Page 137 of The Beta's Heart

Ray’s love and admiration for his two best friends radiated from him. It was clear that the three men had been more than friends, just like my older brothers, and I was sure seeing their sons was helping Ray as much as he was helping Ty and Ash.

“I remember this one time,” he began, “we decided to go on a camping trip up in the mountains. We were young and full of reckless energy. The kind that only youth can supply.”

I could almost see it through Ray’s words and fond memories—three young men, brimming with life and laughter, in the midst of some wild adventure.

Goddess, just like Wyatt and Jay and Ash, I thought to myself with a little smile.Posy calls them the Three Musketeers, but if only she knew what they were like before she met them, she’d call them the Three Demons on Crack.

“Now, we were all set up for a peaceful weekend in nature,” Ray leaned back with a chuckle. “But then, things went sideways when alpha had this brilliant idea to cook dinner over an open flame and, of course, managed to set the whole camp on fire, tents and all.”

“Something you and Wyatt and Jay would do.” I couldn’t hold the thought back this time as I cut my eyes to Ash.

“Yep! Sounds like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree!” he said proudly, puffing out his chest.

“No way.” Tyler snorted, trying to stifle his laughter. “They actually set the whole camp on fire?”

“Yessir! Alpha had this wild grin on his face as he tried to put it out, beta was running around with a bucket of water, and I was trying to salvage what little food we had left. It was chaos! Hahaha! One of the best nights of my life!”

“I wish I could’ve known my dad,” Ty said wistfully.

“I wish I could remember mine,” Ash added. “Uncle Jay said I cried for ‘Tama’ for nearly a year after, but I don’t remember anything about him or Mom.”

“Tama! That’s right! Almost forgot.” Ray’s eyes brightened as he chuckled. “Your gramma was from Samoa, and she had all of us pups calling our dads Tama! Hahaha!”

“Was Robert Merriweather one of your friends?” Ty asked. “He was my mom’s brother.”

“Bekah’s brother?” Ray scratched his whiskery cheek as his eyebrows drew together. “I remember talking to him a time or two atpack functions. I think Bekah once said he had a son, her nephew, who was right about your age, but I’m afraid I can’t tell you much about that side of your family.”

“That’s okay. I’m mostly asking for my cousin, Robert’s son. His name is Bram, and we’re both the last of our families.”

Ray nodded, offering a few comments on how devastating the sickness has been, then—Goddess bless his heart—said what I knew both Ash and Ty were longing to hear.

“Alpha Gabriel and Beta Hunter loved you boys so much. You were their pride and joy. They spoke about you all the time to anyone who’d stand still long enough to listen.” Clearing his throat, he added, “You would have loved them, too. Alpha was always the first to cheer you on, even if he was the one losing, and beta was the steady, reliable one, there to pick up the pieces before you even knew something was broken.”

“You hear that, baby?” I whispered, squeezing my mate’s leg gently. “Your dadlived.He had friends who loved him, who still love him, and he loved you.”

Tyler turned to me, his eyes bright with unshed tears, and I could tell he couldn’t talk right now, so I said it for him.

“Thanks for sharing, Ray. It means a lot to both of them.”

“They deserved to know. Their fathers were incredible men.” Ray looked from Ash to Ty. “Even though they’re not here now, I see them in the two of you, and I’ll tell you the Goddess’ own truth, boys. Your dads would have been proud of the men I can see you’ve become.”

When Ty sniffed, I wrapped my arms around him, and he swiveled and buried his face in my throat, his breaths hitching and his sorrow breaking my heart. At least I had memories of my mother to comfort me and could still hear her voice when I concentrated on recalling it. All Ty had were some photos and Ray’s stories.

“Do you remember my mom?” Ash asked with a tremble in his voice. “Uncle Jay used to tell me lots of stories, but they were mostly about her as his little sister. Can you tell me anything about her when she was the luna? When she was my mom?”

As I rubbed my hands up and down Ty’s back, I wished Ash hadn’t insisted on leaving Posy at home. He needed someone to hug him right now, too, but he’d been a stubborn ass and convinced her that he would be fine on his own.

Later, he’d told us that he was worried about her missing school since it was already a huge source of stress for her. She’d also assumed more of the luna duties, and everything was taking a toll onher. When I’d suggested that Posy might like to come along simply to take a break, Ash had shaken his head, sending his dark curls bouncing.

“It would be emotionally draining for her. That’s hardly a break, Sissy. Besides, she’s always right here.” He’d tapped two long fingers over his heart. “Everywhere I go, she’s with me.”

Stupid moose! Bringing tears to my eyes with his sappy self!

You hanging in there?I linked him now.

I’m fine. Concentrate on Ty. This is all fresh for him, but I made peace with this a long time ago, Sissy. Talking about them actually helps me, I promise.

So I did as he said and comforted my mate while Ray spun the few stories he had about Luna Kristy Mitchell, his voice soft with affection.

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