Page 45 of Brutal Alpha's Forced Mate

His head snaps up, and relief floods his expression. “I’m here. I’m right here.”

It’s intimate in a way that leaves me feeling exposed in a way I’m not used to. But I can’t bring myself to push him away, not when his touch feels like the only thing keeping me tethered to the present.

When the pain drags me under again, I catch him watching me with those soft blue eyes. They’re filled with something I can’t quite name. It’s not pity; it’s deeper than that. Stronger. Something that settles into the cracks of my heart like a salve, even as the darkness pulls me back under.

Chapter 15 - Gray

There’s a reason I avoid council meetings unless absolutely necessary. Put three alphas in a room, and the testosterone practically starts oozing out of the walls. Add in high stakes, like demonic invasions, and it’s a miracle we haven’t killed each other yet.

“I’m telling you, we need to focus on fortifying the existing wards,” Damian insists as he grips the edge of the conference table like it’s the only thing keeping him from flipping it. “There’s no point in going on some wild chase if our borders aren’t secure.”

“And I’m telling you,” I counter, leaning back in my chair with deliberate calm, “that sitting on our asses waiting for the next portal to spit out a demon is a waste of time. We need to find where it’s going to happen next and take the fight to them.”

Alec, the youngest and least experienced of the three of us, but no less stubborn, runs a hand through his brown hair and glares at the stack of papers in front of him. “I’m inclined to agree with Gray. If these things can breach a warded territory, it means they’re learning. Fortifying the wards won’t do much if they’re already figuring out how to bypass them.”

Damian’s glare swings to Alec. “You think it’s that simple? Witches aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, Alec. And most of them don’t play with shifters.”

“Which is why we need to use the witches we have,” I cut in. “Jade, Isadora—they’ve both proven they can handle themselves in a fight. Their magic is strong enough to make a difference. We bring them in on this, combine their skills with our trackers, and start hunting the portals.”

Damian crosses his arms and levels me with a look that could peel paint. “Jade isn’t just my luna, she’s my mate. And I’m not going to risk her life chasing something we don’t even fully understand.”

“That’s her decision to make, not yours,” I shoot back, the edge in my voice hardening. “Jaslyn is a witch, too, and you don’t see me locking her away.”

Yet.

I shove the thought aside before it can root itself too deeply.

“She’s not your mate,” Damian points out, and my fists itch with the urge to make contact with his nose.

“Enough.” Alec’s voice slices through the room like a whip, and both Damian and I turn to him. “We’re not going to get anywhere if we’re already at each other’s throats. Let’s focus on the facts. The last portal opened in Gray’s territory. We’ve all agreed that’s not a coincidence. Jaslyn may be a witch, but she’s the greenest witch in the area, meaning Red Arrow is most vulnerable. What we haven’t agreed on is how to prevent the next one.”

“That’s what I’m trying to say,” I groan. “Waiting won’t prevent anything. These demons are organized. They’re targeting us for a reason. If we don’t figure out where they’re coming from and stop them at the source, we’ll be picking up the pieces for years.”

Damian doesn’t respond immediately, but I can see the gears turning behind his dark eyes. Finally, he exhales and sits back in his chair. “All right. Let’s say we do this your way. Who’s leading the hunt?”

“We all are,” Alec states. “This affects all of us—Starfire Hollow, East Hills, Red Arrow. We work together, or we don’t stand a chance.”

“And Isadora and Jade?” Damian presses.

“They’re in,” Alec says without hesitation. “Isadora’s been itching for an excuse to do more than reinforce the wards. She’ll jump at the chance to get proactive.”

I nod. “Jade, too. She’s already proven she can hold her own against these things.”

“And Jaslyn?” Damian’s tone is pointed, like he’s daring me to suggest bringing her along.

I hold his gaze, unflinching. “Jaslyn will decide for herself.”

Damian shakes his head, muttering something under his breath, but he doesn’t argue further.

“There’s one other issue we need to address,” Alec says, breaking the silence. “Two or even three witches aren’t enough. We need more firepower.”

“Good luck with that,” Damian grumbles. “Most witches would rather hex us than help us.”

“But there are still covens out there,” I counter. “Some of them might be willing to talk if we can offer something in return.”

“And if they don’t?” Damian asks, arching a brow. “What then? Beg? Threaten them?”

“We don’t have to threaten anyone,” Alec insists. “We appeal to their survival instincts. Demons don’t discriminate between wolves and witches. If these attacks escalate, they’ll be just as at risk as we are.”

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