Page 100 of The Beta's Heart

She’s used to planning and preparing early, especially because she makes a lot of her gifts and that takes time. If something is expensive, that also takes time to save for.

“Hmm. Well, I did think about getting her this one thing, but I’m not sure it’s Christmas present-y. You’re sure she can’t hear us?” When Dove nodded, I explained that I wanted to get her a piece of furniture or display shelf for all her rocks and kaleidoscopes. While her prisms hung on transparent fishing line all over the house, her other two collections were still packed in boxes in the guest room closet.

Oh, I know the perfect thing!Dove squealed.An antique oak china cabinet with curved glass and claw feet and big enough to even display the items in River’s mate box! She’s been in love with it at Stella’s for nearly a year now! She salivates over it every time we go in there, but it’s $3,000.

“That’s perfect, but what if it’s not there anymore?” I asked with wide eyes, a little panicked that it might have slipped out of my fingers before I even knew I had to buy it.

Stella knows Peri’s in love with it, and I think she kind of keeps it from being sold, hoping someday Peri can afford it.

“Then I guess I know what she’s getting for Christmas!” I crowed and wrapped my arm around Dove, pleased that she nuzzled into my hug. “Thanks!”

Just so you know, I’m good at keeping secrets from her,Dove hinted as she nudged me with her head.It’s fun.

“Then you and I, my girl, are going to havelotsof fun together.”

22. Close Call

Tyler

One Friday in late July, Alpha Wyatt asked the gammas to give our luna beginner lessons in self-defense, so I volunteered to cover their afternoon sessions on the training field. There were two back-to-back fighter practices scheduled, followed by what we called Pup Patrol: Any and all little ones from ages two to ten were invited to learn and perform basic exercises—mostly different stretches and a few gymnastics—and it almost always ended up in lots of running around, especially on the days William and Winnie Barlow came.

I loved it, so it was no problem for me to fill in whenever, and especially today since it was to luna’s benefit. Emerson would have joined me, but he took his little brother, Thoreau, into Greenville to register for school. Angelo had done some research on their options, and he and Em wanted to make sure Reau got what he needed.

I was laughing over Rook Harrison and Wesley Barlow’s attempts to do handstands when Alpha Jay politely tapped on the alpha-beta link.

Yes, alpha?I answered immediately.

For the love of the moon, Ty, you’re our brother-in-law. Just Jay will do,he griped with a scowl and that, more than his words or tone, let me know something was up.Can you come over to the training center to be with Posy? Something … happened with Landry and my brothers and Q did not have a good reaction to it.

I was already waving at Evie Barlow—er,Mom—to let her know I needed her to come over, and she started jogging my way.

Did someone hurt luna?

Her feelings, Ty. She’s madder than a wet hen.

Lunais?I stopped and clarified, keeping my eye on Mom to make sure none of the pups tackled her in their enthusiasm.

Oh, yeah. She basically told them to kiss her go-to-hell. Wait a sec.

“Ty? What is it, love?” Mom seemed to know I was going to be called away because she grabbed my clipboard and coach’s whistle.

“Something’s up with luna. Jay wants me to come over to the training center to be with her.”

“Where are the other betas?”

“From what I can feel, they’re all already there. Listen, I need someone to mind the pups for the last five minutes. Most of the parents are already here, but Charlie said Honor’s dance class ran over, so the boys might need a lift back to the O—”

“I’ve done this enough years now to have it all in hand, Ty. Just go to Posy.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Giving her a smile, I sprinted off, wondering why my crazy brothers-in-law kept screwing up with their mate.

#

Well, the alphas’ reactions were almost understandable this time.

Almost.

When I arrived at the training center, Angelo was chatting with Luna Posy, who looked like she’d been crying, while Thoreau happily capered around something laying in the middle of a mat.

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