The Beta Who Bought Me

Chapter 11 - Delta

“Charles, this is Wendy. I am sure that you will be quite pleased with her.” Luna Grace introduced a tall and handsome dark-haired man to the nervous Wendy.

“I am sure that I already am,” he said as he gently lifted her hand upward. Tingles danced up her arm from the feather-light touch of his soft lips on her caramel skin. She shivered as his chocolate-brown eyes laid a seductive gaze upon the curves of her womanly form. She might have normally found his actions a little sketchy, but she felt an automatic pull toward him.

“Shall we?” He held his elbow out for her to take. She immediately linked hers with his, her body seemingly moving of its own free will. She didn’t know why, but she was absolutely intrigued by the unknown man. She threw a glance over her shoulder, wanting to tell her companion goodbye but not really knowing how to do so. Charles did not seem to notice as he led her outside.

On the other side of the door, Charles made a quick right-handed turn, bringing them to yet another door. This one didn’t lead to more hallways and mysterious corridors though. It opened to reveal the cold air of a clear winter night. Wolves’ body temperatures ran quite warm, so despite her thin dress, she didn’t really need a coat as they stepped outside.

“So, where are you from, Wendy?” He smiled gently at her and tried to make small talk as they walked through the snow. She looked at him without talking for a second. The man literally just paid money for me, and he wants to make normal small talk? Like this whole situation wasn’t completely bonkers? She didn’t know what else to do than try to form a reply.

“Umm, north of here, just outside of Columbus,” she told him. “Are you from around here?” She asked him in response.

He shook his head. “Not originally. I have only moved here in the past few months. I came from much farther south actually, near Miami.”

“That’s a drastic change. What was so important that you left all of those gorgeous beaches behind for the woods of Kentucky?” She couldn’t help but giggle a little at the massive difference in the locations.

“Our beta. He’s my best friend. And he wanted me here. He’s been there for me through a lot, and I would do anything for him.”

He looked off longingly into the distance as he spoke fondly about his friend.

“So you’re friends with the beta? Does that mean you’re a ranked wolf, too?” She was getting more curious about his role in the pack now.

“Yes. Delta,” he replied simply.

“What exactly does that job consist of? In my home pack, they were like a party planner, but my pack was pretty small, and I know that delta jobs can vary a lot.”

“Definitely not a party planner,” he laughed loudly. “The last time I tried to plan a party, the musical talent ended up an entire state away and the cake fell in a ditch!”

Wendy let out a hearty laugh at that. “You’re going to have to tell me that story sometime!” She was starting to loosen up a little with him now. He seemed to be a genuine man who didn’t take himself too seriously.

“Maybe sometime,” he winked playfully at her. “But you could call me a planner of sorts. I do a lot of organization and community work. Mostly things to keep the pack members working together smoothly and getting the resources they need.”

As his explanation wrapped up, Wendy noticed a brick house close by. The look was very traditional, and it even had a classic Southern wrap around the porch, painted neatly in white. He stopped just in front of the short walkway. “Well, this is home,” he said with a smile.

He took both of Wendy’s hands and pulled her closer to him. “I know there must be a million things going through your mind right now. But I want you to feel at ease here,” Charles spoke softly and with kindness as he looked at her with serious intent, and rubbed his thumbs over the backs of her hands. Her heart skipped a beat as more sparks ran up her arms from his touch.

Her amber eyes met his brown ones, and she had a feeling like she belonged with this man, like she had known him all of her life.

“Why do I feel like I know you?” She asked with a youthful giggle. She knew it was silly to feel that way when she had only just met him.

“I have a way about me,” he twirled his index finger in the air and chuckled with a broad grin showing off his pearly white teeth. “I’m good at making people feel comfortable.”

Good good, that smile! She thought, and her knees felt like they might buckle under her. His warm demeanor could melt through anyone’s icy heart.

He held on to one of her hands and walked them towards the front entrance. Before he could get his keys out, a heavily pregnant woman flung the door open.

“It’s bloomin’ late, Charles!” She fussed at him while making a big show of a yawn. Despite the fatigue and late stage of pregnancy, she was absolutely gorgeous and glowing. She walked over to Charles and gave him a brief kiss on each side of his face.

“Sorry, Addie!” He grinned cheekily at her.

Wendy froze. Does he already have a mate? Did this man intend to keep her with another woman already established in the house - a pregnant one at that?! Wendy had no problem with polyamorous relationships, but none of that had been discussed with her.

“Oh, who’s this now?” Addie grinned at Wendy while rubbing circles on her swollen belly. “You got yourself a lil’ toy, Charles?”

Toy?! Wendy fumed inside. She was not a plaything for anyone, especially not these people!!

“Addie!“ He immediately dropped the friendly look on his face. “Be respectful!” He chastised her.

“Sorry, mate! Hormones, y’know?” She giggled and shrugged off his reaction as she walked back inside. One word struck Wendy through the heart.

Mate.