Page 77 of Alpha Theo

“So how’s it going up at the complex?” Dad asks as he rummages through the refrigerator. He pulls out a few more things, kicking the fridge door closed and striding over to the counter.

“Good,” I breathe as I follow him. “I’ve actually been taking the lead on a new border security system. I’m hoping to get it up and running within a week or two.”

“Yeah?” Dad asks, arching a brow. He reaches out to take the package of chicken from my hands.

I nod, shoving my hands in my pockets again. “I went up to Denver a couple of weeks ago, got some ideas from their security setup. We’re taking it a step further, though, using more advanced equipment so that it’s more than just an early warning system.”

Dad grunts, unwrapping the chicken and separating the pieces. “Interesting. I’ll look forward to hearing how it goes.”

He looks over at me, and to my surprise, he actually fucking smiles. I can’t remember the last time I earned a smile from my dad.

I didn’t earn it on my own- Brooke deserves a lot of the credit. I wouldn’t have even gone to Denver if it wasn’t for her. Wouldn’t have gotten so hyped up about this system if she hadn’t encouraged me.

Fuck, I have to get her back somehow.

“I’ll be right back,” I mutter to my dad, turning and striding out of the kitchen. I pull my phone out of my pocket and open up a message to Brooke.

Theo:can we talk?

I fire it off, then stare at my screen for a solid two minutes. I see the little bubble pop up that indicates she’s typing, but it disappears. And then… nothing. So I send another.

Theo:I’m really sorry about last night.

I hold my breath while I wait for her response, but it doesn’t come. I shove my phone back in my pocket, turning to head back into the kitchen to help my dad with dinner.

“Hey stranger.”

I crane my neck to look over my shoulder, my eyes landing on my sister Quinn striding toward me.

“Hey,” I grumble, swiveling back around to face her.

She stops in front of me, settling her hands on her hips. “What are you doing here?”

I snort. “Wow, you and dad sure know how to make a guy feel welcome.”

Quinn rolls her eyes, reaching out to give me a little shove. “I didn’t mean anything by it, dummy. I’m just surprised to see you. Are you here for the run?”

I nod, shoving my hands in my pockets. I wrap one around my phone, waiting for it to vibrate with a message from Brooke. Praying it will vibrate with a message from Brooke.

My sister arches a brow. “How come?”

I shrug. “Figured it was time to start coming back around, try to bond with the pack again.”

Quinn narrows her eyes suspiciously, tilting her head. “Does this have something to do with that girl you’re seeing?”

“What?” I laugh wryly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Q.”

She folds her arms across her chest, a knowing smirk on her lips. “Oh please. You don’t go to the trouble of calling your sister for a favor and getting the ski-lift running for a night with the boys.”

I grunt, rolling my eyes.

Quinn pauses, studying me. “So who is she? Are you still seeing her?”

I swallow hard, give a little shake of my head. “Nah. I fucked it all up.”

My sister heaves a sigh, stepping closer and reaching out to touch my arm. “Sorry to hear that. I’m glad you’re home, though. It’ll be nice to run with you.”

I offer her a small smile. “Yeah.”

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