Page 13 of Bully Alpha's Pregnant Mate

She lets out a small, relieved laugh. “You’re too good to me, you know that? Even when we were kids and everyone else thought I was crazy.”

“You’re family,” he states. “I’ve got your back. I always will.”

I blink, taken aback by the gentleness in his voice, the complete acceptance in his words. Jade, who used to be the odd one out in Starfire Hollow, who was whispered about and shunned for her strange abilities, is standing here now, confident and needed. And it’s clear Alec’s been part of the reason why.

And then, because the universe loves to throw me into awkward situations, I realize Alec has turned toward the doorway. He’s looking right at me.

Great. Caught like a deer in headlights.

“Well, good morning,” he greets me, standing up straighter. “Enjoying the show?”

I straighten, meeting his gaze without blinking. “Just making sure the pack’s mighty alpha doesn’t get too distracted by his morning coffee.”

Jade snorts, clearly entertained. She steps forward, extending a hand as if this is all perfectly normal. “I’m Jade, by the way, but you probably remember me from way back when, huh? Sorry for intruding on your honeymoon.” She winks. “Honeymoons can be a lot of fun, or so I’ve heard.”

Heat floods my cheeks, and I feel an instant, overwhelming urge to change the subject. “You’re not intruding,” I mumble, trying to look unfazed. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to be responsible for keeping you away from, uh, witch business.”

Jade’s grin widens as she nudges Alec with her elbow. “Witch business, she says. See, I like her already.”

Alec raises an eyebrow. “Don’t encourage her.”

Ignoring him, Jade flashes me a conspiratorial smile. “You know, for the record, the witch business can wait. I’ve got more important things to attend to—like getting reacquainted with the woman my dear brother married. We didn’t get a chance to talk at the wedding. You were so busy.”

I feel my face warm again, but something about Jade’s friendly, easygoing manner puts me at ease. “Well, glad to know I’m at the top of your priorities.”

“Of course!” She gives me a genuine smile, and her eyes crinkle with warmth. “Actually, I’ve been wanting to meet you for a while. Alec here hasn’t stopped talking about this whole… arrangement since they told him about it a couple weeks ago.”

Alec lets out a quiet groan. “Jade, don’t start.”

She shrugs, giving him a playful nudge. “Oh, come on, Mr. Alpha. I think it’s sweet.” Her gaze returns to me, bright with amusement. “Besides, anyone who can stand up to my brotheris someone I’m automatically rooting for. And from what I’ve heard, you’ve been giving it to him good.”

I chuckle as the tension between Alec and me melts away, if only for a second. “Trust me, I didn’t exactly sign up for his charm.”

Jade lets out a laugh. “I bet! But hey, if it’s any consolation, he was just as insufferable when we were kids. Maybe even worse.” She gives Alec a sideways look. “Remember that time you threw mud at me because you ‘wanted to test’ if witches really had magic powers?”

Alec rolls his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. “I was seven, Jade.”

“Details,” she says with a wave of her hand. “Point is, he’s been a handful since day one.”

The relaxed energy between us is contagious, and despite myself, I feel the tiniest hint of a smile creeping onto my face. Jade is genuinely kind, a breath of fresh air I didn’t expect in this house. And the way she talks about Alec, the ease between them—it’s hard not to feel drawn in.

“So… how did you end up here?” I ask her, genuinely curious. “I mean, last I remember, you were in Starfire Hollow. You married their alpha, right?”

Jade’s smile softens. “Sure did! We all miss Alec so much. Since I gave birth to Penny, I’ve been so wrapped up in being a mother that I haven’t had much time for myself. You know how it is. So, when Alec invited me to East Hills, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try something new. And honestly?” She glances at Alec, and there’s a rare fondness in her eyes. “It was the best choice I could’ve made. Getting some time with my big brother again has been nice.”

Alec clears his throat, looking faintly embarrassed, but there’s a flicker of pride there, too, like he’s actually touched by her words. “It’s been interesting, that’s for sure.”

I nod, watching them both, and I have to admit, there’s something endearing about their dynamic. Alec—doting, protective, the complete opposite of the sarcastic, hard-headed guy I know. And Jade—bold, comfortable in her own skin, and clearly at ease here in a way that catches me off-guard.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here,” I say honestly. “It’s nice meeting someone who knows him better than just the alpha version.” I give Alec a pointed look. “Maybe you can tell me what I’m really in for,” I add.

Jade grins, giving Alec a mischievous look. “Oh, I could tell you stories. But I’ll save those for another time.” She glances at the window, her expression turning thoughtful. “Especially since, well… there’s a bit more going on around here than just honeymoon festivities.”

Alec tenses beside her, and I see the briefest flash of concern on his face before he hides it. Jade looks back at me, her usual playful expression dimming. “I’m not one to throw around ominous warnings, but… the vision I had this morning?” She pauses, choosing her words carefully. “It’s nothing good, Isadora.”

“What did you see?” I ask.

Jade glances at Alec, then back to me. “It’s hard to explain, but something dark is coming. It felt close, like it’s moving toward us even now. I don’t have the details, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s going to hit East Hills first.”

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