The Beta Series: The Redeemed Beta

Chapter 15

~Dominic~

Panic briefly crosses Aston’s face before he scales back. I’m sure what I just said sounds crazy to them, but I didn’t know how else to word it. I’m not sure that my fated mate can be trusted; I’m not privy to her intentions. Fated mate or not, I’m the Beta of this pack, and its safety is my main priority.

Katarina sits up on Aston’s lap and leans forward, resting her elbows on the desk. “What’s going on, Dominic?” I sigh and shift again, trying to fight the terror threatening to flood my body.

“I just came from talking to her. We didn’t discuss much, but she told me she was dangerous to this pack. This came out of her own mouth.” I hear a sharp intake of breath, the same as when I heard the words spoken.

“What do you think she meant by that?” I shake my head.

“I, honestly, have no idea. I can’t tell if she’s being facetious or serious. We didn’t really get deep when we spoke.” Katarina nods and leans back, resting against her mate.

“What do you think, love? You spent some time with her today. What did you get?”

“I have to admit that she didn’t say too much. I did a lot of the talking. I definitely didn’t ask her why or how she ended up here. It did feel like she was holding something back, but that could be anything.” Gideon paces in my mind, not liking the direction of this conversation. He’s in full mate mode, eager to have her by our side and protect her. There’s no way he’s believing that she’s a danger to anyone. It’s going to be my job to figure out the truth and make the best decision.

“What do you suggest, Dominic? Do you want to put her in the cells? Do you want to torture information out of her?” My heartbeat increases as each word falls from his lips. Those all sound like harsh paths to take.

He better n… YOU. BETTER. NOT.

Gideon, relax. We have to be care-

NO! You listen to me, human… she’s our fated mate. She was given to us by the Moon Goddess herself. She isn’t a danger, and I won’t have her treated like she is!

A power ripples through me, killing our conversation. Gideon recoils and retreats to the back of my mind. My vision focuses, and Katarina is smiling at me. “Better?”

“Yes, much. Thank you.”

“No problem. Sometimes our wolves have very strong opinions. I’m just glad I was able to help quiet him.” I nod and let my head drop slightly.

“Look. I don’t think the cells are necessary, and torture is definitely out. We can bring her in, but I feel like she has to be monitored until we’re sure she can be trusted.”

Aston straightens his spine, sitting up in the chair, while keeping Katarina securely on his lap. “I guess we can give her a room here. There’s always someone’s watchful eye everywhere.” Katarina perks up with a mischievous smile on her face.

“The Beta floor is practically a ghost town since your parents finished their house. She can stay on your floor with a guard on duty. You can be her shadow until you feel that she has proven herself.” My breath hitches, and Gideon practically purrs in my mind. I see what the Luna is doing, and I have to give her some credit for how she’s going about things.

“Yeah, Dom. That’s a great idea. Sound good to you?” What other answer could I have at this point? This is one of those situations that you can’t run from. Especially with your Alpha and Luna being who they are.

“Well, I guess that’s decided, then. I will have the spare bedroom set up.” I stand and bow to the couple before turning on my heel and heading for the door. I get there in no time, with one hand on the door, when Katarina calls out to me.

“Dominic, don’t let the past rule you. You aren’t who you think you are. Maybe look to see who you really are, while getting to know your mate.” I shake my head and continue out of the room. All I can do is nod before turning the knob and letting myself out.

I walk down the hallway, lost in thought. This is going to be challenging, and that’s a mild statement. I will have to see to the pack’s safety while getting to know my mate. I can’t let feelings for my fated mate interfere with my sworn duty. Yup, I’m walking on easy street. I turn and walk upstairs, suddenly concerned with the look and feel of my floor.

~Danny~

I let my body fall back against the pillows. One thing I’ve never understood is how you can get so little rest in a place that’s meant to help you heal. Everyone knows that the best healing comes from resting, but here we are.

His scent is still in the air, permeating my pores. It took everything inside of me to keep calm as he sat close to me. Not close enough.

Mona… She was such a mess when he was here. She kept making different suggestive remarks and flashing obscene images in my mind. It took everything in me to stay calm.

Obscene based on whose standards?

Dammit, Mona! What the hell are you doing?! We are here to help kidnap a child! This is his pack; he’s the Beta here. We can’t get close to him and still do what we were sent to do. What about Khalid? Before she can answer, the door opens. A short, curvy woman walks in wearing navy blue scrubs.

“Hello?” Her face is stern, and she has a touch of danger in her aura. She walks over to the bed, standing on my side.

“Brackston told me to tell you to make sure not to forget what you are doing here.” She drops something on the bed. I look down and pick it up with trembling fingers. The phone in my hand is set to a picture of Khalid. He looks cold and hungry, but he isn’t bruised.

I guess that's a small kindness that I need to be grateful for. “He says to remind you that you have a lot riding on this. And he wanted you to see how easy it is for him to get to you.” She picks up the phone and puts it in her pants pocket. She turns on her heel and walks out the door, leaving me in tears and despair. I can’t have my mate, I can’t. I have to do something despicable to save someone I love.