CH 7: Still is A Beta

Natasha

Natasha stood outside the restaurant while Queen helped the children settle inside the car.

Jack already brought her car to the restaurant. Natasha feels his eagerness to kick her out of Queen's world.

“Mommy! Danny stole my chips!” Kiya complained loudly.

“I did not! It was just lying there.” Danny shouted back immediately.

“You did!” Kiya pointed her little finger at him.

“You already ate yours!” Danny pouted.

“Kiya-Danny, we will talk at home. Now say goodbye to Aunt Natasha.” Queen said gently without even looking at them.

Natasha stared quietly. It was strange.

The same woman who once ruled an entire pack with cold authority now controlled six children with one gentle sentence.

Erica suddenly ran toward Natasha and hugged her tightly around the waist.

“Bye, Aunt Natasha!” Erica said with a bright smile.

Natasha smiled faintly and gently touched her hair.

“Bye, dear.”

Erica turns and gets into the car again.

Lucas waved excitedly from inside the car while Danny copied him dramatically. Kiya kept talking nonstop about how Natasha should visit them again.

Only Xaiden remained quiet.

He stood near the car door calmly, watching everything with eyes identical to Queen’s.

Too calm for a child.

“Goodbye, aunty. Have a safe journey.” he said politely.

Natasha’s chest tightened strangely.

“Goodbye, Xaiden.” she whispered back.

Then Nishi slowly walked toward her.

The little girl quietly wrapped tiny arms around Natasha without saying anything.

That strange pull returned instantly. Natasha froze for a second before hugging her back carefully.

‘Our baby…’ Her wolf stirred painfully inside her.

‘No,’ Natasha forced herself to stop thinking.

“When you come to our house I'll show you my toys. Here you take my Mr Wolf with you. When your baby is born, give him this.” Nishi finally lets go and hands her wolf toy to Natasha, which she keeps with her all the time.

“But it's yours, dear.” Natasha said.

“But I want you to have it. This will remind you of me.” Nishi said with a bright smile.

“Ok.” Natasha nods and takes the toy from Nishi.

Nishi returned toward the car.

Then Queen stepped closer.

For a moment, neither woman spoke.

The night wind moved Queen’s soft hair slightly while city lights reflected in her beautiful eyes. They are not cold and emotionless. They are gentle.

“Thank you for today,” Queen said warmly. “Kids really enjoyed spending time with you.”

Natasha shook her head slowly.

“They’re good children.”

“They already became attached to you.”A soft smile appeared on Queen’s lips.

Something about that smile made Natasha’s heartbeat turn uneven again.

Then unexpectedly Queen stepped forward and hugged her gently.

Natasha froze completely.

Warmth surrounded her instantly. Queen touch was soft, comfortable, and safe. Queen scents are driving her wolf crazy.

Her breath caught. Natasha slowly hugs her back.

This was the first time in her life Queen had hugged her naturally. Not because of formal greetings. Just because she wanted to.

And suddenly Natasha remembered.

Years ago. In the Pack office.

Queen had approached her quietly after a long meeting.

Natasha still remembered how young Queen looked back then.

Cold outside.

But nervous underneath.

Queen stopped in front of her slowly. Then carefully reached toward Natasha’s hand.

The moment her fingers almost touched Natasha snapped harshly.

“Don’t touch me. I never accept this mate bond… not even you. I feel disgust when you touch. So stay away from me!”

Queen froze instantly.

A flicker of hurt crossed her usually emotionless face.

Then she slowly pulled her hand back.

“…Sorry.”

That day Natasha walked away without looking back.

And after that…

Queen never touched her again.

Natasha’s chest tightened painfully.

Yet today Queen hugged her without hesitation. As if she forgot every wound Natasha once gave her.

Queen slowly pulled away with a soft smile.

“You should visit our house sometime,” she said gently. “Kids would love that.”

“And you?” Unconscious words left from Natasha's mouth.

Queen's eyes widened, so Natasha's eyes too. Because it's unexpected for both of them.

Natasha stared at her silently.

Guilt pressed heavily inside her chest.

Queen still didn’t remember anything. Didn’t remember how cruel Natasha once behaved toward her.

And somehow that made Natasha feel worse.

“I…” Natasha looked away briefly.

“I would love to meet you again.” Queen killed awkwardness.

“Ok. I'll visit soon.” Natasha said.

“Then call me before coming.” Queen smiled brighter instantly.

Jack opened the car door quietly behind them.

Before entering, Queen turned back once again.

“Drive safely, her home, Jack.”

Then she entered the car with the children.

“Don't worry. I'll make sure she gets home.” Jack nodded before closing the door.

The black vehicle slowly disappeared into the night.

Natasha remained standing there long after it left.

Jack opens the back door for Natasha's car.

“Get inside… Miss Natasha.”

“I can drive." Natasha said coldly.

“I know… You are a trained driver. You almost got killed by your rash driving back in the pack. But that was past. Right now you are carrying Alpha Eric’s brother's child. You have reached safety.” Jack mocked her with his calm tone.

“Very well… I need to ask you something too.” Natasha sat in the car holding a wolf toy close to her.

By the time Natasha reached home, exhaustion had already settled deep inside her body.

Jack pulled the car and stepped out. He opened the door for her.

“Thank you.” Natasha said softly.

“I was following Luna’s order. She wants you to reach home safely.” Jack said professionally.

“Why are you doing this?” Natasha asked. Her anger and jealousy come again.

“What did you mean?” Jack asked.

“This… keeping Queen hidden from us. You know she is our mate.” Natasha points out.

Jack smirks at her allegations.

“One second… Let me be clear here. Luna already cut all bonds with her mates’. So officially she was not tied to anyone. The day she left the pack territory she was no longer related to you or anyone else.” Jack corrected her.

“You were the one who took her from the pack. You….” Natasha tried to blame him, but Jack stopped her.

“Another wrong piece of information. I don't know what other alphas told you, but Luna did everything to live a peaceful life. She wanted to be free from pain, I just do as she wants.” Jack said calmly.

“And the accident? Is it really happening or do you and Queen plan all this? Making a story for others?” Natasha asked.

“The question is not whether Queen has an accident or if we made up a story. The true question is when you never trust her, why were you roaming around her? Leave her alone. She is not intended to come into your or their life again.” Jack said calmly.

“Are backing her up because you want her….” Natasha tried to blame him.

“Don't even think I had ill intentions to be with her. I left my Beta title back, but inside I still have Beta straight to protect Luna. I saw how deeply Luna was hurt by all five of you. I swear to Moon Goddess I'll keep Luna safe.” A hint of Beta is visible in his voice.

Natasha stares at him to find out if he is lying or not.

Jack takes a deep breath and hands her the car key.

“Luna is happy in her current life. With her kids. I request that you not interfere in her life. It's my humble request. Focus on your kid… that's on the way….” Jack sounds so genuine and worry is visible in his voice.

Natasha touched her belly.

“Luna has a stable life. Don't mess. I hope you understand what I am trying to say.” Jack's voice became calmer.

“Madam…” The maid's voice came from a distance.

“I hope this is our last meeting.” Jack stepped back from her.

“You can take my car.” Natasha holds her key.

“I'm still a wolf… I can go by myself. Take care.” Jack waves his two fingers before he disparagingly leaves.

Natasha turns to her mansion. Holding a wolf toy close to her. Still remembering Jack's words.

*****