Page 169 of King Alejandro

“I won’t. I’ll make sure to steer clear of everyone’s way,” he cut in, and I nodded, not missing Rayhan’s frown from the corner of my eye.

“And stop hacking the fucking system,” I growled. He raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll give you some tips on how to strengthen this crap if you come out of this battle alive,” he said, shrugging, making Maria and Scarlett frown.This fucker…

I turned back to the group.

“It is going to be risky. Lives will be lost… but I promise you all I will do my best to make sure they are minimum.”

“I understand that, Alpha. I do have a concern, though. Are you sure killing this enemy with just a special blade will be enough?” Jacob, an Alpha from up north, asked. I nodded, trying not to glance at Janaina or Magdalene.

“It’s no simple weapon. It will do the job,” I said before looking around at everyone. “I have one request; as always, I have given the option to those who want out or do not want to participate. All of you have offered to help, and I’m fucking grateful for it. However, don’t force your people. Only those who are willing should come forward.”

“I appreciate that, Alpha King, but they are our pack members. They will obey.”

“They will, but if their heart isn’t in it, then there’s no power behind that warrior. A time may come when every man and woman will have to stand in battle whether they like it or not, but right now, we have the power to give them the choice,” I said quietly. I saw Leo frown. He probably didn’t believe me, but I meant it.

“We are with you, King Alejandro.”

One by one, they all followed suit, and the weight of the situation cast a sombre feeling across the room.

“This battle may be personal for you, Alpha Alejandro, but the Queen, Luna Delsanra, and Dante are important to us all. Besides, by letting this thing do as he wishes, he will only harm more and more of our kind. He needs to be stopped anyway,” Damon said seriously. I glanced at him and nodded.

It was true. He wanted Dante, and although what exactly he wanted with him was still a mystery, I was certain we’d find out one way or another.

Rayhan’s phone rang, and everyone turned their attention to him. He cut the call, looking down at the screen before a small smirk crossed his lips.

Has the blood count risen?I asked through the link. He gave me a nod, and I smirked. Perfect.

The taste of blood filled my mouth once again, but I swallowed it. I needed to remain strong for my people and for my family.

“We got this,” Elijah said, and I glanced up sharply. Our eyes met, and I nodded.

Yeah, we fucking did.

Mother to Daughter

Maria

Four days had passed since the meeting, and we were getting ever closer to the blood count, which meant the time to leave would be soon. It had been four days since Kiara had lost control and was being kept unconscious. Seeing her lying there on a bed of silver with chains holding her down was painful.

I had wanted to talk to her before I left, one final time… to ask her to take care of my grandchildren… to take the place of that grandmother figure for them that I would no longer be able to fulfil… but I didn’t have the luxury to bid her goodbye.

I stood outside Raihana’s bedroom, hesitating. I had told her I had wanted a word, so she was expecting me, but I was feeling a little uncertain. Scared even. I swallowed hard, trying to be strong. How do I tell my daughter that I wasn’t coming back?

“Aunty Maria, come in,” Chris said, opening the door and flashing me a smirk. I smiled and entered their bedroom, my heart pounding, which made Chris look at me suspiciously. “You alright?” He asked.

“Of course I am,” I replied smoothly, walking over to the travel cot where Tatum was fast asleep. My little prince…

“Mom,” Raihana greeted, coming out of the adjoining bathroom in a silk nightgown.

“Could you close the door, please, Chris?” I asked as he was still standing there. He closed it slowly, exchanging looks with Raihana, who came over to me and felt my forehead.

“Your heart’s racing, Mom,” she murmured, concerned. I sat on the edge of the bed, pulling her downbeside me.

“I wanted to talk to you both about something,” I started, taking her hands. “Promise me you both will hear me out before saying anything, and what I speak of stays in this room.”

“I promise,” Raihana said, brushing it off.