Page 24 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
I nod once. “Good. You made a mistake bringing Malcolm and Wiley to our doorstep. Now, you’re going to help me get them out of our lives before more damage is done.”
He lifts a hand in a silent vow. “You have it.”
His expression is full of regret, but I offer no sympathy. He’s the one who started this mess. I turn on my heel, stowing the notebook under my arm. I’m done wasting time on apologies. What matters is finding a way to undo the harm inflicted on Kai and proving that Malcolm and Wiley can’t just waltz into my life without facing consequences.
Before I leave, Leonard calls after me. “I’ll be discreet, Theo.”
“You’d better be,” I reply, forcing down the swirl of resentment. “And I suggest you do better than that. Because if they get word that we’re turning packs against them and come back for revenge, we won’t have the luxury of playing nice.”
I stride away, all too aware that my next steps must be decisive. Malcolm and Wiley think they’ve scored a victory by selling me a mate. They have no idea what’s coming for them now.
Chapter 9 - Kai
I’m going to hurl if one more person gives me that pitying look. That’s the thought blazing through my mind when I yank open the cabin door, determined to ignore the shame that’s gnawing at me after admitting I’ve been poisoned. My wolf is half-asleep in my chest, and I’m furious at the reminder that I can’t just bounce back to full strength.
Inside, I find Theo rummaging through a stack of papers on the table. He straightens when he sees me. “I have news. I’ve been digging around for a remedy.”
I close the door behind me. “That so?”
He lifts a notebook as if it’s proof. “I’m talking to people who know about Malcolm and Wiley’s dealings. Some of them claim to also have knowledge about herbs and potions that might undo what they did to you.”
Something flutters in my chest. I clamp it down. “You’re sure you’re not just saying that to make yourself look noble? Because I can do without any false hope.”
He scowls a bit, but there’s no real bite in his voice when he says, “I’m not exactly known for empty words.”
My nails tap the side of my leg. “If you’re serious, then I guess I should thank you,” I manage, though the words taste strange on my tongue.
He glances at me with something like relief. “You don’t need to thank me. Just… trust that I’m trying.”
Trust? That’s pushing it. He doesn’t realize I have one foot out the door, mentally planning how I’ll bolt from this territory if I ever get my wolf back.
Still, I make myself nod. “Let me know when you have something concrete.”
He sets the notebook aside and exhales. “In the meantime, you should keep training. Staying idle won’t help if you want your strength back.”
That’s exactly what I’ve been hoping to hear. “You’re giving me permission, or did you think I was going to wait for an invitation?”
A half-smile tugs at his mouth. “I’m just confirming you’re free to do what you want, as long as it doesn’t involve messing with my territory lines or running headfirst into one of my brothers. If you need more lessons, I’m around.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Then I march upstairs, ignoring the odd sensation behind my sternum at his uncharacteristic show of concern.
***
The next day, I sneak out early, aiming to avoid too many onlookers. My plan is to find a spot behind the main collection of cabins, someplace quiet and out of the way. I want to drill those footwork exercises until they feel natural again, but I also want to gauge whether any other shifters might be open to training with me.
My conversation with a few younger wolves last night was enlightening: half of them have never been taught more than the bare minimum of combat. And some of the women? They’re stuck at home, never included in border patrol or pack defenses.
I find an open stretch near a half-built wooden fence. It’s secluded enough that we won’t draw a crowd if we makea commotion. Then I catch sight of two teenage girls lingering nearby with curious expressions.
“You two,” I call out, beckoning them over. “Ever throw a punch before?”
They shake their heads in unison. One fiddles with the hem of her shirt, and the other stands with her arms crossed. They look intrigued but uncertain. Perfect.
“Want to learn? Or do you plan to wait until trouble shows up, then scream for help?” I keep my tone light but pointed, glancing back and forth to gauge their reaction.
The one with crossed arms lifts her chin. “I’m not scared. I’d train if someone showed me how, Luna.”
“Just call me Kai.” I point at a wide, level patch of dirt. “Stand here.”
