Page 14 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
He grins, and it’s not entirely friendly. “Word travels fast around here. People are curious about you.”
“I’m not here to satisfy anyone’s curiosity.”
“Fair enough.” He leans against a nearby tree, crossing his arms. “But wandering off alone in woods you aren’t familiar with? Not the smartest move. Theo’s not gonna like it if something happens to you.”
“Let me guess. You’re here to drag me back?”
“Not unless you give me a reason to. You’re an interesting choice for Theo. Bit of a spitfire, aren’t you?”
“I’m not a ‘choice.’”
“Sure you are.” He shrugs. “Everything Theo does is calculated. If he picked you, there’s a reason.”
“Maybe he just wanted someone who wouldn’t roll over and play nice. You know, someone to keep him on his toes.”
The shifter chuckles and pushes off the tree before taking a step closer. “That doesn’t sound like Theo. He usually goes for the kind of she-wolves who roll over and show their belly.”
“If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”
“Relax. I’m just curious.” He tilts his head, studying me like I’m the most interesting person he’s seen in a while. “You’re not what I expected, that’s all.”
“Good. I’d hate to be predictable.”
His smile turns sharper, and he nods toward the direction I came from. “Better head back before Theo starts looking for you. He’s not exactly known for his patience.”
“I can handle Theo.”
“Can you?”
The challenge in his tone is impossible to miss, but I don’t rise to it. Instead, I give him a pointed look and turn to walk away, back in the direction I was heading, forcing myself to keep my pace steady despite the unease prickling at the back of my neck.
I can feel his eyes on me as I disappear into the trees. The paper in my pocket feels even more vital than before, and I pat it as I put more distance between us. I need to figure out a way to get this message to Alec, and I need to do it fast.
I don’t make it far before the rustle of leaves behind me says he’s following. I curse under my breath. Of course, Theo’s pack can’t just leave me alone for two seconds.
The shifter catches up easily and falls into step beside me with an annoying smirk on his face.
“So, where are we headed?” he asks.
I snort. “I wasn’t aware I needed a chaperone.”
“You don’t. But out here, it’s better to have one. Plenty of things lurking in these woods.”
I stop abruptly, turning to face him. “Are you planning to keep shadowing me? Do you really have nothing better to do with your morning?”
His grin widens, and he steps closer. “You’re a fiery one, aren’t you? You know, I can see why Theo picked you, now that I think about it. It’s a symbolism thing for the neighboring packs.”
“You keep saying that like I’m some prize he won at the fair,” I snap, taking a step back.
“Not a prize. More like an insurance policy. Theo’s never been one to back down from a fight. And with a luna like you beside him?” He lets out a low whistle.
I fold my arms, planting my feet as I glare up at him. “I’m not here to help anyone fight, least of all Theo.”
“Is that right?” He taps his chin. “You’ve got spirit. That’s rare around here.”
“Thanks for the compliment,” I say dryly, “but I don’t need validation from someone who can’t seem to respect personal space.”
The shifter raises his hands in mock surrender, though he doesn’t move back. “Relax. I’m just trying to figure you out.”