Page 36 of The Beta's Heart

“Good. It makes me happy to know that,” I admitted quietly, knowing I couldn’t say too much more. Her eighteenth birthday was at the end of the month, and she had a true mate waiting for her. I’d be damned if I screwed that up for her by doing something dumb.

Her smile widened, giving me a boost of confidence, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

Then Alpha Cole, Crew, and Tristan joined us, breaking the moment, but each time I glanced at her after that, I found her eyes on me. That made me feel ten feet tall.

Eventually, the others came over, too, although luna, Peri, and Lilah MacGregor broke off into their own circle as the rest of us started talking about the latest pack betting pool. More often than not, my eyes strayed to the girls, one in particular, and I grinned when they burst into high-pitched squeals, happy simply because they were happy.

Before too long, a pink VW Bug had swerved into one of the two remaining parking spaces, then the Breckenridge twins ran up to us, excited to go shopping with the new luna. The alphas quickly explained our escort plan, then kissed their lady goodbye and settled her in Alpha Cole’s SUV.

“Do not let anything happen to her,” Alpha Wyatt warned us.

“Of course we won’t, alpha,” Emerson answered for all of us, a hint of insult in his tone. “We’ll die before any harm comes to her.”

“Yes, you will,” Alpha Wyatt snarked back.

Biting back a grin, I hopped into the shotgun seat of Em’s SUV as Tristan climbed into the back and Em slid behind the steering wheel. As soon as Crew and Matthew took off in Matthew’s truck, the girls followed, and we brought up the rear.

“Hopefully we won’t get too bored,” Tris muttered. “I fucking hate shopping.”

“We have a job to do,” Em reminded him. “Keep your mind on it and your senses sharp.”

“Absolutely,” I agreed. “Nothing’s going to happen to Luna Posy onourwatch.”

“Damn right, kid.”

10. Boom to Bust

Tyler

The shopping center was full of people rushing from store to store, their laughter and conversations blending into a constant hum.

Definitely not my scene.

Em, Tris, Crew, Matthew, and I flanked the ladies as they walked around, chatting excitedly and pointing out various shops and window displays, but I could see the tension in luna’s posture. Her eyes darted around and her hands tightly gripped the hem of her pretty blouse.

I stayed close, but gave her space, knowing how important it was for her to feel some semblance of control. From the way she held herself, it was clear that she was trying to keep it together, trying to appear strong, but I could see the fear in her eyes every time a stranger got too close or the twins squealed too loudly or a motor revved or…

Or so many things.

It broke my heart. It really did.

We came to a small café, and Peri suggested they take a break and get a drink. As they picked a table, I studied luna’s face. She looked like she was holding her breath, and Ihadto do something to ease her anxiety.

“Luna, what can I get you to drink?” I asked, keeping my tone casual, like we were two friends chatting, and she looked up at me, her eyes wide and a little wild.

“Um, maybe an iced tea?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know just the thing! You wait here. I’ll be right back.” I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile.

Even if I had to DoorDash it here, Luna Posy was getting some Arizona Sweet Tea!

Fortunately, I only needed to go to the counter, order, and pay for it while the other girls visited the restroom. As I walked back to luna, I tried to think of a way to make her feel more comfortable.

“Here you go. I hope it’s to your liking.” I set the bottle in front of her.

“Thank you, Tyler,” she murmured.

She tried to get the lid off, but her hands were shaking too much, so I cracked it open for her, then moved to stand a respectful distance away as she took the first sip.

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