Page 59 of Overcoming the Beta

The warriors that are trained for these missions join us in Alpha’s office, and like always, we give them the option to stay behind. We explain the risks and that we expect not everyone will come home. The warriors don’t blink and not a soul volunteers to stay behind. Our warriors are among some of the best around, and I expect no less from them. Alpha dismisses us after the three of us make plans on how we will tell our mates about the mission. My nerves are on edge, not because of the mission, but because the fear that this will invoke in Kate.

Walking out of Alpha’s office, I see Kate leaning against the wall in front of his door. When she sees me, she stands straight, pushing her shoulders back and putting on a brave face.

“Hello, love. How long have you been waiting for me?” I lean down to her and press my lips into hers. Her lips are so soft and sweet, they always leave me wanting more.

“Your emotions are all over the place. What’s going on?” She whispers.

“Can’t keep anything from you, can I?” I smile and tease.

“Ian?” She tilts her head sideways at me.

“Let’s take a walk.” I feel like being outside, and in her favorite spot under the oak tree behind the back garden will lessen the sting of learning that I will go away.

Kate

We walk through the back garden to the old oak tree I used to sit and read under when I was younger. As we approach, I see a rope hammock swing, one like I had when I was a pup.

“Ian, what is this?” I smile and run my hands along the swing.

“You like it?” He leans down and whispers in my ear.

“Yes. So much. When did you do this?” I turn and wrap my arms around his neck.

“Earlier today. I ordered it two weeks ago. You should have seen Zane, Kelsey, and me trying to hang the damn thing. It looked like three monkeys trying to hump a football. Maintenance finally had enough of watching the three of us screw around with it and swooped in to finish the project in like five minutes. They said they didn’t want you hitting the ground when it fell apart on you.” Ian laughs, “get in.” he instructs. I climb in and scoot over, giving him room to sit next to me.

“This one is bigger than the one I had as a pup.” I curl up to his chest.

“I got one built for two. I know how much you love to read and how this was your favorite spot. From up there, I used to watch you.” He points to the upper floor where the beta quarters are.

“You watched me?” I look up at his face, “perv.” We laugh and I snuggle back into his chest. I can feel something bubbling under the surface and it’s making me nervous and uneasy.

“You know I love you, right?” Ian plays with my hair.

“You’re scaring me.” I inhale deeply, trying to control my emotions.

“I’m sorry, love. I’m not trying to… I just need you to know that I love you.” He runs his fingertips up and down my body. “Prince Lazar and Prince Malachi were here today.”

“Oh,” knots form in my gut just hearing his name.

“We’re leaving to go on a mission.” His voice quivers as he speaks.

“What?” I sit up to look at him.

“England,” his lip turns up in an attempt to form a smile.

“What?” Heat moves across my body as the shock of it hits me. “When?” I look down and whisper.

“A week… maybe sooner or later. It’s hard to say.” He brushes my cheek with the back of his hand.

“Is my dad going?” I’m fighting back the tears.

“No, all of our fathers will stay behind.” He sighs out, “there’s more, but first I need you to promise me you’ll be brave.”

“Goddess, Ian. You can’t say things like that and expect me not to flip out.” I shake my head.

“Yes, I can. You’re the future Beta female. In reality, if something should happen to me, you’d step up taking my place. So, I need to hear you promise to be brave.” He smiles, but I can see the fear in his eyes. I gulp and nod in agreement.

Ian explains that this will be a very dangerous mission, that they are outnumbered two to one, and that not everyone will make it back home. He tells me about the two Emerald packs and how Alpha David is killing off pack members until Ava agrees to be his chosen mate. He doesn’t care that Ava is already mated to someone else. To me, Alpha David sounds like a blood hungry monster who’s hell bent on destroying the smaller pack.

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