Page 20 of Alpha's Claim

He had been attentive—soattentive. Too attentive, really. There was a steady warmth in his gaze whenever their eyes met, a quiet protectiveness in the way he made sure she was comfortable, fed, and looked after. He didn’t hover, but he was always there when she needed him, his presence grounding her in ways she didn’t fully understand.

And it wasn’t just his kindness that left her breathless—it was him. His deep, rumbling voice that seemed to wrap around her like a blanket, the way he moved with quiet power, the intensity in his eyes whenever they spoke. Colt made her feel seen, like she mattered. Like she belonged here with him. It was more than she had ever expected, and the realization terrified her almost as much as it thrilled her.

Briar closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself bask in the quiet joy of it, just for a little while longer. She needed to believethat this could be real, that she could stay. That the past would stay buried and never catch up with her.

The next day Briar was back in the garden, her hands buried in the cool soil as she worked to reclaim the neglected beds. The physical labor soothed her restless mind, giving her something tangible to focus on as she pulled weeds, trimmed vines, and coaxed life back into the plants. The sun was warm on her skin, and the small, round-faced cat who had taken a liking to her lounged nearby, occasionally swatting at a stray leaf or flower.

Her thoughts drifted as she worked, wandering into daydreams. She thought about the little plaque she’d have made for the garden once it was fully restored—something simple, in honor of Colt’s mother. Maybe he’d like that. The thought of surprising him with something meaningful made her happy in a way that was unexpected and bittersweet. It would embody the part of her that would always remain here.

She paused for a moment, brushing dirt from her hands and tucking a stray curl behind her ear. The idea of Colt smiling, genuinely touched by her efforts, made her feel warm in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the approach of footsteps until it was too late.

“Well, well,” a familiar voice drawled from behind her. “If it isn’t our friendly, resident gardener.”

Briar stiffened, the warmth that had enveloped her only a moment before vanishing like a wisp of smoke. She turned slowly to find Elle standing at the garden gate, her arms crossedand her lips curled into a smug, knowing smile. She wondered vaguely and in passing if she could turn Elle into a toad.

“Busy little bee, aren’t you?” Elle continued, her tone laced with thinly veiled contempt. She stepped into the garden, her sharp gaze raking over Briar as if searching for weaknesses to exploit.

Briar forced herself to stay calm, though her heart thudded uncomfortably in her chest. “Just trying to make myself useful,” she replied evenly, turning back to her work.

Elle’s laugh was soft and unpleasant, like the rustle of dry leaves. “Oh, you’re definitely making yourself useful,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension. “At least to Colt.”

Briar ignored the jab, keeping her hands busy with the plants, but Elle wasn’t finished.

“What exactly are you doing here?” Elle asked, her voice sharper now. “What are your intentions where Colt is concerned?”

Briar’s hands stilled, and she slowly rose to her feet, brushing the dirt from her palms as she met Elle’s gaze head-on. “I don’t have any intentions, and even if I did, what business of yours would it be?” she said carefully, though the words felt hollow even to her own ears.

Elle’s eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer, her expression turning cold. “He’s mine, you know,” she said, holding up her hand to show off a glittering ring on her finger. The diamond caught the sunlight, sparkling like a challenge.

Briar blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. “You’re... engaged?”

Elle’s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with triumph. “That’s right. Colt and I have been practically promised to each other since we were children. So whatever little game you think you’re playing here” —she gestured around the garden with a dismissive wave— “you can stop. It won’t change anything.”

Briar’s initial surprise faded quickly, replaced by a calm she hadn’t expected. She tilted her head slightly, studying Elle with quiet detachment. “If that’s the case,” she said softly, “then I wish you both the best.”

Elle blinked, clearly not expecting that response. “What?”

Briar smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “If you and Colt are meant to be together, then I hope it works out. Truly. He has been so kind to me; I only want the best for him.”

For a moment, Elle seemed at a loss for words, her mouth opening and closing in stunned disbelief. It was clear she had expected more of a fight—perhaps even a confrontation—but Briar refused to give her the satisfaction.

Without another word, Briar turned her back on Elle and returned to her work, her hands steady as she trimmed a vine that had grown wild. The cat, sensing the tension in the air, hopped onto the edge of the raised bed and flicked his tail lazily, as if to say, ‘Well done.’

Elle lingered for a moment longer, clearly annoyed by Briar’s lack of reaction. But when it became clear that Briar wasn’t going to engage, she huffed in frustration and stalked off, her boots crunching angrily against the gravel path.

Briar waited until the sound of Elle’s footsteps faded completely before exhaling a quiet breath of relief. Her hands trembled slightly, but she forced herself to focus on the plants, grounding herself in the familiar rhythm of the garden.

She knew now, without a doubt, that her place here wouldn’t be uncontested. Elle was a complication she hadn’t anticipated, but it wouldn’t be the woman’s jealousy that drove her away. She truly did wish Colt and the others the very best. Perhaps the time to leave was sooner rather than later. She could always send the plaque after she was gone.

Let Elle play whatever games she wanted. Briar had no intention of competing for anyone’s attention—not even Colt’s.At least, that’s what she told herself. But as a cold feeling of desolation settled around her like a shroud, Briar couldn’t deny the truth she’d been trying to ignore: she wanted to stay. And a small, dangerous part of her hoped that Colt wanted her to stay, as well.

Chapter

Nine

COLT