Page 22 of Brutal Alpha’s Sold Mate (Starfire Hollow Alphas #4)

I’m grinning like I’ve just conquered a kingdom, and it’s all because Kai agreed to go to town with me. It’s the most mundane thing—running errands, picking up essentials—but something about it feels fresh, almost like a break from all the drama I’ve been swimming in.

We head out in a beat-up truck that’s somehow survived more border scuffles than I can count.

Kai sits beside me, fiddling with the radio until she finds some random station.

A faint tune crackles through the speakers.

I keep my eyes on the road, trying not to think about how close her knee is to mine.

“So,” she says, glancing at the paper in her lap. “We’ve got some toothpaste, a new pair of shoes, maybe a jacket since mine’s basically in shreds… anything else on your list?”

“Nothing urgent,” I reply. “Might grab a spare set of clothes, but I’m easy.”

She snorts. “You say that, but I’ve seen your closet. Half those shirts have holes.”

I laugh. “We’ll see if we can find something in my size.”

The drive to the town center is smoother than usual. I notice a calmness in my chest, a sense of relief. No watchers tagging behind me for once, no urgent business about packs and borders. Just Kai, me, and a few errands.

When we reach the town’s small parking area, I hop out and offer her a hand. She ignores it and jumps down on her own, which makes me smirk.

“Independent as ever,” I remark.

She rolls her eyes. “Let’s just do this before you start bossing me around again.”

We stroll toward the first row of shops. A few other wolves from my pack wander around, but they give us space, probably sensing I don’t want to discuss pack matters right now. Kai tugs me toward a store with a wooden sign overhead. The place sells hygiene items and random everyday essentials.

Inside, she starts perusing the shelves. I stand behind her, trying not to look too out of place in the aisle full of shampoos and lotions. She picks up a few items, checks the labels, and glances back at me. “Any idea if your pack’s got allergies to these ingredients?”

I shrug. “Not a clue, but you’re shopping for yourself, so I’d say go for it. My pack can manage if the smell offends their delicate noses.”

She laughs, and the sound dances through the store. I realize I like hearing her relaxed like that. It’s rare. Usually, she’s on edge and full of focus, training novices, planning new combat drills. Here, she’s just… Kai.

She grabs a shampoo bottle. “This one should help wash out the leftover chemical stench from that potion. Jade might be working on my insides, but I still feel grimy.”

“Pick whatever helps. I’m paying.” She starts to protest, but I cut her off. “Don’t argue. Consider it a small apology for all the ways I messed up your life.”

Her shoulders tense, then loosen. “Fine. You’re paying.” She tosses the bottle in a small basket. “You know how to ruin a moment, don’t you?”

I let out a breathy chuckle. “I’m trying to fix stuff, not ruin it.”

She eyes me with a mix of amusement and curiosity, then nudges my side. “All right, big spender. Come on. I need that new jacket.”

We step back onto the sidewalk. The day is bright, and the sky is clear overhead.

Black Cauldron bustles with wolves and a few humans passing through.

Kai points to a boutique at the corner, and we wander inside.

Jackets, shirts, and other garments hang in neat rows.

She starts flipping through racks, checking sizes.

“Looking for anything in particular?” I ask.

“Something sturdy. My last jacket got torn to pieces in that scuffle. Don’t want to risk more cheap stuff.”

“Makes sense. Try that one.” I point to a dark, fitted style on the rack. She slides it off the hanger and holds it up to her torso. She looks amazing without even trying it on.

She glances in my direction, noticing my stare. “What?”

“Nothing,” I say quickly, “just… suits you.” I’m not lying. The color complements her eyes perfectly.

Her cheeks turn the tiniest bit pink, but she masks it by shrugging the jacket on. “Zipper works. Sleeves fit. Not bad.”

“Check the price. I’m no billionaire alpha, but I can afford something decent.”

She peeks at the tag. “Not cheap, but not crazy.”

I grin. “Deal.”

As we check out, the owner offers a mild greeting.

Kai slides the jacket over her arm, beaming at me in a way that makes my chest flutter.

I can’t remember the last time I felt this free.

No border disputes, no watchers trailing behind me with dire reports.

Just me and the woman I never expected to want by my side.

Outside, I spot a small café and nudge her. “Hungry? You said you skipped lunch. Maybe something sweet?”

“Sugar,” she agrees. “Great for a warrior’s diet.”

I lead her toward the café, ignoring any stares from passing wolves. The place is cozy, with a few tables scattered around offering pastries and drinks. I order something sweet for us both, some sort of pastry drizzled with icing. She eyes it warily, then takes a bite, groaning at how good it is.

“Okay,” she mumbles around a mouthful. “I can’t even pretend this isn’t delicious.”

I laugh, polishing off my pastry. “Told you.”

She swipes a crumb off the corner of her mouth, studying me. “You’re in an unusually good mood. Usually, you’re all gruff and alpha-y.”

I lean back in my chair, stretching my legs. “Ever think maybe I’m tired of being gruff and alpha-y?”

“Yeah. I can see that.”

We finish our pastries, sipping on drinks that are a bit too sweet for everyday taste but perfect for this moment.

Once again, I get the feeling we’re on a date—an actual date, not a forced mate arrangement or a pack strategy meeting.

My heart skips a beat, which is ridiculous, because I’m an alpha, right?

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 us a 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.”

She looks at me with that mix of admiration and quiet respect. “You know, it’s nice seeing you handle things calmly instead of punching first.”

I grin. “What can I say? I’m growing. Maybe you’re rubbing off on me.”

A sly smile touches her lips. “I’ll take credit if it means fewer bruises for you.”

We sit there a bit longer, letting the day’s events sink in. Eventually, I glance at the time. “We should probably head back. We’ve been away from reality long enough, I suppose.”

I stand, offering her a hand this time. She stares at it, then takes it with a playful roll of her eyes. My chest flutters at the contact. Strange how a simple gesture can mean so much.

We gather our bags and stroll back to the truck. My mind’s still replaying that conversation with Reed—how I apologized and didn’t bother trying to come out on top. For once, I feel like I've gotten somewhere without violence or intimidation. It’s a nice feeling.

Kai loads her purchases, and I slide into the driver’s seat. She settles in beside me, hooking a seatbelt. I start the engine, and the truck rumbles to life. Neither of us speaks, but the quiet is comfortable, like we’ve shared something meaningful.

After a while, she leans her head back. “This was fun, you know. Actually fun. Like a real date.”

I grin at the road. “Pretty sure grabbing shampoo and jackets is the peak of romance in these parts.”

She laughs. “Don’t sell yourself short. You even sprang for pastries.”

I chuckle, remembering how she devoured that sweet treat. “Okay, fine. Best date we’ve had so far, then.”

“Yeah. Best so far.”

We drive on, the pack’s territory looming in the distance.

I realize that I don’t feel dread returning to the day-to-day.

For once, I’m looking forward to it—looking forward to implementing that mandatory training, letting everyone see that we’re not just talk.

And maybe continuing this strange, wonderful closeness with Kai for as long as she’ll allow it.

When the truck finally rattles onto the familiar path toward my cabin, I park near the front, next to the SUV I take when I venture into other pack territories for show.

Kai gathers her bags as I do the same, stepping out.

She hoists the jacket over her shoulder, glancing around.

A few watchers pass by, nodding politely.

No urgent crises today. No new fires to put out.

She turns to me. “Thanks for… everything. Today was nice.”

I reach out, letting my hand brush hers. “Could do it again sometime, if you’re up for it.”

A spark dances in her eyes. “Maybe. If you don’t get roped into a border skirmish or an unstoppable training schedule.”

I smirk. “Let me know, and I’ll carve out time. I can outrun my watchers if I must.”

She shakes her head, but her grin is real. We start inside, though she pauses at the door. “Theo, about Reed—”

“I’m okay,” I say, cutting her off gently. “I got the apology off my chest, and it feels good. I’m not even mad he still won’t call me alpha. He can take all the time he needs.”

Her eyes light with pride. “Then I’m proud of you.”

The words seep into me, warm and comforting. “Thanks. I’m kind of proud of myself, too.”

With that, we step into the cabin. I shut the door, thinking about how, for once, I don’t need to “win” an argument. Some victories come from letting go.