Page 35 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
I nod and step back, turning toward the exit. The meeting was brief, but that’s exactly what I needed—straight to the point. My heart pounds with excitement. If Jade’s potion works, Kai could be one step closer to regaining her full strength.
We load ourselves back into the truck, and the ride home feels faster, maybe because I’m eager. It’s late afternoon by the time I reach my territory. A few pack members greet me with curiosity. I keep the small wooden box closed, scanning the buildings for Kai. I don’t see her in the usual training spot, though a few of her trainees wave me down, saying she already dismissed them. They also mention she looked tired. My mind flashes to the memory of her injuries, the strain on her body, and how the poison weighs her down. A fresh burst of worry pushes me to hurry.
I climb the cabin steps, make my way upstairs, and find Kai curled up on the bed, deep in sleep. She looks peaceful with her lips parted and her hair messy around her face. My chest tightens at the sight. I want to wake her immediately, show her the potion, watch her gulp it down, and wait for the miracle to happen. But she looks so worn out. A little more rest might help.
I decide to let her sleep for a while. My plan is to brew tea or something to mix the potion with. According to the accompanying note left by Jade, the potion might taste bitter, so it’s best to dilute it.
I set the wooden box on the table and rifle through the small kitchen, hunting for a suitable mug and some mild herbs. Nothing too strong, in case it counteracts Jade’s potion. I pause, smiling a bit at the thought of Kai’s reaction when she realizes I scored a major lead.
Movement at the threshold catches my eye. Heath steps inside, his face set in a grim expression. I straighten, sensing trouble.
He inclines his head in apology. “Sorry, but we have a situation.”
My shoulders tense. “What’s happened?”
“An attack on the eastern border. Pack members are calling for you. It looks serious.”
The feel of the wooden box under my hand reminds me that I finally have hope for Kai. Yet, there’s no ignoring a threat to my pack. I glance at Kai’s sleeping form, torn between staying and going. If the border is under attack, I’m needed. She’ll understand.
I take one last look at the box, then I nod at the watcher. “Lead me there.”
Chapter 13 - Kai
I jolt awake so fast, I almost slide off the bed, my heart hammering like it wants out of my chest. Last night feels like a fever dream. I remember Theo’s touch, his breath on my skin, and the way his body felt pressed against mine. That, and the aftermath—a haze of emotions and exhaustion—lingers in every fiber of my being. I must’ve passed out mid-thought, because now a small bottle sits on the table near me, complete with a note tucked beneath it.
I sit up, rubbing sleep from my eyes. My ribs ache, but less than before, which is already a victory. The bottle’s label is blurred, but the parchment under it reads: “For Kai—dose daily, one spoonful at dawn for a week.” It’s signed by Jade Thornton of River Valley.
Theo must’ve fetched this while I was sleeping. A flash of excitement zips through me. If Jade’s as skilled as rumors say, this could be the key to regaining my wolf.
I pop the cork, sniff the contents, and gag at the stench of sour herbs. Holding my breath, I pour a spoonful and down it. It’s bitter as sin and burns my throat. Still, a faint surge courses through my limbs, not a full restoration but a tiny spark. That alone gives me hope.
I test my balance by standing. My legs feel sturdier than they have in days. Another dose tomorrow might bring more improvement. Maybe soon I can reclaim the strength stolen by that wretched poison. Needing some fresh air, I tidy a few scattered papers, then head outside.
A handful of shifters linger by the fence I use for informal training, chatting quietly. They wave, and I nod back. Sorenessstill reminds me of that near-fatal ambush, but it doesn’t cripple me. It’s progress.
A teenage girl spots me and brightens. “Kai! We gonna practice again?”
I smirk. “In a bit. Gather the others who want in.”
She rushes off. I exhale, reminding myself not to overdo it. The potion’s helping, but my wolf is still muffled. We can’t rush the process.
I glance around, noting that Theo isn’t anywhere. He’s probably busy on pack business, likely dealing with border trouble. Since I’m here, I might as well keep training these novices.
I start by running a few footwork drills alone. My stances feel steadier. The teens trickle in, followed by some women and older shifters, and we warm up with basic punches and blocks. I watch their improvement. A month ago, they couldn’t tell a jab from a hook, and now they’re hitting with more confidence. A tiny swell of pride rises in me, especially since these lessons began as my way of staying busy.
Suddenly, a lazy voice interrupts. “Kai, you’re becoming quite a fixture here.”
I turn to see Jacob sauntering closer, wearing his trademark grin. He’s the youngest Hunt brother, known for sweet words that usually conceal a manipulative streak. “Didn’t expect to see you,” I tell him plainly.
He runs a hand through his hair and glances around at my class. “Heard you almost died. Thought you might be bored, given that Theo’s handling border tensions.”
I cross my arms, signaling this isn’t a friendly chat. “I’m never bored, especially when half the pack needs training.”
He chuckles. “You’re dedicated. Useful, even. Glad to see you haven’t let a little poison stop you.”
I raise a brow, but before I can respond, he adds, “It’s impressive, really. Not many would have the nerve to stay after what happened. Some might even call it reckless, considering.”
Considering? My wolf bristles, sensing something deeper beneath the surface.
