Page 13 of Alpha's Claim
Bryce shot him a grin, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Yeah, well, mares generally are. You don’t so much as tell a mare as you ask her. They’re kind of like most females, stubborn comes naturally, especially if they’re being forced.” Bryce clicked his tongue at the horse, bringing her back around with a steady hand.
“Why is it I get the feeling you’re trying to tell me something?”
Bryce shrugged, “Because you’re smarter than most people think?”
Colt grunted, watching as Bryce worked the mare with an easy confidence. His brother had a gift with horses—patience and persistence, the right balance between firmness and gentleness. It was a skill Colt had always admired, though it drove him crazy when Bryce applied the same carefree attitude to everything else in life.
Bryce gave the lunge whip a gentle flick—nowhere near actually touching her with it but enough to send the mare into a smooth trot. Then, with a glance over his shoulder, he shot Colt a smirk that immediately put Colt on edge.
“So,” Bryce drawled, dragging the word out, “you gonna tell me about this mystery woman who showed up out of nowhere? Or do I have to guess?”
Colt growled softly, warning him off. “Don’t start, Bryce.”
Bryce chuckled, clearly not deterred. “Come on, big brother, it’s not every day that destiny just drops your fated mate into your hands.” He winked, the lunge line still loose in his hand. “Gotta say, I never figured you for the dramatic type.”
Colt’s wolf bristled, stirring beneath his skin, but he kept himself in check. “She’s been through hell,” he said, his voice low and firm. “Back off, Bryce. This isn’t a joke.”
Bryce held up his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. “All right, all right. No need to growl at me, Alpha.” His grin widened. “Just saying, if she’s the one, maybe you should start thinking about how you’re going to handle her and the rest of the pack. At least Etta’s on her side.”
“What do you mean?” Colt asked, shooting him a look that promised retribution.
“Nothing much, but when she overheard a couple of she-wolves grumbling, she set them straight.”
Before Colt could say anything else, the sharp scent of perfume hit his nose—an unwelcome interruption that made his mood sour further.
“Colt,” Elle’s voice cooed, smooth as silk and every bit as irritating. She sidled up to him, her hand trailing along the top of the fence in what she probably thought was a coy gesture. Her smile was practiced, sly, and Colt could already feel the headache forming.
“I was just thinking,” Elle said sweetly, “about that little discussion we had a couple of days ago. You know… about your need for a mate.” Her gaze flicked between Colt and Bryce, the latter of which was clearly enjoying the exchange far too much. “The pack should probably circle back to that if and when you’re ready.”
For a second, Colt was startled—he’d forgotten completely about that conversation. Briar tumbling into their lives had put an end to that need.
He cleared his throat, keeping his tone even but firm. “Don’t worry about that, Elle. It won’t be necessary.”
Her smile faltered, surprise flickering in her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Colt turned toward her, his expression cool. “I mean it’s taken care of.”
Elle’s smile slipped further, irritation creeping into her features. “Taken care of?” she echoed, her tone sharp. “You can’t just change your mind...”
“Yes, I can,” Colt cut her off, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an alpha. “And I just did.”
The irritation on her face deepened, her lips pressing into a thin line. But Colt held her gaze, unyielding. Whatever plans Elle might have had, they didn’t matter anymore.
“Go on, Elle,” he said, his voice low but leaving no room for argument. “This conversation is over.”
Her eyes flashed with annoyance, but she didn’t dare argue. With a sharp huff, she turned on her heel and stalked off, her boots kicking up little puffs of dust as she went.
Bryce snorted, clearly entertained by the whole exchange. “You know she’s not going to take that well, right?”
Colt gave a low, rumbling chuckle, the tension easing slightly now that Elle was gone. “When does she ever?”
Bryce leaned against the fence, grinning like a fool. “You’re gonna have to make an announcement soon, Colt. Otherwise, Elle won’t be the only one coming after you. Once word gets out, every eligible she-wolf in the pack—and some outside it—are going to come sniffing around.”
Colt shot him a dark look, though there was a trace of amusement behind it. “Thanks for the warning, little brother.”
Bryce’s grin only widened. “Anytime, Alpha.”
Colt shook his head, chuckling quietly as he turned back toward the house. His wolf stirred within him, eager to check on Briar, but Colt pushed the instinct down. She needed time—small steps. There was no need to rush, no need to overwhelm her with things she couldn’t yet understand.