Page 69 of Rejected Beta

Nicole’s lips curve in a cruel smile. ”What about Jareth? Are you really going to say goodbye to him again? This is your chance to have everything you ever wanted. I remember how much you craved a pack, poor little orphan Moira, all alone in the world. You were willing to do just about anything for us to bond you."

I glare at her. “Yes, and you both refused. I'm not that lonely girl anymore. I don't want the same things I wanted six years ago. My priorities have changed. I'm glad to see Jareth again and know what's happened to him, but I also don't want to be second fiddle to an alpha and omega relationship."

That last bit is the truth.

Brad scoffs. ”You're just a beta, Moira. You're never going to be the first priority in a situation like this, but it doesn't mean you won't be a valued member of the pack."

I clamp down on Jareth’s thigh when I feel him tense, not wanting him to lunge across the table and stab them with a fork.

"How exactly will I add value?" I ask, my voice cold.

They've said nothing of love or family. At least they've admitted they still view my designation as something less than.

Something that still has Jareth quivering with anger beside me.

"You'll bring needed balance to the pack,” Brad says. “You'll help us expand and bring stability. You'll make our omega happy and us too."

Do they really believe this bullshit works on me?

I sigh and check my watch. "Look, I don't know. I just don't trust or believe you yet. But I need to leave and get back to work."

"You're not staying for lunch?" Brad frowns.

"Not today. This is just too much right now."

If I don't get out of here, I'm going to take things too far and we're too close to getting out of this intact for me to fuck it up yet.

“Jareth, I hope we can catch up with just the two of us soon. Maybe you can help me understand this whole thing."

If that doesn’t get them to send him in to talk to me alone, I don’t know what will.

Jareth nods and smiles. ”I’d love to. I'll give you a call."

"Wonderful." I turn to the alphas. "I just need more time to think."

Nicole sniffs. ”We only have so much time we're able to give you. We have lives and jobs we need to get back to and we expect you and our daughter to come back with us."

"Maybe you should adjust your expectations." I can't stop the words even if I wanted to.

It's worth it just to see the dumbfounded looks on their faces as I flounce away.