Rebirth of the Alpha's Slave Mate (Samantha and Kade) novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189

Elena’s POV

The following Saturday morning was overcast and drizzling. A chill wind swept through the valley, knocking what remained of the autumn leaves off the trees, and making me shiver even through my thick wool sweater.

It was my kind of weather. Cold, rainy, and dark-the perfect kind of weather for staying inside, holed up in the library with a cup of tea and a stack of textbooks to pore over.

But today, I wouldn’t be doing any of that. Today, Tyler and I would be driving to Crescent Hollow.

The car was nearly packed. Tyler had insisted on packing enough clothes and supplies for a week of traveling, even though Crescent Hollow was just a couple hours’ drive away and we would only be staying until Monday morning, if even that long.

Having grown so used to traveling myself for months on end, I had become accustomed to the bare essentials; a few changes of clothes, necessary toiletries, and my medical supplies. Tyler, however, had only ever traveled outside of Nightshade on absolutely necessary business. He lacked the experience, and, today, he lacked the vigor of someone excited to set out on a road trip.

I knew, of course, that my father and brother still didn’t think this was a good idea. I’d seen the looks in their eyes, had heard the whispered conversations at night. They thought I was making a mistake.

Maybe I was. But this felt like the right decision to me. Even if it ended badly, at least I could say that I had made the choice to help someone in need-Debbie. Nothing else mattered to me.

“Are you sure you need all that?” I asked, looking up at Tyler with dismay as he came down the stairs with another duffle back full of clothes and, knowing him, probably snacks and books to keep stashed under his bed.

“You never know.”

“We’re just going to Crescent Hollow for two days, if even that. We’re not camping in the wilds for a month.”

He shrugged. “Might as well be the same thing.”

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help but smile as I watched him carry the bag outside to the waiting car. “I’ll be out in a minute!” I called after him, unzipping my backpack and checking the contents one last time. A notebook. My favorite cardigan. A pouch of medicinal herbs I’d gathered just this morning. And finally, a book I’d been reading lately on rare illnesses of the mind.

Satisfied, I was just zipping my bag back up when I heard a noise behind me. I looked up to find Natasha gliding into the room in her house dress. Her eyes narrowed when she saw me.

“You’re still here?”

“Just leaving,” I said, shouldering my backpack.

She glanced at the car, where Tyler was currently stuffing his bag into the back. Lowering her voice, she hissed, You’re endangering my son by bringing him on your little adventure. I hope you’re proud of yourself.”

“He’s an adult, Natasha. Furthermore, he’s the Alpha of Nightshade now; I’m sure he can handle himself.”

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Chapter 189

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Natasha scoffed. “All the more reason why he should be here. Where it’s safe. What would happen to our pack if something were to happen to the Alpha?”

“Nothing’s going to happen to him,” I replied, turning to leave. Before I could reach the door, Natasha’s hand shot out and caught me around the wrist. Her claws were half-extended, sharp points digging painfully into my

skin.

“If he comes back with so much as a scratch on him,” she hissed in my ear, “you’ll be the one to pay.

I ground my teeth and yanked my wrist away, ignoring the way her claws scraped against my skin as I did. Whirling on her, I retorted, “You forget that I never told my father about what you and your minion did to me the other night. Maybe, if you keep threatening me, I should tell him everything. He’s been getting sick of your schemes for years now; for all you know, this might be the last straw.”

Natasha’s mouth tightened. I knew I had struck a chord; she and I were both aware of the fact that my father had been reaching the end of his rope with her for a long time now. The only reason why he hadn’t divorced her and stripped her of her title yet was because he wanted Tyler to have his parents together.

As if Natasha being around was better for any of us as opposed to her leaving the pack.

I was done here. Turning on my heel, I strode outside, feeling instantly relieved by the cool spray of gentle rain on my face.

I had just made it to the car when I heard a voice calling my name. “Elena! Elena, wait up!”

I turned, smiling when I saw Jayne jogging my way. Her hood was thrown back, silvery hair fluttering behind her. As she approached, she held something out to me: a small wooden box with a leaf laser engraved on the lid.

“Your favorite tea,” she said, pressing the box into my hands. “For stressful nights.”

I accepted the gift gratefully and pulled Jayne in for a hug with my free arm. “Thank you, Jayne.”

She embraced me tightly but briefly, then pulled back. “I’m glad you made this decision.”

“So am I.”

Just then, Tyler cleared his throat. “We should get going if we want to beat the rain.”

Nodding, I bid my farewell to Jayne, then to my father and Lana, who had both come to see us off. I swore it was as if we were leaving forever and not for a couple of days. But I supposed, in my father’s mind, it was very possible that he’d never see me again.

“I’ll be fine, Dad,” I said, my voice muffled by his shoulder as he wound his arms around me in a bone-crushing hug. “It’s just a couple of days.”

He nodded, pulling back. I could see tears shimmering in his eyes, but he quickly blinked them away. Lana grinned and kissed my cheek, then patted Tyler so hard on the back that he coughed.

And then we were off.

The drive was pleasant and surprisingly cheerful. We blasted the radio the entire way, singing along to our favorite songs to pass the time.

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Chapter 189

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It was only when the gates of Crescent Hollow came into view that Tyler shut the music off, his face falling into a hard frown. I felt my own stomach drop as we pulled up to the guardpost.

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