Chapter 21

Ardal

I scowl as I watch Kadeem walk away, still in disbelief that he actually had the nerve to come here. How had he found me, anyway? I hadn’t listed my address on my employee form, and I never mentioned it to anyone else.

But an Alpha always finds his ways, doesn’t he?

Eyes still burning on Kadeem’s back, I don’t dare pull my stare away until I can guarantee he’s gone. I want him as far away from me and my babies as possible - thanking the Goddess that none of them had come to poke their heads out in curiosity.

I know he didn’t buy my words about raising monkeys for a circus - it was just a sarcastic jab, anyway. But still, I can’t let him find out about them, especially that they’re his. That’s out of the question.

I continue to watch Kadeem, counting the seconds as he draws further away. Like I said, I won’t go inside until I see him climb into his car or at least disappear around the corner.

However, my skin warms as I watch Kadeem suddenly pause in the street, fearing he’s planning on turning around. Already, I’m quick to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“Kadeem,” I warn. But he doesn’t seem to necessarily hear me. Instead, he’s too busy looking off to the side, his features appearing as though he’s lost in thought.

Questions fill my mind - ones that I’m not sure are worth my time or effort. But still, his behavior grasps my attention, keeping me on my toes as I wonder what he’s planning. Knowing Kadeem, it could be anything.

Just as that thought hits me, he begins to move, certainty filling the strides he takes. Only, he doesn’t continue the path he’d previously been following or even turn back - he’s veering off to the side instead.

What is he doing?

My eyes follow him, brow furrowing as I’m at a loss. But then I blink, noticing the scenery ahead of him, the spot he’s eager to reach.

The lake. He’s walking directly toward the artificial lake.

For a moment, I think I’m mistaken, knowing there is no way in hell Kadeem would walk toward the water - not after how he’d reacted in the pool.

But when his steps don’t let up, I realize that’s exactly what he’s doing.

Unexpected panic hits me so violently that it practically leaves me breathless, my hand tensing on the railing of my porch. I can only watch as Kadeem draws closer, waiting and waiting for him to stop.

But he doesn’t.

Why isn’t he stopping!?

“Kadeem!” I burst out, finally taking steps down from the porch. However, by the time I reach the bottom, my whole world seems to tilt on its axis as I see Kadeem dive.

And I hear the splash.

I’m sprinting now - my head empty of thoughts as adrenaline floods through my veins. I tear down the street, a terrifying sight to behold as I rush toward the lake.

I can hear more splashing, see a head of black hair bobbing up and down as it tries to stay afloat. Everything in me wants to scream Kadeem’s name again, but my heart is in my throat as I draw closer.

Swim, my thoughts echo. Stop fighting and swim! Kick your legs out. Paddle with your arms.

Only, even if I were able to say those words aloud, he wouldn’t be able to hear them. Not as I reach the bank and watch in horror as Kadeem’s head sinks beneath the surface and doesn’t come back up.

I know there’s a chance he could resurface, but I still don’t hesitate as I stare at the spot where he’s just disappeared from. My body moves on its own - heart slamming against my chest as I rip off my cardigan and throw it behind me. I then throw myself into the lake, the bite of the icy water quickly forgotten as I dive under.

I swim down, my lungs burning as I didn’t even take a full breath before I jumped in. But I ignore the pain as I see Kadeem sinking in front of me through the murky water - his body sagged and useless as his eyes remain closed. Again, my thoughts are screaming at him, telling him to open them.

Only, he remains frozen and drifts downward - sinking and sinking. My hands are flying through the water, desperate to reach him as my lungs ache for relief. I need to reach him before we’re both left dropping to the bottom unconscious.

With a few more kicks of my feet, my hand whips out and I’m finally able to grab hold of his wrist, allowing me to pull him toward me. I use all the strength I have to tug him over before I swim upward, dragging him along with me.

It’s a challenge, but we manage to break through the surface - a vicious gasp leaving my lips while Kadeem is silent beside me. I stare at him for a moment, wanting to place my hands on his face so I can force his eyes open. Only, I know it’s no use, causing me to wrap my arms around his middle instead, fighting to stay afloat as I uphold his weight.

I need to get him out of the water, make him open his eyes and confirm he’s okay. But it’s difficult to move while supporting him. He’s taller, denser from all the muscle.

But I’m determined as hell not to let this man die. No matter what happened in the past - he doesn’t deserve to drown.

Horror hits me again. Was that his plan? Was he trying to drown?

Limbs screaming and air struggling in my lungs, I grit my teeth as I begin to use my free arm to paddle, my legs wildly kicking. I’m slow, but I still manage to move us, the bank growing closer and closer.

However, after a few more paddles, I feel my toes begin to scuff against the sand at the bottom of the lake. Another swoop of my arm through the water makes it so I can finally find solid footing.

I turn, readjusting my grip on Kadeem so I can slide my hands under his arms, once more dragging his full weight through the shallow water. I grunt and hiss, but soon we make it to the sand, causing me to collapse on my backside in exhaustion as he lays motionless on the bank.

I’ve managed to get him out of the water, but there’s still more to be done.

Soaking wet, I force my body up, moving to my knees as I turn so I can place my hands on the sides so his face.

“Kadeem,” I say, not recognizing my own voice. “Come on, Kadeem. Wake up.”

I pat his cheeks, trying to stir him. But Kadeem doesn’t move, he remains unconscious.

“Wake up,” I try again, my hands going to his chest to nudge him. “You’re okay. Just open your eyes.”

My hands press harshly against his wet clothes, waiting for his eyes to open - praying that they do. But as seconds stretch on, he still doesn’t move.

“Kadeem,” I say, my hands flattening on his chest as my fingers grip tightly around the soaked material.

And that’s when I notice it.

He isn’t breathing. I can’t feel his heartbeat.