Chapter 2. The Beta's Burden

Chapter 2 — The Beta’s Burden

I walked into the bakery that Adrian told me was owned by my sister. He sent me all the way to the west coast to bring Alara back. He said it was for the pack. I knew better. But orders are orders. I warned him she might not come. He sent me anyway.

The bell over the door chimed softly as I stepped inside. Warm air rolled over me, thick with the scent of fresh bread, honey, cinnamon, and something uniquely hers — the quiet peace she had carved out for herself. I stood in the retail section of the bakery, staring at the rows of artisan loaves and pastries lining the shelves. She made a name for herself out here. A real life. A good one. I had a strong suspicion she wasn’t going to give it up.

But I had to try. For the pack’s sake.

The double doors to the production room swung open, and my sister stepped onto the sales floor. Alara approached the counter and stayed behind it, putting a barrier between us that felt more symbolic than physical.

She hissed when she saw the scar on my face.

“Who the hell did that?”

Her voice was sharp, protective, furious — everything she used to be before the rejection hollowed her out.

“The family was attacked two weeks ago,” I said.

She stared at me coolly, her expression unreadable.

“And what has that got to do with me?”

She waited until her assistant finished helping a customer before giving me her full attention. Even then, she didn’t soften.

“Luna Sarena sold us out. Alpha Aldrich is critically injured. It took me this long to find you and let you know, Alara.”

Her eyes narrowed. She knew exactly why I was here. She knew exactly who sent me.

“The pack has plenty of healers capable of healing the old alpha.”

I winced. She caught the lie instantly. She always did. The old dog was fine — this was Adrian’s trap, and we both knew it.

“Brother, the truth. Spit it out now or leave and never bother me with family business again.”

I swallowed hard.

“It’s true the Luna betrayed us. When Alpha Aldrich found out, he went berserk and killed her without trial. He also suffered critical wounds in the fight.”

Her jaw tightened.

“The she‑bitch got what she deserved.”

I nodded.

“Alara… Adrian knows he was wrong when he rejected you. His fated mate. He hasn’t been himself since your rejection or her betrayal.”

Her eyes flashed with pain and fury. Sylvie’s aura rolled off her in a wave that made my wolf flatten in submission. I had never felt her wolf before. She had been born wolfless.

“Forgiveness?” she spat. “He betrayed his oaths to me. He rejected me at our mating ceremony. And now he wants forgiveness? The Moon Goddess only blesses you once in a lifetime with a fated mate, Elias. I will probably never get a second chance.”

Her voice cracked, but she didn’t cry. She never cried.

“Two years Sylvie wanted to die because of him,” she said, her voice trembling with rage. “Two years I fought to keep her alive after the rejection. And now you come in here as his beta — not my brother — and ask me to forgive him? I’m blood, Elias. Not obligation.”

I lowered my head. She was right. Family always came first. And I had failed her.

She strode to the door, unlocked it, and pointed outside.

“Beta, return to your alpha. Tell him if he wants forgiveness, he can speak to the Moon Goddess herself. I have none to give him. Now… GET OUT AND NEVER COME BACK.”

Her voice cracked like a whip. My shoulders sagged. Adrian wasn’t going to like this, but I didn’t care. She deserved better.

I stepped outside and watched her lock the door behind me. She didn’t look back.

I didn’t bother calling Adrian. He’d know the moment I returned to the territory.

I checked my phone for my flight time. Delayed until this evening. Figures. I walked down to the coffee shop on the corner and ordered a cup of coffee and a pastry. I chuckled when I realized they served her bakery’s goods.

I sat by the window, sipping my coffee, nibbling the pastry. It was damn good. My wolf pressed forward in my mind, restless.

Her wolf came the day of the ceremony. She was going to surprise the alpha. But he rejected her.

By the Goddess… no wonder she didn’t say anything. Adrian thought she was a wolfless Omega. I don’t blame her for leaving. And I should have let him suffer more after she rejected him and walked away.

I stared at the bakery from across the street. I was glad she made a life for herself. Part of me wanted to lie to Adrian and tell him she moved. But the pack needed her.

I watched her and her assistant lock up for the night. They got into the same car and drove away. I finished my coffee, tossed the cup, and walked to my rental car.

I drove to the airport alone.

Just like she wanted.