Page 31 of Brutal Alpha's Forced Mate

He chuckles like this is all some kind of joke. “Still holding a grudge, huh? That’s cute. I thought our luna would be above that. But you’ve got to admit, you weren’t exactly easy to get along with back then.”

My magic stirs uneasily beneath my skin, and I clench my fists to keep it in check. “What do you want, Tim?”

He shrugs, his gaze roaming over me in a way that makes me want to claw his eyes out. “Just wanted to catch up. You’ve been back for a while now, and I figured it was time we had a little chat. Clear the air.”

“There’s nothing to clear. Whatever you’re trying to do, I’m not interested.”

“Relax,” he says, holding up his hands like he’s some kind of saint. “I’m just saying it’s funny how you waltz back in here like nothing ever happened. Like you’re one of us again. You really think the pack’s just going to forget what you did?”

“I don’t need their forgiveness.”

“Maybe not, but you need their trust. And trust me, Jaslyn, that’s not something you’re going to get.” His tone loses the false friendliness, and his eyes narrow. “You don’t belong here. You never did.”

The words sting, but I refuse to let him see it. Instead, I take a deep breath and summon my magic, letting it pool inmy palms. A shimmering barrier of energy forms between us, crackling faintly as it holds him at bay.

“You’re not going to intimidate me, Tim. Not anymore.”

For a moment, he just stares at the barrier. His lips curl into a sneer. “Cute trick. But we both know you can’t keep that up forever.”

“I don’t have to,” I reply.

His jaw tightens, and I see the moment he considers testing the barrier. But before he can make a move, a low growl cuts through the air.

“Tim,” Gray’s voice is quiet, but it carries enough authority to make Tim freeze. He steps out of the shadows, his expression calm but lethal. “Is there a problem here?”

Tim glances between me and Gray, his bravado faltering. “No problem, Alpha. Just catching up with an old friend.”

Gray’s eyes flit to me, then back to Tim. “I think you’ve done enough catching up. Leave.”

Tim’s gaze lingers on me for a fraction too long. Then he mutters something under his breath and stalks away, his shoulders stiff with barely concealed anger.

Gray waits until Tim is out of sight before turning to me. “You okay?”

I nod as I let the barrier dissolve. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine. What happened?”

“Nothing I couldn’t handle. He was just trying to get under my skin.”

“And did he?” Gray asks, his eyes searching mine.

I hesitate, then shake my head. “Not as much as he used to.”

A faint smile tugs at his lips, and he nods. “Good. Because you handled that exactly right. Don’t let him bait you into anything. He’s not worth it.”

I pinch my eyebrows together, surprised. “You’re not mad that I used my magic in town?”

“Mad?” He arches a brow. “At you? For standing up for yourself? No, Jaslyn. I’m proud of you.”

The words catch me off-guard, and I look away, unsure how to respond. Heat creeps up my neck as I grumble, “Thanks.”

“Why were you out here, anyway?”

“It’s nothing,” I say quickly, but he doesn’t let it go.

“Jaslyn.”

I sigh and brush my hair over my shoulder. “I was looking for something. For you.”

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