Chapter 102: Important Discussion with Alpha Kane

Zara

"I could say the same about you," I remarked, ignoring the blood rushing to my face under his intense gaze. "Want to share?"

"You first." Alpha Kane smirked, his eyes dark and patient. He walked over to one of the chairs in his room, pouring himself a glass of the dark liquid. To my great surprise, he poured himself a second one and handed it to me. "Drink," was all he said.

I lifted the glass to my lips, determined not to cringe at the sharp taste of the alcohol. The alcohol was strong, but with notes of teak, maple, and cinnamon. As I swallowed, a warm feeling filled my chest, chasing away the chill that had gripped me.

I was wracked with guilt as I debated whether to tell him.

About my meeting with Father and how I learned... Nova wanted me to tell him.

Nova tried to convince me to trust him more than anyone else. In the end, I succumbed to Nova’s whims. If I can’t trust my Alpha and the man I shared my bed with, I can’t trust anyone.

Alpha Kane’s eyes darkened with every word I spoke, with every detail. All the humor vanished from his chiseled face as I told him about my Father.

"And you’re sure of that, Zara?" Alpha Kane finally spoke after a long silence.

"I’m sure." Unfortunately, I was sure. I felt the truth of my words in my gut.

"He can use the demon against us." Alpha Kane fell silent, his eyes blazing with fury. "How can my wolves fight the demon?"

"The greater the request, the higher the price," I repeated for the second time today. "I doubt even the Alpha Marcus would pay for this."

"I wouldn’t underestimate him, Zara." Alpha Kane winced. "Underestimating him could cost you your life."

"Noted." I nodded, taking his words to heart. "I need to tell you one more thing." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Alpha Kane’s dark brow rose, noting the reluctance in my voice. Tension and disappointment clouded his dark eyes, but I had his full attention. Trying not to fidget under his gaze, I told him about my conversation with Luna.

"She should have approached me directly." Alpha Kane’s eyes flashed with anger; his lips pressed into a thin line. I felt his rage wash over me in waves. While Luna Freya’s actions might have seemed disrespectful, her heart was in the right place.

"She simply wants to give her daughter who once the mate of Marcus, the best chance." I frowned. "She knew you’d be angry."

"Angry?" Alpha Kane smirked, his dark eyes burning into my skin. "Her daughter is a traitor to her kind, but she didn’t betray my pack. Her own pack must judge her."

"I know," I breathed, my eyes wide and pleading, staring at Alpha Kane’s clenched jaw. "She wants to take her daughter away from the Marcus. She wants to bring her here."

"Here?" A new wave of anger flared in Alpha Kane’s eyes. His eyes reflected his true feelings, but his calm voice remained impenetrable. "If she remains in my pack, I will take responsibility for her interrogation and sentencing."

My irritation with this irresistible, hot-tempered Alpha began to grow. My own voice became sharp, my tone slightly demanding. "If she provides vital information about the Marcus’s plan, will that be enough to prove her innocence?" I asked, my eyes flashing brightly.

I had my doubts about her, but I wanted to give her everything I could. If she truly was innocent, she deserved this chance. Any information about the Marcus’ plans could change everything. With this advantage, we could prevent further incursions into Alpha Kane’s territory.

"If her information is accurate and useful, I’ll consider it," Alpha Kane murmured thoughtfully, his anger subsiding slightly. "But I won’t commit any of my people to saving her daughter. I’ll ensure her safety, nothing more."

"I can handle that," I nodded. "I’ll tell Luna tomorrow."

Alpha Kane rose from his chair and approached me, his eyes closed. He forgot about the glass of liquor in his hand. My disappointment evaporated when he raised his hand and touched my face.

His thumb brushed against my bottom lip, causing a cacophony of butterflies in my stomach. Someday I’ll have to ask him why he’s so obsessed with my lips, but now isn’t the time.

"Fierce, blue rose," Alpha Kane chuckled darkly, his gaze fixed on my lips.

"You won’t distract me this time," I muttered breathlessly, my tongue darting out to touch his thumb. "Now it’s your turn to share."

Alpha Kane looked up from my lips, his eyes hooded and dark, before withdrawing his hand. He sighed in disappointment, taking a longing sip from his glass. His gaze was more restless than usual, and a wave of melancholy washed over me.

I wanted to wipe the irritation and worry from his face, to run my fingers over his frowning lips. That would have to wait.

"I told you I was looking for information about your brother," Alpha Kane cleared his throat, his eyes dark and worried. "I found what I was looking for."

"Do you know where he is?" I immediately perked up and, without noticing, walked up to Alpha Kane.

"I have a strong suspicion where Ryan might be," Alpha Kane sighed, as if he didn’t want to talk about this.

"I’ve sent several of my wolves to various cities looking for information. It seems the Marcus and his allies have been gathering for much longer than we thought.

The packs in the United States haven’t thought about them for almost sixty years; we’ve almost forgotten they existed. They have spread across many cities, taking control of everything they can. Many own clubs, casinos... and even large corporations. Most businesses operate at night because of their... aversion to the sun."

I was literally shaking with anticipation, my heart pounding in my chest. I begged him to continue, silently pleading for the information I needed. If necessary, I would do it myself.

I’m going there. I’ll bring my brother home at any cost. With every word Alpha Kane said, the chain around my heart tightened.

"They say they killed many wolves, who are not working with them. They have an underground slaughterhouse that takes place in a different pack each time. Ryan was there in their torturing cells. In Atlanta, just a few hours from where we are now."

Before Alpha Kane could finish, the words flew out of my mouth without thought.

"I’m coming. When are we leaving?" The words escaped my lips, my heart pounding with anticipation.