Page 95 of The Beta's Heart

“Harmless?” I burst out laughing, and she dug her face into my shoulder as the boys turned to stare at us. “What are you doofuses looking at? Go back to talking about your D&D game while us girls gossip!”

They rolled their eyes at me, except for Gamma Lan, who didn’t even bother to look over, and Ty, who dropped a kiss on my cheek before returning to their conversation.

“Grace, you’re confusing peaceful with harmless,” I murmured once I knew the boys weren’t listening. “None of these guys are harmless. Even if you ripped their wolves from them and cut off their hands, they’d never be harmless. They are, however, peaceful when there’s no threat to their pack.”

“Oh.” She thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, you’re right. It’s just… White Pelt is run very differently than Five Fangs. It’s more … brutal, I guess, especially among the higher ranks. The gamma shoved me out of my chair once because he wanted my seat, then kicked me a few times while I was trying to get up, yelling at me to leave faster.”

“That’s barbaric!” I gasped.

“The whole lifestyle is.” Bowing her head, she toyed with her fingers, and now I was determined to ask Cole to let her transfer to Five Fangs, regardless of what her alpha said.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here now.” Twining my arm around hers, I laid my head on her shoulder. “And don’t you worry about any shifter doing something like that to you here. No one would allow it.”

I felt her head rest against mine as she thanked me and could hear the smile in her voice.

“What’s your order, Sunshine?” Ty nudged my side gently with his elbow, and I looked up to see the waitress ready with her pad and pen. “We’ve already given ours. What do you two want?”

Sitting up, we both put in our orders, then I let my eyes travel over each of the guys, stopping on Gamma Landry.

Despite what I told my new friend, I wasn’t one hundred percent sure that he was reliable enough right now to honor my unspoken promise to Grace. Ever since that fucking bitch had rejected him, he’d had a grudge against all females, and I couldn’t blame him in a way. I didn’t like being tarred with the same brush as Nia Hashimoto, but I could understand where he was coming from.

Usually, he just ignored any girls in his vicinity, acting like they didn’t even exist, so I didn’t think he’d cause a ruckus here or deliberately say anything inappropriate to Grace.

But if he does, he’ll regret it!I thought, fiercely protective of this girl I barely knew.

He behaved himself, though, and only gave her one long look before avoiding her for the rest of the meal.

I’m surprised and not surprised Landry’s not bugging me about Grace,Ty linked me as the waitress handed out our orders.She’s exactly his type—

Sweet as pie and twice as pretty?I interrupted him to ask.

That, and thicc with two Cs,he chuckled, then turned serious.But since Nia Hashimoto humiliated him, he’s changed so much. He’s never going to let himself be vulnerable with a female again.

It’s only been six months, baby. He needs time.

I know. I just worry for him.Ty heaved a sigh that sounded like it came from the bottom of his boots.He’s my best friend. I hate seeing him suffering, and for something he never deserved. I want him to be happy.

It’ll all come out in the wash.I rubbed my hand up and down his back.There’s someone out there for him, too, even if it isn’t his fated mate. We’ll just have to support him and help him stay strong until he meets her.

You’re right, Sunshine.He leaned in and kissed the corner of my lips.

I know,I sassed him.I usually am.

Don’t get too big for your britches. My mom used to say, ‘A rooster one day and a feather duster the next.’

Good thing I’m a hen, then, isn’t it?I smirked up at him, my eyes dancing with merriment.

And here I thought you were a rabbit—

“All right, enough, you two,” Gamma Reuben groaned. “You may be using the link, but your flirting is shedding all over the rest of us lonely, mateless people. You think you would have gotten it out of your systems after being locked in your bedroom together for the last three days.”

“We didn’t just stay in the bedroom,” I shot back. “We had a whole house to—”

Blushing furiously, Ty got his hand over my mouth, and Grace giggled into her hand.

“Oh, Goddess. Peri’s showing her sassafras.” Gamma Nick shook his head, and I wiggled my face out from under Ty’s hand.

“I’m a sassy ass?” I flipped my hair over my shoulder with a raised eyebrow. “Good. A sassy girl’s better than a pretty girl. Fortunately, I’m both.”

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