Page 18 of Brutal Alpha’s Sold Mate (Starfire Hollow Alphas #4)

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. Soreness still 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.

“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.”

Jacob glares. “You’re making a mistake.”

Theo motions to two watchers hovering nearby. “Escort him to the border. If he resists, cage him.”

Jacob casts a final glare at me before stalking off with the watchers. Once he vanishes around the corner, Theo exhales.

I meet his eyes. There are so many things I want to say, but one stands out: he didn’t have to defend me like that, but he did. Theo stood by me against his own brother. I don’t know what to make of that, especially when I’ve been questioning everything.

He turns his focus fully on me. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I rub a hand over my forehead. “I can’t believe Jacob was behind the attack.”

“He’ll get his due.” Theo hesitates. “I shouldn’t have left you alone. Heath reported a skirmish, and I thought it best to hurry. Sorry.”

I wave him off. “Don’t worry about me. You have a pack to lead. Besides, I can handle Jacob. Especially since it seems you found an antidote?”

He grins. “You saw. That potion was sent by Jade Thornton. She’s—”

“I know who she is,” I cut in. “Damien’s mate. I have to say, I’m a little surprised you actually sought help outside the pack. Don’t you guys usually prefer to be self-sufficient?”

“I had to try,” Theo says simply. “For you.”

I nod, unsure how to respond. My emotions are a tangle of conflicting desires. I want to trust him, but I don’t want to make a fool of myself. I don’t know what it means when he defends me. I’m still not certain of anything between us.

The only thing I’m certain of is that we have to prepare the pack.

Threats are coming from all sides, and we can’t afford to ignore them.

I’ll do everything I can to get back into fighting form.

I’ll train the new fighters until they’re a force to be reckoned with.

And no matter what, I won’t let Jacob catch me unprepared again.