The Beta Series: The Redeemed Beta

Chapter 6

When we get there, I don’t sit, and neither does Dominic. He leans against a tree, staring at the forest floor. I pace a little, not really knowing how to get this started.

I know this was my idea, and I stand behind it. I guess I didn't think it all the way through. I'm not sure what to say to him right now. Most of the images in my mind are from two years ago. I have some from before that, when we were in school. It isn't fair to still hold him to that standard since we aren't there anymore. It isn't fair to constantly try to make him pay for who he used to be. I have to meet him on this new level.

I close my eyes and try to calm myself. I’ve made it this far, so we should go ahead and press forward. “I brought you out here so we could talk.” I look at Dominic and watch as he lifts his head and nods while placing his eyes on me.

“I figured that we would come to this at some point.” I let out a dry chuckle.

“Yeah, I’ve been dragging my feet.”

“I’d completely understand if you never spoke to me, if I’m being honest.” I shake my head, appreciating the sentiment, but not liking the meaning behind it.

“Don’t let me off the hook like that. This isn’t just because I’m the Luna. As a person, I strive to be at my best, and us having this dissension between us isn’t me being at my best.” Dominic says nothing, and I appreciate that.

I continue pacing, not quite knowing what to say. There are so many words and arguments swimming in my head, but I don’t know which to pull out and which to lock deep inside. Everything doesn’t have to be voiced. “I’m not letting you off the hook.” I’m startled out of my thoughts. I turn to look at Dominic, but his head is down.

“What?”

“I’m not letting you off the hook.” Dominic puts his gaze on me, and there’s pain in his eyes, pain and regret. “I did a lot of s**t all those years ago. Some of it was me being Alpha commanded, but others I did on my own. The way I followed behind King, the way I treated Tatiana, I… I just… I don’t think there are too many times I can apologize for all that.” I let out a sigh, completely understanding where he’s coming from.

It would be so easy to keep pushing everything on him and blaming the past. At some point, a decision needs to be made. We either let go and move on, or we keep casting blame and ugliness. I have a child and a pack to run. I really need to move on. “You did a lot of shitty things, Dom.” He lets out a sigh and nods.

“I did.”

“You became someone almost as bad as King. You followed him so blindly, ignoring what your conscious was telling you was wrong.” Dominic looks to the side, his face strained. I can feel the emotions rolling off him.

“That’s true.”

“When it mattered, you turned it around.” I watch his body tense up. I’m sure he didn’t expect me to say anything like this. “You made a choice, and it wasn’t to back King. Because of that, I think we should all give you the chance to be a better man. Many around me have already allowed you to show them the better side of yourself.” Dominic looks at me, and the pain in his eyes almost guts me. “I guess it’s time for me to do the same.” I watch the change in his demeanor and can't help but feel good about that. I did that, my words did that.

You're doing the right thing, you know.

You think so, Hope?

Yes, I do. I've been digging into his mind, and his heart is pure. It was then, too, but he was misled. I think giving him a chance is the best way to go. We can get to know him all over again.



~Dominic~

I’m not going to lie. I perked up at Katarina’s words. I heard her, but I didn’t want to get too invested, too excited. She would just be speaking generally, though my heart is begging for it to be more than that.

I cautiously look her way, not knowing what to expect. Katarina's face is open and inviting. It relaxes me instantly and gives me hope for the future. “Maybe we can start again. We can get to know each other all over again. I can know you as the Beta, Dominic, and Uncle D.” I'm sure the smile on my face could light the darkest sky.

“I’d like that. I’d like that very much.” Katarina steps toward me and stops, standing awkwardly. I'm sure that we aren't on this level yet, and I don't want to push too soon. I decide to take the initiative and hold out my hand. She grips it, and a grateful look passes on her face. I fight the smirk that's threatening to grow. We are finally getting somewhere, and I don't want to mess it up even if it’s only accidentally.

“Maybe we can start with lunch. I know Skye would love to see you. We are having a family lunch with both mine and Aston's parents. Join us and that can be the first steps in you and I burying the hatchet.”

“Yeah, I'd really like that. That sounds like it will be a good time.” I step to the side and extend my arm. “Please, lead the way.”

Katarina walks past me and then stops. When I meet up with her, she starts to walk again. I risk a glance at her, and she looks at me at the same time. We both smile softly. Yeah, this is going to be good.