Page 84 of The Beta's Heart

As soon as Dove was in her fur, she gave a shake and lolled her tongue with excitement as she trotted out to where Ty sat waiting for her on the blanket.

“Hello, Dove,” he murmured as he held out one fist for her to sniff.

She did, then licked his knuckles with a happy hum before settling down next to him and laying her head on his knee.

Hello, Tyler, she linked him, her voice smooth and her words as articulate as always.It’s good to finally meet you properly.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said, his voice filled with awe, and Dove’s tail wagged with pride and affection for him. “May I pet you?”

Definitely.

His hand was gentle as he stroked her gray fur, and Dove leaned into his touch, her eyes closing as she basked in his attention.

As they shared their moment, I was both happy and grateful for the connection they were forging. Dove wasn’t the most affectionate wolf, even with members of the family, so it was nice to see her actually enjoying Ty loving on her.

Mates really make a difference, I thought to myself.

The two talked for a while before River’s impatience leaked into the mate bond, and both Dove and I realized how hard Ty was straining to hold him back.

We can talk all the time now,Dove told Tyler with a smile,and we’ll do this again soon, but for now, I think my mate might have a stroke if he doesn’t get to meet Peri.

Ty’s face held a mix of amusement and exasperation, and Dove assured him that she was fine and not to worry about it. When he nodded, she trotted back to the oak and shifted, leaving me to dress as she gabbed on and on about how handsome and kind Ty was.

And she complains aboutmyword vomit, I snickered as I rejoined Ty at the blanket.

The second I was close enough, he pulled me into a tight hug, burying his face in my neck and inhaling my scent as if we’d been apart for a year. I wasn’t any better, though; I dug my face into his chest, seeking the steady rhythm of his heart, and sighed with contentment when I found it.

“Your turn,” I finally whispered against his t-shirt.

“Yeah.” He nodded, getting up and heading for the oak. “All right, River, this is your moment. Don’t mess it up.”

Me good boy, Ty-Ty!I heard his wolf through the mate link as he disappeared around the tree trunk.

Not even ten seconds later, River stood before me, his gray fur much, much longer than I’d expected, and I understood why so many people called him the pack’s resident floof.

Mate! Mate! Hi, mate!He looked at me with excited eyes.

“Hello, River! It’s nice to finally meet you. You’re so handsome and fluffy! Can I pet you?”

Yes, yes, yes!He bounced on his paws, unable to contain his energy.Me love pets!

With a big grin, I ruffled my fingers through his fur, and River nuzzled his snout into my belly, his tail wagging furiously.

Ty-Ty say me has ice cream! Where ice cream, mate?

Did you promise him ice cream?I linked Ty.

Maaaybe. He drew the word out.Well, I had to bribe him to behave! He’s been so excited to meet you, and I didn’t want him to bust over here and tackle you!

Ice cream?River repeated when I didn’t answer him fast enough, looking at me with hopeful eyes.

“Sure. Why not?” I couldn’t help but smile.

Yay! Ice cream!he yodeled as he bounced around in a circle before he suddenly stopped, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air.What dat, mate? Smell funny!

Lifting my nose, I drew in the scent and didn’t even need Dove to tell me what it was. Feeling mischievous, I sank my hand into River’s ruff.

“Come on! Let’s go find out!”

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