Page 42 of Rejected By the Alpha

“You’re right,” I said. “I’d love to come back later and spend some time with you. I can give you my phone number, and we can catch up soon.”

“No need,” my brother said, finishing his cigarette and tossing it away. “I’ll find you. I hope you have a nice day, Ki.”

Without another word, he turned his back and walked away.

By the time I returned to Pinedale, my body had calmed, but my mind still spun in circles of thought, wondering what my half-brother could be planning. It was possible he just wanted to talk, but unlikely.

Jasper and Nile needed to be warned. I took out my phone and typed a message to both of them.

I ran into my brother, Franco, in the next town over. Be on alert. There might be trouble.

I sighed as I hit the send button, praying that I was wrong.

Chapter 20 - Leah

Killian walked in the door, and I immediately sensed that something was off with him. My first thought was that I had done something wrong, but I stopped that thought in its tracks. I recognized the trauma response from my upbringing, and knew I needed to ask him to explain instead of assuming his mood was directed toward me.

“How was your trip?” I asked.

Killian shrugged and balled up his fists. “Fine.”

“It doesn’t seem like it went fine,” I pointed out. “You’re very tense.”

“I didn’t find what I was looking for,” he said.

“What were you looking for?”

“It doesn’t matter,” he said with a groan.

He sat down on the couch and took off his shoes before staring off into space. It was clear that his brain was working overtime, but without him opening up about what was on his mind, I knew there was nothing more I could do to help ease whatever problem he was having.

“I wasn’t sure what time you were getting back, so I ordered some food for dinner,” I said. “I’m going to head out and pick it up. Do you want me to grab you something on my way?”

“No, I don’t want you leaving the house without me,” Killian said.

His voice was loud and commanding, completely out of character as far as how he usually spoke to me. The directive to stay by his side on top of his demanding tone rubbed me the wrong way.

“Excuse me?” I clarified, hoping I had misheard him.

“There’s just… a lot going on right now,” he said. “I need you to stay in the house. I’ll go and get your food.”

“Killian, tell me what happened,” I pressed. “You’re keeping something from me.”

“It’s nothing to worry about,” he said as he put his shoes back on.

“If that were true, you wouldn’t care if I left the house,” I pointed out.

“I’m not discussing this with you anymore,” Killian said. “Just stay in the house. I’ll be right back.”

His tone left no room for argument, and I decided it was best to do as he asked. If whatever was causing him to be overprotective was bad enough that he didn’t want to talk about it, all I could do was trust him. As hard as that was, I would try my best.

He returned quickly, and we ate in silence before heading to bed.

The following day, his mood had not improved. If anything, he seemed more anxious, jumping at the slightest sounds.

“This is getting ridiculous,” I finally said. “If you don’t tell me what’s happening, I’m going to start throwing my books at your head.” I was halfway kidding, but the sentiment behind my words was true.

“No need to be dramatic,” Killian said with a sigh. “If you want to assault me, you’ll have to wait until later. I need to go to a meeting at Alpha Nile’s place. Get your shoes on. You’re coming with me.”

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