Page 27 of My Brutal Alpha

Lydia's expression lit up immediately, and it was clear I piqued her interest. "Do tell..."

Considering it for a moment, I knew I had to tread carefully to avoid giving Ezra and me away. But at the same time, I wanted a way to get her opinion on the situation.

Even if it wasn't entirely truthful, the plan forming in my head seemed like a suitable start.

"What if...hypothetically...I slept with someone?"

Lydia's eyes lit up without missing a beat, and her jaw fell open as if in complete disbelief. "Oh my god—who?"

I had to stifle a laugh at her enthusiasm. Although, I was also somewhat walking on eggshells, trying my best to hide Ezra's identity.

"It isn't someone you know if that's what you're wondering."

Lydia, completely scandalized by the whole thing, looked far too intrigued for her own good. I could've sworn her eyes were dazzling from all of her curiosity. "Is it someone from Ezra's territory?"

Letting the hint of a knowing grin spread across my lips, I shrugged. "Maybe..."

It wasn't entirely wrong, but it wasn't quite right either. Yet, it was a solid cover-up since Lydia wasn't familiar with everyone in his pack.

Lydia groaned to herself, seeming like she was going to go insane from not knowing. "This is so unfair."

I chuckled. "Things are already complicated enough; I can't risk it getting worse."

She sighed and leaned back in her chair, conceding. "I guess you're right...I can't argue with that. So, what's the issue then?"

I let go of a breath while I considered it, thinking of how I could spin it to reveal at least some of the truth so that I could get her insight.

"Okay, so say I slept with this person, right? But Ezra has no idea I did, and while I'm a part of this agreement, I don't know how he might react if I told him, but something in me says I should mention it...what should I do?"

Lydia, finally biting and letting this anonymous hookup slide, let go of a breath. "I guess you have no way of knowing how he might react. But do you want something more with the person you hooked up with?"

I shrugged, hiding its true depth. "I might...or at least, I could potentially see something more happening. The problem is, how would I handle wanting to see this person more if I'm living in Ezra's home while trying to convince his parents we're together? I don't know how to pursue this connection without risking the plan."

Lydia nodded her understanding as I explained the situation. "Hmm...I see how that might be difficult. You want to pursue this person, but you don't know how he'll react given the plan...and you don't want to spoil the ruse either." She sighed thoughtfully. "I'll be honest, this is a pretty tricky situation."

Even if she was unaware that, in this case, the anonymous hookup was indeed Ezra and the hypothetical Ezra was actually Sebastian, I was still hoping for solid advice. While the proposedsituation wasn't all that accurate, the reawakening of our mate bond felt just as complicated to handle.

"I don't know if you'll like this answer, but I think you just need to be honest," Lydia began, sounding sincere. "If you like this person and see it going somewhere, then just tell Ezra. It's not like you're actually dating him, right? You’re just as free to do what you want as you were before, and I'm sure he'd understand."

Being reminded that we weren't a couple stung somewhat, but I knew Lydia wasn't wrong.

She made it sound simple enough to come out with it, but I still had reservations about telling Sebastian. I knew that Ezra wouldn't want me to either, given that we'd both have to face my brother's wrath. He would probably have it worse, too.

I sighed. "And you think this connection is worth pursuing?"

Lydia smiled. "If this person makes you happy and you can see yourself being with them, then why not? I want to see you with someone who treats you right, you know."

I mirrored her expression then, feeling somewhat better about the situation, even if I hadn't done anything to solve anything. "That means a lot to me...I appreciate your opinion on this."

Her smile grew as she nodded. "Of course. I'm always happy to lend an ear. But I hope you know I'm going to be painfully curious about who this mystery person is now."

Laughing quietly at the obvious impatience and curiosity in her eyes, I nodded to myself. "I know, I know. When I think it's worth telling you, you'll be the first one to hear it."

Lydia looked a bit more pleased with herself than as she gently rubbed her stomach. "That's what I like to hear."

I chuckle for a moment, glancing at the bump. "How have you been feeling, by the way?"

She pulled in a breath and gave me a weary smile. "Mostly okay...I'm definitely feeling more tired than usual, so keeping up with Callie has been a bit difficult. But Sebastian has been a big help while I'm growing number two here."

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