Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 221: Chapter 221

Kane POV

Elara is lying with her eyes closed against my chest on the backseat as we drive home. It has been one hell of a day, and we are all exhausted. After we killed every single surviving soul at the facility, it took us hours to free Orson and the patients from the shelter.

We confiscated the facility’s bus for the patients, and every possible medication we could lay our hands on. In fact, we cleared out the shelter of everything useful. Those people have nothing and will need all the help they can get.

“Will Orson be okay with the patients?” Mindy asks, concerned. “I mean, taking care of fifteen sick people is no joke.”

“They’re not sick,” Axel replies. “Just injured and exhausted. Most of them can take care of themselves. And he’s taking them to a friend. She’s a witch and a healer. They’ll be fine.”

“Except for the years of therapy, they’ll need to overcome the trauma,” I add dryly.

“It’s a pity they can’t return to their families, yet”, Elara says, opening her eyes. “But as long as the Council is ruling, they won’t be safe.”

“Soon, love,” I smile, looking down at her and kissing her softly. “Soon, home will be safe for all of us.”

Elara POV

I am relieved when we reach Malachi’s residence. We all need a shower, a proper meal and rest. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

“What are we going to do with those two in the back?” Maxim asks, pointing towards Tom and Carlos. Since we caught them, they have been nothing but cooperative.

“We chain them to a tree outside the protective barrier,” I reply.

“Isn’t that a little harsh?” Mindy asks. “They’ve been nothing but obedient, and surely, they won’t try anything. They’re outnumbered. Besides, it’s very possible that they didn’t know what Mason was up to. For Goddess’ sake, he was part of our group, and we didn’t even know what he was plotting.”

“I don’t trust them enough to expose our residence,” I explain. “With Isolde’s spell, they can’t see us or get near us. And I want to sleep tonight. I don’t want to lie with one eye open, waiting for them to escape or kill us.”

“But ...”

“Tie them to the tree with silver,” I order Maxim and Monroe before I turn around and walk away.

Mindy’s words have ripped open a wound I did not know existed. I am angry, sad and humiliated. There was a moment when I thought I could love Mason. I considered having a relationship with him. I allowed him to kiss and touch me, and it is humiliating to admit my poor judgment. What is wrong with me that I did not see him for the devil he is?

“Elara, don’t go down that rabbit hole,” Kane softly says behind me, and I turn around. He and Axel are looking at me with concern.

“Excuse me?” I ask, confused.

“It’s okay to feel your feelings,” Axel says sympathetically. “But don’t you dare start blaming yourself. He fooled all of us. Hell, the man was manically obsessive. First, about killing us for being born into the family he wanted, then about having you all to himself.”

“I’ll try,” I smile weakly after a moment of thoughtful silence. “But I’m so filled with rage, I don’t know how to get rid of it.”

“Save it for the Council,” Kane smiles mischievously, stroking my cheek. “You’re going to need it.”

“Speaking off,” Axel exhales deeply. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to wait until tomorrow to attack. They must know about the facility by now, and are probably scrambling around, confused. We should strike before they come to their senses.”

I sigh and look over their shoulders to Maxim and Monroe, who are tying up Carlos and Tom. Even though Axel has a point, we are only seven and tired. Except for Braden, because he is a vampire.

“I’m with Axel,” Kane replies as if he can read my mind. “We rest for a couple of hours and then finish this thing.”

“Okay,” I nod, looking at them. “But we must warn Constantine pack members. They must find cover, because those monstrous subjects will kill everything that breathes.”

“That might be risky,” Axel frowns. “We don’t know who we can trust anymore, and someone might warn the Council that we’re coming. We’ll lose the element of surprise.”

“There’s no use in attacking if there are no pack members left,” Kane reasons. “What kind of Alphas would we be if we’re willing to sacrifice our members to save ourselves?”

“We don’t have to give them a date and time,” I say. “We give them a warning. When the wind starts blowing, take cover.”

“I like it,” Axel grins. “I’ll tell Maxim to spread the message.”