The Beta Series: The Redeemed Beta

Chapter 19

~Dominic~

Silence. That’s all I’ve gotten since our talk yesterday. Danny didn’t come out of her room, and I didn’t try to seek her out. I made sure food was left at her door, but other than that… silence.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I knew this was a major possibility the moment that I told her the truth. Honestly, who the hell would want someone like me? Who would want to be with someone who would do everything I did?

It’s easy to look back and tell people that I was Alpha commanded, and in many cases, I was. The real issue is that I didn’t try to fight against anything. I didn’t try to fight the command until after I had done all those horrible things. I didn’t look at myself and think how wrong everything was, and vow to be better.

I kept going with everything, even when it all felt wrong. I kept it up even when I questioned the very core of what King had going on. I know that, and that’s why I can’t let this go. That’s why I can’t settle on ‘I was Alpha commanded.’

I sigh and shake my head, trying to focus on the task at hand. I couldn’t stay in my apartment with her just feet away. I swear her scent was wafting from her closed door and making it hard to breathe. I figured that work would be the next best thing, but here I am, doing nothing.

Not only am I having trouble focusing, but Goliath has been in my head, and he’s starting to become worrisome. It’s times like these that I wish I could separate from my wolf so that I can have a quiet moment. Trust that I feel the same, human.

I sigh and roll my eyes, not wanting to engage with him. There’s no ‘off’ button much of the time, and I can’t handle all of that right now. My door flies open, making me jump in my seat. “Uncle Ddddddddd.” Despite the turmoil in my heart and mind, that little voice puts a smile on my face. I look up to see Skye in Aston’s arms, as they stand in the doorway of my office.

“What’s got you concentrating so hard?” Aston walks toward me, and I immediately stand and move from behind my desk. The moment they get close enough, I hold my arms out, ready to grab my little bundle. She’s just as eager to get to me, practically jumping out of her father’s arms.

The moment we connect, my heart calms and I’m filled with an amazing warmth. I can’t fight the smile growing on my face, and I really don’t want to. “Hey, little lady. I missed you.” I pull her in close, letting her scent soothe me. Skye burrows into my body, her body loosening by the second. Goddess! This girl has me wrapped around her little finger, and I’m not even mad about it.

“Well, it’s nice to be part of the background. I guess I see what Katarina is always talking about. I need to make amends. Maybe some flowers.” I chuckle and shake my head.

“I think a trip would be more to her liking.” I look at Aston as he nods in agreement.

“You might be right about that. Maybe a trip would be best. We can take one after our ceremony.”

“I have no problem babysitting.” Aston scoffs.

“Between my parents and Katarina’s aunt and uncle… good luck with that one, buddy. Sometimes I have to fight just to get a hold of my own daughter.” Yeah, that’s true. I’ve seen it in the flesh, and it was a sight to behold. They practically fought over her, and all I could do was shake my head. That child is very loved and very much wanted.

I shift Skye in my arms, not daring to let her go. “So, what’s up, Alpha?”

I watch Aston walk over to my leather couch and get comfortable. He puts his feet on the coffee table and clasps his hands behind his head. “You tell me. You had your mate with you all night, but…” He leans forward slightly, letting his eyes roam my body. He quickly drops back and gets comfortable again. “I don’t see a mark, so that didn’t happen. I am curious as to what DID happen.” I shake my head and sigh. I move to the couch, sitting across from my friend.

“Yeah, she was with me last night, but I don’t think it’s anything to brag about.” I recount how bringing her to my home went as quickly as possible. It kind of hurts to relive everything.

“Give her time. You dumped all over her and she gets time to shift through it. Don’t be dramatic yet.” I say nothing as I reposition Skye to sit on my lap. I reach to the side of me and pull up one of her toys to give to her. She has toys all over and in every office. You never know where she will end up, and we like to be prepared.

“I guess only time will tell.”

“Are you sure you need her locked in your apartment? Are you sure you aren’t being a bit extra?” I sigh again, closing my eyes briefly.

“She made it sound like she’s dangerous to the pack. She still hasn’t told me anything, but I want to be safe. I can’t turn a blind eye just because she’s my fated mate.”

“I get that, but does anything feel off about her?” I let my mind wander as I think about my mate. There’s nothing glaring, but everything doesn’t feel calm either.

“Her name…”

“Excuse me?” I turn slightly to look at Aston. His arms are at his sides, and he’s staring at me.

“Her name. It… well….” Aston is looking at me like I’m nuts, and I don’t blame him. “When you say Katarina’s name, how does it feel? How does her name in your mind make your body respond?” I watch him close his eyes, and seconds later, his body shudders. I try not to laugh because I know what that is.

Aston clears his throat and opens his eyes. “Are you saying that her name doesn’t make you feel things?” I nod.

“Something about her name just doesn’t feel right.” Aston opens his mouth to speak, but I hold a hand up to stop him. “Look, I know that it’s not a reason for me to doubt the bond. But that, mixed with the feeling that she isn’t telling me something is more than enough to be cautious. I just want to be sure of who I’m letting get comfortable in our territory before something serious happens. It’s my job.” Aston sits back and crosses his arms.

“I get it, I swear I do. Just make sure you aren’t using that as an excuse to close yourself off… to make sure you don't have to hurt.” Yeah, that crossed my mind, and I honestly can’t be sure that I’m not blowing stuff up just to make sure that I don’t have to hurt later.