The Beta Series: The Redeemed Beta

Chapter 9

~Dominic~

The past two weeks have been great, and that’s no exaggeration. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t like Katarina, and I are best friends now. It hasn’t been that deep, that quickly. We have found an in-between that works for us, so I can’t be mad about that.

I’ve spent more time with the entire family rather than just with Aston and Skye. It’s been wonderful seeing their family dynamics up close, but it’s also hurt like hell. It’s just another reminder that I have no one. I don’t have my fated mate, and I don’t even know if she would accept me when I do find her.

I sigh and walk into Aston’s office, plopping down on his couch. “Uh oh. What’s up?” I let my head lean back and close my eyes.

“Nothing’s wrong. Did you send out the wedding invites yet?” I feel the couch dip next to me, but I don’t move.

“Of course I did. I did it a few days ago. I’m sure we will be getting responses any day now.”

“I had to check. You’re the one who was dragging your feet. Your mate would have your head if you forgot again.” Aston chuckles next to me.

“You have no idea how right you are right now. She definitely would have ended me, and it wouldn’t have taken much. I mean, it isn’t like I would have fought against her or anything.” I pry one eye open and look at him.

“Sucker. You’re so whipped.” Aston’s smile gets impossibly bigger.

“I am, and I won’t ever deny that. I’m not even mad about it.” That pang of loneliness I get sometimes hits me right in the chest. Here we go again. “Hey, is everything okay? Your face just dropped out of nowhere.”

“Everything is fine. No need to worry about me.” I feel Aston’s eyes on me, and it feels like he can see right through me. Hell, he has powers now, so there’s no telling if he can or not.

“You know you can talk to me, right? Anytime you need someone, I’m right here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out. You are my Beta and my friend.” I sit up and look at him with a hand on my chest.

“Just a friend? We used to be best friends!” I let my lip quiver as if I’m about to cry. It takes Aston as second, but he catches on and slaps my arm.

“Fu.cking stupid, man. You know what I mean. Hell, Katarina is my everything now, and that includes my best friend.” I start laughing and shaking my head.

“I know man. I just had to mess with you though. You left it too open for me to do so.” We both sit back on the couch, lost in our own thoughts. I love this for my friend, I promise that I do. It can just be hard sometimes. It doesn’t matter, though. I will never drop my mess on my friend’s lap.

When I find my mate, I will be ready. If she won’t accept me after learning everything, that’s something I'll just have to live with. I made the choices I made, and they could have long-term consequences. If she does accept me, I will be the luckiest bastard in the world. Time will tell, and I’m chilling for now. I refuse to let the loneliness consume me.

Beta Dominic?

What is it?

We have movement on the southern border. I’ve sent a few warriors to see what it is. I thought you might like to join them.

On my way. I cut the mindlink and stand up.

“I have to go to the southern border. They noticed movement and sent warriors to see what’s going on.”

“I should go with you.” I hold my hand out to stop Aston.

“This is my duty and I will fulfill it. You stay here and stay safe.” Aston raises an eyebrow at me.

“Seriously? I’m the one with powers, so staying safe really isn’t an issue for me.”

“Be that as it may, I’m the Beta of this pack. There are certain duties that are mine to perform. It would be great ‘oh holy one’ if you’d let me do those and not try to be the hero. You already have the girl. Leave some for the rest of us.” I don’t wait for his reply as I move out of the office, but I hear his barking laugh behind me. I shake my head and make my way downstairs and out of the packhouse.

Sir, there’s someone at the border. They look like they're unconscious.

Just wait there and don’t approach. I will be there in a moment. I shift, wanting to waste no time. We run through the forest, aiming for the border. It only takes me minutes to get there, and the moment I do, I’m hit with a lot of emotions. Shock, surprise, anger, fear, just to name a few.

There’s a mass on the ground, covered with an old blanket. The smell from the mass is gut-wrenching. Gideon is pacing in my mind, and it’s becoming hard to concentrate.

What the f***k, man?! Calm down!

I can’t! Can’t you smell that?!

I can smell a lot, and none of it is good.

NO! Dig deeper! I block him, not feeling like deciphering his riddles right now. There are a lot of scents, and it’s becoming too much.

I approach the mass and nudge it with my foot. It doesn’t move, but I detect a faint heartbeat. “We’ll go to the clinic before anything else.” I reach down and push my hands under the mass. The moment I touch skin, tiny fireworks erupt on my arms. I almost scramble back at the sensation.

This must be what Gideon was talking about. I hoist the body up, hating how light it feels. The skin is cool to the touch, and that scares the sh.it out of me. I hold her tightly to my body, and Gideon breaks free from my restraints. Mate!