Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 69: Chapter 69

Katie POV

Quinn left after sharing the apple pie she made with me. And Stella fell sleep after that.

“Dammit,” I mumble when the doorbell rings. I quickly run to the front door before the second ring wakes up Stella.

After her visit yesterday, I kept thinking about the things she said about Mason. I know he is an alpha’s son – he told me himself – but revenge? That does not sound like Mason.

“Oh, hi,” I stare at Mason in surprise. “You’re here ... again.”

“I said I would come visit,” he smiles. “Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all,” I open the door wider. “But Stella’s asleep.”

“Today I’m here to see you,” he says as I let him inside. “To apologise for leaving in such a hurry yesterday.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” I shrug, closing the door. “It’s none of my business.”

“I do,” he turns to me, and takes my hand.

A familiar warmth jolts through my hand and up my arm. I look at him in anticipation. Does he feel it too?

“I lost someone close to me last week,” his voice is hoarse with sadness. “Someone I loved dearly.” fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

“Oh, goddess, Mason,” I look into his sad eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

I feel like a worm for being nosy yesterday. He only needed space to grieve.

“Thanks,” he grimaces, as I guide him to the couch. “We haven’t talked in a while, but still. It’s hard to hear.”

“I wish I could do or say something to help,” I say sympathetically. “If you need anything, I’m here for you.”

“I appreciate it,” he smiles, and I am at a loss for words. I do not even know if I knew or had somebody who died. I cannot imagine how he feels or what he needs.

Stella’s muffled cries bring me back to reality and on my feet. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

“Let me get her,” Mason says, standing up.

“Oh, no, you don’t ...”

“Please,” he cuts me off. “You’re tired, and I want to.”

“Okay,” I give up, he is right. Even with Quinn’s help, I am exhausted.

Mason returns with Stella, holding my baby like it is the most natural thing in the world.

“It’s finally a little warmer out,” Mason says. “What do you think about going for a walk?”

“That sounds wonderful,” I smile. It feels like I have been cooped up for decades. “I’ll grab a jacket and Stella’s stroller.”

A little while later, we drive down the road to a park between Stillwood and the Rogue territory where Mason lives.

“Everybody knows babies are work,” Mason says as he secures Stella in her stroller. “But by goddess, nobody told me the load that’s involved with travelling.”

“It’s true,” I laugh softly. “Even a quick trip to the shop for milk became a chore.”

Our conversation is fluent and light as we leisurely stroll through the park, and I am amazed at how natural things are between us.

An older woman passes us, and she leans over to admire Stella in her stroller.

“So beautiful,” she says, and my heart swells with pride.

“She looks just like Daddy,” she winks and walks away.

I stare at her, flabbergasted, while Mason laughs lightly.

“She’s obviously confused,” he teases.

Still speechless, I look at Stella and then at Mason.

“Oh, goddess,” I gasp. “She wasn’t wrong. I don’t know how I haven’t noticed it before.”

“Cut it out,” Mason chuckles.

“No, seriously,” I look at him suspiciously. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Come on, Katie,” he laughs heartily, and pushes the stroller again. “A newborn can look like anyone if you squint.”

“And you weren’t embarrassed by that?” I ask.

“Not at all,” he flashes me his famous, charming smile. “It’s an honour to be associated with you.”

His words are a warm glow erupting from my chest and spreading to my fingertips. Everything feels perfect, even Lily stirs when he is near.

We return home way too soon for my liking. The fresh air and exercise did me the world of good. As well as Stella, because she passed out the moment after I fed her. I place her in the bassinet while Mason offloads the car.

“I’m going to get used to it if you keep this up,” I tell Mason as he carries the stroller inside.

“That’s fine with me,” he grins mischievously. “Because I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

“Good to know,” I say, and I feel a blush creep up my neck.

“I’m drawn to you, Katie.” Mason looks intensely at me as he takes my hands. “And to Stella. I’m sure you can tell by now. I know it’s fast, but I can’t help it. It’s like the goddess sent you back to me.”

“Back?” I frown.

“Remember the night we met, and I asked if you were Elara?” He asks, scratching his neck.

“Yes,” I frown, crossing my arms. The conversation started so well, but I do not like the way it is going.

“I used to date Elara,” he explains. “But briefly. I fell in love with someone else, and ... okay, that’s besides the point. What I’m trying to say is, I screwed up with Elara.”

“Are you serious?” I glare at him, dumbstruck. “Telling a woman she’s second ...”

“No, no, no,” he cuts me off, holding his hands up defensively. “That’s not what I meant. I’m not interested in you because you look like Elara. I like you for who you are, not because you look like her. Goddess, now I’m fucking this up too.”

He groans and rubs his hands over his face while I glare at him, arms crossed.

“Okay, let’s try again,” he exhales deeply.

“I royally screwed up with Elara,” he explains. “And even though I picked Alice over her, I felt bad for what I’ve done. So, when I lost Alice, it felt like karma. Like the goddess was punishing me for breaking Elara’s heart. I had it in my mind that I would grow old alone, but then I met you. The goddess gave me a second chance and an opportunity not to die alone.”

I stare at him as I register his words. I am not his redemption for Elara. I am a chance for happiness. Besides, I am pregnant with another man’s child. Changes are that I made horrible mistakes, too.

“Would you say something, please?” He asks pleadingly.

“Well,” I smile. “I wouldn’t object if you kissed me right now.”

“You wouldn’t?” He whispers, reaching forward and brushing my hair back. Little jolts of electricity dance across my skin.

“No,” I mutter.

His face is so close, his full lips inches from mine. I close my eyes, anticipating his kiss. But a pounding on the door interrupts the moment, and my eyes fly open.

“What the hell?” I say, running to the door.

“Where’s Mason?” Asher darts past me into the house. “Is he here?”

“Damn,” I frown. “Hello to you, too.”

“I’m serious, Katie,” he says frantically.

“In the living room,” I reply, following him.

“What the fuck, man?” Mason grunts. “You could’ve called.”

“No,” Asher says breathlessly. “They’re here.”

“What?” Mason’s face drains of all colour.

“The Alphas from Constantine,” he replies. “They’re in Stillwood.”