Page 58 of The Beta's Heart

As the twins stopped in front of the Briggs brothers, the hall fell silent, all eyes on them, and I glanced around, noting the mixed reactions of the pack members. Some were smiling and whispering excitedly, while others looked confused, probably wondering who the visitors were, but none of the reactions were as intense as Cole’s.

I spotted him across the room, his face a mask of barely controlled rage and his hands clenched into fists at his sides, a look I knew all too well. Worse, his body was tense, like a coiled spring ready to snap, and I instinctively made my way toward him, weaving through the crowd with a purpose. I could feel the heat of his anger radiating off him in waves, something I’d dealt with many times before, to be honest, but it couldn’t happen here and now. He’d ruin Posy’s special day!

“Cole.” I touched his arm to get his attention, and he turned his blazing green eyes down to me.

“Those bastards! How dare they think they’re worthy of mates!”

“What’s wrong?” I glanced over at James and Aiden Briggs, who were now hugging Callie and Keeley.

“They abandoned Posy to their father!” he spat. “They left her to suffer while they escaped!”

The revelation hit me like a punch to the gut.

Cole had told me some of Posy’s difficult past, and she’d shared a few bits, too, but I didn’t know the full extent. I didn’t want to overstep here, but seeing the pain and anger in my brother’s eyes, I knew I had to calm him down before he did something rash.

And he’s the king of rash when he’s mad.

“Cole, look at me.” I stepped in front of him. “I know you’re angry, but this isn’t the time or place for a confrontation. This is Posy’s big day, and she needs you to be strong and supportive. Plus, she’ll never forgive you if you embarrass her in front of everyone.”

“Mase’s in my ear about it, too,” he muttered, “and you’re both right, but I can’t let this go.”

“Focus on Posy, not your anger. Look how happy she is!”

We both turned toward Posy, who was clapping and smiling, clearly overjoyed that her brothers were mated to her friends. Cole’s jaw was still tight, but he took some deep breaths until the anger faded and his body relaxed a bit.

“All right, Sissy,” he rumbled at last. “I’ll let them live.”

“Thank you.” I wanted to roll my eyes, but stopped myself. “Why are you so angry, anyway? Posy obviously isn’t holding onto any resentment toward her brothers.”

“She forgave them earlier this morning, and now she’s worried about their mental health.” He let out a heavy sigh, his massive shoulders slumping. “It’s hard for me to forget what they did, especially when I have to look at that damn brand on her spine every day. She was not his! She wasneverhis!”

“Don’t get all fired up again,” I chided him. “I understand, but this isn’t aboutyouright now. It’s Posy’s day. Look, why don’t you give them the talk that Everett Breckenridge would if he were still alive? It’s not the same as smashing them like I know you want to, but it’s better than nothing, right?”

“Good thinking, Sissy.” His lips twitched into a faint smile. “I’ll talk to them, but no guarantees that I’ll keep it civil.”

“You and civil are hardly on a first-name basis on a good day,” I teased him.

“I can be civil if I have to.” He glanced back at his little mate and her happy grin, then nodded curtly. “And right now I have to.”

“Good job!” I slapped him on the arm. “I’m proud of you! Now go drop the older brother lecture on the Briggs boys!”

“That will be my pleasure,” he purred, and I laughed as he headed in their direction.

#

Tyler

The reception after the luna ceremony was in full swing, the community hall buzzing with laughter and excitement as pack members moved about, congratulating the alphas and trying to catch a glimpse of both luna and the new queen, whom King Julian was proudly parading around.

As for myself, I nodded and smiled at familiar faces and stopped to gab with my buddies first, then Nathan and Evie Barlow. They asked me to introduce them to Emerson’s little brother, Thoreau, so we all chatted for a bit until the youngest three Barlow boys took Reau outside to the playground.

Making my way toward the drinks table, I caught sight of Bridger Donahue and Elijah Ford huddled in a corner, their heads close together. Their hushed snickers drew my attention, and I drifted over that way to see what the pack’s biggest troublemakers were up to now.

Please don’t let them be setting something on fire again,I prayed.

“Their bed must be like a slip-n-slide when they’re done,” I overheard Elijah say, and I came to a dead stop.

For their own sakes, I surely hope they aren’t talking about what I think they are.

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