Page 12 of The Beta's Heart

“Thank you, Ty,” Keeley said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

“Yes, Ty, we appreciate it,” Callie told him.

“Yeah, of course.” He nodded, his cheeks still flushed, then turned to me. “Good to see you again, Peri.”

“Same,” I murmured, trying to play it cool as our gazes met and held.

And held.

And held.

“Ahem,” Callie coughed into her elbow, and Tyler and I both blinked.

“Well, I, um, I should go,” he said.

“Thanks again for the flowers,” Callie told him.

“You’re welcome.” He gave us a curt nod, then turned and jogged back down the walk.

In unison, the three of us giggled quietly, not in a mocking way, but in a shared moment of amusement.

“He’s so cute and awfully sweet,” Callie whispered, her eyes twinkling. “I hope he’s one of our mates.”

“What if our mates are in different packs, Sissy?” Keeley fiddled with her flowers as her anxiety flared. “What if we have to leave each other?”

“Distance won’t ever come between you.” I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “No matter where life takes you, you’ll always be sisters.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” She gave me a small smile.

As I watched the night finish swallowing Tyler’s distant figure, his small act of kindness reminded me that, even on the darkest days, there was light and love and the strength of friendship to guide us forward.

#

As I climbed into Dad’s truck, I slumped into the passenger seat with a dramatic sigh.

“Can you believe today? I mean, I can’t even!”

“What’s this? Drama has occurred? Tell me more, my little gossip queen.” Dad glanced over at me, his fern-green eyes twinkling with mischief.

“It’s not gossip if it’s important stuff, you know.” I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help but smile. “And it’s not called gossip anymore. It’s called tea.”

“Oh, excuse me, Miss Important Stuff. Well, go ahead. Enlighten me on thetea.”

I hesitated for a moment, thinking about the twins’ pain, and then decided to start with something lighter.

“Well, Tyler showed up with flowers for Keeley and Callie. It was actually pretty sweet.”

“Tyler, huh?” Dad raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Would you mean my grease monkey at the garage? The shy boy with a secret crush on my daughter?ThatTyler?”

“Dad!” I groaned, my cheeks burning. “He doesnothave a crush on me!”

“Right, and I’m the tooth fairy. Come on, Peri, the boy’s got it bad. And it’s not surprising, really, that he’d fall formydaughter. Sheisgorgeous, after all.”

“Whatever.” I snorted, shaking my head. “Anyway, Callie and Keeley were both happier when I left, so I’m glad I went over there, but it was hard. This whole thing, it’s ... a lot.”

“I know it’s tough, kiddo.” Dad’s expression softened. “Losing someone in the pack always hits hard, but you did good today, helping those girls. Proud of you, Per.”

“Thanks, Daddy.” I leaned back, feeling a bit better. “How’s everything at the garage?”

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