Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 177: Chapter 177

Elara POV

I am staring through the window, begging the sun to rise. After Kane and I returned home, we took a proper shower and climbed into bed beside Axel. Everyone else was already asleep.

Now, I am rested and eager to see Mother and Selena, but I do not want to leave my room while everyone else is still asleep. Mason might be awake, lurking, and waiting to poison me again ... allegedly.

Finally, I hear noises, and I get out of bed. I quickly dress and tiptoe towards the sounds in the kitchen. I silently pray it is not Mason, and sigh relieved when I recognise Mother’s voice.

Eagerly, I follow her voice to the kitchen, where I find her and Selena searching for something through the cupboards.

“I’m so happy to see you,” I shriek, run towards them and pull them both into a hug.

“So am I,” Selena mutters. “And I’ll even be happier if I can find the coffee.”

“Sit down,” I smile, pushing them towards the kitchen table. “I’ll make it.”

“Now, can you tell me why you risked your life to sneak us out of Constantine?” Mother asks as I turn on the kettle.

“The Council knows I’m a hybrid,” I admit stoically. “And it’s only a miracle that they haven’t locked you and Selena away already. You had to get out of there.”

“Are we safe here?” Selena asks with big, fear-filled eyes.

“Not for long,” I reply, shaking my head. “That’s why we’re taking you somewhere else tomorrow.”

“I don’t know how I feel about that,” Mother frowns as I place the coffee in front of them. “I’m supposed to protect my daughters, not the other way around.”

“You did protect us, Mom,” I smile lovingly, sitting beside her. “And now Stella needs your protection. I want to ask if you could care for her while my mates and I sort out the Council.”

“Honey, I would do anything for you,” Mother says, placing her hand on mine. “I think the safest for Stella would be if you join a pack in ...”

“No,” I interrupt her softly. “We have a place they’ll never look for you. With grandpa.”

“Oh, please,” Selena rolls her eyes. “Grandpa Wally is useless. How will we be safe with him?”

“You’re not talking about Wally, are you?” Mother whispers, her face pale as a ghost.

“Malachi,” I nod. “I must admit, it’s weird meeting a grandfather who looks the same age as me.”

“Mom has a dad?” Selena gapes.

“Come on,” I scoff. “Everyone has a dad.”

“Not what I meant,” Selena waves me off. “Mother never talks about him, and ...”

“It’s because I can’t remember him,” Mother cuts in. “I know who and what he is, but I don’t remember him at all.”

“Well, he’s handsome and kind,” I say softly. “And he loves you a lot. He would love to reconnect with you.”

“Hold on,” Selena looks at us with consternation. “Are we going to a coven? A vampire’s coven?”

“Bingo,” I say, snapping my fingers.

“But ... but they’ll drink us and stuff,” she shrieks.

“Selena, they won’t,” Mother says calmly, reaching over and taking Selena’s hand. “You’re a hybrid, sweetie, and Malachi’s granddaughter. They’ll respect you like they respect him. And Elara’s right, the Council will never find us there. Even if they do, they can’t touch us.”

“I hate all of this,” Selena pouts. “I’m turning eighteen in three months, and with this new war, there will be no mating ceremony, and I’ll die alone.”

“Goddess, you’re dramatic,” I roll my eyes. “You can take a mate, Selena. A mate of your choice, which is much better than a mate handed to you by the Council.”

“Listen to your sister,” Mason’s voice soars over us, and I jump in fright. “She knows what she’s talking about.”

“Mason,” I clear my throat. “What are you doing here?”

“Coffee, what else?” He says, smirking.

“Elara,” Mother whispers, nodding me in the ribs. “That’s rude.”

“I thought he was still sleeping,” I reply, trying to fix my error. I do not want to worry Mom with my troubles. “I was only surprised.”

“It’s okay, Julia,” Mason flashes her his most charming smile. “I understand what Elara meant. We had a busy night.”

“Thanks, Mason,” I smile stiffly. I do not want to show him any form of gratitude or politeness, but Mother will skin my behind if I neglect my manners, which she so vigilantly drilled into me.

“No problem,” he replies, turning to me. “Oh, and Braden left already. He went to sort things out with Malachi. He said he won’t be back until tonight.” fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

“That’s good,” I nod, wishing Braden told me himself instead of leaving a human note.

“I’ll leave you ladies to catch up,” Mason smiles, takes his coffee and leaves. “I’ll leave you ladies to catch up.”

“Oh, sweet Goddess, that man is hot,” Selena whispers, airing her flushing cheeks with her fingers.

“Selena!” Mother reprimands her. “Know your place. That man’s an alpha, and Elara’s brother-in-law.”

“He’s also dangerous,” I add softly. “Mother’s right, Selena, don’t go there. He’s trouble.”

“You just told me I can pick my own mate,” Selena complains. “Now, you’re telling me to stay away. Are you jealous or something?”

“Or something,” I say firmly. “You’re my little sister, and I’ve been around him for months. Trust me, you and Mason aren’t a match.”

“Urgh, whatever,” Selena rolls her eyes. “Do you have any food? I’m starving.”

Mason POV

I am standing around the corner, shamelessly eavesdropping on Elara and her family. The affection potion worked beautifully, but thanks to Braden, I will need to be more cautious.

I smile when I hear Selena’s praises, and an idea strikes me. Getting Elara with the help of the potion is child’s play. But getting my kids out of a coven is a whole different story. I spent the entire night rolling around trying to figure out how I could keep my kids from going, and then Selena came along. There is still a way to get Elara and my kids. In fact, this is even better than my original plan.

Satisfied with myself, I walk outside for fresh air.