Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 170: Chapter 170

Elara POV

I wake up with the mother of all headaches. It is still dark outside, and I have no idea if it is late at night or early morning. I sit up with a groan and grab my head when it feels like it wants to split open. And something has died in my mouth, because the taste is horrid.

Beside me, Kane and Axel are still sleeping, and I carefully get out of bed without waking them. I need painkillers urgently.

With my eyes partially closed, I feel my way out of the room and into the kitchen. I have no idea where Gabriela keeps the first aid kit, but a glass of water will take away the disgusting taste in my mouth. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

“Why are you awake?” Mason surprises me, and I instantly grab my head.

“Not so loud,” I groan. “My head hurts.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, taking my elbow. “Have a seat. I’ll get you something for the pain.”

“Thanks,” I mutter gratefully. If I did not know any better, I would have sworn I went drinking last night. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

“I fell asleep on the couch in front of the fireplace,” he replies. “I heard shuffling, came to investigate and found you.”

“Oh,” I mutter, closing my eyes and clutching my head. I did not think I would ever be grateful for a murderous headache, but I am at this moment. Because now I have an excuse not to look at him. Last night’s affection towards Mason is gone, and all that is left is shame. I cannot believe that I was so attracted to him that I felt the need to relieve myself.

“Here,” he places two pills in my hand and places a glass of water in the other. “I’ll make you a cup of chamomile tea. It will help with the headache. Quinn’s mother religiously believes it.”

“Then it will definitely work,” I smile weakly before I eagerly drink the painkillers. “She’s a wise lady.”

I cross my arms on the table and rest my head on my arms, eyes closed, waiting for my tea so that I can get back to bed.

Mason POV

I look at Elara lying on her arms while I wait for the water to boil. I do not have an ounce of remorse for killing Rhiannon, but I wish I had asked her about side effects before I did. Elara is pale and clearly in pain. It could be anything, and I hope it’s not the affection potion. I want her to love me, not to suffer.

Regardless, I am going to risk it. Last night was proof that the potions work, and when I kissed her ... oh, goddess, she did not pull away or even flinch. A few headaches are a small sacrifice for us to be together. Plus, it is just a headache. It is not life-threatening, and the cure is as easy as taking two pills.

The water boils, and I make us each a cup of tea. I glance at Elara. She is still lying on her arms, and I quickly add two droplets of potion into her tea.

“Here you go.” I place her cup in front of her and take a seat. “I added a little extra sugar for love.”

“Thank you,” she mutters, takes her cup and starts drinking it.

I wait until she finishes half the cup before I reach over and gently touch her hand.

“Feeling any better?” I ask and wait until she looks up and into my eyes. Like before, her eyes momentarily cloud over, and I smile, satisfied.

“Much, thank you,” she replies, looking away, but I do not miss a slight blush.

“Let’s get you back to bed,” I say, standing up and holding a hand out to her.

“I’m okay,” she replies, standing up but ignoring my hand. “Thanks for everything.”

“Hey,” I touch her cheek, and she looks at me hesitantly. “Do you really want to add a sore toe to your headache? You know how things work. You’re bound to stump a toe on your way to the room.”

“I’ll risk it,” she mumbles, turning away from me.

Disappointment hits me in the gut. Does the potion only work once? Is she immune now? But that is impossible. I saw her eyes change. Maybe I said or did something to upset her, but for the life of me, I do not know what.

“Are you avoiding me or something?” I ask, following her out of the kitchen. “Did I do anything to upset you, or ...”

“No, Mason,” she cuts me off. “It’s not you, it’s me. I don’t feel well, and don’t want company.”

“Allow me to do one more thing, then I’ll back off,” I say, giving her my most charming smile. “Promise.”

“What is it?” She exhales deeply.

“Let me help you back to bed,” I whisper, gliding my thumb down her cheek and along her bottom lip. She shivers slightly, and my concern that the potion is ineffective evaporates.

I take her silence as a yes, and I gently pick her up. I carry her to the living room and lay her down on the couch.

“This is not my bed,” she protests weakly.

“Nor is it mine,” I whisper while covering her with a blanket. “And you and I both know your mates will wake up when I take you to bed, and then they’ll jump to the wrong conclusion.”

“Thanks for thinking about that,” she yawns, snuggling deeper into the couch.

“Elara,” I whisper, kneeling in front of her. “I know we had our differences, but I still love you.”

“Mason, I ...”

“I don’t need you to respond,” I interrupt her, pushing my fingers through her lavish hair. “I only wanted you to know.”

“Okay,” she exhales deeply, and I lean forward.

I kiss her softly, testing her reaction, and when she does not pull away, I intensify the kiss. I gently probe with my tongue, and she opens, allowing my tongue to explore her mouth.

My heart beats excitedly as the kiss continues. I have missed this, missed her, so much. It felt like an eternity since she turned away from me. And I know she might still, but with the help of the potion, I will guide her back to me.

My hand glides up her arm, under the blanket, and she moans softly when I cup her breast. She leans into my hand, and I toy with her breast until her nipple is hard and pressing against her silky pyjama top...

And just as I was about to go further, something deadly was approaching fast—from right behind.