Page 54 of The Beta's Heart

I won’t,Mr. Price promised.

Beddah not!my wolf sang out in a taunt others might think was playful, but Mr. Price and I both knew it was far from it.

Goodness gracious, this day was falling apart and it wasn’t even noon yet!

The five alphas, of course, had picked up on luna’s panic and were hounding me to know what was wrong, so I told them she was fine and I’d explain what was happening momentarily.

Fortunately for Mr. Price, the alphas agreed, probably because luna wasn’t broadcasting so wildly anymore—either comforted by mypresence or secure in the knowledge that no one would harm her while I was around—and I told Mr. Price that he had five minutes to fix this.

He did his best, too. Talking to her nicely at an appropriate distance, he offered her the bouquet of flowers he’d carried in with him. She peeked around me, but her fingers clenched tighter into my shirt, and I sent her waves of reassurance in the bond. He went on to apologize for insulting her, making me wonder whenthathad happened, then set the flowers on the counter when she stayed where she was.

As if I’d let him anywhere near her while he made her so uncomfortable! He could apologize all day long; it didn’t amount to a hill of beans to me untilsheaccepted it.

I don’t want to talk to him yet, Tyler,luna linked me,but would you please tell him I accept his apology and forgive him for saying cruel things about me?

Of course I will, luna. Do you want to talk about what happened between the two of you?

Maybe later.

With a nod, I told Mr. Price what she’d asked me to, knowing my eyes still burned gold because I couldn’t get River to back all the way down. With a scowl, I added my own two cents, not caring that he was a former alpha, my mentor, and my luna’s father-in-law.

“I expect better from you in the future, sir. She deserves to be treated with respect as both your luna and your daughter-in-law.”

“I know. I will do better. Luna, I hope you will allow me to get to know you. I am excited to have a daughter-in-law, especially one who is not only lovely and kind, but also brave and strong.”

As he talked to her, Luna Posy’s fingers slowly unknotted from my shirt, telling me that she was relaxing her guard.

No worries. We’ll keep ours up, right, Riv?

Always, Ty-Ty,he growled, still irritated that Mr. Price had upset his luna.

When she patted my arm, I knew that was my cue, so I dropped my hand and stood at ease, but remained alert.

“I believe in second chances,” she said softly, “but that’s all you get.Onechance. Don’t screw it up.”

“More than fair,” Mr. Price replied. “Thank you, luna.”

“Thank you for the flowers.” She picked up the bouquet. “They’re beautiful. And call me Posy.”

As she hunted for a vase, I invited him to join us as we learnedMonopolytogether. He hesitated at first, but I told him that if he was honest about getting to know her, this was a prime opportunity. After heagreed, River settled down, content to watch us set up the game until it came time to select our token.

“Oh, look at this little doggy!” luna squealed. “It’s so cute!”

Me want!River shouted at the same time.Me want cute doggy!

Luna blinked at me before smiling and tipping the little metal dog into my palm.

“Sure, River. I’ll be the top hat.”

Sorry, I linked her.He’s a little … dysregulated today.

Which was true, but I didn’t add that he was a little dysregulated all day, every day.

It’s fine. It’s only a game, and if it makes him happy, I don’t mind.

I still scolded him a little that he should be a gentleman and let luna have it, but he stuck his tongue out at me.

Mine now!he grunted.Go in mate box.

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