Chapter 146: War Plan
Zara
"The Marcus plans to attack from the south. The forest there is dense, making it much more difficult for a patrol to fully cover it. She doesn’t know when, but from what she’s heard, they’ll attack soon."
"What are you planning to do?" I frowned, hoping Kate’s information would change the outcome of the battle.
"I’ll double the patrol at that end of town and send Alpha Bran’s men there." Alpha Kane sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Did Ethan tell you anything useful?"
I winced, casting an angry glance toward the tunnel where Ethan’s cage stood. "He wants me to come tomorrow, says he’ll give me information then."
"We’ll deal with that later." Alpha Kane winced.
"He’s making new demands now? Interesting. It seems he’s waiting for someone."
"I’m not so sure." I shook my head. "Ethan doesn’t have any humans; Marcus has no reason to keep him. I can’t imagine them wasting their own to save him."
"Then why ask for a meeting tomorrow?" Alpha Kane’s eyes burned into mine. His hatred for Ethan lent a spicy aroma to the putrid air.
"He knows he’ll die down here." I shrugged. "Looks like he needs company before he dies. But that doesn’t mean I trust him. Not one bit."
We finally emerged from the rotten tunnels upstairs into the living room. I swallowed, inhaling the faint scent of flowers floating in the room.
"Good," Alpha Kane murmured, touching my cheek. The wall he’d erected to conceal his emotions shifted, softening his gaze and allowing the melancholy to surface. "It’s enough that Marcus is fighting for your hand."
"He doesn’t stand a chance. No one else does." I shook my head, looking into the deep, honey eyes I’d grown to love.
After our private conversations with Ethan and Kate, Alpha Kane canceled training for today. As we emerged from the basement, Luna Freya stood in the living room, eyeing us warily.
"I hope they aren’t torturing my daughter Kate there." Luna Freya winced, frowning at the basement door.
"I gave Zara my word that she would remain unharmed as long as she told us everything she knew." Alpha Kane nodded, his rough voice equal parts respectful and commanding. He respected Luna Freya and her position, but he also knew he was free to do whatever he wanted.
"Thank you, Zara." Luna smiled warmly at me, but her bright eyes still held concern for her daughter. "I hope her knowledge will help us put an end to this chaos. Many lives have already been lost."
"Yes, they did." Alpha Kane nodded. "She provided useful information; we’ll see how accurate it is. You can visit her if you’d like. Down the stairs, through the right-hand tunnel. My people will show you the way if you get lost."
"Thank you, Alpha Kane." Luna gave me her touching smile. "I appreciate it."
As soon as Luna disappeared into the basement, I turned and met Alpha Kane’s intoxicating eyes.
Honey-colored with golden flecks, beautiful and inviting.
"I’ll go check on Sophia." I frowned, fighting the storm of emotions in my stomach.
I pulled out my cell phone and sent a short message to Sophia asking if she could come.
And pick me up.
"Digest this information." Alpha Kane’s words were gentle, despite his raspy voice. His melting eyes bored into mine, softening as he read the guilt on my face.
"I’ll be back in about an hour. I’m sure Ryan will be ready to leave by then," I replied, forcing a smile.
As if today were a day of risk, I stepped into Alpha Kane’s arms again. His body tensed for a moment before relaxing completely. His reaction made me laugh. Had he never been hugged before?
Much faster than last time, his arms wrapped around my waist. His chin rested on my head, and I savored every second of his presence. His musky scent enveloped me, once again marking me as his.
Watching Ethan nearly die was sobering. I was no longer afraid to violate Alpha Kane’s boundaries. He’d claimed me for himself many times, so I expected the same. I wouldn’t force him to do anything without his consent, but I was no longer afraid to touch him.
Without giving myself time to think, I stood on my tiptoes and reached for his face. Time slowed as I watched the bright color of his eyes fade. My lips brushed his chin, a smile forming on my face as his stubble tickled my skin.
I let my lips linger for a moment, savoring the feel of his hands on my waist. As I pulled away, I noticed his eyes darken, and I couldn’t help the burning sensation that flared deep within me.
"You’re incredibly affectionate today, Zara," Alpha Kane purred softly, holding me tighter. His calloused hand cupped my chin, his thumb running across my bottom lip. His gaze burned into me, shining with wild hunger and something more tender. "Should I be worried you’ve done something bad?"
"You’ve been with me this whole time," I smirked, running my tongue over Alpha Kane’s thumb. "I’ve made my choice, Kane. You or Marcus. It’s time I started acting like one."
"Someday, Zara. Someday I’ll wipe every trace of that Marcus from your little mouth," Alpha Kane growled softly, his face just an inch from mine. His warm breath fanned my face, the sweet mint filling my mouth with saliva and desire. Even though I felt risky, I wouldn’t dare close the distance between us.
"Then do it," I breathed, my eyes wide with longing as he pressed me against his muscular body. "Why wait?"
"Sweet and inquisitive," Alpha Asher purred, his lips curling into a deep smirk, but he made no move to pull away.
Just when I thought his remaining composure had completely crumbled, someone cleared their throat across the room. My face flushed, and Alpha Kane stepped back from me. He held me tightly, as if he had no shame at all at being caught.
Alpha Zeke stood across the living room, a deep smirk playing across his face. He leaned against the doorframe, his eyes shining as he studied my flushed face.
"Perfect as always," Alpha Kane growled, though his eyes gleamed with humor as he looked at his friend.
"Terrifying... and yet strangely arousing," Alpha Zeke smirked, his clear eyes never leaving my flushed face. "Is there a limit to how red your face can get?"
Alpha Kane’s chest shook with laughter. His words, despite myself, made my face glow even more. Noticing this, Alpha Zeke grinned mercilessly.
"I suppose there’s no limit," Alpha Zeke chuckled. "Good to know."
Muttering something unintelligible to Alpha Kane as a parting word, I left the house before Alpha Zeke could say anything. They were both still giggling when I left.
***
