Page 152 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“Their mother happened to be a former member of the coven,” Alex explains.

“Aloysius likely hunted them for their so-called betrayal,” I fume.

“Yes, but not the type of betrayal you think it was,” Alex says. “It’s not because they left the coven. Actually, it was years ago that they disappeared.” He pauses. “He killed them because of their children.”

“They are hybrids,” Marius explains. “Half werewolf, half vampire.”

“No way,” I exclaim.

“Charlie isn’t the only one?” Marcellus asks breathlessly.

“No, the couple hid their children well,” Marius says. “The mother was a vampire, and she probably was aware of the danger.”

“Aloysius found and killed them only a couple of weeks ago, shortly before he died himself. It’s the reason the kids are still alive, luckily,” Alex explains.

“Over the last week, I have been discussing their fate with Lord Alexander and with my brother Liam,” Marius says. “Thefather of the children was disowned when he chose not to reject his vampire mate. His parents had been trying to reach out to him though, but it was too late. And neither Liam nor I feel comfortable leaving the children in a pack they might not be welcome in.”

“I would take them in as coven members,” Alex explains. “But the coven is still a mess, and I am not sure it would be a good place for two recently orphaned, traumatized children. Especially since they were killed by someone from that coven.”

“Liam himself would take them in, seeing as he already has Charlie in his pack, and they know a thing or two about vampire hybrids,” Marius adds before he exchanges a look with Alex.

“Marius and I have been talking,” Alex says. “About what would be best for them… Wouldn’t that be a place where wolves and vampires co-exist?”

I stare at them, slowly realizing what they are asking from us. Meanwhile, Marcellus has gone completely still, just staring at the picture wordlessly. He is so far away that it feels like I can barely reach him, but when I probe the connection between us, I can feel what he is feeling. He is nervous, confused… hopeful.

I never believed in fate until I met Marcellus and realized I was indeed fated to him. He and I made a miracle work by building up this pack. We worked relentlessly for this dream we had, and I am proud to admit that we indeed made it work.

My heart makes a careful leap of joy. Maybe this is our reward? We can’t have children of our own after all.

Tell me what you think,I urge Marcellus.

I… I don’t want to be selfish,he says quietly.I told you when we marked each other that I don’t need children.

You said you are okay with not having bio-children,I point out.Nothing about not wanting any.

He stays quiet.

Why do you think I wouldn’t want the same?I push.

Marcellus looks at me, surprised.We haven’t talked about this in detail. This might be happening too fast.

I shrug.Who cares? We have always done things our way and at our own pace.

“What are their names?” I ask.

“The boy is called Milo. He is six. His little sister, Lilibeth, is four,” Marius answers promptly.

Marcellus puts the picture aside and looks at Marius firmly. “We are taking them in. If it’s alright with you, Silas and I will adopt them.”

“What?” Alex exclaims. “I was actually just hoping you’d to take them in. There is no need for you-“

“We know that,” I say. “But we want to.”

Marcellus smiles when he looks at the picture again. “This can’t be a coincidence. And it might sound odd, but I already feel a connection to them.”

“Me too,” I agree. “Marc and I had discussed this a while ago. We can’t have children with each other. When the time came, we were planning to either adopt or have a surrogate to carry our child. But clearly fate has different plans.”

“Besides, the house feels empty now that Benjamin has left,” Marcellus points out.