Page 33 of Alpha's Claim

“All right,” she said, sitting up and brushing a hand through her tousled curls. “I guess we should make ourselves presentable.”

Colt grinned, already sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Shower first.” He tossed her a teasing glance over his shoulder. “You coming?”

Briar arched an eyebrow, but the hint of a smile played on her lips. “If I must.”

In the bathroom, steam began to fill the small space as Colt adjusted the water temperature. He stepped under the hot spray, pulling Briar in with him, her body slick and warm against his. The moment her skin touched his, the lazy hum of arousal sparked to life once more, and his hands found her hips, drawing her close.

Briar laughed softly, running her hands over his chest. “You said this was just a shower.”

Colt grinned, his lips brushing along her temple as his hands drifted lower. “I lied.”

She gasped as his fingers skimmed down her back, and he took the opportunity to capture her lips in a slow, heated kiss. The water poured over them, turning the kiss slippery and indulgent as Colt’s hands roamed freely over her body. Briar responded in kind, her touch bold and teasing as she slid her fingers through his wet hair, tugging gently.

Colt groaned against her mouth, pressing her back against the cool tiles. Every kiss, every touch, felt like a promise—a reminder that she was his and that he had no intention of ever letting her go.

Eventually, they managed to pull themselves together, though not without a few lingering touches and stolen kisses. Colt grabbed a towel and handed it to Briar, watching with a grin as she wrapped it around herself.

They returned to the bedroom, damp and slightly breathless, only to find a neatly folded set of clothes waiting on the bed. A soft, oversized flannel shirt and a pair of leggings—just the sort of thing Briar would find comfortable.

“Etta,” Colt muttered, half amused, half exasperated.

Briar picked up the flannel, holding it against her chest with a smile. “She’s good.”

Colt chuckled, tugging on a clean shirt and jeans. “Too good.”

Once dressed, the two of them headed downstairs, their footsteps light as they walked through the old house. Colt could feel Briar’s nervous energy beside him, but he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, shooting her a look that said,You’re not alone. Not ever again.

When they reached the dining room, Colt was greeted by the sight of his brothers—and their maddeningly cheeky grins. Bryce and Landon exchanged knowing glances, while Etta bustled around the table with the same gleam of mischief in her eyes.

“Well, well,” Bryce drawled, leaning back in his chair with a grin. “Look who finally decided to join us.”

Landon snorted. “About time. We were starting to think you two might skip dinner altogether.”

Colt shot them both a warning glare, though the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement. “Keep it up, and I’ll have you both mucking out stalls at dawn.”

Bryce waggled his eyebrows, clearly unbothered. “Worth it.”

Colt rolled his eyes, pulling out a chair for Briar. “Sit,” he murmured, his hand brushing the small of her back as she settled into the seat.

As Colt sat beside her, he felt the gaze of everyone focused on him—curious, speculative, and far too entertained for his liking. But none of that mattered. What mattered was that Briar was here, beside him, where she belonged.

The room quieted as the meal began, the sounds of clinking silverware and soft conversation filling the space. Colt waited, biding his time, until the moment felt right.

When the conversation lulled, Colt stood, clearing his throat as his gaze swept the room. “I have an announcement,” he said, his voice steady and sure.

Bryce and Landon exchanged amused glances, but Colt ignored them. He rested a hand on Briar’s shoulder, grounding both of them with the contact.

“I’ve met my fated mate,” Colt said, his gaze locked on Briar. “And unless anyone here hasn’t heard by now, there’s no need to continue the search.”

Etta’s eyes sparkled with approval, her smile warm and knowing. Bryce let out a low whistle, while Landon simply shook his head, grinning like an idiot.

“Well, hell,” Bryce said with a smirk. “About time you admitted it.”

Colt shot his brother a dry look. “Try not to sound too surprised.”

“I’m just saying,” Bryce said, shrugging with a grin. “We all knew. I think you two were the last to figure it out.”

Landon leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. “Guess that means no more mooning around the ranch like a lovesick pup, huh?”