Page 141 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“If I go, then I will take you with me,” Aloysius sneers.

He has lost his mind, clearly. He has spiraled for many years and has now hit rock bottom. In the distance, I hear footsteps coming closer, the bond to my beloved easily telling me it’s him. The door flies open, and Marcellus rushes in. “Silas!” he calls out. “Are you alright?”

Before I can say something, Aloysius turns toward Durant. “Do it now!” He hisses.

Durant nods, his body is trembling though, as he holds a single revolver in his hand. His expression is bland, tired and void of any emotion.

“You know that you will die if you kill me,” I say while he points the gun at me. “I am your brother. The curse binds us all.”

“I do know that,” Durant says. “I do… I always knew,” he mutters. “But wasn’t strong enough.”

I blink at him, feeling confused, not sure what he is talking about. Realization settles in, too late. Durant turns to the side and fires his gun at Aloysius, the bullet going right through his heart with deadly precision. Aloysius looks shocked, his mouthdropping open while blood seeps out of the wound on his chest. “You fool,” he snarls towards Durant.

“No,” Durant groans, clasping his chest as well. “You are the fool.”

“Damn it,” I curse, finally finding my voice again. I dash forward, catching Durant before he can drop to the ground.

forty-six

Goodbyes

*MARCELLUS*

My heart breaks for my mate as I watch him hover over his younger brother. Durant’s body shook briefly, but now he has gone completely still.

“I am so sorry,” Durant whispers.

“You stupid idiot,” Silas cries, leaning his forehead against his little brother’s chest. “Why did you do that?”

“It’s okay,” Durant says quietly. “At least I go as a hero. I do go as a hero, don’t I? I was on the right side this time?”

Silas gently brushes over his hair. “You were on the right side. You are a hero. You saved me.”

“I didn’t know… I should have… but I…” His voice trails off.

“I know,” Silas reassures him. “You just wanted Aloysius to love you. But he couldn’t love anyone. He is not someone who is able to love.”

“Do you?” Durant asks shakily. “Love me?”

“I do. I love you, my little brother.” He keeps gently brushing over Durant’s hair, until his body goes completely still. Only then do I finally dare to step closer and disrupt the moment. I hug Silas from behind, not sure what to say to soothe his grief. He has lost two brothers today. His gaze wanders over to Aloysius’ lifeless form, his hands tightening around my arms.

Silas’ grief is more silent. He is not the type to cry or to show his emotions, but I can feel it through our bond. “There was a time when Aloysius and I were inseparable,” he says all of a sudden. “Maybe I should have tried harder to stop him from spiraling into this madness.”

“You tried,” I say. “You tried more than once to stop him, to make peace with him. There is only so much you could do, and you did try. Also, with Durant. You trusted him.”

Silas sighs. “I know you are right. I just wish things could have ended differently.”

The door opens, and Alex comes inside. He spots Silas and me, realization instantly dawning on him. “Oh no,” he breathes.

“Durant killed Aloysius, and the spell ended his life, with it,” Silas says quietly. “He wasn’t truly aware of how evil Aloysius was, and what he did. Or rather, he turned a blind eye to it.”

Alex steps closer and sits down next to Aloysius’ body, brushing his hair out of his face. “I haven’t seen him in so long,” he mutters. “To imagine it ends like this.” In a sudden burst of emotion, he hits the floor with his fist. “Fuck!” he curses.

I have only ever seen Alexander in his controlled and slightly arrogant manner. It almost comes as a bit of a shock to see his raw emotions.

Silas suddenly looks up, pulling me out of my thoughts by grabbing my arm. “Benji and Maddie!” he blurts out.

“Maddie is safe,” I assure him.