Chapter 169: Chapter 169
Kane POV
I walk towards the kitchen with fresh and renewed anger. I am not quite sure what I am angry about. Mason has not done anything but be pleasant. But the thought that my adorable and perfect mate fantasises about him while I am right there is infuriating and cumbersome.
“Hey, killer,” Braden steps in front of me, blocking my way to the kitchen, where I can still hear Mason doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen. “Why don’t we step outside and have a conversation?”
“Not now,” I growl, trying to sidestep him, but he continues to block me. “I want to talk to Mason.”
“No, you don’t,” Braden’s voice is low and dark. “You want to beat the shit out of him for unknown reasons.”
“That will depend on his answers,” I grunt.
“Sounds perfect,” Braden rests a hand on my shoulder, and I glare at it until he removes his hand.
“Look, I’m not blind, and I share your suspicions,” he says calmly and softly. “But let’s talk about it before we choose violence, okay?”
I want to protest and confront Mason, but Braden firmly takes my upper arm and forces me outside.
“Okay, tell me why you want to kill Mason?” Braden asks once we are out of earshot.
“I don’t ...”
“It’s written over your face, Kane,” Braden interrupts me. “And there’s something fishy about Mason’s attitude tonight. I’ll give you that. So, tell me what you know.”
“I don’t know anything, I have a feeling,” I snap on the verge of exploding. “Maybe Mason is crazy like Dad, or maybe he’s sane and up to something. Maybe Mason’s a hybrid witch; we don’t know anything about his mother. But what I saw tonight wasn’t normal.”
“Wait, you’ll have to clarify,” Braden frowns. “Because Mason was creepy, yes, but not abnormal. We don’t know him well enough to judge. He’s probably a nice guy, but grumpy around you and Axel because of Elara.”
“If I tell you, you cannot tell Elara,” I say firmly. “Swear to that.”
“I swear,” he replies seriously.
“I walked in on Elara while she ...” I sigh, pausing for a moment. Saying the words out loud is painful. “She is suddenly drawn to him to such an extent that she masturbates while fantasising about him. That isn’t normal for her. She’s nothing but devoted to us, and I think Mason slipped something into her drink.”
“That would be the logical conclusion,” Braden nods, rubbing his chin. “And I wouldn’t put it past him. If he did, I don’t think it was Rohypnol. Elara was too alert and clear for that. Could be a witch’s potion.”
“Yes,” I gasp. “Rhiannon gave him an invisibility potion before. She could’ve given this to him, as well.”
“Whoa, Kane,” Braden says, holding up his hands. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You saw how reluctant Rhiannon was when we asked her to help us. Plus, I spent my fair share around witches, and I promise you there’s no such thing as a love potion. He could’ve slipped her something to make her horny, or to start her heat cycle, but it wouldn’t be directed at him. Elara would’ve felt lustful and directed her needs to her mates.”
“So, what are you saying?” I frown.
“I’m saying that you’re not wrong,” Braden exhales deeply. “And that you should keep an eye on Mason. I don’t trust him, but until we have evidence or know what’s going on, keep it to yourself.”
“Goddess, I don’t know how I’m going to do that,” I grunt, grinding my teeth. “All I want to do is protect Elara from that bastard.”
“You’ll be fine,” Braden pats me on the shoulder. “You’re an alpha, practice your self-control while I’m gone.”
“Where are you going?” I ask curiously.
“A meeting,” he replies. “I’ll be back tomorrow, and then we can start with our plans to storm the Council.”
Braden POV
I use my invisibility power and move undetected to my burned-down cottage, where Anton is already waiting for me. He is going to be pissed because I am late, but I could not have left without talking to Kane.
I did not want to spook him too much, but Mason is making the hair on my neck stand up straight.
“About time,” Anton growls as I show myself. “I started to worry.”
“Did you get out okay?” I ask, ignoring his reprimand.
“Barely,” he replies nervously. “And this will be our last meeting. It’s getting too dangerous.”
“I never thought I’d see the day that you get scared,” I chuckle.
“It’s Gustav,” he huffs. “He lost his mind. He’s charging Kane with Rhiannon’s murder. Well, as soon as he can find him.”
“What?” I gape at him. “Rhiannon’s dead?”
“Strangled last night,” he says sadly, and brings me up to speed on all developments and what Gustav had said. “So, I brought the blueprints of the dungeons you requested. I’ll try to delay Gustav’s plans, but I don’t know if I’ll be successful.”
“Holy shit,” I mumble, sitting in the dirt. My mind is racing, and for the first time since the war ended, I must fight a panic attack. I cannot fathom how Gustav can be so irresponsible in setting free those monsters they created.
“You must act fast,” Anton says, tossing the blueprints at my feet. “There’s only one way to stop this, and that is wiping out the Council.”
“What will happen if they find Elara and her mates?” I ask, picking up the blueprints.
“It will merely postpone the inevitable,” he replies. “The Council wants to build a super army and wipe out all vampires and witches. They will take Elara and her kids, test them, torture them and turn them into monstrous minions while they lock up Kane and Axel.”
“Why haven’t the Council said anything about Mason?” I ask as cold tendrils curl around my heart.
“Honestly, they don’t consider him a threat,” he snorts. “They have no idea that he’s the firstborn and inherited alpha powers.”
“I fear he inherited more than just his father’s alpha powers,” I sigh, standing up. “That dude is batshit crazy, just like Orion.”
“Oh, dear,” Anton’s eyes widen. “The Council must never know that, because they will flip him in an instant and then we’re back where we started.”
“Worse,” I grimace sourly. “At least Orion was never willing to sell out his sons. Mason wouldn’t think twice to do so.”
“What are you going to do?” He frowns, looking at me.
“We’re going to attack tomorrow,” I reply, turn around and walk away.
