Page 14 of My Broken Mate

“Alright. So, tell me more about yourself,” I offer.

“Oh, where do I start?” Joel grins. “I have the two cutest siblings ever,” he says.

“Can’t be cuter than mine,” I say.

Joel elbows me. “I knew you had a soft side to you. But I have the cutest little sister and the cutest little brother.”

“My brothers are the sweetest,” I argue. There are many things that are uncertain, but my love for my siblings isn’t.

We both chuckle before Joel continues to tell me more about his siblings. Just like my brothers and I, they are orphaned, but they seem to be doing well. Much better than my brothers and I do. I can’t help the little sting of envy at that, but I will it down. Maybe I can learn something from Joel instead. He also talks about Katalina, his younger sister and the girl Remy is supposed to tutor. Seems like she is a lively, kind girl, almost a bit too kind. I think it will be great for Remy to get to know her and Joel’s family.

Having talked to him puts my mind more at ease, and it makes me double down on my decision that this is indeed good for my little brother. I tell him a bit about my siblings, but keep it more about their character, not going too deep. I don’t trust him enough yet, and to my relief, he doesn’t push me either.

“Here you guys are!” Alexander, one of the older alphas who was clicking well with Joel, approaches us. “Care to invite an old man to your little private gathering?”

I don’t usually hang out with a lot of other alphas, but Alexander is an exception. He has been very supportive of me since I can remember. “Of course, sit down.”

“Good to see the young generation getting along,” Alexander says, before turning towards Joel. “We only briefly met before and didn’t have the chance to chat properly. I am the alpha of Mountain Valley pack.”

“I have heard about you,” Joel says, shaking his hand. “My uncle hated you, which means you are probably worth hanging out with.”

Alexander grins. “You don’t take any prisoners, do you?”

“Never,” Joel says.

“I like that.” He elbows me. “Something you two share, Sean.

“Are you two close?” Joel asks.

“We go back a long time,” I explain. “I have known Alexander since I was a kid. My father hated him, too, just like your uncle did.”

Joel chuckles. “How come he let you close to his pack and son then, Alpha Alexander?”

“I have influence and money,” Alexander says in his usual dry manner.

Joel just grins. “Makes sense.”

It’s a new experience for me to be that casual and to actually let loose a bit. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, but I can’t help but feel more relaxed than I usually am.

It’s getting very late, and since we had a few drinks, most of us decide to stay in the nearby hotel. There are normally a few rooms booked for us for such meetings, just in case. We say our goodnights before we retire to our rooms. Alexander and I happen to be on the same floor. “It’s good to see you like that,” he says.

“Like what?” I ask.

“Smiling.” A smile curls his lips. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you happy.”

“I’m not sure if that’s good,” I admit. “Alex. Smiling is a weakness.”

“Your father said that,” he mutters. “And I disagree. He was an idiot. Just be yourself. If you set such an example, your brothers and your pack will follow you.” He smirks. “Well, I don’t think I have to worry, as it’s not like Alpha Joel seems to be the guy to let go of his prey anytime soon.”

“You think I am his prey?” I ask.

Alexander just laughs and squeezes my shoulder. “Good night, Sean.”

Chapter four

The First Step

*KAT*