Page 112 of The Beta's Heart

No need to be sorry, but I’m worried about you.His tone was as serious as the grave.The guy hollering at River isn’t the guy I know. You’re not okay, and I don’t think you’re aware that you’re not okay.

I am now. Luna made sure of it.

Good. You’re my best friend. I can’t be happy if you’re not, bro!Then an evil smirk spread across his face.I hope you’re also aware that you get to explain what happened to your mate when you get home. Fifty bucks says at least four people have already linked her every detail.

No bet.I rolled my eyes, then joked,You know, sometimes I think she loves River more than me.

Yep, so you better get in a few prayers to the Moon Goddess, boy, because you’re fixing to meet her.Landry gave me a little salute with a fake sad face.So long, son. It’s been a pleasure knowing you.

And I couldn’t even shoot back a snappy retort because he was right.

#

Peri

I heard every detail from half a dozen people before Ty even walked through the kitchen door, his eyes shadowed with fatigue and regret, and my heart ached for him.

“Peri,” he began, his voice rough and unsteady, “before you say anything, I know I didn’t handle it right.”

“Oh, Ty.” My expression shifted from concern to a deep sadness. “You’ve had so many changes in your life recently, some good like becoming beta and your birthday and us moving in here, and some bad like having to reveal your scars and this mystery with your parents. Then these damned triplets had to show up! I am so glad Mase set their asses on that plane and got them out of here today!”

“Me, too,” he agreed with a wide-eyed nod.

“I know your stress levels have been through the roof, but, baby, taking it out on River isn’t the answer.”

Each word I spoke stung him. I could see it in the way he winced, his gaze dropping to the floor, and I was sorry for it, but I needed him to know that I was not okay with what he did.

“I know,” he murmured. “I just... I got overwhelmed. All week, I wanted to protect him from those freaking triplets, but all I did was hurt him and let him down in the end.”

“Lucky for you, River loves you.” I reached out, laid my hand on his arm, and felt the tension coiled beneath his skin. “I know he already forgave you when you apologized, but what if you did something nice to make it up to him?”

“I like that idea.” His eyes flashed up to meet mine. “Maybe you can help me think of something?”

“Of course!” A gentle smile tugged at my lips. “I’m guessingnota mountain of ice cream?”

“I thought about that actually, but maybe something more meaningful?”

“Hmm. How about we take him on a special outing? Somewhere he loves and can have fun.” I racked my brain, wondering where, and then it hit me. “Oh, I know! That spot high up in the mountains where there’s a natural overlook with an amazing view of Dark Woods! You know the one I mean? We could pack a picnic and spend the day there!”

“Were you talking to luna?” he demanded with a frown.

“No. Well, she linked me to let me know what happened, but not about hiking or anything. Why?”

“She suggested I take breaks from River once in a while. Let someone else guard him while I take a mini mental vacation.” His face finally softened, a hint of a smile even playing at the corners of his mouth. “Your idea is perfect. He loves that place, and he’ll love it even more if you shift so he can run around with Dove.”

“And there’s no trouble for him to get into up there.” I wrapped my arms around my mate’s neck, pulled him down to my level, and pecked the tip of his nose.

“Thank you, Peri. And thank you for not yelling at me, even though I know you probably wanted to.”

“Wounding someone who’s already gutted serves no purpose.” I pecked his lips this time, loving the soft warmth of his skin against mine.

“I have to admit, Sunshine, I’m… I’m scared. What if I mess up again as badly as I did today?”

“You’re eight-fucking-teen, Ty! Of course you’ll mess up again! It’s life. That’s how it works. You mess up. You learn from it. You grow and do better in the future. And it’s okay to be scared, baby.You have me and my family and your friends. We’re all here for you. YouandRiver.”

His arms tightened around me, and for a moment, we stood there, just holding each other. I wasn’t much of a cook. In fact, Cole often said I should be banned from the kitchen all together, but spaghetti was one of those meals evenIcouldn’t mess up. I had a jar of sauce with a bag of frozen meatballs in one pot warming up and another pot bubbling up with the noodles, and the aroma of basil, garlic, and tomatoes was such a comforting smell that I hoped it soothed his raw edges. It sure did my frazzled nerves, anyway.

After a moment, he leaned down and rested his forehead against mine.

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