Chapter 102
Kane’s POV
I stared at her.
Tessa stood near the desk, shoulders high, eyes blazing, the last tremble of adrenaline still lingering behind her skin.
I didn’t know whether to scold her or to kiss her.
The call had barely ended, the air still pulsing from Kion’s threat and the disconnected line, and yet all I could do was stand there and stare at the woman who had just shot down our entire Alpha Council – who had dared to speak out to them as a human…
She didn’t ask me for permission.
She didn’t wait for me to defend her.
She had done it herself.
And god help me… it was magnificent to witness.
“You’re going to upset them by doing that,” I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
Her eyes flicked to me, startled, maybe even hurt for a second.
“But let them be upset,” I added quickly, stepping forward, unable to stop the low growl of pride building in my chest. “Because for as long as I shall live, no male will ever speak to you the way he did again.”
I took her face in both hands, tilting it up toward mine.
She didn’t flinch. She didn’t blink. She just looked at me like she wasn’t afraid of anything anymore.
“But you seriously didn’t have to do that,” I murmured. “Do you think I can’t handle things on my own now, angel?”
Her brow lifted. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself… and I meant every damn word too.” She huffed, causing a smile to tug at my lips.
I dragged her in against my chest, my arms wrapping tight around her small frame. She melted into me, and for a few seconds, the drama all disappeared.
A few quick claps came from across the room, belonging to Erin, as she excitedly clapped out her own approval for how Tessa had spoken
- up.
“You killed that, Tess!” Erin commends, as I feel Tessa giggle against my chest – a sound I hadn’t heard often for a long time.
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19:04 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 102
I didn’t let her go right away.
ร
Not until Kion stepped closet, brushing invisible lint from his shoulder with a dry smirk. “Well then, he muttered in his rich accent, T
can’t say that was the diplomatic discussion we had expected… but it was certainly entertaining.”
Seth scoffed from his spot near the door. “They’ll be scrambling right now, I can guarantee it.” He laughed, as I nodded.
Kion crossed his arms over his chest. “If you want me to assist with anything, I will. I can get eyes and ears situated anywhere, just say
the word! One word and I can start applying pressure from our end.”
I glanced at him, appreciating the offer, but shaking my head. “Thank you, but not yet. We have it under control but if anything starts up
when we arrive back home then I’ll be in touch!”
He arched a brow. “Not yet? That’s a pity, I would’ve loved to help scare them a little more!” He chuckles to himself, shooting Tessa a silly
look that made her smile back at him.
“Let them sit in it,” I said simply. “Let them stew for a day or two. Cowards like that don’t act out of principle- they act out of fear. And when they realise they’ve crossed a line with the wrong people, they’ll retreat right back in to the hole they crawled out of… but I’ll be sure to pay Frederick a personal visit when we get back!”
“Hmm.” Kion considered that, then gave a small nod. “Fine. But when they do call back, I want to be in the room.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” I nod respectfully.
I turned back to Tessa then, about to suggest she sit down, or maybe eat something- anything to soften the tension still lingering in her shoulders- but her hand suddenly shot up and tugged gently at my arm.
She gasped, her body going still.
My whole system instantly locked in on her.
‘What is it?” I asked sharply, my voice dipping low with sudden alert. “What’s wrong?”
Her eyes flicked up to mine, wide. “Sasha,” she breathed. “I forgot she was here! Have you heard anything- anything at all- about how she is today? Could we please go visit her?”
Her words tumbled out in a rush, words tripping over each other with urgency. Beside her, Erin perked up instantly at the idea, nodding
fast.
“Yes! Can we please go see her?” Erin added, turning to Seth. “If she’s awake, she will be terrified! A familiar face or two might help!”
Of course that’s it.
Sasha…
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Chapter 102
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The girl we’d pulled out of Dimitri’s hellhole. Barely breathing. Bruised to the bone. Starved and cold. The girl who we owed a serious debt
to for helping them out…
1-1 hesitated, jaw tightening and unsure of her current situation. “I haven’t checked yet. I should have gone down early this morning to
see…”
“That’s my fault,” Kion interrupted, surprising me. His expression was serious now, his earlier ease fading. “I’m the one who called this
meeting above all else, don’t blame yourself for forgetting.”
“But she’s still alive, isn’t she? She has to be? No news is good news right?” Tessa asked quickly, hope flickering behind her worry.
“Yes, they would have told me otherwise if she wasn’t.” Kion confirmed gently. “She was breathing on her own the last time I checked with my Head Medic yesterday. But she was unconscious still. Deep healing is hopefully all she needs. The body shuts down to repair what it
can.”
Tessa’s brows pulled together, lips parting like she might cry. “I need to see her. Please. Even just for a minute.”
I felt the tug in my chest instantly. A deep, shared ache.
She needed this- for closure, for reassurance, for peace of mind.
But what if we go down there and she’s actually worse than we think?
I looked to Kion, who gave a reluctant sigh before zoning out for a moment to mind–link someone else in his pack.
“I have one of my men coming here to guide you to her room. They moved her into one of the private suites. Room four. It’s all guarded for the protection of the victims, but I’ve let them know to grant you access. Just… be prepared for what you might see,‘ he warned.
“Thank you,” Tessa said steadily, thankful that we had all agreed to the visit.
Without waiting another second, she turned and started for the door, Erin moving quickly to join her side as I moved to keep up with them, not wanting her out of my sight for another second…
I gave one final nod to Kion, before exiting the office to find the appointed guard who had been sent here to lead the way already
waiting…
Tessa glanced back at me from over her shoulder, double checking that I was still there, as I pressed my hand on her back gently to guide her forward towards whatever state we were about to find Sasha in…
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
