Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 167: Chapter 167

Mason POV

I sit on a log outside our so-called new home and stare at the smoke escaping from the chimney. Elara’s laughter reaches my ears, and I grind my teeth. I am at wits’ end with her. Nothing I say gets through to her.

I have been sitting here the entire day, trying to figure things out. I know she loves my brothers; I am not an idiot. I just refuse to believe that she stopped loving me. I know I am right. Why else would she have sexual relations with me when she was in heat? Or keep me as a part of their circle.

And as much as I want to take my kids and leave, I refuse to leave without her. I only need a moment alone with her and remind her she loves me too.

“Hey, Mason!” Axel shouts through a window. “Dinner’s ready.”

Even though I am not hungry, I get up. Until I can figure out how to get what I want, I must play nice. But I am not ready for the scene that awaits me when I open the door. The only light is the fireplace, candles, and lanterns, and it casts a romantic glow. Everyone, including the kids, is at the table. Elara has Stella on her lap, and a jealousy jabs me in my heart when Kane lovingly touches her shoulder. That should have been me, not him. Suddenly, I remember the potion in my pocket and know what to do.

“So,” I clear my throat, fake a smile, and take a seat. “What’s for dinner?”

“Oh, it’s only Carbonara, nothing fancy,” Gabriela replies.

“It smells good,” I smile politely.

I am painfully aware of the curious glances my way, but I ignore them and keep myself busy by tickling Isaac’s chin, who is sitting beside me on Gabriela’s lap.

“Would anyone like something to drink?” I ask politely, standing up. “I’ll open a bottle of wine.” fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

“No way I’m drinking alcohol,” Elara says adamantly, shaking her head, and everyone laughs softly.

“I’ll get you something non-alcoholic and serve it in a pretty glass,” I smile, and walk to the kitchen.

I pull the potion from my pocket and read the instructions carefully. For this to work, Elara and I must make eye contact directly after her first sip. She will feel affectionate towards the person she first looks at. Well, that should be easy enough.

I take out six wine glasses, fill five with wine and the sixth with sparkling apple juice. I drop two droplets into the apple juice and put the glasses on a tray.

“Here we go,” I say, handing the first glass to Braden. I distribute the rest, handing the apple juice to Elara last.

“Elara,” I say, putting the tray down and taking my wine glass. “I owe you so much gratitude. For your forgiveness, compassion and help. Especially with rescuing my babies. So, here’s to you and a sober lifestyle.”

“Thank you, Mason,” Elara smiles. “I appreciate it.”

I raise my glass, and we toast. I keep my gaze fixed on hers as she takes a sip. Her emerald, green eyes cloud over for a second before returning to their normal colour, and I give her my most charming smile.

“Kane and Axel,” I sigh theatrically, looking at them. “Where do I begin? You’re the brothers I never wanted. But I would like to thank you for giving me a chance.”

“You’re welcome,” Kane toasts me. “And we didn’t want you either.”

“And people say we have nothing in common,” I chuckle, taking my seat. “Oh, and since I’ve been sitting on my ass the entire day, I’ll clean up after dinner. It’s the least I can do since I left you to unpack and prepare dinner.”

“Mason, are you okay?” Axel looks at me, frowning. “You’re being ... nice.”

“I’m good,” I say, looking at him. “I had time to think and realised my mistakes.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Kane grins, raising his glass.

“Me too,” I laugh heartily, and sip from my glass.

Elara POV

A warmth spreads through me when I look at Mason. There is the man I fell in love with. Not the angry bully he has been the last couple of weeks. I was right about him; he only needed time to adjust.

Throughout the entire dinner, I catch myself looking at Mason, and each time, I am overwhelmed with affection for him. Or maybe it is just gratitude that things are finally peaceful within our circle. Whatever it is, it makes me happy.

“Gabriela, this was delicious,” Mason sighs contentedly, pushing his plate away. “If you weren’t a Luna, you would’ve been an excellent chef.”

“Thank you,” Gabriela says, blushing slightly. “I like this new Mason.”

“It’s not new,” he chuckles, standing up and starting to collect dirty dishes. “It’s the real me. I only needed a new perspective.”

“It’s true,” I add, smiling. “He’s been this helpful since the moment I met him.”

“Oh, right,” Mason smiles at me, and my stomach dives. “You went into labour the night we met.”

“Yes,” I continue. “And you held my head the entire time until she was born.”

“That’s ... uhm, nice,” Kane grunts, and I know he is fighting his jealousy. Missing Stella’s birth is something that will stick with him forever.

“Would you mind getting Stella ready for bed?” I ask Kane, holding his daughter out to him. “I’ll help with cleaning up.”

Kane’s face brightens when he takes Stella from me, and I gather the last dishes and carry them to the kitchen. I glance at Mason, who is boiling water on the gas stove to do the dishes, and my heart rate picks up.

Dammit, what is wrong with me? I love my mates and do not want to be with anyone else, but why am I suddenly so attracted to Mason?

“Just put it down,” Mason says, pointing to the counter. “I’ll get to it.”

“You’re a good guy, Mason,” I say softly, putting the plates down. “Thank you.”

“It took me a while,” he smiles, walking towards me.

“But I’m back now,” he whispers, gently stroking my cheek, and shivers of delight jolt through me.

“Good night,” he leans over, and his lips touch mine so softly, so gently that I fear it is my imagination.

But before I can do or say anything, he turns away, leaving me weak in the knees.