The Alpha Assassin novel Chapter 35

I had breakfast with them all, the only meal that I apparently would be having with them this week. I glanced at them all under my lashes; it was bittersweet, coming to an end. I sat in this spot for years, creating and enforcing my persona, and soon, it wouldn’t be them all sitting across from me. It was coming to an end, and it felt reliving but also strange that it might all end so soon. Heavy even.

Luna Addison looked bored yet flustered. The Alpha was eating as if this might be his last meal. Nolan focused on his food, Hunter looked as bored as ever, and Dominick, well, he actually didn’t look very well, possibly nerves.

“We won’t be here for lunch, and dinner will be a big affair,” The Alpha said, pointing a sausage at me. “Tell the Omegas to send something to your room or just eat in here alone.”

“Of course, Alpha,” I said, averting my eyes.

Ezra said the first night went well. Nolan was nervous but came off confident at their stupid little show of skill.

I called on Tia again that afternoon, the skittish Omega I had already asked too much from.

She greeted me with a bright smile, and I almost felt bad about using her, but maybe she could be a friend if situations were different and friends helped friends. Or that’s how I would rationalize this. Guilt was an unfamiliar feeling for me, and I didn’t like the way it made my stomach feel fuzzy.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to intrude on you once more. If it’s too much, of course, you can say no.”

Her brows tugged together, but she took a step forward, raising her chin. “I’ll do it.”

I laughed. “I haven’t even told you what it was.”

“I’ll do it,” she said, and my heart swelled to see her gain this bit of confidence.

“I need to get a message to someone…”

Not even an hour later, she returned with a flush on her face and came up to me conspiratorially, handing me the note back. I unfurled it.

I believe you. I’ll spread the message.

Relief washed through me with a prickle of fear. What did they see that he believed me now? What proof? I shoved that thought away.

“Thank you so much, Tia.”

“Of course.” She dipped her head, but her smile was still radiant. “None of us have forgotten that someone in a, uh, well, a bad situation.” She tensed, and I smiled at her. “Well, that you stood up for one of us. I told you no one has done that before, and it just, it gave me, it gave them hope. Please let me know what else you need. It makes me feel better helping.” She leaned closer and whispered, “Also, it's kind of fun.”

I grasped her hands. “What would I do without you?”

She took a deep breath, and her smile widened. It was a beautiful thing; the spark of happiness and confidence in her, however small, changed her so completely.

She backed out, and her shoulders hunched again, and her skittishness returned. I hoped one day, she would be comfortable enough to carry that confidence with her outside this room.

I went down for lunch in the kitchen just for something to do, gossip to collect. All of the members were eating in the new dining room in the updated wing so I was safe here.

I was surprised to see Tia in the hallway; she bumped into me, apologized, and then smiled when she realized it was me. She grasped my hand, tried to wink, and walked away. I dipped into an alcove and unfurled the paper.

Can we meet? - S

I found a pen and scribbled a note back, waiting for Tia where I first saw her. Minutes later, she emerged, and I whispered something to her when the hall cleared and went to wait in my library.

Tia led Sam in, and I was so lost in thoughts I wouldn’t have heard the door creak without my advanced hearing.

Sam strolled next to me where I stood at the window.

“What did you see?” I asked, staring out the glass but not looking.

“It was… It was carnage. Bones lay where they fell; there was no burial, no dignity.” His voice wavered. “I thought maybe the rest of the pack came here or left, but there were children that were-” He took a deep breath and glanced at me.

“It’s okay,” I said, but my throat was clogged; this was worse than I thought. I thought they would have at least disposed of the bodies.

“It was obvious people were trying to escape; the place was left mostly untouched, how it was that day. The office was the only thing that was still set up.” I didn’t want to go back to that night, but I knew beyond a doubt that place was shattered.

“It’s not even being used; the land is overgrown. What was the point?” he echoed the question that rang through my head for years.

I shrugged, blinking rapidly. “I don’t know.”