Page 48 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
That night, I can’t sleep. I lie in bed, staring at Theo’s sleeping body next to mine. He stirs occasionally, furrowing his brow, likely dreaming about battles and strategies. My heart cracks at the sight.
You can’t let him do this alone, my wolf growls.But he won’t listen to me, I argue back. And that leaves only one option: get reinforcements.
By dawn, my decision is made. I’ll find the right moment to slip away, head to East Hills, and track down Quincey. Let him know I’m alive, let him know the dangers Theo is courting. Maybe together, we can stop Theo from plunging into a pointless war.
I sit on the edge of the bed, watching Theo’s sleeping figure. Memories flood my mind: the day he carried me like I weighed nothing, the first time we shared a bed, the whispered confessions in the darkest hours of night. My wolf whines softly, torn between wanting to stay by his side and the reality that we can’t shield him from himself.
My entire body trembles with the choice, but I know it’s the only path left. Because if I do nothing, Theo might pay the price in a showdown that’ll break us both.
And that’s a risk I can’t take.
Chapter 18 - Theo
I’m pretty sure the sun’s never shone brighter than it does today, or maybe I’m just in a good mood because Kai insisted on another trip to town. Either way, I’m not complaining. The moment she walked up to me this morning and said she wanted a day off—no training, no watchers, just us—I practically jumped at the chance. This is the first time in ages I’ve felt genuine excitement that has nothing to do with territory disputes or half-baked plans to take down my brothers.
She sits beside me in the truck, looking over a short list she scribbled right before we left. I spot items like “new boots,” “maybe a dress,” and “treats” jotted in her neat handwriting. The last line makes me grin. A treat for her or for me? Either way, I’m in.
She looks up, catching my sideways glance. “Quit gawking and keep your eyes on the road, mister alpha.”
I snicker. “Yes, ma’am. Just letting myself appreciate how you look today.”
Her cheeks color. “You’re laying it on thick.”
“I aim to please.”
Despite rolling her eyes, she can’t hide a small smile. It’s the kind of smile that feels like a private victory, reminding me how far we’ve come from the day she arrived, when she’d do little more than hiss at me like a cornered cat. Back then, I never thought she’d be riding shotgun in my old beater truck, ready for a carefree day together.
We reach the same parking spot we used last time, near the general store. The place is full of people chatting, loading supplies, and grabbing midday meals from a row of streetvendors. I hop out first and speed around the truck to open her door. She arches a brow at my gesture.
“I can open my own door, you know,” she teases.
I offer a playful shrug. “I just like spoiling you. Is that a crime?”
“Not at all,” she replies, sliding down. She fiddles with the cuffs of her new jacket, and I can’t help noticing how it hugs her form. Not that I’d ever complain about any clothes she wears.
“Tell me the plan,” I say, falling into step beside her.
She consults her list. “We start with the boots, then maybe a dress—because apparently I’m due for something that’s not combat attire. Then we eat something sweet, because I have an incurable sweet tooth lately. Sound good?”
“That’s the best plan I’ve heard all week. Lead on.”
We stroll toward a shop on the main street. It’s a cozy little place with a wooden sign showing a boot silhouette. Inside, rows of footwear line the walls. The owner, an older wolf with a graying beard, greets us courteously. Kai heads straight for a display of sturdy boots.
“This pair is a close match to my size,” she comments, pulling one boot off the shelf. “Seems rugged enough for training sessions. Not too flashy.”
“Try it on,” I urge. “We can find something flashier if you want to show off.”
She smirks. “I show off with my fists, not my footwear.”
I chuckle. “Point taken.”
She tests the boots and walks a few paces, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Satisfied, she glances my way. “They’ll do. What do you think?”
I hold out my arms. “They look perfect for kicking me in the ribs if I ever mouth off.”
“Exactly what I had in mind,” she deadpans. Then she snickers when I pretend to cringe in fear.
After paying, we step back onto the street. She thanks me with a small nod, and we continue strolling. The sun’s rays beam down on us, hot enough that I tug off my jacket and drape it over my arm. A few pack members wave at us from across the road, but none approach. Kai and I get a wide berth, just like last time.
