The Beta Series: The Redeemed Beta

Chapter 42

~Dominic~

That issue took much too long. The timing was all wrong because I finally had some private time with my fated mate, and the best part is that the truth was out. I didn’t have to watch myself around her or try to keep things quiet.

I can fully be with my fated mate without any restrictions. I already told her about myself, about my past, and she’s still here. I don’t think she will be going anywhere, and that means great things for me.

I step onto my floor and slowly make my way to the door. I will admit that I’m kind of nervous right now. It’s weird because I’ve always been someone with all the confidence in the world. Now that I’m going to face my fated mate, I am at a loss.

I’m not assuming that anything will happen between us. To be honest, I’m pretty sure that neither one of us is ready to do anything major, bond or not. I just don’t really know how I should conduct myself around her right now.

I open the door and walk into my apartment. I quietly close the door behind me, breathing in deeply. Her scent is all over, and it makes this feel more like a home than it ever has before. I really don’t think I’d ever be able to go through life without the scent… without her.

I step into the hallway and stop in my tracks. My mate is in the kitchen, cooking, and it’s a sight to behold. She’s playing music that she’s dancing along to while moving around the room. I stop in the doorway and lean against it, crossing my arms across my chest.

I watch Jamorea move, and my body responds. I want nothing more than to walk over to her and pull her against me. Gideon wants to make her ours in every way, but I know that won’t be happening anytime soon.

Jamorea’s hips move with the beat of the music. I’m mesmerized by her body, and I can’t help imagining how it will feel under my hands. I shift my legs in a futile attempt to hide my b***r. This is too much, but I can’t look away.

Jamorea turns and jumps when her eyes land on me. She scrambles and turns down the music, breathing heavily. “How long have you been standing there?” I don’t move from my spot, not wanting her to see how worked up I am.

“Long enough to enjoy the view.” Jamorea doesn’t look at me, but I’m not bothered by that. I push off the wall and let my arms drop to my side. I step into the kitchen, moving until I’m behind her.

I don’t touch her, even though that’s all I want to do right now. I keep a small space between us, but drop my head to be closer to her scent. “What are you doing?”

“Ccccooking.” Jamorea doesn’t move. “I’m sorry that I didn’t ask before I-” I make a soft sound in my throat, stopping her words.

“You don’t have to apologize to me. You can do whatever makes you comfortable. What’s mine is yours.” I watch Jamorea’s body shudder at my words. I love that I can do that to her, but I don’t say anything.

I bring my hands up, stopping them when they hover over her shoulders. I gently move my hands down to trace her arms, making sure that we make no physical contact. I keep my eyes on her body, cataloging how she responds to me. I also take note of her breathing. Everything she’s doing is more than I can handle, but I’m going to do my best to try. “Dominic? What are you-” Jamorea doesn’t finish her sentence as the air changes, feeling just a bit thicker than it was before. I silently sigh and shake my head, stepping away from my mate.

“Hey, are you two in here?” I step back further and turn in time to see Aston and Katarina walk into the kitchen.

“I told you we should have called first, love?” I shake my head and cross my arms.

You good, man? I turn to look at Aston and l roll my eyes, hating the amused look on his face.

You have horrible, fu.cking timing. Aston smiles at me as Katarina walks over to Jamorea.

“We just got back and thought we should fill you two in on what we’ve been up to.” I lean back on the counter and set my eyes on Aston.

“What’s going on, Alpha?”

~Jamorea~

The impromptu meeting with the Alpha and Luna didn’t last long. Well, it lasted long enough to douse the flame that was growing between Dominic and me. Mona wasn’t happy with the interruption, but I wasn’t mad about it.

I don’t have a problem with Dominic. I’m still getting to know him, so it is a bit awkward to be this close to him. My real issue comes from the mates concept itself.

I’m a wolf, and one of my goals is to find my fated mate. The Moon Goddess picks the person who is best for us and puts us in each other’s path. I guess, with everything that’s happened in my life, I’ve pushed the mates concept to the side.

I have a fu.cked up past, and that won’t go over well with anyone. On top of that, my brother is so young and really needs me. I won’t go anywhere without him. I always figured that no one would want to take on that burden.

I always thought that I would meet my fated mate and he would immediately reject me. It’s a bleak thought, I know, but I doubt anyone could blame me for it. Getting here and finding out Dominic is my fated mate did little to change my mind. With my situation being out of my hands, I was even more sure that rejection would be it for me.

Not only does my mate know why I was sent here, but he also knows about my brother and doesn’t seem to have a problem with that. I have no idea if I should give in to this bond or if he will be a good mate until something better comes along. My life hasn’t been riddled with good luck, so I doubt anything will be changing now.

I look up when my name is called, placing my eyes on Katarina. Maybe Khalid and I can settle here, maybe we can put down roots. I slightly shake my head, not wanting to go too far down the rabbit hole. I focus on the room in front of me, choosing to ignore the rest of it until I can’t anymore. Hopefully, that won’t be any time soon.