers, "I’ve got a way."

Axel’s eyes widen, "What is it? Something like our mindlink? Like the mindlink you vampires have?"

I shook my head, "Yes and no."

I do have a way to contact Braden, but that’s because of our vampire powers. Sometimes I can focus my energy, and Braden can sense it.

The wind is howling and raging around me. I push my palms together, forming a bucket with my hands. I direct the wind from my hands up into the air, creating a whirlwind. It draws in the nearby clouds, and it quickly turns into a tornado.

Dirt and leaves swirl around me, but I control the tornado to the spot, not allowing it to grow bigger or move.

“Come on, Braden,” I mutter when it feels like my arms are about to pop out of their sockets. “I need you.”

“I’m right here,” he says behind me.

I close my palms, waiting for the tornado to die before I turn to face him.

“You’re getting good at this,” he smirks. “I’m impressed.”

“We can discuss my awesomeness on another occasion,” I smile. “Right now, we need to know what’s going on.”

“Yeah,” Kane adds as he and Axel join us. “You keep promising us updates, but nothing.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” Braden says apologetically. “With Constantine under lockdown, it’s hard to get access, even with my invisibility powers. I was nearly caught two days ago trying to get in.”

“Enough with the apologies, and more with the updates,” Axel exhales deeply.

“I’m afraid it’s not good,” Braden says sympathetically, looking at Elara. “The Council is blaming you for everything.”

“What?” I ask, confused. “I don’t mind the credit, but I didn’t kill Orion.”

“They aren’t claiming you killed Orion,” Braden replies. “They said you put it in motion. You’re to blame for the next war.”

“Dammit, Braden,” Kane snaps. “Stop talking in riddles and tell us what the fuck’s going on.”

“Okay,” Braden glares at Kane. “The Council revealed Elara’s hybrid status, and they claim that she compelled ...”

“Compelled?” I interrupt him. “Can I even do that?”

“I don’t know,” he replies quickly. “I haven’t heard of a hybrid who could. Anyway, they say you can, and you used that power to influence Kane and Axel to help you lure Orion to the woods where your darling dearest grandpappy killed him.”

“Oh, wow,” I mutter, reaching for Kane’s arm to keep myself from collapsing in the dirt. I knew the Council was devious, but this? I cannot believe this.

“They also announced Kane and Axel missing,” he continues. “They said they’re uncertain if you left willingly with Elara or are her captives.”

“Damn, they’re making me so much stronger than I am,” I say sourly.

“They’re saying that to keep their options open,” Axel says thoughtfully. “They will decide whether or not they want us dead. As soon as they decide, they’ll announce if we’re accomplices or captives.”

“There’s a bounty on your head, Elara.” Braden looks at me with concern. “A million dollars and a status change. Which means, if a rogue brings you in, they’ll be welcomed into Constantine as a pack member. An Omega will become a junior member of the Council.”

“This is bad,” Kane sighs, pushing his fingers through his hair.

“That’s not all,” Braden continues. “Remember the guard whose identity you stole to get into the facility? They killed him and said it was you. Also, they increased security everywhere. The facility, the Council, the borders. Getting in or out is a nightmare.” freēwēbηovel.c૦m

“What about Monroe, Maxim and Mindy?” I ask urgently. “Are they still alive?”

“Yes,” he nods. “They’re locked in the dungeon. Monroe and Maxim insisted that you three had nothing to do with Orion’s death, and the Council locked them up.”

“What about Mason?” Kane frowns.

“Not a word,” Braden grunts. “I can’t figure out why they’re hiding his existence. There will be an agenda.”

“Those bastards,” Axel mutters, and we all turn to him.

“Don’t you see it?” He looks at us. “They have three alphas, and they’re going to pick the one who serves their cause the best. That’s why they keep quiet about Mason, and our status is undecided.”

Kane tenses beside me when Braden nods in agreement with Axel. This mess is becoming messier by the second.

“Where’s Malachi?” I ask.

“In hiding,” Braden replies. “He has no choice, Elara. Every supernatural entity is looking for him, and they will kill him on the spot. Even though the Council is officially blaming you, he committed the deed. And you must find another hideout. With the Council’s bounty on your head, it’s only a matter of time until they find you here.”

“We were planning on moving tomorrow, anyway,” I reply. “The kids won’t be safe here when we move in on the Council.”

“You’re planning to attack the Council?” Braden raises his eyebrows.

“We can’t hide forever,” Kane answers firmly. “We’re the alphas, and it’s our job to take care of our pack.”

“Point taken,” Braden nods. “Where are you going?”

“That’s why I called you,” I say. “We’ll have to move to a motel in the human city. But I was hoping ... do you have another secret and protected place where we can stay?”

“Don’t you mean burn down?” He smirks, crossing his arms.

“We might if we need to,” Axel chuckles.

“Please, Braden,” I beg. “We won’t be able to focus if we don’t know our kids are safe. And moving from place to place is too disruptive for the children.”

“Fine,” he exhales long and deeply. “I might know of a place. I’ll meet you here tomorrow morning at ten. And bring supplies.”

“Thank you,” I jump forward and hug him tightly.

“You’re welcome,” he pulls away. “Go pack and be ready.”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Axel mutters as we watch Braden walk away and disappear into the night.

“Why?” I frown, looking at him. “Braden can be trusted. You know that already.”

“Not about him,” he shakes his head. “About the Council and us.”

“Yeah,” Kane agrees. “Placing a bounty on Elara’s is a ruse. They want our kids, not us. They know we would protect our mate and kids with our lives. Either they’re trying to lure us out of hiding or they’re hoping someone would sell us out.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say, determined. “Once our kids are safe, we’re attacking them anyway.”