Page 74 of Brutal Alpha's Forced Mate

“Think about it,” I press. “If we can free those witches, give them a choice—help them rebuild their lives—we’re not just strengthening our defenses. We’re making it clear that no one gets to exploit people like that without consequences.”

“And what happens if those witches don’t want to join us?” Theo asks.

“Then we let them go,” I say simply. “This isn’t about forcing anyone to do anything. It’s about giving them a chance and a choice. Two things Malcolm never gave them.”

The room falls silent again, and I let my gaze sweep over the gathered leaders. Damien looks unconvinced, but Alec seems thoughtful. Jade and Isadora exchange a glance. Their silent communication is something I’ve grown used to over the past few months. Finally, it’s Gray who breaks the silence.

“She’s right,” he states. “Running won’t solve anything. And bringing in more witches without addressing Malcolm’s influence is like patching a dam with duct tape. It won’t hold.”

Damien snorts. “And you think marching into Malcolm’s territory will?”

“I think it’s better than sitting here arguing about the same damn things every few weeks,” Gray retorts. “We’ve been playing defense for too long. It’s time we took the fight to him.”

The room buzzes with uneasy whispers. Alec leans back in his chair with a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Bold move, Gray. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Gray’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he turns to me, his blue eyes meeting mine with a quiet intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

“You’re serious about this,” he says, not a question but a statement.

“Dead serious,” I reply. “Malcolm’s been a problem for years. We all know it. But no one’s been willing to do anything about it because we’re too busy worrying about our own problems. It’s time that changed.”

“And you think our packs can lead that charge?” Damien asks, his tone skeptical.

“I think our packs are already leading it,” I shoot back. “We’ve faced demons, sealed a portal, and come out stronger for it. If anyone can take down Malcolm, it’s us.”

Damien doesn’t respond, but the tension in his shoulders eases slightly. Alec, on the other hand, looks downright amused.

“Well,” he says, standing and stretching his arms overhead. “This should be interesting.”

Jade shoots him a glare, but he ignores it, turning his attention back to me. “If you’re serious about this, Jaslyn, you’ll have my support. But I hope you’ve got a plan, because this isn’t going to be pretty.”

“I wouldn’t expect it to be,” I reply, standing as well. “But I’ve spent my whole life dealing with ugly things. What’s one more?”

The meeting wraps up shortly after that, and I let out a slow breath as the alphas and witches begin filing out of theroom. Alec claps me on the shoulder as he passes, muttering something about how much fun this is going to be, while Damien offers a curt nod before disappearing through the door.

Gray lingers beside me as he watches the others leave. When we’re finally alone, he turns to me with a faint smile.

“Bold move,” he says, echoing Alec’s words.

“You’re not mad?” I ask, raising a brow.

“Mad?” He chuckles, shaking his head. “No. Proud, maybe. Impressed, definitely. But not mad.”

“Good. Because I’m not backing down from this, Gray. Not for you, not for anyone.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” he replies. “And I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.”

His words send a thrill through me. I can see the determination in his eyes, the same drive that fuels my own, and I know without a doubt that we can do this. Together.

He reaches out, resting a hand on my hip and pulling me closer. “Hungry?”

“You mean emotionally drained and plotting Malcolm’s downfall didn’t count as dinner?”

He smirks. “Not quite. Come on.”

I follow him out of the hall, my curiosity piqued as he leads me toward the forest. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

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