Page 146 of Alpha Theo

“So are we doing a celebratory dinner or what?” Quinn asks, waggling her eyebrows.

Dad looks over at her, nodding enthusiastically. “Absolutely. What’ll it be?” He heads over to the fridge, pulling it open and surveying the contents. “Chicken? Steak? Burgers?”

“I’m good with anything,” I shrug.

“Me too,” Brooke adds.

I step behind her, pulling her into my arms so her back rests against my chest as we watch my dad start taking things out of the fridge. I’m struck by hownormalthis feels. How right. We all linger in the kitchen and chat as Dad starts preparing the meal and actually enjoy each other’s company for a change. Brooke fits right in, laughing at Dad’s lame jokes and ribbing Quinn about how tough squad training is going to be. We all just fall into step with one another, like it was always supposed to be this way.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever be here. I thought I was content to lead a solitary existence, but now I can’t imagine my life without Brooke in it. I actually find myself feeling profoundly sorry for my dad, who had his mate taken from him too soon. If Brooke was taken from me, I’m not sure I’d survive it. She’s everything, and without her I’d be nothing.

I hope she knows how much I love her. Looking at her now, laughing with my sister as they peel potatoes over the sink, I’ve never admired her so much. She’s brilliant, sweet, stunning. Funny, even when she isn’t trying to be. Cute as hell when she’s frustrated or concentrating. Fucking perfect in every way.Mine.

I’m still in awe that fate paired her with a guy like me- and though I’m sure I’ll never feel worthy of her, I plan to spend every day from here on out trying to be the man Brooke deserves. Every single day, for the rest of our lives.

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

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 special because it’s my first with my mate by my side. Brooke and I have caught a few sideways glances from other members of the pack tonight since I can’t keep my damn hands off of her, but the official announcement won’t come until later. I can’t fucking wait until my dad announces that we’re mates- I want my pack to know, I want everyone to know. I’m so proud that Brooke’s mine.

The anticipation is killing me by the time my father gets through his regular announcements and focuses his gaze on me. I’ve got an arm slung over Brooke’s shoulders and I feel her body stiffen beneath it as my dad clears his throat.

“I’ve got one more announcement, and I saved the best for last,” he booms, eyes trained on mine. His face slowly splits into a grin. “My son has found his mate.”

The room erupts in whoops and cheers, the whole pack rejoicing at the news. Not gonna lie, I’m a little surprised- I haven’t been around in years, so I didn’t expect such a warm reception. But no matter the distance, I suppose that pack is pack- we’ll always support one another.

Dad gives a little flick of his head, beckoning me to join him at the front of the room. I slide my arm off of Brooke’s shoulders, taking her hand and leading her to the fireplace where Dad’s standing. She’s got the brightest smile on her face, happiness rolling off of her in waves. It’s contagious- seeing my girl this happy has me fucking ecstatic, and I can’t keep from grinning as I step up beside my dad, looking out at the rest of the pack. They’re still cheering loudly, the sound deafening.

Dad holds up a hand and as quickly as the cheers started, they dissipate, everyone focused intently on their alpha. Brooke’s parents are front and center, fucking beaming at their daughter. I slide an arm around her waist, pulling her into my side protectively as the entire pack looks on.

“I’m glad to see you’re all as pleased as I am,” Dad continues, giving me a sideways glance. “Theo and Brooke have both been working for the security squad, keeping our whole territory safe. Theo designed the new border security system that you’ve been hearing about, and Brooke recently developed a new computer program to track the shadow pack.”

More cheers break out, the room filling with applause before my dad lifts a hand to quiet everyone.

He pauses before speaking again. “As you can see, these two are more than fit to lead this pack and keep us safe. They have current obligations, but over the coming months, I’ll work with them to slowly transition the leadership of the pack. I’ll be stepping down in the spring and Theo will take my place as your alpha.”

Wait, what?

The crowd roars as my head snaps sideways to stare at my dad, eyes wide, mouth agape. I wasnotexpecting this. My heart hammers in my chest; I can feel my pulse in my ears.

He just gives me a little nod and a smile, like it’s no big deal. Like it’s not the biggest fucking announcement of my life.

Brooke slides her arms around my waist, and when I look down, I’m met with those ocean blue eyes I adore so much, shimmering with the silver of her wolf. “Congrats, babe,” she coos, pouty lips tipping up into a smile.

Holy fuck. Is this real? It’s like I’m having an out of body experience- I feel like I’m floating above the room, looking down and watching everyone react, watching myself take it in.

“Now let’s run!” Dad calls over the crowd, and the roar only gets louder, the room a flurry of activity as the pack springs up from their seats, charging for the back doors of the packhouse.

I grab Brooke’s face with both hands, tipping my face down to kiss her. Hard, like I mean it. Like it’s the last thing I’ll ever do. And then we run.

It’s the best run I’ve ever been on. I’ve got my mate by my side, my pack all around me. I’m completely connected to all of them, overwhelmed by the strength of both the mate bond and the pack bond. By the time it’s over and we all gather back at the packhouse, I feel drunk on the endorphins, floating on fucking cloud nine.

After the run, my dad flips burgers with his friends- the customary post-run snack- while Brooke and I make the rounds, chatting with our pack. A lot of them ask about what Dad said we’ve been up to at the squad complex, and I’m quick to brag about Brooke’s program, while she’s just as eager to tell them all about my border security system. We’re like a perfect team working in unison, and I feel like it’s a glimpse of what it’ll be like when we’re running our pack together. We’re so different in so many ways, but those differences complement one another. We make each other better.

---