Page 98 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

*MARCELLUS*

Ever since Lori and Benjamin went to that party, they seem to be so much closer. He still hasn’t marked her yet, so I assume they are going slow, but I am the last one to judge. Silas and I needed five years to be ready to commit to each other.

I have also noticed Benjamin getting better at his training every day. Even Lucian commended him on his progress once, which says a lot!

“I think we got everything,” Benjamin says while staring at the list we’d prepared for our new pack members. “When is Silas going to pick us up?”

“In a couple of minutes,” I say, taking a look at the list as well. “Lori, you are coming, too, right?”

She nods. “Benji said it would be a help.”

“He is right,” I assure her, happy with the progress she is making in the pack. ”Oh, that reminds me, any news from Nova?”

“She’s only messaged me once in the last couple of days,” Benjamin explains. “Seems like she is meeting Julianus regularly, but they are taking it slow.”

“That’s not bad news,” I say. “I am glad to hear that.”

“I am so happy for her,” Benji says. “Heisa good guy, isn’t he?”

I have no idea what to answer, before settling for the truth. “He is like all of us here,” I say.

Benji seems to understand me perfectly and nods. “So, he deserves a second chance?”

“I believe so.”

“How come you aren’t joining us today?” Benji asks the inevitable.

“I have a meeting to attend to,” I say, surprised by how effortlessly the lie leaves my lips. Goddess, all this hiding has taken a toll on me. It’s like I built a second life that I am keeping away from my other one, and from the people who matter to me.

I glance at my watch, wondering why Silas still isn’t here, as he is usually on time. He is one of those guys who like to be ten minutes early wherever they go. But then, he just met his nephew and had to put him into Liam’s hands. The latter has found a pack for the boy and his mom, and we all hope it’s enough for now to diffuse their traces.

“If we don’t leave soon, we are going to run late,” Sheila pulls me out of my thoughts.

“Let me give Silas a call. Maybe he is stuck in traffic,” I say. “Meanwhile, why don’t you all wait in the car? I am sure he is going to be here soon.”

I wait for Benjamin, Lori and Sheila to get into the car before I grab my phone. I am about to call Silas when I see his name pop up as an incoming call. “Hello, my handsome mate.”

“Marc,” Silas says, his voice so serious, I feel dread settling in me.

“What happened? Are you okay? Are you safe? Should I come?”

“No, no, I am sorry for worrying you,” Silas hurries to explain. “It’s just that we had a tiny emergency. One of Aloysius’ goons was snooping around, and we had to hide so as not to be spotted. Listen, I swear I am heading home now. I will call your brother and postpone the meeting.”

I look at the jeep that’s packed to the brim, and at Benjamin, Lori and Sheila who are waiting in it to go and meet the new pack members. I think of how effortlessly I just lied. “I will go,” I say.

“No, I promised you that-“

“Silas, I know you promised it, and I know we could postpone it, but it’s time I face my past,” I declare. “It’s time to stop hiding.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I say. “Our new pack members are more important than my fear of the past. It’s really time to finally make peace with it.”

“This might sound weird now,” Silas says quietly. “But I’m incredibly proud of you. Stay strong. I will be there as soon as possible. Love you.”

My heart warms at hearing his words. He is not one to overly display his feelings with words. “I love you, too,” I say. “Drive safely.”

I hang up, making my way to the jeep. “Change of plans,” I say while sitting on the driver’s seat. “Silas is running late. He will take over for me here, while I head out with you to Blue River pack.”