Page 72 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

This is just incredibly sad.

Unsure how to help, Nova and I decide to support Micah and Sheila instead. The new wolves are finally arriving tomorrow. One of them gets their own small cottage; it seems like that’s what they wanted. Something to tinker with, something quiet.

When we return, Silas’ brothers have already left, and Silas is in the middle of preparing a dessert. “What’s he doing?” Nova asks, blinking several times as if she can’t believe what she is seeing.

The whole kitchen is taken over by whatever monstrosity of a dessert Silas is planning. There are small balls of some sort of dough, and he is preparing some vanilla filling for them.

Marcellus and Cassian are watching, too. The first, with an expression of amusement and the latter, just looks at the scene in disbelief.

“Seriously,” Cassian mutters. “What’s this going to be, Silas?”

“Croquembouche,” Silas says, as if that’s in any way going to help us.

Marcellus grabs his phone and begins searching for something. “Here,” he says. “I misspelled it first. Even three years of French classes in school didn’t prepare me for my mate.” He shows us an image of a pyramid made up of pastry puffs, bound with threads of caramel.

“It says it’s usually for weddings and bigger celebrations,” I recite. “And it’s apparently really difficult to make.”

“And takes several hours,” Nova adds. “Goddess.”

Marcellus looks at Silas, shaking his head. “You are actually insane, you know that?” When Silas glares at him, he clears his throat. “In a very sexy and amazing way, of course.”

twenty-five

Commitment II

*SILAS*

Marcellus helps me clean up the kitchen without even batting an eye. He just does it, always. Helps me without asking for anything in return. When I met him five years ago, I was uncertain and not ready to open my heart to anyone. I only worked together with Marcellus because, at that time, it was the only logical thing to do, the only way to keep Maddie, Lucian and the others safe.

Back then, Marcellus did me a huge favor. He wouldn’t have needed me or my kind. In fact, all the problems that came to us were because of me and the enemies I had made. If it weren’t for me, the pack would be completely peaceful.

Yet he accepts every baggage that comes with me.

It’s late when we head to our room. I let him use the shower first, before I clean myself up. I love him. It’s easy like that. I thought I loved Julianus back in the days, but my feelings for him don’t compare to what I am feeling now.

I towel myself dry, but don’t bother putting on clothes. Marcellus gazes at me when I enter the room, before realization settles in that I’m completely naked.

“Hello, my beloved,” I say, scooting closer and straddling his hips, enjoying how thick his thighs are and how comfortably I can sit on them. I love how strong he is. “I want you to mark me,” I say without further ado.

Marcellus clearly needs a minute to process what’s happening right now. He stares at me. “What?”

“Mark me,” I repeat.

“But you said you wanted a romantic gesture, you said you-“

“I did, but then I realized it doesn’t matter,” I tell him. “I don’t need any big gestures; I just need you. There is nothing you need to prove to me.”

I was stupid to stall for so long. Julianus hurt me, and I tried to keep Marc at arm’s length because of that, not ready to trust him. But today, when he defended the pack and when he took my hand, sensing my worries, it finally clicked for me.

Took me long enough!

“I’d love to mark you. Nothing more than that.”

“But?”

“Are you sure?” Marcellus asks. “I don’t want to do this… for you to regret it. Marking you means everything to me.”

“Who said I won’t mark you in return?” I ask.