Page 38 of The Beta's Heart

In the parking lot, I opened luna’s door and held out my hand in case she wanted help getting in. Alpha Cole’s SUV needed some running boards for our tiny luna, and I linked my beta brothers to request some.

“Thank you, Tyler,” she murmured, but didn’t take my hand.

That’s all right,I told myself with determination.I’ll win her trust slowly but surely, just like I told her.

“Anytime, luna. We’re here for you. Always.”

She nodded with a tiny smile, and I was smart enough to recognize that, despite her reservations, she was warming up to me—and I was going to do everything I could to prove she wasn’t making a mistake to do so.

#

Peri

The outlets were bustling with shoppers, and we dove headfirst into racks of clothes, shoes, and accessories. Laughter filled the air as we tried on various outfits, shared opinions, and cracked jokes. It felt good to forget everything and enjoy each other’s company for a while, and I was happy to see Lilah and the twins getting along.

I kept a careful watch on Posy, who was a nervous wreck nearly the whole time, but Tyler had a talk with her when we stopped for a drink, and whatever he said made her comfortable enough to play with us a bit at the last store.

“Check out these shoes, Peri,” she murmured with a smile, holding up a pair of pink chrome platform sneakers with lights along the bottom. “They’re perfect for you.”

“I think they’re moreyourstyle!” I teased her back with a grin.

At noon, we decided to refuel at Roger’s Diner, a cozy spot often frequented by the wolves of the pack, so the betas linked him, and he cleared the place out for us!

Damn. The benefits of befriending the luna,Dove snickered.

I know, right?

As we settled into a booth near the window, Callie grabbed a menu, eying it with eager anticipation.

“I’m starving,” she declared, which made Keeley giggle.

“You’re always hungry, Sissy.”

We placed our orders amid more laughter and banter, enjoying the warmth of friendship and good food. Every once in a while, I caught Ty’s gaze on me, and his cheeks flared red whenever our eyes met. It sent a delightful shiver down my spine, which I tried to ignore, but couldn’t.

Oh, girl, don’t be a fool,I cautioned myself.

Then Lilah’s expression suddenly shifted, her knuckles gripping the edge of the table as she shut her eyes tightly.

“Tall Pines,” she whispered in a panic. “I smell Tall Pines wolves!”

I realized what that meant and quickly linked the twins that it was most likely her old alpha, who was responsible for all the bruises on her neck and arms.

He’s trying to kidnap her?Keeley squeaked with wide eyes.

Luke told me yesterday that he was afraid Alpha Halder would stop at nothing to have his revenge on her,I replied,so I wouldn’t put it past him!

And now we—and luna—are caught in the middle,Callie growled, Finch underscoring her voice.

It’s not Lilah’s fault!I defended her hotly.

No, I didn’t mean it like that,Callie huffed.I meant, this dick alpha needs to die!

Well, why didn’t you just say that?I rolled my eyes.Cole told me it’s one of the reasons the king’s coming today. They’re going to—

“Luna, go to the bathroom and lock yourself in.” Beta Emerson spoke from Posy’s side, his dark eyes glinting with his wolf. “The rest of you are her last-ditch guards. Keep her alive as best you can.”

“Yes, beta,” the twins chorused as I nodded.

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