ALPHA (Mackenzie Grey #3)

by Karina Espinosa

  “If that’s what ye think. I wanted to warn my little sis so she wouldn’t get blindsided when she’s sentenced to death. It would break our Da’s heart,” he frowned and attempted to hide a laugh.

  “How considerate of you.”

  “Ye flatter me,” he waved me off and moved to stand in my way. His knuckle tipped my chin up and we were eye to eye. “If ye weren’t my sister…” he let that sentence hang and I wanted to barf.

  “You’re sick, you know that?” I jerked away from him.

  “Some of the strongest bloodlines in history were made when they stayed within the family. Think about it, Sis,” Drew winked.

  My skin crawled at his insinuation. “Why are you here, Drew? Aren’t you scared to break a nail?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Laugh all ye want, Sis, ye won’t be doing so for much longer,” he smirked. “I came by because Da wants us to spend time together. A bit of sibling bonding; so come along now, I don have all day.” Drew snapped his fingers for me to follow him and I wanted to rip his throat out.

  Exercising restraint, I ran over to Ranulf to get my sneakers and inform him of where I was going. He spoke into the communication device inside his sleeve to confirm Alexander’s orders and let me go with Drew.

  I would have fought tooth and nail to not go, but what else did I have better to do? Maybe I could get some insight from Drew.

  I trailed behind him through the castle grounds until we reached the stables. Shadow and another horse were ready for us when we arrived and we quickly saddled up and went off into the woods. We rode in an uncomfortable silence, but I didn’t mind. Who knew the weird shit that would come out of his mouth? This guy seriously needed to see a shrink.

  “How much further?” I asked. Wherever we were going was much farther than the trail Alexander and I did in the mornings. “I thought you were supposed to show me around?”

  “I am,” he said. “I’m taking ye to my favorite spot on the castle grounds. Ye should feel special, sis,” he turned around and winked.

  “Why are you such a creep?” I grimaced as Shadow trotted forward.

  “Why are ye so manly?” he countered. “Ye have a foul vocabulary, ye wear those treacherous pants with holes in them, and yer hair is in that messy bun. All that’s missing is dirt on yer face and ye’d be one of the boys.”

  “Let me guess,” I sighed. “I should wear a dress, straighten my hair, and be at yer beck and call?”

  He chuckled. “Ye see? Yer catching on!”

  I wouldn’t even dignify that with an answer. At this point, I sounded like a broken record. Jonah was right. The Lycan wouldn’t be able to change their ways as quickly as I wanted them to—it wasn’t on my time and realizing that was a hard pill to swallow.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Loch Lomond. It is the largest inland stretch of fresh water in Great Britain—and the main entrance to the Fae realm.”

  The Fae realm? This was the last place I wanted to step foot in after my Tinkerbell incident.

  “Is this a joke? I shouldn’t be going anywhere near the Fae.”

  “Relax, Mackenzie, they cannae access our realm through the castle grounds. They have to enter through Caledonian Forest.”

  “Oh.”

  We ducked under some low-branched trees onto a sandy bank overlooking a lake. The wind picked up and the air was crisp. We unmounted and tied the horses to a nearby tree. I scanned the area for any threats when I found a set of boulders with a picnic basket and blanket.

  I quirked a brow. “What is this?” I pointed to what looked like a date.

  “A mid-day snack,” he shrugged and went toward his set-up.

  I hesitated before following. I had to be real careful with Drew. Something wasn’t right with him.

  He sat on the blanket and patted the seat beside him. “Come on, I don bite,” he grinned.

  I was going to vomit. “Stop with the innuendos, you’re grossing me out,” I said and sat on the rock across from him.

  He waved me off. “So tell me about ye self, Mackenzie. What makes ye tick?” he narrowed his eyes.

  I threw my head back and barked out a laugh. “You really think I’d tell you? You’re not the sharpest tool in shed.”

  “Aw come on,” he grinned. “We’re family.”

  “How about you answer one of my questions and I’ll answer one of yours. Deal?” I compromised. If he was in a sharing mood, I’d take full advantage. He might have information that I need.

  Drew rubbed his hands together in excitement. “Oh, I’m going to love this game!”

  “I’m sure you will,” I gave him a side glance. He dug into the picnic basket and started to pull out food. “First question: what do you know about the Lunas?” I asked as he handed me a sandwich.

  “Yer so predictable, Mackenzie,” he smirked. “I don know much. All I’ve heard is that someone broke into Da’s office and stole his stationary and seal. The weird part is how they were able to break into his safe. It’s impossible.”

  “Why impossible?”

  “Because a powerful witch sealed it shut. Beside her, the only person who can open it is Da.”

  Eyes narrowed, I studied Drew for a moment. If what he said was true, then Alexander was our prime suspect—again. Except I had a really hard time believing that he killed the Lunas. Something in my gut told me that he hadn’t. Then again, I could be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.

  “Who was the wit—”

  “Tsk tsk,” he wagged his pointer finger. “My turn, sister dearest. What I want to know is why ye don belong to a Pack? I cannae wrap my mind around that.”

  That was what he wanted to know? It was too easy. Drew had something up his sleeve because this was public knowledge. I’d been screaming freedom at the top of my lungs since arriving in Scotland—figuratively speaking.

  “It’s simple: I don’t want to be owned.”

  Drew stopped mid-bite of his ranch covered celery stick and watched me. His brown eyes froze, staring me straight in the eyes. All I could do was gape back, not understanding his reaction. It was simple…right?

  “Joining a Pack doesn’t mean ye’d be owned—ye’d be protected,” he shook out of his stupor.

  “I wouldn’t be protected from Pack members. They’re the most dangerous of them all.”

  “And yer not?” he smirked.

  “My turn to ask a question,” I shook a finger. “Do you believe Alexander is capable of murdering a bunch of innocent Lunas?”

  I mentally scolded myself for wasting a question but I was curious to see how Drew would answer. Nothing made sense here, and I was barely floating above water. I couldn’t ask anyone else for their opinion without raising suspicion. Granted, Drew wasn’t the best resource but he would do for now.

  His grin disappeared and he turned somber. “No. Da would nae do that. He may be set in his ways, but he is fair.”

  My brows furrowed. “Good to know,” I mumbled.

  It was a relief to hear but at the same time a bit disappointing. It was as if I needed an excuse to hate the man and I didn’t have one. It would be easy to blame Alexander and end my crusade now—but nothing was ever that easy.

  I was lost in my own thoughts when Drew suddenly reached across and gripped me from the back of my head. He pulled me toward him and planted a wet, sloppy kiss on my lips. His tongue poked my sealed lips as I struggled to pull away. He held me for an eternity, but it was more like five seconds until I wrenched myself away. Without thinking, I swung my right fist at his cheek and he tumbled over the boulders, onto the ground.

  “Bitch!” he shrieked.

  I scoffed. “I’m the bitch, yet you’re the one who just assaulted me? Yeah, because that makes sense,” I grimaced and spit repeatedly. I rubbed my mouth with the back of my hands—my sandwich trying to make its way back up.

  Before he had a chance to get up, I hopped off the rocks and landed over him. I gripped the front of his shirt and pulled him up. My fist flew
without remorse—over and over again.

  “You piece of shit!” I said breathless. “Don’t you ever touch me again!”

  My body quaked with anger and disgust—and a small dose of fear—of which Logan had instilled in me. With one final swing, I dropped him like the trash he was. Drew gurgled something unintelligible and I didn’t care what it was.

  “I’ll be generous and keep this little debacle to myself,” I gritted. “The last thing I want is your death on my hands. Sebastian and Jonah would rip you to shreds,” I spit on him and stomped toward the horses.

  The boys weren’t the only reason I would be keeping Drew’s indiscretions a secret. As I stared at his swollen and mangled face—the only recognizable feature being his auburn beard—I worried about the repercussions. Already on thin ice with the Summit, this would surely seal my fate. Once again, I didn’t think before reacting.

  I unhooked Drew’s horse and slapped her on the rear. She sprinted into the woods, leaving him stranded. I took one last look at his limp body on the ground before releasing Shadow and mounting him. I peered out into the Loch—fog had encompassed most of it. I could have sworn I saw an outline of someone out in the distance, but that was impossible. It didn’t matter anyway. I dug my heel into Shadow and tsked as I pulled his reigns. He shot into the woods and far away from Loch Lomond.

  We raced through the forest, ducking and swerving under low branches, and hopping over fallen trees. We passed the stables, ignoring the protests for us to stop, and we headed straight toward the castle. When we made it to the entrance of the drawbridge that had been opened over the moat, I whistled for the attention of a nearby guard. Not that it was needed. Some of the stable boys were already running toward us.

  Ranulf was one of the guards who ran out, and I swung off Shadow, giving him a kiss for a job well done. I handed the reigns to some no name guard and stomped into the castle without saying a word.

  Yes, I was having a diva fit, but rightfully so.

  “What happened, Princess?” Ranulf questioned as he followed me into the castle. “Yer hands…they’re bleeding.”

  “It’s nothing,” I grumbled. “Just taking out the trash.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ranulf walked me back to the guest wing as if I were a bomb ready to explode. I probably was, but he didn’t need to know. When he saw me enter the common room and take a few deep breaths, he hesitantly left me to my own devices. Giving me the space I so desperately needed.

  The moment I locked my bedroom door and waited until I saw him cross the lawn from my window, I ripped the bed sheets from my mattress and began to tie the two ends. Once they were sturdy, I rushed into the closet to look for extra sheets. I tied them all together and then went out to my balcony to check for any guards. The grounds were empty—for now. In my rush to get out of there, I hadn’t heard my door unlock and Helena come in.

  “Oh!” she exclaimed, gripping her chest. “Ye gave me a fright, Chickie.”

  “Ditto,” I said out of breath. I tucked the rope of bed sheets behind me but it was obvious what I was doing.

  Helena surveyed the room once she got her bearings together and I could see the mirage of emotions on her face—from confusion, to shock, and then to fear.

  “What do ye think yer doing, Chickie? Ye cannae run away, the King will be furious!”

  “The King can kiss my tush,” I rolled my eyes. “And I’m not running away. I need to see a friend. I’ll be back in time for dinner.”

  “What about afternoon tea? He’ll expect ye downstairs, Hen.”

  “Tell him I’m sleeping. I’m sure Ranulf will back you up when you tell him.” My hands still trembled with fury.

  “I—I cannae let ye do this,” she stuttered, worrying her fingers. “Ye’ll be caught, Chickie. Please, don do this.” Her bottom lip quivered, as the lines of age multiplied on her face.

  My heart warmed. She worried for me.

  “Helena,” I started, reaching for her hands and holding them in mine. “Have you ever wished for an ounce of true, unadulterated freedom? To come and go as you please, and never have to hold your tongue for anyone?”

  Her bottom lip shook again. “Mackenzie,” she muttered. “Donae ask me—”

  “But I am, Helena,” I squeezed her hands. “I don’t know what it’s like to be in your shoes; I’ve never been a Luna. What I do know is that this is a life I could never live. I would rather die than let them box me up and put me on a leash.”

  Her pale blue eyes glistened with unshed tears. She nodded. “Wait fifteen minutes. There will be a guard shift and no one will be manning the front gate. It’s yer best option of getting out undetected. Once yer in the village yer on yer own. Guards are on high alert in Sheunta, looking for anyone associated with the Pixies.”

  “Thank you, Helena,” I pulled her into an unexpected hug. “I owe you.” She quaked as she held me in her arms and patted my back.

  “Be safe, Chickie.”

  ****

  I kept my head low and my hands tucked into the front of my sweatshirt as I strolled through the streets of Sheunta with my hoodie over my head. It made me look more suspicious but the most important part was covering my eyes. The streets were loud as buyers bargained with sellers for a lower price and children ran around playing games, while others hustled to their destination.

  “We have a flat rate for priority mail! Get yer boxes inside!” someone bellowed from the post office. A line stretched out past two businesses, of people trying to mail their items. I passed some that were waiting when I eavesdropped on their conversation.

  “I heard it was the Fae. Then again it’s rumored they played a part in the killing of her mum.”

  “Shh Mary! Ye cannae speak of such things. Ye know they’re always listening!”

  “Does it matter? She—”

  “They will kill Fred and the children just because ye could nae keep yer trap shut. Just smile and pretend to love the Princess. Enjoy the reprieve we’ve been given.”

  “I know,” the one named Mary sniffled.

  I hadn’t realized I’d stopped in the middle of the road to listen when someone bumped their shoulder into mine. My hands flew to my hood to keep it from falling and revealing my identity, when a set of hands held me up.

  “Easy there,” a man grumbled. “Ye best watch where yer going.”

  “Thanks,” I said turning to him. I was about to speak when I realized I hadn’t met anyone with an American accent. I cleared my throat and prayed for the best. “Eh…do ye know how I can get to Caledonian Forest, mate?” Someone shoot me now. I sounded more crocodile Dundee than Scottish.

  The man didn’t answer right away and it only turned my stomach into knots. For sure he was going to know who I was and report me to the guards patrolling the streets—or worse—turn me in to the Fae. From the conversation I overheard, the people feared the Fae. Is that why no one went into the forest? Drew did say Loch Lomond through Caledonian Forest was their main entrance to our realm.

  “Ye sure ye want to go there?” the man finally asked. “Those forests are dangerous.”

  “I’m sure,” I said.

  “Alright, don say I didnae warn ye,” he pulled out a receipt from his back pocket and plucked a pen from behind his ear. The man drew me a map and handed it over. “It’s yer funeral,” he mumbled before walking away.

  People needed to stop saying that.

  I followed the cobbled road until I saw the beauty salon with the scissors on the banner. I made a left into a side street and walked four blocks, making a right once I saw the shoe makers shop. I passed residential houses and walked until the dead end. An endless sea of empty land awaited. I stepped onto the grass and walked straight ahead, keeping an eye out for a random cabin in the middle of nowhere. Only Lucian would choose to live all the way out in the boondocks.

  His place wasn’t hard to miss. It was the only house out in the vastness of green. The cabin had a chimney with smoke coming out—as if signaling
me.

  It seemed too easy escaping from the castle and going through town unnoticed. Either way, I ran to the front door and banged on it with my fist. I was paranoid that someone had followed and I wanted to get inside. No one answered and I worried he might had gone back to New York.

  The door flew open and Lucian appeared in nothing but silk pajama bottoms, a robe, and sunglasses—all in black of course.

  “Dude,” I grimaced.

  He tipped his glasses down the bridge of his nose. “Pet, I’ve been waiting for you for days.” Lucian stepped aside and I hurried past him. His home reminded me a lot like mine back in Cold Springs, New York. A fire burned in his brick fireplace, with a rug in front of it. I wrinkled my nose at the idea of it being real fur.

  “That better not be my third cousin, twice removed,” I pointed at the rug.

  “No, it’s Jackson’s,” Lucian smirked and I heard a growl come from somewhere in the house.

  I froze. “Don’t tell me the guards have already come for me and this is a set up? You told me I was safe here!” I yelled.

  Lucian frowned. “Calm down, Pet. No one is setting you up.” He snapped his finger. “Come out, friends, the jig is up.”

  A bedroom door opened and the last person I expected to see came out from hiding. Amy.

  “What the fuck?”

  “Always so eloquent,” Lucian sighed. “Are you not going to greet your friends? I flew them all the way over here just for you, Pet.”

  “Why?” I didn’t even look as Jackson trailed behind her. “It isn’t safe!”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Pet, they’ll be fine.”

  “I’m not worried about him,” I pointed to Jackson. “I’m worried about her!”

  “Thanks for the concern,” Jackson mumbled.

  I whirled on him. “I was attacked yesterday. Whoever it is made their first move, and the more people I care about that are here, the easier of a target I am.”

  Amy nibbled on her lip ring. “I’m here to help, Kenz.”