Page 36 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
“Considering what?” I ask.
Jacob shrugs. “Oh, just that trouble seems to follow you. No one could blame you if you decided this pack wasn’t worth the headache.”
That’s it. My instincts blare an alarm inside my skull. He’s fishing, testing me, and I’m not about to let him get away with it.
“Combos, everyone!” I call out to my students, trying to redirect their attention away from us. As they refocus, I motion for Jacob to follow me. We head near a low shed, away from curious ears.
“Spit it out,” I demand once we’re alone. “What are you really getting at?”
He sighs, all faux innocence. “Just checking how you’ve settled in. You’re an outsider, yet you’ve inserted yourself into everything, training the pack, acting like you own the place.”
A flicker of anger stirs. “They needed someone to teach them. You have a problem with that?”
“Actually, it’s convenient. You whip them into shape, and you stay out of silly concerns. Like investigating your attacker, for instance.”
My pulse spikes. “Silly concerns? That’s my life we’re talking about.”
He offers a shrug. “Sure, but pointing fingers at Reed doesn’t help. If Reed wanted you dead, he’d do it upfront, not stage some secret ambush.”
I watch him carefully, reading the smugness under that polite mask. “So you think the attempt was staged by a random rogue?”
“Could be. But you never know who’s pulling the strings.”
“You sound proud of whoever did it.”
“It’s interesting how easy it was to stir suspicion toward Reed, right? One or two planted rumors, a hint of footprints. Meanwhile, nobody suspects the brother who stays out of the unfolding drama.” He leans in. “If I were you, I’d run on home before someone tries again.”
Fury ignites in me. “So you’re behind the attack?”
“Why jump to conclusions?” he asks, letting the threat dangle. “You can’t pin anything on me. Theo’s fixated on Reed, anyway.”
I fight the urge to slam a fist into his face. “You messed with the wrong wolf. Don’t think I’ll let this go.”
“Your wolf is barely functioning. I doubt you’re in shape to fight me. So take this warning: stay out of my affairs. Stop training this pitiful army like it’s going to secure the alpha position for Theo. Let the chips fall where they may.”
I step closer, baring my teeth. “Try me. I won’t be easy prey next time.”
He sneers. “We’ll see. Even if you do recover, you’ll never catch me unprepared.”
My knuckles itch to strike him, but a voice cuts in. “Problem, brother?”
Theo strides up, and Jacob’s smile falters. “Theo,” Jacob says. “Just a friendly chat with your mate. She’s wound tight.”
Theo doesn’t move his gaze from Jacob. “Friendly chat? Doesn’t look that way.”
Jacob shrugs. “Kai’s oversensitive after nearly dying. I was offering advice.”
A growl rumbles in his throat. “Advice to do what, roll over and die? Or maybe not investigate who tried to murder her?”
Jacob’s eyes narrow. “You’re paranoid. She misunderstood me.”
“He practically admitted to organizing my ambush, or at least taking credit,” I remind him.
Theo’s jaw clenches. “If that’s true, I’ve given you too much leeway, Jacob.”
Jacob spreads his hands. “No proof, big brother. What are you going to do without evidence?”
Theo’s voice is cold. “You threatened Kai. That’s enough. I’m revoking your invitation here. You so much as set foot on my land again, I'll lock you up.”
