Page 35 of Alpha's Claim

Elle shot to her feet, her face twisted with disbelief. “You can’t be serious.” Her voice wavered, a mixture of anger and panic.

Colt’s golden gaze cut to her, unwavering and cold. “I’m dead serious, Elle.” His voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the steel beneath it. “You thought you could stir up trouble by lying to Briar—telling her we were engaged.”

Elle paled, her lips parting, but Colt kept going, his words hitting her like hammer blows.

“There’s never been anything between us. There never will be. You knew that.” His tone was low, dangerous. “But you crossed a line when you decided to lie to my mate.”

Elle’s breath hitched as murmurs rippled through the pack. Even the younger wolves, those who had always admired her, shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Elle might have had sway once, but not anymore—not with Colt’s announcement ringing in their ears.

“Colt, please...” Elle began, her voice softer now, desperate. “What am I supposed to do without a pack?”

“You should have thought of that.” Colt’s voice was final, as sharp as a blade. “Your games are over. You’re done here. If you like, I can see if the Galveston pack will take you in.”

Elle’s eyes filled with disbelief, flickering between Colt and the other pack members. But no one spoke up in her defense.Not even her usual followers. They could feel it—Colt’s decision was absolute, backed by the authority of an alpha.

Colt gestured toward the door with a jerk of his chin. “I’ll send several of the men with you. I suggest you be ready.”

Elle opened her mouth as if to argue but seemed to think better of it. With a frustrated huff, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the dining room, her heels clicking sharply against the wooden floor.

The moment she was gone, the tension eased, and a ripple of approval spread through the pack.

“That had to happen,” Landon muttered with a satisfied grin.

Bryce leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. “Hell, it’s about time.”

Etta shot Colt a knowing smile, her approval evident. “Good riddance.”

Colt gave them a small nod, his attention already shifting back to Briar, who sat quietly beside him. Her green eyes flicked to his, and for a brief moment, something unspoken passed between them—something fierce and undeniable.

Without another word, Colt pushed his chair back from the table and stood, offering his hand to Briar. “Come on.”

Briar hesitated for the briefest second, her gaze flickering between Colt and the rest of the pack. But whatever doubts she had melted the moment her hand slid into his.

Colt didn’t wait. He pulled her gently to her feet, the feel of her hand in his grounding him, steadying him in a way nothing else ever had. The pack watched silently as Colt led Briar out of the dining room, their quiet respect following them like a shadow.

As soon as they were out of sight, Colt’s steps quickened, a low growl rumbling in his chest. He needed her—now.

The moment they reached the top of the stairs and stepped into his room, Colt shut the door firmly behind them, lockingthem away from the world. He turned to Briar, his gaze dark with need, his heart pounding in his chest.

“You’re mine, Briar,” he growled, pulling her against him. “No more running. No more doubts.”

Briar’s breath hitched, but there was no hesitation in her eyes now—only desire. Pure, raw, and burning just as fiercely as his own.

“I know,” she whispered, her voice soft but certain.

That was all the invitation Colt needed. With a low, primal growl, he claimed her mouth, his kiss fierce and possessive. Briar melted against him, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer as if she needed him just as badly as he needed her.

Colt backed her toward the bed, his hands roaming over her curves, memorizing every inch of her. When they tumbled onto the mattress, there was no room for hesitation—only the heady, overwhelming need to finally claim what was his.

And this time, there would be no going back.

Chapter

Fourteen

BRIAR

Briar felt the edge of the bed at the back of her knees. She drew the shirt up and over her hair before pushing down her leggings and panties. She removed her bra as he stood, his gaze devouring her. She knew what he wanted, what he expected. She thought she might feel nervous or afraid, but she didn’t. Her skin felt as if it were pulled taut over her body as every part of her throbbed with heat. His scent called to her in a way nothing ever had. He was so close, but still seemed so far.