Page 37 of The Beta's Heart

“Luna, I can see that this is a lot for you today,” I began the little spiel I’d rehearsed between the counter and here, “and I just wantyou to know that we betas are here to keep you safe, but we’re also here to support you however you need.”

“Sorry I’m so bad at hiding how uncomfortable I am,” she murmured, setting down the tea bottle. “It’s probably making everyone feel awkward.”

“Don’t apologize. You’re allowed to feel however you feel,” I assured her.

“Thank you.”

She gave me a little nod, and I realized that she was thanking me for giving herpermissionto feel. I knew that must stem from her father’s abuse, which made anger bubble up inside me, and I had to swallow it down to focus on her quiet voice.

“Everything is too loud and bright, and I’ve never been around so many people. I’m...”

“Frightened?” I finished for her when her voice petered out.

“Yes,” she whispered and curled her shoulders in, a defense posture if ever I saw one, and I couldn’t stand it anymore.

Crouching down next to her, which put us almost eye to eye, I wanted so badly to give her a hug, but knew she wouldn’t welcome it. She might sit through it in silence because she felt shehadto, but it wouldn’t bring the comfort I intended, so I kept my arms to myself and settled for waiting until her dark blue eyes flashed to mine.

“Luna, no one will touch you while we’re with you, I promise,” I whispered. “I know you don’t trust us yet, but the alphas do, and you trustthem, right? They hand-picked each of us because they knew you’d be as safe in our care as you are in theirs.”

“I’m sorry.” She dropped her head and sniffed, a tear skimming down her cheek. “I swear I’m not trying to be rude, but I can’t trust you all yet.”

“Hey, it’s all right. I understand,” I said as I handed her a wad of napkins. “Trust takes time, but I’m in no rush. We’ll take it one step at a time and guess what? We’ll be friends before you know it!”

“That would be nice.” She blew her nose, then flicked her eyes up to meet mine. “I hope none of you take it personally. I’m just scared of…”

“Me? Men in general?” I guessed.

“Everyone,” she whispered and sniffed again.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the girls headed back to our table and linked the others to run interference with them until I could get luna to stop crying, knowing she would hate for them to see her upset when they were trying so hard to share a good day with her. As Em and Tris stood guard, Crew intercepted the twins and Matthewturned Peri and Lilah around, and I did my best to calm my luna’s frazzled nerves.

“Is there anything we can do to make ourselves less scary to you?” I asked gently.

“I’m not scared ofyou. I like you the best so far.” She paused to blow her nose again, and my chest expanded with pride and happiness at her words. “Emerson was very scary at first, but then he smiled and called me little luna bunny, somaybehe’s okay? Crew has the calmest aura of anyone I’ve ever met, and I liked his smile. Tristan seemed like a nice guy with how he shook my hand and tried to get me to talk, so I’m halfway to thinking they’re okay, too. I don’t like Matthew, though. He’s a bully.”

“Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, luna. Not only am I glad that you like me already, I’m happy that you feel safe enough to talk to me!”

Despite the heat I felt in my cheeks and the tips of my ears, I gave her a big smile as River pranced around in excited circles and praised me with,Ty-Ty a good boy!

“As for the others,” I went on, “Emerson may be Beta Beast to us, but he’ll be a teddy bear for you. Crew is always calm no matter what’s happening, so you can depend on him, and Tristanisa nice guy. He’s so nice, you’ll be comfortable with him in no time! As for Matthew, he’s going through a rough time right now. His best friend was killed, and he’s still grieving for him. He’ll come around after he heals a little more, just like you. You’ll both move ahead at your own pace, okay?”

“Okay.” She nodded, then took another sip of her tea, her hands still trembling slightly. “This is good, by the way. I like it.”

“It’s my favorite,” I admitted with a blush as I stood up and stepped back since the girls refused to be distracted any longer, and they rejoined us with cheerful conversation and giggles.

Resuming my guard position, I stationed myself near luna, hoping it made her feel even a little safer to know I was right there.

Good job, pup,Emerson murmured in the beta link.

Try not to drip any of that smarmy schmooze on the floor,Matthew scoffed.

Shut up, Meanie Boy,Tris muttered.Goddess, I bet twenty bucks that you can’t go the rest of the day without insulting Ty in one way or another.

Bet!Crew piped up and Emerson echoed, making me roll my eyes.

As the girls continued shopping, I kept close watch on Luna Posy, offering a reassuring smile or a few calming words whenever sheseemed overwhelmed. Slowly, she started to relax, her steps becoming a bit more confident. By the time the girls were ready to leave and find a place for lunch, she looked less like a deer caught in headlights and more like a young woman trying to reclaim her life.

It was a small victory, maybe, but, hey, they were worth celebrating just as much as the big ones!

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