Page 15 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
“Here’s a tip: don’t.”
Before he can respond, a low growl cuts through the trees, and I glance over his shoulder just in time to see Theo stormingtoward us. His expression is thunderous, and every step he takes is purposeful. The energy rolling off him makes it clear he’s not in the mood for games.
“Jacob,” Theo barks, his voice cold enough to make the shifter—Jacob, apparently—turn with a slight flinch.
“Hey, big brother,” Jacob greets him with a lopsided grin, though he steps away from me quickly. “I heard through the grapevine you were keeping company.”
“She’s not your company,” Theo barks, coming to stand between us. His gaze cuts to me briefly before returning to Jacob. “She’s my mate.”
Jacob’s eyes widen in genuine surprise, and for a moment, the grin slips. “Mate? Since when was that made official?”
“Not your business,” Theo growls.
Jacob recovers quickly, and his grin returns with a mischievous edge. “Well, this is a twist. The almighty Theo, tying the knot. I knew that’s why you brought her here, but I didn’t think you’d actually go through with it. Does the rest of the pack know?”
“They’ll know when I decide they need to,” Theo declares.
Jacob chuckles, clearly enjoying this far more than he should. “Oh, they’re going to love this. You, settling down? I didn’t think you had it in you.”
“Don’t push me, Jacob,” Theo warns.
“Relax, I’m not here to start a fight,” Jacob insists, holding up his hands again. “In fact, we should celebrate. A new luna deserves a proper welcome, don’t you think?”
Theo’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t respond.
I glance between the two of them, equal parts annoyed and fascinated. Their exchange is loaded with tension, but it’s the kind that comes from familiarity. The kind that only brothers can share.
Jacob turns to me. “What do you say, Luna? Up for a party?”
“No,” Theo cuts in before I can answer.
“Aw, come on, Theo. Lighten up,” Jacob says, clearly enjoying the chance to needle him. “It’s not every day an alpha around here gets a mate.”
“I said no,” Theo growls.
Jacob shrugs, unfazed. “Suit yourself. But don’t expect this to stay a secret for long. You know how much the pack loves a good story.”
Theo’s glare could probably melt steel, but Jacob just laughs and gives me one last wink before turning and disappearing into the trees.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Theo demands.
“Excuse me?”
“Wandering off on your own. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?”
“I can take care of myself,” I scoff.
“Clearly,” he says dryly, gesturing toward where Jacob had been standing. “You were doing a great job handling my brother.”
“I didn’t know he was your brother,” I shoot back. “And for the record, I was handling it just fine.”
“Jacob’s not someone you handle,” Theo states. “He’s someone you avoid.”
“Oh, so now you’re the one giving me rules?” I fold my arms, glaring up at him. “Let me guess. Rule number one: don’t leave the cabin. Rule number two: don’t talk to anyone. Rule number three: wait around like a good little luna while you handle everything.”
“Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“Then stop acting like you get to control what I do,” I fire back. “Okay, technically, you have the ability, but don’t forget you gave me your word you wouldn’t use it.”
