Page 32 of Brutal Alpha's Forced Mate

“For me?”

“Don’t make a big deal out of it,” I warn. “I just wanted to get you a thank-you gift or something. For… you know. Everything.”

Gray shakes his head, and a small smile plays on his lips. “You don’t need to do that.”

“I wanted to,” I insist. “But now it’s ruined, so forget it.”

He chuckles softly. “It’s not ruined. And since we’re here, how about I make it up to you?”

I frown, suspicious. “Make what up?”

“This,” he says, gesturing to the street. “Dealing with Tim. Let’s enjoy the night. My treat.”

I take the time to study him for a moment. He looks relaxed for the first time all day, and there’s a hint of mischief in his smile that makes me wonder what kind of treat he has in mind. God help me, I want to find out.

“All right, Alpha. Make it up to me.”

“Good,” he replies, his grin widening. “Let’s start with dinner.”

As Gray leads the way with his ever-confident swagger, I realize that maybe this night doesn’t have to be about the past, or even the pack. For once, it can just be about us.

Chapter 11 - Gray

The bar is louder than I expected, even for a Saturday night. Laughter and the clatter of glasses blend into an old country song playing in the background while the scent of beer and fried food wafts through the air. It’s not the kind of place I’d normally bring Jaslyn. Not because she couldn’t handle it, but because I wasn’t sure she’d even want to bother. She’s not exactly the bar-scene type.

Her gaze sweeps over the crowd, taking in everything with a focus that makes it clear she’s already sized up the exits and the potential threats. That’s Jaslyn for you. Always prepared for the worst.

“You good?” I ask, leaning closer to make sure she hears me over the noise.

She quirks a brow at me, and her lips twitch like she’s holding back a smirk. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“No reason.” I straighten up, watching her as she looks around again. The glow of the neon sign above the bar throws a faint green light across her face, and for a second, I forget why we’re here.

“Are you going to get me a drink or just stand there gawking?” she asks, snapping me out of it.

“Right. What’s your poison?”

“Whiskey. Neat.”

I nod and weave through the crowd to the bar, throwing a glance over my shoulder to make sure she hasn’t disappeared. She hasn’t, but she’s already drawn a few curious stares from some of the locals. Most of them are harmless enough, butone guy—tall, dark-haired, and clearly too interested—makes his way toward her.

Fantastic.

By the time I get back with the drinks, the guy has parked himself right in front of her, leaning in like he’s got some big secret to share. Jaslyn’s expression is somewhere between bored and annoyed, but she’s letting him talk. That tiny hint of irritation in her eyes, though, is all I need to see.

“Here you go,” I say, sliding her drink into her hand as I step between them just enough to make a point.

“Thanks,” she responds, flashing me a quick smile before turning back to the guy. “What were you saying?”

I grit my teeth and take a sip of my beer, letting the burn settle my nerves.

“Just that it’s nice to see a new face around here,” the guy offers, grinning like he’s auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. “I’m Mason, by the way. From Starfire Hollow.”

“I’m Jaslyn.”

“Jaslyn,” he repeats, like he’s trying the name on for size. “So you’re the luna of Red Arrow now? Lucky pack.”

I snort into my beer before I can stop myself, earning a sharp look from Jaslyn. Mason doesn’t even seem to notice.

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