The Alphas Sister (Complete)

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Shadows of Home

We made it back to the pack house later than promised, late afternoon, the air thick with cedar and earth. Electra's dad—Mr. Harris—stood on the porch, arms crossed, grey-white hair glinting under the lantern glow. "You're late," he said, voice gruff. "I was about to send a search party."

I stepped forward, hand brushing Electra's—tingles faint but steady. "Sorry, sir—we got held up. I Think we need to loop Cade in too to what we need to say."

His bushy brows lifted, curiosity sharpening his hazel eyes. He jerked his head toward the house. "Office, then."

We piled in—me, Electra, Matt, Riley—trailing him to the cedar-panelled room, maps pinned to the walls, a broad desk scarred from years. Cade slouched in a chair, short dark beard framing a frown, scars pink on his neck where bandages once sat. Hours stretched, late afternoon sun slanting through the blinds as I spilled it all: the ambush, Jacob's underground facility, rogues forced human with chemicals and iron. Matt chipped in about the cells—while Riley nodded, dark eyes glinting with unease.

Cade leaned forward at Electra's brother, intrigue sparking. "A whole operation like that? Damn, count us in. I've got to meet this Jacob soon to discuss his plans." His grin was all teeth, eager.

Mr. Harris nodded, stern but thoughtful. "We'll back them up—quietly. Rogues' have been a plague lately; makes sense they're running from him."

Talks wound down as the sky bruised purple. Electra and I slipped out, her hand warm in mine. I stopped her in the hall—pine-scented, hardwood cool underfoot—smiling down. "I've got to step out for an hour. You okay here?" My chest tightened; I hated leaving her, and her green eyes flickered with the same reluctance.

She nodded, soft. "Okay—but no longer." Her lips brushed mine, sweet and quick, tingles sparking. Before it deepened, I pulled back, grinning. "I'll see you soon."

Her smile lingered as I left, a goofy one plastered on my face. Tonight's surprise was locked in.

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An hour later, I strode back to the pack house, heart thumping, a grin tugging my lips. I knocked on Electra's door—purple walls and fairy lights glowing through the crack. She flung it open, beaming. "I missed you!" She launched up, arms looping my neck, lips crashing into mine—wildflowers flooding me, tingles racing.

I laughed against her mouth, pulling back. "I missed you too." Grabbing her hand, I tugged her along. "Come on, I've got something to show you.

"We slipped out, heading west toward the woods—darkness swallowing the path, pines rustling overhead. "Where're we going?" she asked, voice lilting with curiosity.

I turned, smirking. "It's a surprise. Close your eyes—we're almost there." My hands settled on her hips, guiding her through the underbrush—twigs snapping, her giggles soft against the night.

"Okay, stop," I said, stepping back. The cabin loomed ahead—log walls weathered but solid, windows warm with candlelight. "Open your eyes."

She blinked, quiet a beat, then gasped. "What is this place? It's beautiful..." Her gaze sharpened, recognition dawning. "Wait—the old cabin no one's touched in years?"

I nodded, voice dipping low. "No one's lived here 'cause it's mine." Sadness edged in, throat tightening. "Dad and I started it before... well, before he was gone. I've been fixing it up these last few years— I finished a couple months back."

She didn't speak—just wrapped her arms around me, soft and sure. I hugged her back, breathing her in. "I fixed it for my mate... for us."

She pulled back, green eyes bright. "Our own place?" Her grin spread, infectious.