The Beta Series: The Redeemed Beta

Chapter 43

~Dominic~

I hit the bag again, watching it swing back and forth. I’m just slightly frustrated right now. Nothing too concerning, just trying to calm it down. You’re sexually frustrated. Let’s not downplay it.

Oh, and I suppose that you have more control right now than I, Gideon?

I didn’t say that… If my wolf is calling me sexually frustrated, I can guarantee he’s that much worse off than I am.

We were so close… she was right there. I’m not saying that anything would have happened for sure, but I was in a good position to be physically closer to my mate. It goes up in smoke, just like that, because Aston chooses that moment to beam or appear into my place. It’s a good power, but it sure is a pain in the ass.

I continue to hit the bag, letting punch after punch rain down. “Should I call someone to take the punching bag in? Clearly, its offense is significant.” I don’t stop punching the bag, but my mouth twitches at Aston’s words.

The bag stops swaying when I land my punches, and I notice Aston’s hands coming around the back. I continue to work the bag, and we stay that way in a comfortable silence. “I have to say that I’m sorry about earlier. I hate that I might have interrupted something significant.” I let out a breath before stepping away from the bag.

“I don’t know what was interrupted, but it’s fine. You really might want to try calling people before you just pop up in their space.” Aston chuckles.

“Katarina tells me the same thing. It’s kind of hard to try to call people when I’m going between spaces.” I can’t help it, and a laugh escapes my lips. “Ah, there’s my Beta.” I shake my head and peel off my gloves.

“What’s up, Aston?”

“I just wanted to check on you. Things are going to be busy soon and I wanted to check in. I also want to make sure you know that I don’t expect you to put your mate bond on pause simply because of what’s going on right now.” I sit on the bench and grab my water. I take my time drinking it while Aston steps from behind the punching bag.

“I don’t know how things are going to work out with this bond.”

“The truth is out, right? You know what she was hiding and I know you told her all about you. What would the issue be?” I lean forward and let my head drop. Nothing Aston is saying right now is wrong, but I’m not sure if I have a real answer.

“I don’t know. I still feel like there’s something standing between us and leaning into the bond. Maybe it’s all in my mind, I don’t really know.” Aston moves and lands next to me on the bench.

“I don’t know, man. All I can say is that you should take your time. The Moon Goddess brought you two together, so why rush it? Get to know each other and see where that leaves you. If you both want it enough, it will happen.” Aston pats my thigh before getting up and leaving the gym.

Aston’s right, I know that he is. There’s no need to try to rush this process. I guess I’m just impatient because of everything I’ve been through. I need to trust that this will work out, no matter what has happened before.

I grab my towel and water bottle, intent on leaving the gym and checking in with my warriors. We need to get prepared to receive the packs who will be helping us. We also need to prepare for the wedding ceremony. I need to check on my surveillance because we still don’t have a clear identity of this Brackston person.

I sigh as I walk out of the gym and onto the packhouse. There’s a lot to be done, and it seems like there isn’t a lot of time to complete everything. I guess this is the life that a Beta leads.

I scent her before I see her. Her hand touches my arm, making me tense up. “Hello, Beta Dominic. I haven’t seen you all day. Where have you been hiding?” I cringe internally. I really don’t want to deal with her right now, but being the Beta of the pack, I need to be fair and nice.

I step away from her touch and turn to face her. “Hello, Josie.” Josie is a young member of the pack, newly 18. I was there when she shifted for the first time. She’s always had a crush on me, and I’ve been nice but never encouraged her. To be honest, I was hoping that she would find her Goddess-given mate when she shifted, but she didn’t.

She was disappointed that I wasn’t her mate and tried to convince me that we should be chosen mates. I declined as politely as I could, but that hasn’t deterred her at all, much to my dismay. “It’s good to see you Beta. Did you just come from the gym?” Gideon rolls his eyes in my mind, but I keep my face neutral.

“Yeah. I had a bit of a work out.” Josie steps forward, and I take a slight step back.

“I always try to work out in the gym, but I never know what to do. I’m afraid of hurting myself.”

“Yeah, you have to be careful in there.”

“Maybe you could help me sometime. Maybe we can work out together and you can teach me how to work out properly.”

Yeah, Beta. Maybe you can help her work out properly.

Can it, Gideon. I don’t need you adding to the discomfort. He chuckles in my mind, but I ignore him.

“There are plenty of warriors in the gym often. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind helping you work out.” I step back again, hoping I can get out of this. The Goddess must be smiling down on me because I notice Deacon walking toward us.

“Beta Dominic, Josie.” I turn my body to face our Gamma.

“Gamma Deacon. Did you need me?” Please say you need me… please say you need me….

“I was actually coming to look for you. I need to update you on a few things.” I fight the smile threatening to grow on my face. I angle my head toward Josie, not missing the displeasure on her face.

“I’m so sorry, Josie, duty calls. I will see you around.” I turn and practically sprint away from her, thankful for the distraction. I clamp my hand on his shoulder as we walk toward the packhouse. “You will never know how grateful I am to you right now.” Deacon chuckles as we head inside to conduct business.