Page 115 of The Beta's Heart

You tow, me chase!

Took me a moment to translate ‘tow’ to ‘throw,’ but I got there. Picking up the stick, I gave it a good toss, and he took off like a shot, his paws kicking up dirt as he raced after it only to return moments later with it clutched triumphantly in his jaws.

“Good boy!” I praised, scratching behind his ears.

Of course, he dropped the stick and nudged it towards me, wanting to play again, and I got the sense that he would have played until my arm fell off.

Thankfully, after only a few rounds, his curiosity got the better of him once more. He sniffed around, his nose leading him to my pockets. He prodded them eagerly, his eyes widening as he caught the scent of treats I had forgotten were there.

Treats? Mate have treats?he exclaimed, poking his nose deeper into my pocket.

I laughed and pulled out a small bag of his favorite snacks.

“You can have one, but only one!”

He sat down obediently, his tail thumping against the ground. I handed him a treat, and he gobbled it up, licking his chops with satisfaction.

One more?

“Oh, I am a sucker for your big, innocent eyes,” I sighed and fed him one more treat.

One more again?

“No, sweetie, that’s all.”

He pouted for a moment, then, with a mischievous glint in his golden eyes, stood on his hind legs and reached out with a paw.

“What are you doing, honey bunny?”

Shake, mate! Shake like human!

I chuckled and extended my hand, expecting a gentle shake, but his enthusiasm got the better of him. Instead of a handshake, he knocked me off balance, and I landed on my ass with a soft thud.

Oops! Sorry, mate!His eyes widened with concern for a moment before he pounced on me, licking my face with fervent affection.Love you, mate! Love you!

I dissolved into giggles, the ticklish sensation of his tongue and the sheer joy in his eyes filling me with happiness.

“Okay, okay! I love you, too, River!” I managed to get out.

Still chuckling, I sat up and wiped the tears of laughter from my eyes, and he sat beside me, his tail wagging and his tongue lolling. Reaching over, I wrapped my arms around his neck in a tight hug.

My goofy, loving companion.

#

Arriving at Gamma Rio’s house, I took in the scent of charcoal burning as it wafted out from the backyard to mix with the sweet aroma of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers.

“Smells good already,” I remarked, nudging Ty with my elbow.

“Yep! Come on. Let’s find out what’s cooking.”

Gamma Rio Graves and his human mate, Emmeline, had invited all the betas and gammas and their mates to their place for a barbecue tonight, and I had a feeling something was up. My alpha brothers had taken Posy to the Royal Pack for Queen Lilah’s coronation and left Mom and Dad and Royal and Julia Price in charge with the betas as back up, and I wondered if it was going to be one of those, “While the cat’s away, the mice will play,” kind of nights.

The backyard was decorated with strings of fairy lights and colorful paper lanterns, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Looking around, I saw I knew everyone there except for a young man standing with Angelo and Beta Em and three very unique young ladies next to gammas Nick and Adam.

What are they?I linked Ty, knowing for sure they weren’t werewolves or humans. I could see and smell that much!

You don’t recognize the scent?

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