Page 77 of Overcoming the Beta

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dante glares at Ian.

“Speak up now, woman.” My dad demands, but Nikki remains silent.

“Nikki, baby, what are they talking about?” Dante leans down to look Nikki in the eyes. With tears in her eyes, she remains silent.

“Enough! Let’s talk about Nikki’s punishment for interfering in a mated pair’s relationship, with the sole purpose of breaking it apart.” Alpha Nathaniel narrows his eyes to Nikki.

“What?” Dante gasps, “she has done no such thing.” He looks around the room.

“Oh, you’re unaware of your mate’s history.” Alpha Nathaniel looks between Dante and Nikki. Nikki continues to look at the floor. “Would you like to tell your mate the truth now, or shall I?” Nikki gulps but doesn’t look up or address Alpha at all. “Dante, your mate has a long history with Ian. One that started in high school, when they became sexually involved with each other.” Dante looks at Ian in shock.

“Is that why you wanted to move back here after college? To be close to him?” It’s apparent that he didn’t know. She didn’t tell Dante, which is to be expected. I’m sure he didn’t tell her about all the women before her. That would just be weird, in my opinion. Nikki doesn’t respond, and Dante removes his arm from around her.

“Two years later, when Kate turned eighteen, we all learned that Ian and Kate were mates. This didn’t stop Nikki. She continued to pursue Ian, and like a dumbass, he continued his affair with her.” Dante is now pale as he scoots away from Nikki. “Son, I will spare you the details, however the affair stopped only after Kate caught the two of them together.” Alpha Nathaniel pauses, looking around the room. Dante looks like he might throw up any second.

“Why Nikki? Why did you continue to sleep with Ian after you found out about us being mated? Why did you bully me through school? What did I ever do to you?” I look directly at her and ask in a firm voice.

“I hate you.” She mumbles without looking up.

“What was that? If you’re going to speak, then lift your fucking head and speak!” Beta Charlie growls.

“I hate you!” Nikki snaps her head to me and shouts. “I have always hated you as far back as I can remember.”

“Why?” I lower my gaze to meet hers. I’m done cowering down to her. Any power she had over my life, I’m taking it back.

“No reason in particular. I just fucking hate you.” She says through gritted teeth.

“Your hatred for me almost killed me! I felt a crippling pain in my chest every time you and Ian would hook up.” I shout and point at her. The rage is flowing through my veins once more.

If she felt some sort of remorse, I could forgive her, just like I have forgiven Ian. She feels nothing but hate. She has hated me since we were pups for no reason. How could someone hate another for no reason?

“What did you say?” Dante looks at me. “Pains in your chest?”

“Yes.” I take a deep breath and sigh. “Every time they were intimate, I had pains in my chest. Sometimes minor other times crippling.” I nod and look down.

“Who, Nikki? Who have you been fucking behind my back?” Dante grabs her face, forcing her to look at him. “Fuck!” He shouts and slams his fists on his legs.

Tears swell up in my eyes, watching Dante unravel. I know exactly what he is feeling. The pain from betrayal is like no other. Dante glares at Ian.

“Don’t look at me. I haven’t touched her in over three years.” Ian waves his hands and shakes his head.

“I thought I was going crazy.” Dante stands and walks to the door. “I knew something was off.” He paces between the door and Nikki. “Is that my pup?” He points to her belly.

“Yes. You’re the only one that I’ve never used protection with.” Nikki stands and sobs.

“I don’t get it. I’ve given you everything you’ve ever wanted. Do you hate me too?” With tears rolling down his face, Dante leans down to Nikki.

“No, Dante! I love you so much.” Nikki puts her hands on her chest and sobs. I know I shouldn’t, but I feel bad for her. Watching her, I believe she loves him. She knows she did wrong, but does she truly have remorse for what she has done?

“I gave up everything for you. Everything! My alpha title… fucking everything, and for what? To be lied to and cheated on.”

“Please Dante!” She pleads, “I made a mistake. Please!” She attempts to wrap her arms around him, but he pushes her away.

“No! Do not touch me. You never get to touch me again!” Dante screams in Nikki’s face, then steps back, gaining his composure. “Earnest Gamma, may I be excused from my warrior duties? Alpha Nathaniel, I need to go home… back to Hidden River. Alone.” Dante pushes his shoulders back, looking Alpha in the eyes.

“Of course, son. Take all the time you need.” Alpha Nathaniel nods his head.

“Alpha… please do not punish Kate. Considering everything I’ve learned; she doesn’t deserve it.” Dante gulps, then directs his attention to me. “Kate, please forgive me. I grossly misjudged you.”

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