Page 44 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
Suddenly, I catch a glimpse of someone’s broad back across the street, rummaging in a store display. My stomach clenches. It’s Reed. His presence jolts me. I glance at Kai, who notices him, too. The energy around us dips.
She sets her drink down and flits her eyes to me. “Up to you. We can avoid him if you want.”
I breathe out slowly. “No. He’s my brother. I can’t keep ducking him.”
We leave the café and cross the street. Reed is browsing a selection of hunting supplies. He turns and spots us. Tension instantly ripples over his stance. Despite everything, I step closer with Kai at my side.
“Reed,” I greet him, forcing a neutral tone.
He looks at me, then at Kai, then back at me. “Out shopping?”
I nod. “Kai needed some things. Figured we’d get errands done.”
He grunts. “Didn’t think you left your territory for casual stuff.”
“It’s time we lived a little,” I answer, hoping to keep things civil. “You’re in town, too.”
He shrugs. “Needed a new blade. One of my watchers broke my old one, so here I am.” His gaze slides to Kai, then back to me. “I also heard about Jacob. His underhanded stunts. Guess you finally know the truth.”
My body coils with the old reflex to lash out, but I hold it together. “Yeah. Turns out he was the sneaky one, not you. Sorry for pinning the raids on you.”
“I told you I’d challenge you out in the open if I wanted to take you down, not some hidden attack.”
“You did,” I admit. “And I was… wrong.” The word tastes bitter, but I get it out. “I let my anger blind me.”
He’s silent for a moment, then nods. “At least you’re owning it.”
We stand in uneasy stillness. It’s not exactly hugging and reconciling. But it’s a start.
Kai’s quiet, letting me handle this. Reed crosses his arms and takes a long look at me. “So we’re clear, I still don’t acknowledge you as alpha, but I’m not supporting Jacob’s underhanded moves, either. He’s a coward if he thinks that’s the way to do things.”
“Good,” I reply. “I appreciate that, even if you don’t see me as alpha yet.”
He looks like he’s about to say more, then just nods and turns. “I’ll see you around, brother. Don’t get too soft playing house.”
I almost grin at the jab. “No promises.”
He walks off, disappearing into the store. I watch him go, waiting for the usual wave of frustration to wash over me. But it never comes. Instead, I feel lighter, like I actually accomplished something by just admitting fault instead of wrestling him to the ground.
Kai sets a hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you. Owning up to your mistake can’t be easy, but it’s the right step.”
A small smile tugs at my mouth. “I usually like winning arguments. Didn’t think an apology would feel this good.”
“You didn’t lose, either. You gained peace of mind.”
My pulse picks up at her nearness. “That’s one way to put it.”
We wander away from the store as the tension fades. The day still feels warm and bright, as if the world decided to give usa break. We end up passing a little park. A worn bench sits near a patch of wildflowers. Kai eyes it, then glances at me. “Sit for a minute?”
I nod, and we settle next to each other, watching a couple of pups chase each other nearby. It’s oddly peaceful, seeing normal pack members living normal lives. No fights, no watchers trailing us, no big power plays.
She exhales and leans back. “I think Reed handled that well.”
I snort. “Yep. He’s a piece of work, but at least he’s not a coward. I respect that about him.”
“He respected your apology, even if he didn’t say it out loud.”
I brush a hand over my thigh, thinking. “We’re not best friends, but maybe we can handle each other like adults now. That’s worth something.”
