Page 37 of Alpha's Claim
Briar knelt by one of the beds, gloved hands gently patting soil around a budding lavender plant. The rhythmic motion soothed her, just as it always did. She felt calm here, connected—not just to the earth, but to herself. The peace didn’t last long.
A flicker of movement caught Briar’s eye, and before she could look up fully, Elle’s sharp voice cut through the quiet air.
“Well, well. Back in your little garden, I see.”
Briar sighed inwardly, but she forced her expression to remain neutral as she stood and turned toward the other woman. Elle stood at the edge of the garden, her posture stiff and her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She looked as though she hadn’t slept in days—her face drawn, her eyes wild.
“How did you get past the patrols?” Briar asked.
“If you’re patient enough you can slip through them, especially if a couple of the boys are sweet on you any way.”
Briar shook her head, making a mental note to let Colt know. “What do you want, Elle?” she asked, keeping her voice even.
Elle’s gaze dropped to Briar’s neck, and her expression shifted from tense to unhinged as she spotted Colt’s claimingbite. “You let him mark you.” Her voice cracked, equal parts accusation and disbelief. “You ruined everything.”
Briar’s fingers instinctively brushed the spot on her neck where Colt’s claiming bite rested—a small, crescent-shaped mark that still tingled whenever she thought about him. She let her hand fall to her side. “I didn’t ruin anything,” Briar said softly. “There was never anything to ruin, Elle. There was nothing between you and Colt.”
Elle’s laugh was bitter and sharp, bordering on hysterical. “You don’t get it, do you? He was supposed to be mine! We were supposed to be together. And then you show up, some... stray witch, and take everything.”
Briar folded her arms, trying to remain patient. She didn’t enjoy seeing anyone in pain, but Elle had brought this on herself. “I didn’t take anything from you,” Briar said gently. “Colt never belonged to you. He never promised you anything.”
“That’s not the point!” Elle snapped, her hands fisting at her sides. “I had a place here. I belonged. And now...” She shook her head, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You’ve taken it all from me.”
Briar exhaled slowly, feeling every bit of Elle’s anger. “I didn’t ask for any of this. But you need to let it go. Colt made his choice, and you’re only hurting yourself by holding on to something that was never real.”
Elle’s expression twisted with rage, and for a moment, Briar thought the woman might actually lunge at her. Instead, Elle took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with malice. “You need to leave, Briar. While you still can. You think Colt can protect you? You think you’re safe here? You’re not. And when the people hunting you catch up, they won’t care who stands in their way.”
Briar held Elle’s gaze, refusing to back down. She was done running. And she was done letting people like Elle try tointimidate her. “I appreciate the warning,” Briar said calmly, though she didn’t mean it. “But I’m staying.”
Elle’s face twisted with frustration. “You’re a fool,” she hissed. “Mark my words—you’ll regret this.”
Briar pulled off her gardening gloves and gave Elle a tired look. “If that’s how you feel, I suggest you leave. You know Colt won’t be happy that you’re back here. You were banished, remember?”
The flicker of panic in Elle’s eyes was brief, but it was enough to tell Briar she was right. Elle might be angry and desperate, but she knew exactly how precarious her position was.
Briar rolled her shoulders, as if trying to shrug off the encounter. “I’m done here. I think I’ll spend the rest of the day with Colt.” She gave Elle a small, dismissive smile. “Do whatever you want, Elle. Just don’t make it my problem.”
With that, Briar turned and started walking toward the barn. She didn’t look back. There was no point. Whatever twisted fantasy Elle had built in her mind about Colt was her own to deal with. Briar had her own future to think about, and it didn’t involve indulging a bitter she-wolf.
As she neared the barn, Landon appeared from the shadows, his expression casual but alert. He tipped his hat to Briar, his blue eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.
“Everything all right, Briar?” he asked, falling into step beside her.
Briar glanced sideways at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I assume you were listening?”
Landon grinned. “Only a little.” He gave her a wink. “Don’t worry about Elle. She won’t be bothering you again.”
Briar arched an eyebrow. “And how can you be so sure?”
Landon’s grin widened. “Let’s just say Colt made it very clear if she didn’t stay away that Cameron Nichols said he’ll take herin. We’ll give her a choice: return to Dallas or be escorted to Galveston.”
Briar nodded, relief washing over her. “Good.”
Landon’s gaze softened, his usual teasing demeanor replaced with quiet sincerity. “You’re one of us now, Briar. Whatever trouble comes knocking, we’ll handle it. Pack takes care of pack.”
Briar smiled, grateful for the sentiment. “Thank you, Landon.”
He tipped his hat again. “Anytime.”