Angel and The Alpha

-Chapter-6

After walking back home, I decided I needed to hear a familiar voice—someone who didn't look at me with suspicion or masked wariness. I missed Gabriel. More than I cared to admit.

I lay back on the bed and closed my eyes, letting the quiet of the room wrap around me. For angels, distance was never truly a barrier. All we had to do was focus—picture the face, speak their name in our minds—and our thoughts would find them.

Gabby?

I imagined his snow-white hair, those pale blue eyes that always looked like they knew too much and cared even more. Within seconds, his voice filled my mind.

Kell.

His voice was warm, familiar—tinged with concern.

Is everything okay?

Yeah... yeah, everything's fine. I just missed you all. Missed you.

Aww... you missed me?

His teasing tone made me roll my eyes—even with them closed, I smiled.

Don't make me regret this, I huffed back, fondness leaking into my voice.

Gabriel and I had been close from the very beginning. Neither of us had siblings, so we made something of our own. He was my best friend, my brother. My anchor.

How's it going down there? he asked, quieter this time, the teasing gone.

Better now. I haven't gotten myself killed yet, if that's what you mean.

Good.

He sounded genuinely relieved.

The Moon Goddess is pleased with your progress.

A quiet smile touched my lips. She is? Did she say anything about what's next?

She said you need to gain the wolves' trust. Completely. But also... you're to dig deeper. There's a loophole. She believes it's key.

Right. I sighed. It was hard at first. They all hated me.

What?! Really? I knew it! Spill everything—start from the top.

His chuckles echoed in my mind like wind chimes. So easy. So home.

I told him everything—about Cole being an ass, about the kids, Lisa, Becca... even the weird pull I felt around Andrew. The way something about him made me feel like I was walking toward danger with my eyes wide open.

There was a pause before Gabriel spoke again.

No, Manakel. Don't. You know the rules. That kind of attachment could ruin everything. You'll be punished.

I know, I whispered. It's just that...

No, Kell.

His tone was firm now, like steel beneath silk.

You're not here to fall. You're here to fix.

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. I'll be careful. Promise.

We talked a bit more after that—nonsense, shared memories, the things that reminded me who I was and what I was made of. Eventually, we said our goodbyes, and the connection faded like morning mist.

I opened my eyes slowly, turning my head toward the window. The sky outside was black velvet, scattered with bright, watchful

stars. I sighed, rolled to the other side, and let sleep take me—one part angel, one part secret, and far too human for my own good.

*****

The next morning, after returning from training and taking a long shower, I headed down to the kitchen. My stomach was growling. Kevin sat on my left, Archie on my right.

"You need to look for your opponent's weak points," Kevin said, nodding toward me between bites of toast. "Find it, strike fast, and you'll gain the upper hand."

"And don't hyper-focus," Archie added. "You kept throwing punch after punch at me, but didn't notice I went for your legs. That's why you lost your balance and fell."

I nodded, mentally filing away their advice as I ate. The soreness in my muscles echoed every one of their words.

"Beta," several voices greeted all at once.

I glanced up from my coffee. Cole stood at the entrance, his black eyes locking onto mine like a challenge. Without a word, he strode over and took the empty seat directly across from me.

I looked away, focusing on the thin steam rising from my cup and how it curled into the morning air.

"Manakel, dear," Lisa's voice floated across the room.

I turned my head to the left. She was seated with a mug in hand and a kind smile on her face.

"Yes?"

"We need a big cake today. It's Matthew's birthday."

"Of course. What flavor?" I asked, sipping my coffee.

"Chocolate. His favorite." She stood and left with a smile.

"I heard you're a good baker," Kevin said, looking at me with a smirk.

"I guess. Who told you that? You haven't tried anything I've made." I raised a brow at him.

"My kid, Tyler. He talks about you a lot. Seems to like you."

My eyes widened. "Tyler is your kid?"

Kevin, Archie, and even Cole looked confused.

"Yesterday, he called Blair a b***h," I said through a laugh. "And got roasted for it."

Kevin groaned, his face flushing pink. "That rascal. He gets that from his mother."

"You did the right thing," he added quickly.

"Relax. Kids are kids. And hey, they learn from the best," I teased, bumping my elbow into his.

Kevin and Archie chuckled.

I gathered my plate and cup and made my way to the sink, washing them slowly, hoping—praying—that Cole would get the hint

and leave.

No such luck.

"I know you're done washing," Cole's voice came from behind me, quiet but firm. "So quit the act."

"I tried," I said as I set the plate and cup aside, then turned to face him.

Cole was leaning against the fridge, arms crossed over his chest, one foot casually crossed over the other. But there was nothing casual in the way his jaw was tight, or the way he avoided my eyes.

"What do you need?" I asked after a moment of silence.

He stared at the floor for a long second. I watched him, waiting.

"Look, I'm sorry," he finally said. "When you asked about the attack, I got defensive. Protective, I guess. It's... a sensitive subject for us. And you know we don't trust outsiders easily."

His eyes held the same raw pain I saw that day on the training field.

"It's okay," I said softly, offering a small smile.

He really wasn't a bad person—just guarded. I couldn't blame him. Losing someone you love could turn even the kindest soul into stone.

"Really? You're not mad at me?" he asked, the guilt in his voice clear.

"Oh, I was furious with you," I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "Especially on the first day of training when you told me to get lost. I was ready to twist your neck."

He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, letting out a nervous laugh. "Yeah... about that..."

"I'm sorry, Manakel," he said again, quieter this time. He moved to a chair and sat down, leaning forward, resting his head in his hands. "I just... I don't know how to deal with these feelings."

"What feelings?" I asked, completely confused now.

I sat next to him, my curiosity winning over my patience.

"You... you look like her. My little sister," he whispered, his voice trembling.

"I know," I said gently. "Rebecca told me."

He looked up, surprised, tears already beginning to gather in his eyes.

"I asked her why you seemed to hate me so much," I admitted, lowering my gaze to my hands. "She said you couldn't hate me... because I reminded you of her."

He nodded slowly and wiped away a tear that had slipped down his cheek.

"She was killed by rogues," he said, voice shaking. "I was surrounded by four of them—bleeding out, getting weaker. I called out for help, but Andrew was busy with two wolves of his own. And then... she came running in. My little wolf. She jumped into the middle of the fight, knocked them off me. I managed to kill two of them and told her to run home. She did, but..."

He swallowed hard, his hands tightening into fists.

"Two of the rogues chased her. I went after them, but I was too late. They... they killed her. Her head was gone. She died trying to protect me. She saved my life, and I couldn't save hers. I failed her. I'm her big brother, I should have— I should have protected her."

His voice broke, and his shoulders shook as he sobbed openly. My chest ached. My own eyes burned.

"Cole..." I reached out and held his trembling hands in mine. "You did your best. She loved you, and she wanted to protect you the same way you wanted to protect her. If she hadn't saved you that day, you might not be here. She made a choice. You didn't fail her—she saved you because she loved you."

He kept his head bowed, breathing raggedly, but he didn't pull away.

"She's in a good place now. And I promise you this—" I squeezed his hands gently. "I will help you find the ones responsible. And I'll stand with you and this pack. You're not alone."

He finally looked up at me, eyes red but steadier now. He nodded, managing a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Manakel."

I stood, grabbed a glass, and filled it with water. When I handed it to him, he took it with a faint smile.

"Thanks," he said quietly.

I shrugged, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.

"I ate the cupcakes you made for Andrew," Cole said suddenly, breaking the silence. "I liked them. Next time you make some, save a few for me."

"Sure," I replied with a smile. "Now, are we good? You won't be an ass to me anymore?" I teased, pinching his muscular arm.

He yelped and rubbed the spot, laughing. "We're good. And I'm sorry again."

I returned his smile, and for a moment, we simply sat there in easy silence.

"What?" I asked, feeling a little uneasy under his lingering gaze.

"You're just like her," he said quietly. "She used to comfort me when I was upset. Always knew how to motivate me."

His smile faded, and so did the light in his eyes.

"You can consider me your sister," I offered. "I'd love to have a brother... even if he's kind of an asshole."

Cole chuckled. "I'd love that too. Thank you, Manakel. Well, now that I'm officially your brother, do me a favor?"

The wide grin spreading across his face made it obvious what he wanted.

"I know that look," I said, rolling my eyes. "Fine. I'll bake you cupcakes."

"Wow, you know me so well. I'm flattered," he joked, nudging me with his elbow.

"Shut up," I laughed.

He reminded me so much of Gabriel—that warmth, that protective presence. That's why I offered to be his sister. With him around, I wouldn't feel alone. And maybe... I could get closer to what I needed.

.

I was decorating the third cake when Lisa walked into the kitchen.

"They're beautiful, Manakel," she said, admiring my work. "Matthew's going to love every one of them."

"Thank you, Lisa," I replied, carefully placing the cake into the fridge.

"Cole told me everything," she said, her expression soft. "Thank you for forgiving him."

"It's not a big deal," I said with a shrug.

She stepped closer. "Dear, could you do Janet a favor?"

"Of course. What is it?" I asked, turning to look at her as I rinsed my hands.

"As you know, Janet is Matthew's grandmother, so she'll be busy helping with the birthday party. Since you're free, could you take over her work today and tomorrow?"

"Okay, what would I need to do?"

"Housekeeping... for Alpha Andrew. You'll stay the night there."

Two whole days with him? Well, s**t.

"Alright," I said simply.

Lisa smiled and kissed my cheek in thanks. "I'll look after the cakes."

.

After changing into fresh clothes, I walked to Andrew's house and knocked on the door. Footsteps approached, and then it opened.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, shirtless.

His tan skin gleamed in the sunlight, his abs and V-line practically sculpted. I blinked.

"Done checking me out?" he asked smugly.

"No," I smirked, rolling my eyes.

His brows shot up, clearly not expecting that. Then he narrowed his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" he repeated.

"I'm covering for Janet while she helps with her grandson's birthday."

"Alright. Come in," he said, stepping aside.

I entered as he closed the door behind me.

"So, what do I have to do?"

"Cooking and cleaning," he said, leading me to the kitchen. "I'll be in my office making some calls. If you need me, come find me."

His back muscles flexed as he walked away.

Later, while I was cutting carrots, he returned.

"Need help?" he asked.

I stared at him in surprise. Why was he being nice?

"I'm not a villain," he said, reading my expression. "I have a heart too."

That made me smile.

"Well, since you're here, set the table. Everything else is ready—I'm just finishing the Russian salad."

I turned back to the counter, but a loose strand of hair fell into my eyes. With a knife in one hand and a half-cut carrot in the other, I tried blowing it away, but it kept falling back. I huffed in frustration, about to tuck it behind my ear when his hand got there first.

He gently pushed the strand back, fingers grazing the skin under my ear. I looked up to find his turquoise eyes locked on mine. We stood so close that one step forward would close the gap completely. His fingers lingered, then his thumb softly brushed my cheek. His gaze was intense, unreadable.

What was he doing to me?

"Andrew," I said softly.

He blinked, looked at where his hand still touched me, then pulled away quickly and turned toward the cabinets. He busied himself getting plates while I silently finished the salad.

We ate in silence. I could feel his eyes on me at times, but I didn't look up. After dinner, he washed his plate and left the kitchen.

After cleaning up, I poured a glass of water and stepped into the living room. He was sleeping on the couch, one arm stretched out, the other resting on his chest.

I placed the glass on the table and quietly headed upstairs to fetch a blanket. I returned and draped it over him gently. A few strands of hair had fallen across his forehead. I reached out and brushed them away.

But then he began to toss and turn, his face contorting in pain. Sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Andrew," I said, shaking his shoulder gently. "Wake up."

He gasped awake, eyes wide and breathing hard.

"It's okay," I soothed. "It was just a nightmare."

I helped him sit up, lightly patting his back. But he just stared at me, like I wasn't really there.

"Andrew?" I said again, frowning.

He blinked slowly, eyes cloudy with something I couldn't name.

"Sophia," he whispered.

My heart sank.

"Sophia, why did you deceive me?" he murmured. "I loved you. I trusted you. Then why?"

His voice cracked, tears falling silently down his face.

Sophia. Whoever she was, she must've been someone important. A mate, maybe?

I handed him the water and looked away as he drank, his tears still falling.

"Andrew, go back to sleep," I said gently.

I laid him down again, patting his chest lightly like a mother soothing a child. He gripped my hand tightly.

"Stay," he whispered, his eyes closing.

I sat down on the carpeted floor beside him, resting my chin on the edge of the couch. My eyes remained fixed on his sleeping face. One hand still on his chest, the other cradled in his.

Sophia.

Who was she? And what had she done to break him like that?

My thoughts swirled as sleep pulled me under. I leaned closer to his warmth, the question lingering like smoke in my mind.

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