Page 7 of Brutal Alpha’s Sold Mate (Starfire Hollow Alphas #4)

I wake up startled, disoriented by the sheer luxury of uninterrupted sleep.

For a second, I’m certain something’s wrong—that Theo’s lurking nearby, waiting to spring some new torment.

But the room is silent, and when I glance toward the lounge chair across the room, I realize he’s still sprawled out, one arm slung over his face like he hasn’t got a care in the world.

He didn’t bother me when he got in last night. Not once.

That alone feels like some cosmic joke. I can’t remember the last time I slept more than a couple of hours at a stretch. And yet here I am, waking up from what feels like the deepest sleep I’ve had in weeks. My body aches, but not from tension. More like I’ve been given a reprieve I didn’t ask for.

I sit up slowly, careful not to make a sound, and rub the back of my neck.

Despite my brief escape into sleep, my mind immediately drifts to the problems waiting for me back home.

My pack. My brother. The demons that are likely still lurking on the outskirts of our territory, circling like vultures.

The area Theo’s pack calls home is quiet. Too quiet. It’s unnerving how peaceful everything feels here, tucked away from the chaos I left behind. But I can’t let myself be lulled into complacency.

Slipping out of bed, I pull on my boots and grab my jacket. Theo doesn’t stir, and for a moment, I’m tempted to test just how deep of a sleeper he is. But there’s no time for games.

The cabin door creaks as I push it open, and I cringe, freezing in place. When Theo doesn’t come storming after me, I step outside and let the cool morning settle over me.

The Black Cauldron pack’s territory is as rugged and unpolished as I expected, with clusters of cabins scattered among the trees, with narrow dirt paths connecting them.

For a pack that thrives on simplicity, their location is surprisingly strategic. Hidden deep in the forest, it’s well-protected yet close enough to the neighboring town to provide access to supplies. It’s the total opposite of East Hills, where modern convenience reigns supreme.

I keep to the shadows, avoiding the well-worn paths as I make my way deeper into the forest. The last thing I need is an impromptu meet-and-greet with someone from Theo’s pack. I’ve got to find a way to send a message to Alec, my real alpha, and Quincey.

If anyone can help me with this mess I’ve ended up in, it’s them.

The undergrowth is thick, but I move through it with ease, thanks to my years of training. The further I go, the quieter it gets, until all I can hear is the crunch of leaves beneath my boots and the distant call of birds.

I pause, scanning the area. This part of the territory seems less traveled. The few paths within eyeshot are faint and overgrown. Perfect.

Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the small scrap of paper I managed to scribble a note last night when Theo left. It’s crumpled and smudged, but the important parts are still legible. I just need to find a way to get this to Alec.

I crouch near a tree and spread the paper out on a flat rock as I consider my options. A carrier pigeon is out of the question—too slow, and who knows if Theo’s pack would intercept it. A direct call is impossible without a phone. That leaves a runner, someone who can deliver the message in person.

But who?

The sound of footsteps snaps me out of my thoughts. My pulse spikes, and I shove the paper back into my pocket as I straighten, glancing around for cover.

A figure emerges from the trees, tall and broad-shouldered with messy brown hair and a confident swagger that immediately sets me on edge. He’s dressed like the rest of Theo’s pack—rugged, practical clothes that suggest he spends more time outdoors than in.

“Lost?” he asks with a sly grin.

“Not exactly.” I step back, keeping a neutral expression.

His eyes sweep over me from top to bottom. “You’re Theo’s new luna.”

The title makes my skin crawl, but I don’t correct him. “That’s what they tell me.”

He grins, and it’s not entirely friendly. “Word travels fast around here. People are curious about you.”

“I’m not here to satisfy anyone’s curiosity.”

“Fair enough.” He leans against a nearby tree, crossing his arms. “But wandering off alone in woods you aren’t familiar with? Not the smartest move. Theo’s not gonna like it if something happens to you.”

“Let me guess. You’re here to drag me back?”

“Not unless you give me a reason to. You’re an interesting choice for Theo. Bit of a spitfire, aren’t you?”

“I’m not a ‘choice.’”

“Sure you are.” He shrugs. “Everything Theo does is calculated. If he picked you, there’s a reason.”

“Maybe he just wanted someone who wouldn’t roll over and play nice. You know, someone to keep him on his toes.”

The shifter chuckles and pushes off the tree before taking a step closer. “That doesn’t sound like Theo. He usually goes for the kind of she-wolves who roll over and show their belly.”

“If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”

“Relax. I’m just curious.” He tilts his head, studying me like I’m the most interesting person he’s seen in a while. “You’re not what I expected, that’s all.”

“Good. I’d hate to be predictable.”

His smile turns sharper, and he nods toward the direction I came from. “Better head back before Theo starts looking for you. He’s not exactly known for his patience.”

“I can handle Theo.”

“Can you?”

The challenge in his tone is impossible to miss, but I don’t rise to it. Instead, I give him a pointed look and turn to walk away, back in the direction I was heading, forcing myself to keep my pace steady despite the unease prickling at the back of my neck.

I can feel his eyes on me as I disappear into the trees. The paper in my pocket feels even more vital than before, and I pat it as I put more distance between us. I need to figure out a way to get this message to Alec, and I need to do it fast.

I don’t make it far before the rustle of leaves behind me says he’s following. I curse under my breath. Of course, Theo’s pack can’t just leave me alone for two seconds.

The shifter catches up easily and falls into step beside me with an annoying smirk on his face.

“So, where are we headed?” he asks.

I snort. “I wasn’t aware I needed a chaperone.”

“You don’t. But out here, it’s better to have one. Plenty of things lurking in these woods.”

I stop abruptly, turning to face him. “Are you planning to keep shadowing me? Do you really have nothing better to do with your morning?”

His grin widens, and he steps closer. “You’re a fiery one, aren’t you? You know, I can see why Theo picked you, now that I think about it. It’s a symbolism thing for the neighboring packs.”

“You keep saying that like I’m some prize he won at the fair,” I snap, taking a step back.

“Not a prize. More like an insurance policy. Theo’s never been one to back down from a fight. And with a luna like you beside him?” He lets out a low whistle.

I fold my arms, planting my feet as I glare up at him. “I’m not here to help anyone fight, least of all Theo.”

“Is that right?” He taps his chin. “You’ve got spirit. That’s rare around here.”

“Thanks for the compliment,” I say dryly, “but I don’t need validation from someone who can’t seem to respect personal space.”

The shifter raises his hands in mock surrender, though he doesn’t move back. “Relax. I’m just trying to figure you out.”

“Here’s a tip: don’t.”

Before he can respond, a low growl cuts through the trees, and I glance over his shoulder just in time to see Theo storming toward us. His expression is thunderous, and every step he takes is purposeful. The energy rolling off him makes it clear he’s not in the mood for games.

“Jacob,” Theo barks, his voice cold enough to make the shifter—Jacob, apparently—turn with a slight flinch.

“Hey, big brother,” Jacob greets him with a lopsided grin, though he steps away from me quickly. “I heard through the grapevine you were keeping company.”

“She’s not your company,” Theo barks, coming to stand between us. His gaze cuts to me briefly before returning to Jacob. “She’s my mate.”

Jacob’s eyes widen in genuine surprise, and for a moment, the grin slips. “Mate? Since when was that made official?”

“Not your business,” Theo growls.

Jacob recovers quickly, and his grin returns with a mischievous edge. “Well, this is a twist. The almighty Theo, tying the knot. I knew that’s why you brought her here, but I didn’t think you’d actually go through with it. Does the rest of the pack know?”

“They’ll know when I decide they need to,” Theo declares.

Jacob chuckles, clearly enjoying this far more than he should. “Oh, they’re going to love this. You, settling down? I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Don’t push me, Jacob,” Theo warns.

“Relax, I’m not here to start a fight,” Jacob insists, holding up his hands again. “In fact, we should celebrate. A new luna deserves a proper welcome, don’t you think?”

Theo’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t respond.

I glance between the two of them, equal parts annoyed and fascinated. Their exchange is loaded with tension, but it’s the kind that comes from familiarity. The kind that only brothers can share.

Jacob turns to me. “What do you say, Luna? Up for a party?”

“No,” Theo cuts in before I can answer.

“Aw, come on, Theo. Lighten up,” Jacob says, clearly enjoying the chance to needle him. “It’s not every day an alpha around here gets a mate.”

“I said no,” Theo growls.

Jacob shrugs, unfazed. “Suit yourself. But don’t expect this to stay a secret for long. You know how much the pack loves a good story.”

Theo’s glare could probably melt steel, but Jacob just laughs and gives me one last wink before turning and disappearing into the trees.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Theo demands.

“Excuse me?”

“Wandering off on your own. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?”

“I can take care of myself,” I scoff.

“Clearly,” he says dryly, gesturing toward where Jacob had been standing. “You were doing a great job handling my brother.”

“I didn’t know he was your brother,” I shoot back. “And for the record, I was handling it just fine.”

“Jacob’s not someone you handle,” Theo states. “He’s someone you avoid.”

“Oh, so now you’re the one giving me rules?” I fold my arms, glaring up at him. “Let me guess. Rule number one: don’t leave the cabin. Rule number two: don’t talk to anyone. Rule number three: wait around like a good little luna while you handle everything.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth.”

“Then stop acting like you get to control what I do,” I fire back. “Okay, technically, you have the ability, but don’t forget you gave me your word you wouldn’t use it.”

“I’m trying to keep you alive,” he says, his tone clipped. “You think Jacob is bad? Just wait until you have a run-in with our other brother, Reed. You haven’t even met the rest of the pack.”

“Maybe I don’t want to meet them,” I shoot back. “Maybe I’d rather deal with the demons back home than sit around here waiting for someone else to fix my problems.”

His eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think he’s going to explode. Instead, he takes a step back and drags a hand through his hair.

“You don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what?” I demand.

“This isn’t just about you. Now that Jacob knows you’re here, the rest of the pack will find out. We don’t have control over the narrative anymore. I was planning to introduce you the right way. The proper way/”

“Maybe if you didn’t make enemies out of your own pack, this wouldn’t be a problem.”

“You don’t know anything about my pack.”

“Then enlighten me,” I challenge.

“You wouldn’t understand,” he insists, shaking his head. “Just… don’t wander off again. Not unless you want to find out exactly how dangerous my family can be.”

I hold his gaze, refusing to back down. “I’m not afraid of your family, Theo. And I’m not going to let you treat me like a prisoner.”

“Fine,” he bites. “Do whatever you want. Just don’t come crying to me when it blows up in your face.”

“Don’t you worry, Theo. I won’t come crying to you for anything.”

He whips around and stalks off into the trees without another word. I watch him go, my hands clenched into shaking fists at my sides.

Part of me wants to scream after him, to hurl every insult I can think of until he’s as angry as I am. But I don’t. Instead, I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus.

I still have a message to deliver somehow, and I’m not about to let Theo—or his family—stop me.