Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 172: Chapter 172

Mason POV

My patience is dangling by a thread. They are focusing on me instead of the bigger issue – monsters are being released to hunt down the only people I love. My only family. And with that, I refer to my kids and Elara. Axel and Kane might share my blood, but they are not my family.

“You and I aren’t done,” Kane says, pointing a finger threateningly at me. “But for now, we’re looking at solutions.”

“I don’t know what you have been working on,” Braden says. “But I would strongly suggest that you get Elara’s mother and sister out of Constantine. Fuck knows why Gustav hasn’t locked them up yet.”

“Or took Selena to the facility,” Axel adds. “She’s a hybrid, after all.”

“She’s not eighteen yet,” Elara replies, but she is pale and clearly worried about her sister. Everything inside me yearns to reach out to her, but she is safely tucked under Kane’s arm. “They don’t know about her.”

“Okay,” I say, looking at Braden. “Let’s say we’re successful in getting them out. Where do we take them?”

“We have enough space here,” Axel shrugs. “It will be a little cramped, but we’ll survive. They’re family.” freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

“But we can’t stay here indefinitely,” I reason. “If Gustav releases those monsters, nobody will be safe anywhere.” freewebnøvel.com

“I hate to admit it, but Mason’s right,” Kane exhales deeply. “We don’t know what their super army is capable of and if we can protect ourselves and others against them.”

“I’ll reach out to Malachi’s coven,” Braden says, shifting in his chair. “They’re going to hate it, but since Selena and Julia are Malachi’s family, they’ll be accepted.”

“That’s great,” Elara exclaims. “Maybe they’ll take our kids as well and keep them safe.”

“Stella, maybe,” I say, irritated. How the fuck am I supposed to get Elara to run away with me if our kids are stuck in a coven? “But not the twins. They’re not related by blood.”

“They’ll take the kids,” Braden rolls his eyes. “But they wouldn’t care for them. If you leave them there, Julia and Selena must be prepared to look after them. Vampires won’t think about feeding babies.”

“Mom wouldn’t mind,” Elara smiles for the first time since our precious moment together. “She would love time with her granddaughter. And so would Selena.”

“Then it’s settled,” Braden nods. “I’ll arrange with Malachi.”

“I’m not comfortable with this,” I speak my mind. My plans with Elara aside, I do not like the idea of my kids surrounded by a bunch of bloodsuckers. “Selena and Julia aren’t strong enough to protect them if the vampires feel like a snack.”

Elara POV

My headache is back, stronger than before, and Mason’s opinion is not helping. However, Mason is not wrong to be concerned. If a coven of vampires is out of food for some reason, our children might be in danger.

On the bright side, my affection towards Mason is fading. I just wish I knew why it comes and goes like this. Out of nowhere, there will be an overwhelming attraction, and then it will evaporate as if it never was there.

“We can decide on that when the time comes,” I say firmly, shoving my growing headache and conflicted feelings aside. “Do we all agree that I’m getting my mother and sister out tonight?”

“Yeah,” Kane nods, and Axel and Braden agree.

“Does it have to be you?” Mason asks cautiously.

“Yes,” I reply bluntly. I am not going to give him an opportunity to argue about this too.

“Kane,” I turn to him. “Remember the path we followed, Selena, into the human city?”

“Yes,” he replies enthusiastically. “We can easily slip in and out that way.”

“Not anymore,” Braden says, shaking his head. “The border patrol is crazy tight these days.”

“Braden and I will distract them,” Axel says thoughtfully. “Along with Elara’s wind abilities. Then Kane and Elara can slip inside, grab Selena and Julia and get out.”

“I’ll go with Elara,” Mason says firmly. “The Council isn’t looking for me; it would be easier if I went.”

“We need communication,” I reply. “The mind link I share with Kane and Axel will help.”

“So, what am I?” Mason scoffs. “Chopped liver?”

“You’re the driver,” Axel replies. “And if Braden and I don’t make it back in time, make sure Elara and her family get out of there alive and undetected.”

A deafening silence fills the room as the gravity of the situation settles in. One or all of us could die or be captured tonight.

“Anything else?” Braden asks, breaking the silence.

“That’s it,” Kane says, standing up and pulling me with him. “We should all get some rest and spend the day with our kids.”

“Agreed,” Braden nods. “There’s a cot in the basement. I’ll be there if you need me.”

“I’m going to sleep,” I say. “Hopefully my headache will be gone when I wake up.”

“I’ll get you more pills and tea,” Mason says quickly.

“No need,” Axel stops him firmly. “I’ll do it.”

“Bring it to our room,” Kane says, glaring at Mason. “She needs to lie down.”

I do not protest when Kane leads me to our bedroom. My mind is too fuzzy, and my nerves are shot. Because now I must tell my mates I cheated on them.

Kane is so tender and sweet with me when he helps me under the covers that my heart wants to split in half, the same as my head. He sits behind me, and gently rubs my back as Axel enters the room, hands me the pills and sits beside me.

“Thank you,” I smile weakly, drink the pills, and return the empty glass.

I take a long, deep breath, mastering the courage to admit what I have done, and steel myself for their outbursts. Because, let us be honest, if the roles were reversed, I would have freaked out.

“Th ... there’s something ... I, uhm ... I must tell you,” I stutter, looking at my fingers. Looking them in the eye will kill me. Seeing their disgust and anger will break me.

“Goddess, I don’t know how,” I start crying, burying my face in my hands. “I’m so ashamed.”