Page 63 of Overcoming the Beta

We barely make it to the passenger side of the car before our bodies are tangled up as we kiss passionately. I pressed her between my body and the car and at this rate, we will not make it back to the territory before lust completely overcomes us. I reach my hand in between her legs, pushing her panties aside and rubbing her wet pussy.

“What are you doing?” She whispers in my ear while her hips buck to the rhythm of my fingers.

“Do you like it?” I insert one finger into her tight pussy.

“People…” she moans lightly.

“It’s dark and there’s no one around.” I pick up the pace.

“Your phone,” she says as it rings from the front seat.

“Ignore it.” I whisper in her ear as she nibbles on my neck. All I want right now is to feel her canine sink into my skin. The ringing stops only to start again.

“Shit.” I remove my hand and push her panties back. “That’s your phone now.” I watch both of our phones ring inside the car.What the hell is going on?

We answer our phones. Her father is calling her, and Zane is calling me. We both left our phones in the car and missed twenty calls. Tears of fear fill her eyes as we hang up our phones.

“My dad says Alpha wants you in his office two hours ago.” She gulps.

“Zane said the same.” I continue holding her, offering her what comfort I can, not knowing what is in store for us.

We arrive back to a chaotic packhouse. Kate holds my arm tight as we watch warriors rushing around checking their gear.Looks like it’s show time.

“Where the fuck have you been?” My father steps in front of us and snaps. Instinctively, I push Kate behind me and take a protective stance.

“Dinner. I told you earlier, you let me borrow your car.” I snap back. He can talk to me however he wants, but I will not allow him to intimidate Kate.

“Where was your phone? I called a hundred times.” He calms down a bit, realizing that Kate is frightened.

“My mate and I left our phones in the car. We were enjoying ourselves. What’s going on?” My tone is low and my voice is monotone. This is the first time that I’m standing my ground where my father is concerned.

“Ian,” Alpha shouts, “my office.” I don’t let go of Kate and together we walk into Alpha’s office. I have no secrets from her. She will be the Beta Female, she will have to learn what the title really means, and how to react under pressure.

“Kate,” Alpha greets as she sits down in the chair next to mine. “Ian, from this point on you can’t leave your phone anywhere except your blazer pocket when you are out of the territory. Kate, the same goes for you.” Alpha speaks in a calm but firm voice, and we acknowledge him with a head nod. “Tonight, we got word that Alpha David has kidnapped Alpha Oliver’s Luna.” I can hear Kate’s light gasp. “He’s giving Ava seventy-two hours to reject her mate and pledge her loyalty to him as her Alpha and chosen mate. If Ava doesn’t do as he has demanded, he will torture and murder her mother. To make sure they understood he was serious, he sent a vial of the Luna’s blood along with her pinky toe. Ava is prepared to meet his demand, but Alpha Oliver is not sure if Alpha David will release his Luna. Inside sources said that Alpha David’s actions have become more neurotic and unpredictable in the last twenty-four hours. The team is ready to go now. The palace has arranged private transport for everyone.”

I can feel my world crashing down at my feet. I thought I had more time with Kate. More time to fully repair the mate bond I destroyed all those years ago.

“Go save Ava and her mother,” Kate squeaks out, putting on her best brave face. I can feel how frightened she is, and I fucking hate it. All I want to do is hold her and tell her everything is going to be okay, but I’m not sure it will be.

“Alpha, I need five minutes to change.” I point to my clothes.

“Take fifteen,” Alpha nods, looking between Kate and me.

Rushing out of Alpha’s office towards the stairs, I’m practically dragging my mate behind me. I stop mid-stride and toss her over my shoulder and run up the stairs two steps at a time until I reach the sixth floor. I burst through the doors of my quarters and carry her straight into my bedroom, putting her down on the bed. She has tears in her eyes and fear on her face. I need to change and grab my battle bag before I stop to talk to her.

She watches every move I make, not taking her eyes off of me. Once I’m changed into my olive-green cargo pants and tee shirt and have my hands on my battle bag, I’m ready to say my goodbyes to Kate. Not knowing what to say, I pull her in for a kiss, taking my time and savoring the way her lips feel and taste before breaking the kiss.

“You’re still wearing this old thing.” She touches the paracord bracelet she made for me all those years ago.

“Absolutely, it’s my good luck charm.” I smile. “Love, I have to go. I will call you as often as I can. I love you, no matter what. Never forget that.” Holding her head in my hands, I look deep into her eyes. I want her to not only hear my words, but to feel them as well.

“Ian… I,” she struggles to get her words out.

“I know, love. You don’t have to say a word.” I kiss her lips, then for a second time in months, I leave her standing, watching me walk away.

Kate

There’s so much I want to say, so many things I want to do with him. We’ve already lost so much time, and now I may lose him forever. I clutch my chest, watching him walk away. He stops abruptly, sighing loudly, then drops his battle bag on the floor before spinning around and running back to me. He wraps his arms around me and the tears flow. I love this man so much and I know he loves me. He didn’t have to change… he wanted to change. To become the man, I can be proud to call my mate. Everything he has done since coming back into my life has proven to me he deserves us and we deserve a future together.

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