Chapter 23. Briggs
288 Vouchers
Chapter 23: Briggs
I had left Alpha Kingston’s lodge with very mixed emotions. about what I found. Despite my anger about Theo’s rejection of his fated mate, I was more worried than anything else. He definitely hadn’t been himself since he met Ayla. But if I was honest, he hadn’t been himself for a while. Not since Alpha Torin’s diagnosis.
He had been devastated when he first found out but had done well to keep that from his parents. It was just before he and I graduated from college. Once we were out, he threw himself into taking over some of his dad’s responsibilities.
Alpha’s traditionally hand down their title when their successor turns twenty–seven. And while the children of Alpha’s are raised their entire lives to take over the role, it’s those few adult years where they learn the intricacies of the day–to–day. Theo was really hoping he would be able to get those last few years with Alpha Torin guiding him.
But it seems that wouldn’t happen for him. For either of us. I still had a lot to learn from Alpha Torin and Beta Harry. But at least I would have Beta Harry close for as long as I needed him.
But Theo was struggling more than he cared to admit, and this situation with Kylee and Ayla was evidence of that.
Theo had already been involved with Kylee when we learned about his dad. At the time, she seemed to be really supportive and a comfort for him. But she was still in college and five years younger than us, so she wasn’t really there for him as
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Chapter 23 Briggs
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much as he needed. But he liked her, and what time they did spend together gave him a break from all the stress. So I was grateful for her.
However, when he said he wanted to make her his chosen mate and Luna, I was hesitant to offer my approval.
It was not long after he and his parents decided Alpha Torin would need to step down sooner than they hoped. Most alpha’s waited a long time to take a chosen mate, if ever. While fated mates were anything but guaranteed, they were especially important for ranking members of packs. The bond between fated mates made the whole pack stronger. It was a bond I still felt was sacred, as did many others.
But Theo was adamant he didn’t want to wait for his fated mate and that Kylee was who he wanted to be his Luna. I thought she could be a bit shallow at times and a little self- absorbed. It was nothing that couldn’t be attributed to her age. And she always seemed eager to please Theo, so I figured she would learn quickly what was needed from a Luna.
But I never would have advised him to reject his fated mate for her. Especially without even having a five–minute conversation with her. Kylee’s side of the story should never have been the deciding factor in his actions.
I had heard Kylee’s stories regarding her relationship with her sister growing up. I believed her because I had no reason not to. But I guess I didn’t form the same opinion of Ayla as Theo. I wasn’t impressed with Ayla, but a lot of what Kylee said just seemed like someone struggling with losing a parent.
But my impression of her today had me doubting everything.
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Chapter 23. Briggs
Something didn’t add up to me.
Ayla could have refused to speak with me. She had no reason or obligation to give me the time of day. Nor would she be inclined to if she was the person we had been led to believe she was.
The woman I met was polite, diplomatic, and clever. And strong. There was a strength radiating off her that I couldn’t imagine anyone being blind to. Especially not her fated mate.
Alpha Kingston certainly seemed to notice. The way he had hovered over her, he was clearly staking a claim. I could smell that she was technically still a rogue, the scent was still subtle, but it was there. But that meant he had every intention of bringing her into his pack.
By the way he relished in her informality toward him, I had a feeling his interest was deeper than just bringing her into the pack. He wanted her. It explained the time and care he had invested in her after her accident. Not to mention before I left, he made it very clear I was to tell Theo that Ayla was no longer his concern and the only reason he would ever allow him near her would be to finish severing the bond and letting
her go.
I hadn’t expected him to know as much as he did when I first spoke to Pierce, but he knew everything. He likely knew a lot more than I did. And that made me even less excited about relaying the details of our meeting to Theo.
I wondered if I could get away with taking a few days to dig into the Garner women before heading back home. I debated whether it would be a good idea or not. The last thing I
wanted was to make Theo doubt a decision that couldn’t be
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fixed. But if it was even remotely possible to save their mate bond, it would have to be before he marked Kylee. Or worse, Kingston marked Ayla.
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