My Beta's Mate

Campfire thoughts

Sam

Although our run isn't a date, it feels like one. Of course, it doesn't help that our wolves are cuddling and nudging each other as we run to a lookout with some beautiful mountain views. We hang out there for a few hours just talking. Jewel tells me that she has been seeing Dr. Jane and that her dreams have been more positive. Then, just as the sun sets, I get a mink link from my sister Amber.

"Sammie! I miss you! Come hang out by the bonfire. Eric just got here too. Have you seen Jewel?"

"

We'll be there soon. We went for a run together. We'll head that way soon." I say before I cut the link.

Amber(Luna from the Redwood pack. Sam's sister.)

I knew it! I had a gut feeling about Sam and Jewel. They have both lost their mates. They would be perfect together. Sam is a thinker, quiet, and kind. But he might be in his head a bit too much. Jewel is outgoing, and I think that she would make a kick @ss Luna. Her parents might have been Omega's, but Alphas raised her.

Eric and I are cuddling together on a swing by the fire. "Sam and Jewel went for a run together. See, I told you that they would end up together." I say confidently to my mate.

"We'll see, my love. You forget that it's just been barely a year since Jake died. They will have to get over some complicated emotions if they end up together. Not saying that it's not impossible, but we could help encourage it a bit." says Eric with a half-smile.

"Glad to hear you're on my side," I say.

"I'm always on the side that keeps my mate happy. So it's nice that this would help my sister too," replies Eric while taking my hand and kissing the top of my fingers.

Sam

We both run back to the trees, where we hide our clothes, shift behind separate trees, and head towards the fire. We head to the fire, and the first thing that I see is how cuddly Amber and Eric are. Amber is practically on Eric's lap. They look so happy and content.

This is normal for werewolves. Especially mated and married werewolves. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't slightly jealous. I'd give my right arm for a relationship like that with Jewel. But I'm taking Liam's advice and trying to take it slow.

"

I have smores stuff in the house. So I'm going to go get it," says Jewel as she heads to the packhouse.

I sit down on a log and watch the fire for a bit.

"So, are you two dating yet?" asks Amber.

I look up at her, shocked. Then, I look behind me to ensure that Jewel can't hear us.

"Don't worry, little brother. I made sure that she is out of earshot," says Amber with a smile.

She has a point. The packhouse is on the other side of our property.

I sigh.

"No, we aren't dating yet. Jewel recently stopped having dreams about Jake, or at least bad dreams. I don't want to rush her." I reply. Most werewolves' relationships move fast. Well, except for us.

"

Wait, Sam...are you in love with her?" asks Amber. But, of course, she would read right through me. We were thick as thieves growing up.

"Is it that obvious? Do you think Jewel sees it? I'm just making an i***t of myself, aren't I?" I say, suddenly nervous.

"No, it wouldn't be obvious to other people, but you're my little brother. Your face completely lights up when you talk about her. It's obvious to me." says Amber with another smile.

I relax a little.

"If it makes you feel any better, I approve. You two would be great together, and Jewel would make a great Luna. I get it, though, bro. With Jake being your beta. There are some complicated emotions there." says Eric.

I run my hands through my hair.

"Yeah, one moment, I'm Okaywith it. The other I feel guilty about. Am I wrong to feel this way?" I ask, generally curious.

"Nah, you aren't wrong. I'd say it's normal and healthy to feel that way. But, think about it this way, if the tables were turned and you died, would you want someone to love and care for your mate?" asks Eric.

I think about it a bit. I was staring into the fire again. This is true; if I had died and Jake had fallen in love with my mate, I would want them to be happy.

"Yes, I would. I would want my mate to be happy and taken care of." I say back.

My werewolf hearing picks up on Jewel coming into earshot.

"I brought a thermos of hot chocolate too!" says Jewel as she hands us mugs and pours them into them. I take a sip; it's warm and sweet.

Jewel sits on the same log as me. She is not as close as I would like, but she sits next to me. Lilly, Liam, and Amanda all show up holding smores stuff. We all start to roast marshmallows and chat. Jewel's marshmallow falls off, and I reach to get her a new one.

She does the same thing simultaneously, and our hands brush. I feel the slightest spark.

Maybe I imagine it. She looks at me with a look that I can't read and takes the marshmallow out of my hand.

"

Maybe if you cooked your marshmallow like a normal person, then that one wouldn't be in the dirt," I say, teasing her. But, instead, she likes her marshmallows burnt to a crisp.

"I can't help it! I like what I like," responds Jewel as she successfully makes her S'more.

I look up at the stars that are starting to come out. They're beautiful; the night is so clear. Jewel looks up and starts admiring them too.

"So beautiful," she says.

I look at her face. The fire lights her. Her hair is slightly wavey and blowing in the wind slightly. She is truly a goddess. She's stunning.

I look right into her ocean-blue eyes when I say. "Yeah, Beautiful doesn't cover it, though.".

She blushes and looks down. I chuckle a bit. We both go back to making our s'mores. Liam takes this moment to flick a flaming marshmallow my way accidentally. I duck, and it lands behind me. The wet grass puts out the fire.

"Sorry, dude, that one got away from me. Damn coat hangers," says Liam.

"Oh yeah, it was the hanger's fault," I say as I toss a regular marshmallow at his face.

He quickly recovers and catches it in his mouth. We all laugh at his reaction. Tonight couldn't get any better if it tried.