CHAPTER 129: AN APOLOGY.

"We are about to enter the dungeon of my favorite Alpha," Stales said, standing in their way to block them. Alex let out a long sigh and folded his arms across his chest, giving him the space to talk. He knew Stales had always been obsessed with Kaito, but even he was surprised at how far it had gone.

Stales had even collected the package that was meant for Kaito himself.

"Are you sure you don’t have feelings for my mate?" Angela asked, frowning at him. She was only teasing, but her tone carried a sharp edge, and he could hear it.

"I wish I did, but unfortunately I am not gay," Stales replied without shame. "I would have been gay for him, the same way Taros was willing to be gay for you."

That single sentence silenced her. Angela bit her lip and wished she had never told them about Taros’ secret feelings for her.

"Don’t do that, you know she is going to blush all through," Alex said with a grin, his eyes sliding to Angela. Her face was already pink, and he burst out laughing. Stales joined him instantly, pointing at her. "See, I told you," Alex added.

"We just left her boyfriend’s dungeon and those two were a little too much in there," Stales teased again as he reached for the door. He expected his friends to warn him to keep his mouth shut, but before they could, he gasped. "I love how Renn... holy fuck!"

He jumped back so suddenly that his heart almost flew out of his chest. The moment his hand touched the door, a violent shock ran through him. It was like being struck by lightning. The pain tore through his body in one sharp wave and then faded seconds later.

For a moment he thought about what would have happened if he had not been a werewolf.

"What just happened?" Angela asked, her face pale with worry. The small spark of light had startled her as much as it had him.

"I think Kaito just greeted us," Alex said with a dry chuckle. He stepped closer, lifted his hand, and let his claws slide out. He pressed them against the door instead of his skin and pushed it open. "Avoid touching metal for now."

Angela stared at the walls and understood. Tiny sparks still danced on the metal protectors that lined the entrance. A shiver ran through her as she remembered Renn’s words. Now she saw the truth. Kaito really was the god of lightning and thunder.

"Be careful, it’s dark in here," Alex said as they made their way down the steps. Unlike the rest of the cells, this place had no light at all. There was no one else around, only her mate, left alone in this cold and cruel place.

Angela’s chest tightened as she forced herself to keep walking, her heart heavier with every step. If she had known, she would have come sooner. She would never have left him in the dark like this.

"It’s really dark, but thank the moon we’re werewolves. We’ll find our way," Stales said as they kept descending the long stairs that felt endless. Then, all of a sudden, fingers snapped in the silence, and light flared across the dungeon in different corners.

Angela flinched, a shiver running down her spine, until she realized it was her mate who had lit the flames.

"Alpha..." Alex called softly as he walked to the figure sitting on the cold floor. Kaito’s wrists and ankles were already bound in heavy chains. It was a sight he had hoped Angela would never see, but it was too late now.

"I thought you were all celebrating her birthday out there," Kaito said, his forehead damp with sweat. "Why did you bring her down here?"

"They didn’t bring me," Angela quickly answered, hoping to ease the anger in his voice. "I wanted to come. I needed to see you. You don’t look well."

"I know," Kaito muttered. His body was burning with fever and he wanted her to stay away, but Angela’s stubbornness was stronger than his warnings. She went to him anyway, kneeling at his side, careful not to touch the chains.

"You are stubborn," he whispered.

"It’s nothing new. You knew that from the very first day," she said with a soft laugh, though her eyes were filled with worry as she looked at his barely open ones. "You’re burning up. Please... tell me if there’s something I can do."

"No. Even if there was, I would not let you," he said firmly, though his gaze shifted to Alex.

"I brought you food," Alex said, taking the package from Stales and opening it slowly. "Forgive me. I took too long."

"It’s fine. I already guessed why," Kaito groaned softly, his eyes going back to Angela. She slipped her hand into his, and though he looked weak, he managed a smile. "You are so warm, yet cold. I love it."

"You don’t even know what you’re saying," she chuckled as she rose to her feet and took the package from Alex. "I’ll feed you."

"I don’t want that. Today is your day, and you should be out there celebrating until night falls," Kaito said, trying to persuade her, but she shook her head firmly.

"I want to be here," Angela replied with a smile that told him she was not going to change her mind. She knelt in front of him and began to feed him. At first, he refused, but when he saw her determination and the warmth in her eyes, he gave in. "You should eat as much as you can. You’ll need your strength."

"I’m sorry for ruining your day," Kaito said, his voice low with regret. "It started this morning when I caused that fight with my brothers. I was selfish."

Angela’s heart softened at his words. "I didn’t like it, because I wanted you all to live in peace. We still have so much ahead of us," she said, scooping food with the spoon and holding it up to his lips. He opened his mouth slowly and ate. "But it’s alright. I know you didn’t mean it. You would never ruin my day on purpose."

"Thank goodness you know that," Kaito whispered after chewing. He felt lighter with her by his side, though deep inside he feared he was thinking only of himself when he should not. He studied her face for a moment, then asked, "You’re worried about something. Do you want to tell me?"