Page 36 of Beta Hybrid

‘Would you excuse us, please? I’d like to speak to my mate.’

Jana gives me a filthy look. ‘She doesn’t want to talk to you.’

‘I can speak for myself.’ Zenna jerks her chin at Jana. Which gives me a moment of satisfaction. Until those bright, blue eyes settle on me, dark as a storm.

Jana mumbles obscenities about me—men, wolves in general—which brushes me the wrong way. I’m starting to wonder if Vale is suited to her after all. She has quite a temper. I don’t meet her gaze as the grumpy witch passes me. I remain a few paces away from Zenna, hoping to see a sign of encouragement for me to approach.

‘What do you want?’

Okay, not exactly what I was hoping for, but at least she’s talking to me. ‘Um.’ I wring my hands. Since when do I do that? I fold my hands behind my back. ‘It was, uh, pointed out to me that you and I have differing perspectives.’

Zenna blinks at me. ‘That’s so big of you.’

Right. Dumb ass. ‘I’m sorry, for before.’ I take a slow step toward her. I don’t want her to stalk away from me again. ‘For… a lot, actually.’

‘You’re going to have to be more specific.’

Ouch. Fair enough. ‘For… not supporting you.’ I take another step, wishing I was brave enough to go and pick her up. To wrap her legs around my waist and nuzzle into her neck, holding her close. ‘For doubting you. I know you felt all of that.’ Another step. ‘Zen, you… you’re no damsel, of course I know that.’ I lift a shoulder, trying to find that near-invisible line between trying to explain where I was coming from and tossing excuses at her. ‘I, uh, I always want to protect you. That doesn’t mean… I know you’re strong. I also know you’re strong because of what I put you through. I know you must resent me for that.’

For the first time, her gaze softens. She’s a little higher up than me. Her lap nearly level with my eyes. She looks down at me, twisting her lip.

Am I doing this right? I take another step. Well, she’s not attacking me, so that’s good. ‘Does… does that make sense?’ Please talk to me.

Zenna purses her lips. ‘That’s no reason to treat me like porcelain.’

‘No, it’s not. I’m sorry.’

She frowns down at me. ‘Do you think I’m worthy of being your beta?’

I balk. ‘Yes. Obviously. What makes you say that?’

‘You put me through all that “training”, and kicked my ass every day. Like you enjoyed showing me you were stronger.’

Shit. ‘No. No, no. That’s… damn it.’ I reach up for her. ‘I’m sorry, that’s not what I was trying to do.’

Zenna folds her arms, shaking her head.

Okay, not ready for that. ‘Look… I know all this miscommunication is my fault. I know you’re…’ I struggle to find the words. Telling her how she feels doesn’t seem like a good idea. I run my hands through my hair. Shit, this is hard. ‘Zenna, I love you, I’m really sorry for all the wrong ideas I’ve given you. I should know how to talk to you better.’ I’m trying not to shift and howl to let off some steam when she reaches down and touches my shoulder.

You what?

Fuck—what have I done now? I look up and start. Her blue eyes are huge and round. ‘What did I say wrong?’ My voice comes out a whisper.

Zenna shakes her head and holds her arms out.

She wants me! I reach out and pick her up, holding her to me. I don’t know what just happened. All I can think about is her warmth pressed against me. The softness of her hair, her skin. Finally having her close again. I nuzzle into her neck with a sigh.

You said you love me.

I freeze, then lean back to look at her. Of course I love you. It takes me a long moment to realise I’ve never told her that before. I am an idiot. I hold her closer, trying to make her feel every bit as loved as she is.

Zenna holds the back of my neck tenderly, her other hand wrapped around my back, her nails digging in slightly. I love that she holds onto me like that.

She nuzzles into me too.

I half-close my eyes. Holding my mate like this. This is all I want. To feel that she’s okay. Safe.

She leans back and glares at me. ‘I don’t need you to keep me safe, Cai,’ she breathes.

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