My Jealous Alpha Stepbrother
Chapter 121

Tarryn

Happiness bubbles up to my throat in the form of a giggle as I walk the grass outside the Alpha’s mansion.

Josie and her newborn child lie on a blanket underneath a parasol, safe from the sun. Though, as she hears me, my best friend sits up. First, she blinks at Alex in confusion, but once she sees me, her face lights up.

“Tarryn!” Josie exclaims. There are rings underneath her eyes from the delivery, but werewolves heal faster than humans. “So good to see you! Come here! Come and say hello to little Michelle!”

I can’t fight the longing that blossoms within me when I look at Michelle and see her white hair. It’s long and fluffy and reminds me of Kade and Misha. It seems she is taking after them both.

“She is gorgeous,” I’m filled with awe and jealousy. I want my own babies, and I get teary-eyed when I see Michelle’s smile. “Hello there, little one. How are you doing today?”

Michelle stares at me before putting her little fingers into her mouth to suck on. She is perfect, and even though she was only born a few days ago, she isn’t frail like a human child.

Hybrid children, especially those with werewolf b***d, need to be outside. The first is our home, and since werewolves mature faster than human babies, Michelle is already crawling around in the grass.

And I have to say it again: Michelle is adorable. I keep watching her with nothing but love in my heart. “Aww, she is so cute! Look at her already crawling around!”

“I know. Michelle is growing up fast… a little too fast. It’s about a week since her birth, and she is already acting like she is months old. Werewolf babies are scary like that,” Josie says, and then her eyes land on Alex.

Oh no, this might turn awkward…

Not a word is said for a whole minute, and Alex grimaces. I don’t have to speak in his stead, though. My towering mate steps forward, blocking out the sun as he peers down at Josie.

“Hello…” he attempts a smile, but it comes out uneasy. “I’m Alex. We have met before. Yes, I’m your ex-boyfriend’s younger… I mean older brother,” he winces at his own words, unused to himself being older. “It’s a pleasure to speak to you directly, my Luna.”

He bows at Josie, and I can’t hide my smile when Josie looks a bit touched, definitely liking the fact he called her his Luna. Well played, Alex. Flattery and respect will get you far.

“Alex… wow…” Josie laughs. “What is with men disappearing and then coming back like snacks? You’re enormous. How did that happen? Last time I saw you, you were super tall but much lankier.”

I glance back at Alex. I expect his chest to swell with pride and for the cocky quarterback from the past to come out. But instead, he hesitantly smiles and looks at me as if searching to confirm if I think he is a snack.

The thought makes me blush, and I squirm in my place, too aware of his intense eyes. “Alex has turned very handsome indeed,” my focus travels to Josie. “He is my mate… if that isn’t obvious.”

“I figured,” Josie smiles at me. “But I don’t sense a fulfilled bond between you guys… haven’t you done the deed yet?”

My ears burn at her question. I’m mortified. How can she talk like that when Alex is around? We only use that teasing tone when gossiping alone in her room!

Gah. Is this payback for when I teased Josie when Misha was with us at the restaurant weeks ago?

“We haven’t… done the deed yet…” I say in a low voice, too embarrassed to glimpse at Alex to see what he is thinking.

Josie’s expression turns sly. “Can’t have a baby if you don’t seal the deal, my friend,” she aims a smile in Michelle’s direction and winks at me. “You want to become a mother, yes?”

Oh my god, could she stop?!

I’m beyond embarrassed at this point. Alex is quiet. I have no idea what he could be thinking right now. I glance over at him, and his expression tells me… nothing. His eyes are curious, but I can’t read the rest of him.

It bothers me, and my heart kicks up a notch.

Does Alex want a baby or not? Is it too early to be thinking of that? Probably. I don’t even know if he will accept me as his mate. Sure, he liked eating me out. But what if we don’t share the same goals and dreams? What if Alex doesn’t want pups?

As I ponder this, Josie stands and walks over to Michelle. She lifts her daughter into her arms, then looks at me. “Misha is training the warriors on the other side of the house. I will hand over Michelle to her granny, and then I plan on watching my mate battle and train. Would you mind waiting outside? I will be right back with you.”

I smile at her. “Sure, take your time.”

Josie smiles back, and I watch her hurry inside the mansion.

“Perhaps I should join the training session…” Alex comes up behind me, and I feel his large hand settle on my back. He strokes the area tenderly as if I’m made of glass. “I would like to challenge myself by challenging the werewolf warriors of our pack. Would that be okay with you? You wouldn’t mind if I battled?”

A giggle bubbles up inside me, and I look up at him. “Why do you ask for my permission?”

Alex gives me a sheepish smile. Gosh, he is really cute, and his hands feel nice on my skin. I love his touch, and I love his body. He has strong arms, and he is tall. It’s reassuring, and I’m itching to lean against him, breathe in his scent, and just relax.

I sag against his strong body by instinct, but I realize what I’m doing a moment later. Alex came to stand beside me. And now, I’m practically flinging myself at him without permission. What if he hates it?!

“I’m so, so sorry!” I blurt, stepping away from him. “Leaning against you so suddenly was out of line. I swear I won’t do it again.”

“Why do you think it’s out of line?” He tilts his head, looking confused. Dark hair frames his face. He might need a haircut, but I’m digging the long black hair.

I gesture between us. “You and I are new, and… I don’t know if… if you want to… you know?” I grimace. “I’m sorry.” He is smiling softly, and I reach out to touch his chest, then realize I’m feeling him all over again. What is the matter with me?! “Gah. Sorry! I don’t know why I keep making the same mistake over and over again!”

Alex gives me a puzzled look. “I don’t know why it’s a mistake. We are mates, are we not? There is no need to be frightened of touching me.” There is a twinkle in his eye. “Honestly, I like it when you can’t keep your hands to yourself. Especially in public places. It makes me feel seen.”

A breath of relief leaves my lungs. “Oh good, because you are—” I gently place my palm on Alex’s naked chest and k**s his chiseled upper abs. It’s as high as I can reach while on my tiptoes. “Really freaking sexy.”

I blush after uttering those words. There is no helping my shyness. I’m trying to be brave and say what I want. I feel as if Alex needs it, and I’m right. I’m rewarded by his lips curving into a handsome smile.

“I think you’re sexy too, beautiful even,” Alex says, and once more, he reaches for me, pulling me in for a hug. My nose brushes against his chest, and I get a waft of his delicious scent.

My eyes close on their own, and I shudder when his hand gently strokes down my back. I love his touch and can feel heat spreading between my thighs. I’m too easily aroused and murmur. “I’ve never been sexy, but I’m glad you think so.”

“You’re blind if you don’t see how sexy and beautiful you are,” Alex mutters into my ear.

When I look up at him, there is a dimple on his cheek and admiration in his gaze. I grow warm and wish to ask him if he accepts me and if he wishes to mate with me, but we get interrupted by footsteps.

“Good morning!” Its Misha. I turn around from Alex and watch our Alpha walk up to us with a grin. “Am I interrupting something?”

I step away from Alex, flustered. He looks confused and seems a bit hurt that I’ve created distance between us. But what does he expect? The Alpha is talking to us!

“No, not at all,” I plaster a smile onto my lips. I’m nervous about speaking to my Alpha. Misha might be Josie’s mate, but I don’t know him well, and my heart is clapping. “Is there something you want from us?”

“Just wanted to say hi,” Misha is still grinning. “Oh, and I also want to clear the air and say that you’re welcome to come and watch the warrior wolves fight. The warming-up session is about to begin, and after that, everyone will be battling each other.”

“Battling each other?” I lift an eyebrow. “Is there a special occasion?”

“There is,” Misha confirms. “I’m picking my Beta and my Gamma—the second and the third in command.”

My excitement grows to record heights. “Awesome! Alex and I would definitely like to watch that!” I turn to face Alex and beam up at him. “You’re with me on this, right? Watching the strongest werewolves in the pack fight each other will be amazing.” Not to mention sexy. I love strong men, but I won’t tell Alex that.

There should be no harm in telling Alex that. I don’t want him to think he needs to be a fighter for me to accept him.

But my mate seems to have realized I like warriors. A look I can’t decipher flashes over his features, and his eyes grow in intensity, glowing in various colors as he searches my face.

Whatever he replaces makes him lift his attention to Misha, and a look of pure determination crosses his face. “Is anyone able to fight for the position of Gamma and Beta?”

Misha’s lips twitches. “Of course, but… I should warn you that I have a demon hybrid competing and whoever wins the duels need to face me. And no offense, but your brother, who supposedly was incredibly strong, didn’t last a minute against me. So are you sure you wish to face off against me?”

Ouch—what a taunt. Surely Alex wouldn’t want to go up against—

“I accept,” Alex says. He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t smirk and only shrugs with a nonchalant expression. “But if I win, don’t cry that your future beta is a better fighter than you.”

With that, he walks past Misha, and I stare after him with my jaw slacking to the ground. Does Alex even realize that Misha has magic?! What the heck is he thinking challenging the Alpha like that?

To my utter horror, Misha laughs in amusement. “Alright, looks like we have a new contestant.”

My heart almost stops. Just what has Alex gotten himself into?! Misha looks so damn keen to beat him now!