Page 109 of The Beta's Heart

“He didn’t—”

No!I cut Landry off, my anger boiling over.He needs to understand how serious this is!

River’s eyes filled with tears, and he buried his head in his paws, quivering as he cried.

Me sorry, Ty-Ty,he choked out, his voice small and broken.Me no mean to make Ty-Ty mad.

Saying sorry isn’t enough this time!I yelled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.You were a bad boy! Reau almost died!

River’s sobs grew louder and his body shook harder, but I chose to harden my heart instead of admit that I was making a mistake.

“Beta, he’s trying his best.” Livvy shot me a look that was a mix of disappointment and frustration.

Trying isn’t enough, either! He needs todobetter! He needs tobebetter!

“Are you talking about him or yourself?” Livvy, never one to pull her punches, ripped back.

“Please, don’t, Livvy,” Grace’s soft voice cut through the tension. “Beta Ty, he’s hurting inside and out, and you’re too angry. This isn’t a good time for either of you to do this.”

Reau. Almost. Died!I shouted.

“That wasn’t Riv’s fault or yours,” Landry chimed in. “Those Russian triplets started it, and Reau shouldn’t have gotten involved.”

Before I could turn my anger on my best friend and make the situation even worse, Luna Posy arrived, bringing an air of calm and authority that we all needed right then.

“Please go for a break,” she nodded at Livvy, Grace, and Landry, her voice gentle yet firm, “and Tyler, take some deep, slow breaths while I talk to River.”

I did as she ordered, trying to rein in my emotions. River’s sobs had quieted somewhat, but now he looked utterly defeated, his eyes filled with a deep, heart-wrenching sorrow that hurt my heart, but I was tired.

So. Damned. Tired!

And afraid.

If Reau had been killed, I wouldn’t have been able to live with the guilt.

“Shhh, River.” Luna knelt beside my wolf, laying her hand on his wet ruff. “You’re okay. Everything’s okay now.”

Me sorry, luna,he said, his voice a broken whisper.Me sorry.

“I know,” she sang like a song, her voice a soothing melody. “I know. It’s all right now.”

I watched them, my heart heavy with regret and frustration. I wanted to make things right with River, but I also knew that I needed time to get over myself, so I let luna handle it. I’d messed up enough with him today, and she’d help him where I had failed.

“You did a good thing protecting Reau,” she murmured to him. “You were very brave.”

Why Ty-Ty so mad?he whispered.Me not hurt Toro. Me keep pup safe. Me always ’tect pups.

“I know, Riv. You have a good heart, and you care deeply about those you love. Ty’s the same way. He loves you and only wants what’s best for you.”

No! Ty-Ty bad boy, not me! Ty-Ty yell and say mean tings, luna!

“Shh, River. You’re a very good boy. Tyler just got scared. Sometimes when people are scared, they get angry, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you or want to protect you.”

Bad betas say mean tings ’bout luna! Bad tings ’bout mate! Bad betas need punish! Me punish! Why Ty-Ty so mad?

“Yes, sometimes we have to stand up for ourselves and for others.” Her expression softened as she leaned closer, her voice low andearnest. “You were right to protect me and your mate, but you have to listen to Ty, too.”

Me try. Me always try listen, but dah mad…River’s gaze dropped as he struggled to find the words.Dah mad louder den what Ty-Ty say.

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