Page 36 of Brutal Alpha's Forced Mate

A sharp, blaring sound shatters the moment, cutting through the stillness like a knife. I bolt upright, my heart lurching, and Gray jerks awake beside me.

“What the hell is that?” I ask, scrambling to untangle myself from the blankets.

“The alarm,” Gray states, already on his feet and moving. He rubs a hand over his face, shaking off the last traces of sleep. “Something’s triggered the ward lines.”

Adrenaline floods my system, washing away any lingering embarrassment as I follow him to the window. Outside, the packhouse is already stirring. Wolves dart across the grounds, shifting as they go.

“We need to move,” Gray declares, grabbing his boots and pulling them on in record time.

“I’m coming with you,” I state, not waiting for permission as I reach for my own shoes.

He doesn’t argue, which is probably a sign of how serious the situation is.

By the time we reach the site, the forest is alive with activity. Shifters move in organized chaos with their attention locked on a section of the ward line that shimmers with residual magic.

“What’s the situation?” Gray demands as we stomp into the field.

Theo steps forward and explains, “Something’s breached the outer perimeter. It’s big, but it’s not giving off any demonic energy.”

Gray frowns, and his gaze shifts to the ward line. “Where is it now?”

Before Theo can answer, a deep, guttural growl echoes through the trees. My magic prickles to life in response, and I scan the shadows, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound.

“Over there,” someone comments, nodding toward a cluster of trees.

The figure that emerges is massive—sleek and muscled, with dark fur that ripples in the dappled sunlight. A panther. Its yellow eyes gleam as it surveys the crowd, probably trying to determine if it should fight or flee.

The tension in the group ratchets up instantly. A few of the wolves bristle, and their postures change into something more predatory.

“Hold your positions,” Gray barks. “It’s just a cat. No one does anything unless I say so.”

The panther snarls, and its ears flatten as it crouches low to the ground. It’s not attacking yet, but it’s clearly not happy about being surrounded.

“Great plan,” I mutter, stepping up beside him. “Do we just stand here until it decides to maul someone?”

Gray shoots me a warning look. “You have a better idea?”

“As a matter of fact…” I trail off, already letting my magic seep into my palms.

“Jaslyn,” he starts, but I cut him off with a sharp glare.

“Relax,” I say. “I’m not going to hurt it.”

Before he can argue, I step forward, raising my hands slowly to show the panther I’m not a threat. Its eyes lock onto me, and a low growl rumbles from its throat. My heart pounds, but I keep my voice steady as I speak.

“Easy there,” I say softly as I weave a soothing note of magic into my words. “No one’s going to hurt you. You’re just a little lost, aren’t you?”

The panther’s growl quiets, and its ears twitch like it’s listening to me. I reach out with my magic, brushing against itsmind gently, careful not to push too hard. The energy it gives off is wild and chaotic, but not hostile. Not really. It’s just afraid.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” I tell him, channeling a calming spell through my hands. “But it’s okay. We’ll help you find your way out.”

The panther hesitates, and its gaze flits between me and the shifters behind me. I pour more magic into the air, a soft hum of reassurance, and slowly, it begins to relax. Its muscles loosen, and it takes a cautious step back, then another.

“That’s it,” I coax, keeping my voice low. “Just keep going. You’re almost there.”

After a tense moment, the panther turns and melts back into the shadows, and its massive frame disappears into the trees. The collective sigh of relief behind me is almost comical.

“That was reckless,” Gray complains from nearby. “You could’ve been hurt.”

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