Page 126 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

Before we can discuss this issue any further, there is a knock at the door. I don’t even need to ask, because judging by the silly, lovey-dovey expression on Cassian’s face, it can only mean that his mate has arrived. Indeed, Flo steps into the office, immediately finding herself in her mate’s arms. As usual, these wolves don’t waste any time. I sigh slightly at my own thoughts. I am being too cynical. If anyone would ever dare to think something like that about Marcellus, I would rip their tongues out. Cassian is worried about his sister, so of course, having his mate here soothes him.

“Marc,” Flo turns in Cassian’s arms to look atmybeloved. “I need to tell you something.”

“By your tone, it won’t be great,” he mutters.

“I talked to Elliot today, on the phone, and by the tone of my voice, he might or might not have realized that something isoff,” she admits. “He started asking questions. Then Eugene took over and asked even more. I didn’t tell them anything, because they aren’t your allies.” She frowns. “It was a couple of hours ago, and at first I didn’t think anything about it, but…”

“Oh, fuck,” Marcellus curses, brushing through his long hair. “Eugene is my twin. Ever since we met again, I could feel the sibling bond to him again. Not as intense as before, but it’s there.”

“Then that means he feels it, too,” I conclude.

“He knows something happened,” Marcellus concedes.

“If he knows, why didn’t he call?” Cassian wants to know.

Marcellus’ expression turns sour. “Because he knows I would tell him to stay home. And he can’t go against another alpha’s direct order.”

“And?” Cassian pushes.

“It means he is coming without announcing it,” I say, annoyed in Marcellus’ place. “He is pushy like that, isn’t he?”

“He is definitely on his way already,” Marcellus agrees. He grabs his phone, eyeing it begrudgingly, before stepping out of the office. I don’t know who he called, but if I had to guess, it’s either Eugene himself or his mother. Once Marcellus returns, his face says it all. “He is almost here,” he says shortly.

“No way,” Cassian exclaims.

“You don’t know this, Marc,” Flo says quietly. “But since you left, Eugene has constantly been talking about you. Elliot told me that he was never able to let go and move on.”

“Funny,” Marcellus confides. “Back then, it was the other way around. I was the one constantly thinking about Eugene, trying to have his back and making sure he was alright. Now it seems we’ve switched roles.”

“What are we going to do now?” Cassian asks.

“I hate to admit it,” Marcellus says. “But we wait for Eugene. He has been alpha for a couple of years now, and his pack isquite big. My pride wants to tell him to leave, but I want to save Maddie, Benji and Nova. They matter more.”

My chest warms at his words. That’s the type of man he is. He always puts others before himself and wants to protect everyone. The more reason for me to take over the role of the prickly cactus.

“I think Silas and I should combine our powers, reach out to Aloysius and march into wherever he is hiding,” Alex suggests.

“And endanger Benji, Maddie and Nova?” I ask. “Have you lost your mind? If he had no hostages, I might have agreed. Just lure him out and kick his ass, but with all three of them in his claws, I don’t want to risk it. We need to do it the old-fashioned way.”

“You are right, we should first find out where he is hiding,” Alex sighs. “Pity you couldn’t reach Juniper.”

“I will go back and dig for information. The least I can do is find Juniper,” Durant says. His lip quivers slightly, though, worrying me instantly. Durant is the youngest of us and the one with the least experience in anything. He lacks Aloysius’ cold cruelty, or the way Alex and I can be aloof and icy in any situation. Durant is soft, which is probably the reason Aloysius was able to manipulate him so well back in the day.

“You heard what Julianus said before,” I tell Durant, grabbing his chin again to shift his head slightly. There are traces of Aloysius’ fingernails scratching lines over half his face. “You need to be more careful! What even happened? Does Aloysius know you are in contact with me?”

“No,” Durant shakes his head. “But he returned to the coven earlier, and he looked like he was in a hurry, and I… kind of pushed him for an answer. You know how he is when being pushed.”

“He doesn’t suspect anything?” Alex asks.

“No, he thinks it’s just me being annoying.” Durant looks away. “And weak. Like usual.”

I feel my eyebrow ticking again. Aloysius, you asshole!

“It seems that for now we can’t do anything else,” Alex admits.

“Don’t worry,” Durant reassures us. “I am used to Aloysius. And he thinks so little of me, it comes to our advantage now.”

“Alright,” I say with a sigh. “I don’t like it, but I will let you return. It’s your decision, Durant. Neither Alex nor I will hold you back. We are just worried for you.”