Page 72 of The Beta's Heart

“She wants me to go swimming with her,” I said through gritted teeth, even the words tasting bitter in my mouth.

“Then go swimming with her,” Em shrugged, as if it were the simplest thing in the world, and I growled at him, scrubbing my hands over my face in frustration.

Sure, my scars had shrunk a little with Dr. Myers’ treatment, but it was a difference onlyIcould tell. To anyone else, they probably looked as horrifying as ever—and they were the last thing I wanted my brand-new mate to see, even if I knew she would eventually.

“Tyler James!” Matthew stalked over and stood in front of me, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.

At his rough bark, my control slipped a little. Even though we were getting along better than before, if he pushed me too hard, it would slip a lot more.

“Our little luna is brave enough to wear a swimsuit and show her scars in front of her mates and everyone else,” he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. “Surelyyoucan find the balls to do the same!”

The words stung, cutting deep into the insecurities I tried so hard to keep buried, but then Crew’s gentle voice cut in.

“Leave your t-shirt on, Ty. No one will say anything, and if Peri asks, say you’ll explain later.”

I looked at him, seeing the understanding in his eyes, and my shoulders slumped even more.

He knew. Theyallknew. And while Matthew’s tough love approach grated on my nerves, Crew’s simple suggestion made me see that this didn’t have to be such a big issue. I could keep my scars hidden from my mate for a little while longer.

“Fine.” Taking a deep breath, I stood up, my decision made. “I’ll see if Alpha Jay has a pair of trunks I can borrow.”

“That’s the spirit.” Tristan clapped me on the shoulder, a proud smile spreading across his face as Emerson gave me a thumbs-up and even Matthew’s stern expression softened a fraction.

With a roiling stomach, I walked away, feeling as if I were going to meet my doom. I wanted to show my courage, but feared how my mate would respond to seeing the evidence of my past.

Just don’t reject me,I begged silently.I can handle any other reaction, even disgust, but not that one.

#

Peri

I walked toward the pool area, my heart pounding in my chest with excitement to spend time with my mate in the pool.

“Peri, did you ask Tyler to go swimming with you?” Jay asked as he jogged up to me.

“Yeah. Why?”

“Do you know anything about his life? About his family?”

“You know I don’t listen to pack gossip, but I remember the parents talking about it. Daddy said Quartz saw Mr. James hurting him, and Ty’s mom was dead nearby. Q killed Mr. James on the spot.”

“That’s all true, and Ty can tell you more about it when he’s ready, but for now, you need to know that he has some scars from what his father did, and he’s nervous about you seeing them.”

“What, does he think I’ll reject him because he has a scar or two?” Rolling my eyes, I scoffed at him.

“Peri.” Jay put his hands on my shoulders and waited until I met his dead-serious eyes. “He hasa lotof scars—not one or two—and, yeah, he’s worried about you rejecting him when you see them.”

As I stared at him, too shocked to respond, he dropped his hands only to run his fingers through his sun-streaked brown hair.

“Listen, you know a shifter will do almost anything to make his mate happy, right? Well, Tyler just asked me to borrow a pair of swim trunks.For you. He’s on the edge of a panic attack.For you. He’s going to put his scars on display for everyone to see.For you. Now you need to do something for him.”

“Okay, I’ll go stop him.” I tightened my hold on my swim bag and looked around for my mate. “I’ll tell him I changed my mind and want to do something else. Where is he?”

“No, you’re not going to stop him.” Jay disagreed, making me frown and wonder what he was up to. “You’re going to put on your party girl smile and, if he has his shirt off, you’re going to keep your eyes on his face, and then you’re going swimming with him.”

“What are you talking about, Jay? You want me to act like I don’t see them?!” I demanded.

“I want you to act likenormal. Likehe’snormal.”

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