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2024-10-29 19:42:56BROOKE
“Alright, so what are we doing?” I ask, approaching Theo at the complex gate. “Surprises are great and all, but I can’t really dress for the occasion if you don’t tell me what we’re doing.”
It’s silly to even say that since I spent an hour getting ready for this casual hangout with Theo. I put in my contact lenses, curled my hair, and agonized over what to wear for a good twenty minutes. I ultimately settled on a tight pair of black skinny jeans and a white cropped t-shirt. It’s Fallon’s shirt- she must’ve left it in my room at some point and it wound up in my laundry. It’s not something I would typically wear, but when I’m around Theo I feel a little confident, a little sexy. Like I’ve said so many times, nobody looks at me like Theo does.
The outfit has its desired effect. Theo’s rakes his gaze over my body, his eyes lingerin
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Alpha Theo 24
BROOKE “Are you okay?!” Fallon asks, pulling open the door of the packhouse. I’m standing on the front stoop, looking like hell, feeling worse. After Theo stranded me on the side of the road, I had to walk all the way to Goldenleaf- several miles. I stuck to the road, half expecting him to come back for me once he calmed down. He never did. My feet ache in my sneakers- the backs of my heels are rubbed raw from my walk of shame. My hair’s all windblown and tangled and I’m sure my mascara is running from the tears of frustration I shed after Theo drove off. Judging by the look of concern in Fallon’s eyes, I must look like a mess. My sister steps outside, throws her arms around me, and I immediately burst into tears. Fallon rubs my back and rocks me from side to side, trying to soothe me as I sob into her hair. “Come on,” she coos, pulling back and sliding an arm around my shoulders. “Let’s go inside
Alpha Theo 25
THEOMy head is pounding when I squint my eyes open, rolling over in my bed. Judging from the light spilling in through the crack in the curtains, it’s late in the morning- maybe even early afternoon. I throw the sheets off and heave my body upright, twisting to set my feet on the floor. My hand flies to my temple, the pain of my headache searing with every movement.I push off of the bed, rise to stand. Take a step and fall backwards onto my bed again, startled by the sharp sting of pain radiating from the bottom of my foot.What the fuck?I lean forward, peering down at the floor beside my bed. The lamp that was on my nightstand is lying on its side, surrounded by thin shards of glass from the shattered bulb.I pick up my foot, raising it to my lap and turning it sideways. A piece of glass is sticking out of the bottom, dark red blood pooling around it. I pick it out, stare at my foot as my s
Alpha Theo 26
BROOKE It feels good to be home. It’s my safe place, my comfort zone. Even though the complex is technically ‘home’ now, it’s not the same as being back here where I grew up. I’ve always loved Summervale. I haven’t left the house since my dad brought me here on Saturday morning. I think my parents can tell that something’s wrong, but thankfully they’ve given me space and haven’t pried. I’ve been trying to stay busy, cooking with Mom and watching baseball on TV with Dad. Anything to get my mind off of Theo. At night, when I’m alone with my thoughts, I’m tortured by my memories. I keep replaying them over and over in my mind- how it felt to lay beside him and listen to music when we were in Denver, to let go and take that ski-lift ride up the mountain, that kiss… I keep trying push out the good memories, to focus on the bad and turn my pain into anger. I have to make myself hate him, because that’s the only way i
Alpha Theo 27
THEO “You look rough,” Gray mutters, pulling open the door of the packhouse. “I feel worse,” I groan. I scrub a hand over my face, looking past him. “Is she here?” Gray nods solemnly. I don’t even know why I asked. I already know she’s here- I can sense her, feel the pull of the mate bond. I reach up, tugging at my hair, shuffling my feet. “Can I come in?” “I don’t know, man,” Gray grumbles, holding his position in the doorway. “Please?” My voice is hoarse, gravelly. Desperate. Gray heaves a sigh, stepping aside to allow me entry. I stride inside, turning to watch Gray close the door behind me. He spins around, his eyes dark, sullen. “Look, Theo… you really fucked up.” “You think I don’t know that?” I snap. I walk over to the nearest couch, sinking down onto it and lowering my head into my hands. Saying that I fucked up is an understatement
Alpha Theo 28
BROOKE “How can I go back there?” I mumble, staring blankly at the floor. “I don’t think I can do it…” “Stop,” Fallon barks, tossing a pair of leggings at me. I look up right as they’re about to hit me in the face, snatching them out of the air. “You’re way stronger than you give yourself credit for. You’ve got this.” Fallon’s pump-ups usually work, but not even she can drown out my nagging doubts this morning. I appreciate that she’s trying to be supportive, but she has no idea what I’m going through- her experience with the mate bond was frickin’ perfect, a total dream! I’m still reeling from my own. I shimmy the sleep shorts that Fallon let me borrow down my hips, kicking them away. “I don’t want anyone to know, not until I figure out what I’m gonna do,” I grumble, shaking out the leggings and pulling them on. I hold my hands in front of me and Fallon tosses me a t-shirt. I shed the one I sle
Alpha Theo 29
THEO “Wanna trade partners?” Fallon asks, panting as she approaches Gray and me. It’s another hot one out on the practice field for morning training, and we’re about to call it and break for lunch when she walks up. “Sure,” I shrug, looking toward Davis. Fallon has been partnered with him most of the morning and she’s been giving him a run for his money- the guy looks whooped. I start to walk toward him when Fallon speaks again. “Nope, Gray gets Davis,” she says, folding her arms and arching her brow. “You’re mine.” Fuck. This girl just wants an opportunity to kick my ass for what I did to her sister. Not that I blame her, but surely Gray won’t agree… I look to him, and he just smiles, shaking his head. “Good luck,” he teases, clapping me on the shoulder and striding away to join Davis. I watch after him for a moment, then turn back to Fallon. She’s already circling me, getting in position to spar, a de
Alpha Theo 30
BROOKE Maybe I’m a fool, but it’s damn near impossible to stay mad at Theo when he flashes that gorgeous smile and turns on the charm. I swore those things would never work on me, but then again, I also swore that there was no way I’d catch feelings for someone like him- and a few kisses later I’m all gooey and swoony. I’m not sure if it’s the mate bond or his display of raw vulnerability that has my walls tumbling down again, but either way, it feels good to be with him, for him to hold my hand, to laugh and joke and for him to call me ‘kid’. There’s a warm familiarity to it all, like we’re falling back into step with one another. He has me forgetting about the pressure of the mate bond, of the ticking clock to seal it- instead, when I’m with him, I’m at ease, like we can just relax and keep getting to know each other. And then there’s those kisses. Holy crap! I’ve never felt my body come alive like that. My
Alpha Theo 31
THEO “Alright, so if you click this button here… then your view changes to all of the feeds at once. See?” Brooke spins around in her chair, peering up at me. Fuck, she smells incredible. It’s taking every bit of willpower I have to not lean down, kiss those pouty lips of hers. Instead, I stand rigidly, positioned behind her desk chair in the hub, blinking at her monitor. “Uhh… sorry, which button?” I ask, scrubbing a hand over my face. It’s hard to focus when she’s sitting in front of me looking like that, smelling like that. Brooke sighs, her brow furrowing in frustration. She spins back around, placing her hand on her mouse, demonstrating. “This one.” My eyes follow the cursor on the screen as she moves it. We’ve got the new border cameras wired, and Brooke has been spending the afternoon getting the feeds connected and the system up and running. I don’t know anything about this tec
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Alpha Theo 48
THEO The packhouse is full, bustling with activity as everyone gathers together for the full moon run. Every one of the couches in the great room is packed with people, while others lean on the arms or the backs of the furniture, waiting for my dad to begin his pre-run announcements. The excitement in the air is palpable- our whole pack looks forward to the monthly run, we’re all itchy to let our wolves out and get started. Until last month, I hadn’t been back to Summervale for a run with my own pack in years. I’d almost forgotten how cathartic it is; how good it feels to be a part of something bigger and bond with your own pack. Running with Gray’s pack in Goldenleaf was always fine, but I didn’t feel the same loyalty and bond to those wolves as I do with my pack here in Summervale. It’s instinctual, it transcends all human thought and emotion. My pack is as much a part of me as I am of it. Tonight’s run is extra spec
Alpha Theo 47
BROOKE I hear the click of the lock as I turn my key in the door of my dorm room, adjusting my backpack on my shoulders and turning to start down the hallway. I’m on cloud nine- freshly marked, a permanent smile etched across my face. Heart full of love. Theo and I are headed home to Summervale for the weekend to tell our parents that we’re mates and join our pack for the full moon run, and I’m so excited that I feel like I could burst. Everything about our marking was perfect. We stayed on top of that mountain all night, making love under the stars, talking about our plans for the future. For our future. We’re forever linked, forever connected. The mate bond is stronger than ever, and I’ve never felt more in sync with another person. Theo is truly my other half, my soulmate. I’m about halfway down the hallway when I see Sutton round the corner on the other end, glossy dark hair bouncing as she heads my way. A
Alpha Theo 46
BROOKE Theo has been acting strange all week. Ever since his dad showed up at the complex and they had their heart-to-heart and set aside their differences, he’s been quieter, more withdrawn. I’m trying not to panic. It’s a good thing that he’s finally on good terms with his father and is on track to become alpha. That should have no bearing on our relationship… right? Except now the full moon is only a few days away and it feels like he’s pulling away, and I’m stressing out under the immense pressure of our deadline to seal the mate bond- is this guy gonna frickin’ mark me or what? I’m trying to not over-think it, but that’s easier said than done. We said we were all in, so why does it suddenly feel like he’s backing out? Even when he asked this morning if he could take me out tonight, his nervous demeanor left me feeling a little uneasy. He was really vague about why he wouldn’t be coming to the hub this afternoon an
Alpha Theo 45
THEO “Dude, your dad’s here,” Jax remarks, nudging me with his elbow. “What?” I turn to follow Jax’s gaze, and sure enough, my old man is walking through the gate of the squad complex. If I wasn’t seeing it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it. I’m not sure my dad has ever been up here to visit me at the complex- and even now, he looks totally out of his element. Physically, he appears like he could belong here. He doesn’t look his age and he works out and stays fit. A lot of people say that I’m his spitting image, which I’m sure irritates him to no end since he thinks I’m a colossal fuck-up. I’ve got his square jaw, the same nose and brow line, and his height- but while his eyes are dark brown, Quinn and I both have our mom’s hazel eyes. As I stare at my dad standing by the gate, I can’t help but wonder what the hell he’s doing here- and if he’s here to see me. Then it hits me that Quinn probably le
Alpha Theo 44
THEO I kick my feet up on Brooke’s desk, leaning back in my chair as I watch her work. I take in the way her long fingers glide across the keyboard, the way she furrows her brow and chews her lip in concentration. She’s fucking adorable. I still can’t believe she’s mine. Well, almost. We’ve still got that whole marking thing to take care of in order to seal the bond. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, and I feel like we’re both ready, but I’m just waiting for her to give me the green light. Maybe I’ll set up an epic date that’ll totally blow her mind, to the point where she’s begging for me to sink my teeth in her shoulder and claim her officially. Something to make it special. And yes, I know how fucking cheesy that sounds. What can I say? I’m fucking hooked on Brooke. I don’t care if it makes me look weak, because with her beside me, I’ve never felt stronger. She must feel empowered, too, jud
Alpha Theo 43
BROOKE I look into Theo’s eyes as he unbuckles the helmet strap under my chin, a smile creeping across my face. This. This must be what true happiness feels like. To be adored and cared for by this gorgeous man. This man who, despite his sharp edges, tends to me with such a gentle hand. The soft side he reserves only for me. He pulls the helmet off of my head, turning to set it on the back of his bike as I reach up to run my fingers through my disheveled hair. My long blonde tresses are all knotty from the ride over to Summervale on the back on Theo’s motorcycle- I should’ve thought of that and braided it or something. Theo swivels back to me as I’m still raking through the ends of my hair, smoothing it over my shoulders. His lips tip up into a grin. “I love when your hair’s all windblown like that,” he says, reaching out to cup my cheek. “It’s sexy as hell.” He leans in
Alpha Theo 42
THEO “Wake up,” comes the sweetest voice, reaching into my mind, pulling me from sleep. The voice of an angel. I feel the weight of Brooke on the mattress beside me, shifting to move closer. Then I feel her fingertips stroking my hair gently. “Wake up, handsome…” I blink my eyes open, meeting the ocean blue of Brooke’s eyes. She’s so fucking beautiful. “Mmm,” I hum, leaning my head into her hand as she gently scratches my scalp. “That feels good.” Her pouty pink lips tip up into a smile as she traces her fingernails in a circle. “What time is it?” I squint, furrowing my brow. “Six.” “Six?!” I throw my eyes wide. Brooke giggles, sliding the covers off of her body and sitting up. “Why the hell are we awake?” I groan, scrubbing a hand over my face. “We don’t have to get up for at least another two hours, let’s go back to sleep…” Brooke smirks at me over her shoulder,
Alpha Theo 41
BROOKEMy chest feels hollow as I muddle through my afternoon at the hub. I hate that I picked a fight with Theo. After I let those nasty comments from Sutton fester, I knew it was only a matter of time- and when I heard him make that comment about his dad and becoming alpha, it tipped me over the edge. I lashed out, tried to hurt him before he could hurt me.The worst part is that he’s right- he’s so right. Even though I said I was giving him a chance, I always had one foot out the door, unsure whether we’d really be able to work as a couple. Not allowing myself to give in fully, to give myself fully. Refusing to admit to myself that despite our differences, we fit pretty damn well together. We could be happy. We were happy.But I screwed it all up. Pushed him away in some vain effort to shore up my walls and protect myself. And it totally backfired- in trying to protect myself, I only
Alpha Theo 40
THEO I don’t know why I bother going home to Summervale. I’m trying to get more involved with my pack by going to visit once a week, but it always ends in me bickering with my old man and getting stressed out by the tension between us that never seems to dissipate. I stay the night, but the visit’s anything but productive. I make it back to the complex the next morning in time to run drills with the squad, which helps relieve some of the stress I carried back with me. After they’re over, I hang back with the guys while the rest of the squad files back into the complex to grab lunch. I’ve got some serious road rash on my left forearm from when Gray dropped me during our last drill, and I rub at it as I approach Jax and Brock, wincing a little. “Gray got you good, huh?” Brock chuckles, eyeing my arm. “Yeah,” I mutter. “Got the jump on me.” It wasn’t the first time, either- I kept making sloppy mista
