The Alpha Assassin novel Chapter 83

Nolan stood on the other side of the door, looking apologetic. “The remaining Alpha and Lunas are set to take off soon,” he told me.

“Thank you. Give me a minute?” I asked, and he nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Nolan,” I explained to Ezra, propped on an arm, his muscles tense. "I need to get ready; the others are leaving.”

Ezra nodded and followed me into the bathroom.

We took a bit longer than I originally planned. He joined me in the shower, and although we did not touch each other with our fingers, we took turns helping each other bathe. It felt strange at first, in a way that was unfamiliar but not unwelcome. Then, it turned into something more accepting and loving.

Naked, but it was not sexual, although I never stopped desiring him. It was more intimate, cherishing each other, and my emotions were raw by the end of something as simple as a shower.

When we returned, Nolan was still waiting in the hallway, and we followed him in a tense sort of way.

He felt very… formal.

Professional - Aksala added.

That - I agreed.

When we got nearer to the front, Nolan whispered back at us, “I told them you would see them off. There were a lot of questions. Some wanted to stay, but I told them you would be in touch.”

I furrowed my brows, not liking how much I had missed stuck in my own emotions, but it seemed Noaln had it handled.

“Thank you,” Ezra told him, grasping his shoulder. A look passed between them I could not decipher.

Ezra opened the door, and we stood by it, waiting. Nolan nodded to us and went to leave.

“Stay,” I told him.

And he did.

The goodbyes were brief. I thanked those who helped and promised to contact them soon and keep them updated on my progress. Many offered their help, and I told them I would take them up on it. I would make good on that. Even if accepting help was hard, it was getting easier.

There were so many loud, warring emotions from the others and myself. I could not sort through them. I didn't have the capacity at the moment.

_____

After they left, Nolan glanced at us. There was so much to be done, but I had put off one thing for too long. I had talked in length to Aksala, and we were in agreement. After that, it dominated my thoughts.

“Can we meet with you later to discuss all this?” I asked Nolan.

He nodded a bit wide-eyed and responded. “Of course, I’m going to try to make sense of all of the funds and finances in my father's office.” He paused, his mouth parted. “If-if that’s okay,” he added.

“Please,” I told him a bit too enthusiastically, and I was met with a bright smile. “We will meet you there this afternoon,” I added.

Ezra nodded to Nolan and followed me without a question, but I could tell they were simmering beneath his skin.

“Do you have a few hours?” I asked him.

“For you, always.” He kissed the back of my hand. “What can I help you with?”

“I figured there will always be something to do, something that needs our attention, for… the rest of forever.” I shrugged, trying to seem casual, but the weight of the words that I was about to ask him, confirm from him, sent excitement through me that chased away those lingering nerves that sparked from self-doubt.

“I assumed that much,” he responded, a dark eyebrow slightly raised.

We stopped at the entrance to my room, and I took both his hands in mine, facing him. “We’re doing this, right? Our pack, together?” I asked.

“Simone,” he responded, his brows tugged slightly, and he looked me over with trepidation. “Do you still doubt me? Do you still have doubts about us?”

“No.” I shook my head. “The opposite,” I told him with a shaky smile.

“Then, what is it?”

“I want you to mark me, er, us mark each other.”

His eyes widened, and he took a step back, searching my face, but his expression relaxed at whatever he might have found. “Here?” he asked, looking at the closed door. “In this room?”

“Yes,” I responded with a sigh. “It might have been my cell, my cage, for far too long.” I looked at the closed door. “But I am done shaping my actions around my abusers.”

I had for far too long; my world revolved around them, and it was time for me to make decisions on my own.