Page 43 of The Beta's Heart

I thought of all the times Riv chewed up furniture at the O, dug deep holes in the field at fighter practice, and bolted off after squirrels during pack runs. Number one on his most memorable moments list was when he stole a Roman candle during last year’s Fourth of July fireworks and set it off while it was in his mouth, then ran around like a maniac because he was scared, but refused to drop it.

“Fun,” I echoed. “Yes, ma’am, he’sloadsof fun.”

That made Peri giggle, and my world lit up with sunshine.

As I pulled into the alpha house’s driveway, I couldn’t help but wish for a future where she would look at me like I hung all the stars in the sky, but I knew deep down she deserved someone who could give her everything her sweet heart desired.

Treasure every second with her, I told myself a little wistfully,because next week this time, her mate will sweep her off her feet and carry her away.

Then there would be no more stolen moments of sunshine and giggles.

#

The alphas decided to leave us betas in charge of the pack while they went with the king to sort out Alpha Leo Halder and the mess he’d made of Tall Pines. It would be a lot of responsibility on our shoulders, but we were happy to carry it, especially as we knew it served our luna and our pack.

There was a bit of drama when Alpha Cole explained to us what all needed doing around the alpha house. Matthew decided to poke at me, trying to make me look bad when all I did was volunteer to water luna’s plants. Unfortunately for him, everyone heard him, including Alpha Mase.

Then there was a bigger bit of drama shortly after Alpha Mase finished lecturing Matthew in his home office.

King Julian was out on the patio, talking to several people, including Tristan and his mate, Ariel del Vecchio, who had recovered as soon as Tris marked her and his wolf finished healing her. Alpha Cole had left to pick Peri up so she could spend the day with luna and the queen. In the meantime, Alpha Mase was giving us some last minute instructions, Alpha Wyatt was checking the luggage, and Alpha Ash was cleaning up the kitchen while Alpha Jay said his goodbyes to luna.

I didn’t know how it started, but Alpha Wyatt riled up Quartz good and proper, and the king had to shift into his horse-sized wolf, Onyx, to get Quartz away from him. While the rest of them dealt with the chaos in the kitchen, I was tasked with getting luna somewhere safe and calming her down, which I did as soon as I pulled her out from her hiding spot under the dining room table. Carrying her up to her special room and out onto her balcony, I sat down in the wicker rocking chair and held her as she shook.

Freaking idiots!I thought to myself.Whatever they were fighting about, it sure shouldn’t have happened around my little luna!

We sat and rocked as luna’s shaking slowly turned to intermittent trembles, then Alpha Mase called my name in the beta link, and my eyes snapped to where he stood in the balcony doorway.

Has she said anything?he asked.

No, alpha.

Thanks for staying with her. I know she trusts you a lot.

Anything for my luna.

“Go take a break,” he murmured as he picked her up off my lap and held her like a bride. “The other betas are with Ariel in the living room, but if you need to get yourself together in privacy, you’re welcome to use one of the guest rooms.”

I appreciated that and thanked him, then left him to it as I took him up on his offer. Striding into the closest guest room, I went right into the bathroom, stripped off my t-shirt, and splashed my face with cold water a few times. I didn’t like seeing luna that way. Not one bit. River didn’t, either, although he stayed calmer than I did this time. Maybe he was getting better.

Or maybe he knew he didn’t stand a chance against Q, and there was no other opponent to attack,I thought, which seemed more realistic.

After drying my face on the hand towel, I quickly put my shirt back on, then went downstairs right as the front door opened—and Peri Barlow came in like a burst of sunshine.

Seeing her always sent a thrill through me, but I told myself I had to keep my distance so I could focus on my duties.

Oh, who am I fooling? I’m just trying to protect my heart!

At long last, the alphas and their entourage went on their way, the queen convinced her brother to take her over to the clinic to visit her twin cousins, and we betas divided up duties as Ariel, Peri, and luna chatted in the living room.

Emerson and I pulled the night shift for as long as we were staying at the alpha house, which was fine with me. I didn’t fancy the idea of having a nightmare when everyone could hear me. If I had one during the day, they’d most likely be too busy cooking or watching TV or playing games in the man cave to hear my pathetic noises.

“I’m too nervous to try,” Em and I overheard Luna Posy say as we joined them in the living room.

“Try what?” I asked.

“Painting my nails.”

“Here.” Em plopped down next to her on the couch, his heavy weight making her bounce a little, and I snickered at that. “Practice on me first.”

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