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UM - 029
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THE BETA AND I UM - 030
ALICE. “And to Alice…” Amber spoke after she separated from Cassidy. She raised her glass and looked at me as my heart thudded loudly. She had been very civil tonight and was actually smiling at me from time to time, so I couldn’t help but feel more guilty. Our gazes met, and she smiled warmly before she continued. “For a new life, a new chance to live the life you want. To wake up each day beside the man the goddess gifted you with. For you and Joshua! Congratulations!” I smiled back at her and was at a loss for words. “Thank you!” “Your turn!” Cassidy said with her eyes on me. “Me? What should I do?” I’d been to many bars, but this was the first time I was doing this as my girlfriends and I would usually just toast to either a new guy we saw or crush on, but not individual toast like this. “Pick any of us and give a toast or a wish.” I wanted to tell them I knew nothing of their lives — not really an inner picture, but I didn’t. So, I guess I had to come up with something I
THE BETA AND I UM - 031
LADY RIVER. My heart thudded loudly while I ordered a drink. I hoped the bartender understood everything completely and didn’t need to ask more. Amber said the Alpha liked a neat whiskey, and I was glad I asked more as I thought “neat” meant the whiskey’s name, only to be told it meant no ice in his drink. And I had no idea it would cost a lot. It was a good thing I had money, but if he wanted more, I wouldn’t have enough for another, so I hoped Alpha Kairo would come sooner, as he said he would. I held the glass of whiskey in my hand as I carefully walked in his direction. He was looking at his phone but not typing or scrolling. He was just staring at it as if waiting to see if something would happen or a message would appear. “Alpha Cyrus…” I said in a slightly higher voice because the music was too loud. His head tilted in my direction. He closed his phone and inserted it into his back pocket before he let out a chuckle and rested his forearm on the counter as he swiveled hi
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LADY RIVER. “Can I have water?” I asked because my throat felt so dry, only to regret it because I sounded too bossy, but the Alpha had already asked for water on my behalf. “I’m sorry.” “For what?” “For asking water.” “Why the need to apologize? It’s just water. It’s not as if you asked me to kill someone.” I giggled. “I have never asked anyone for water except my mother.” “Your mother?” I nodded. “Where is she?” he asked. “She’s gone now.” “I’m sorry to hear that.” “And she’s only an Omega, but she’s the best.” “My mother is an Omega too.” “She is?” My eyes widened as I couldn’t believe the similarity. “Is she still alive?” He nodded. “She must be special.” My eyes watered as I said those words. I was missing my mother. “She is. Best Mom…” “You’re so lucky… You still have her.” My hand clamped over my mouth as I stifled my sobs, but my tears just kept flowing. I didn’t want to cry, but I couldn’t stop the tears from racing down my cheeks. “My mother was the best, too
THE BETA AND I UM - 033
ALICE. The night turned out better than I expected. This was the first time I went out without having to vie for anyone’s attention to be mine. I could relax, and I knew I would still be important to someone. Joshua made sure I felt that. I spent most of the time with the females, who were extraordinarily wonderful as they welcomed me into their circle, but every time I looked at my mate, his eyes had already been looking at me. And it was good that I danced with Joshua for a while. I got worried when I saw River approaching Cyrus, not that Cyrus was dangerous. But he never entertained females around him and was always blunt about it. Some of my friends in the Shadow Academy experienced that when they tried flirting with him. So they resorted to the conclusion that he was gay, just to save their egos. I didn’t want him to crush River’s courage, as I was sure it had taken too much of her to approach him. So, I kept an eye on them. I was relieved when, after a few minutes, River
THE BETA AND I UM - 034
ALICE. Three days after Roan told me that Mom wanted to speak with me, I hadn’t entirely made up my mind if I should call. And for the last three days, I’ve been getting one missed call from her every morning — just missed calls, no messages or anything. If you knew my mom, one missed call would not be enough. If she wanted something or needed to say something, she would bombard me with calls and messages until I responded. But so far, it has been all quiet — like she was only calling to see if my number was still existing. Joshua had advised me to give her a call so I could finally decide what I wanted to do and that it would be out of my mind before it totally consumed me. Maybe he was right. Or not. Maybe I should just keep ignoring her. So far, life has been wonderful with Joshua and the whole pack, if you exclude Luna Matilda, who until now refused to acknowledge that I exist and mated to her son. Joshua and I decided to have our breakfasts and lunches at our home, t
THE BETA AND I UM -035
FORMER LUNA RENEE (of Moon Lake Pack). “Are you happy, Alice?” I asked as my heart clenched in pain, waiting for her to say yes because that was all I wanted. Alice was my only daughter. And although I was hard on her and strict with her, I was doing it for her own good. People may not understand, but I never cared. I have been misunderstood my whole life. It was nothing new. Alice and I were born into a lineage where fated mates never existed. It had been going on for many decades. Either we were cursed or blessed — I had no idea. But I knew the feeling of being thrust into a barbaric ceremony of the Claiming simply because the Goddess had forgotten about us. But despite not meeting my own fated mate, my heart did fall for someone. I fell in love with the stranger who accidentally landed in our territory when I was eighteen. I was disappointed to find out he was already of age and not my fated mate. I should have expected it, but the moment my eyes lay on Gavin Salvatore, I kne
THE BETA AND I UM - 036
ALICE. After Joshua and I talked briefly about Mom, he told me to come over to the packhouse, as he had already told Luna Matilda that we were coming over to speak with her about River. I was surprised that she actually agreed to meet us because, as far as I could tell, the Luna didn’t want anything to do with me. And I honestly never bothered. If she was thriving while ignoring me, then that was fine. I was still showing her courtesy, such as greeting her, but I only got a cold stare, so if one day I stopped acknowledging her, no one could say I didn’t try. I was Renee’s daughter. I could stand my ground, and to hell with everyone around me. It might sound arrogant, but I knew this time I was actually on my best behavior. As long as I have Joshua, I will be fine. But I had to meet Luna Matilda for River. She needed to let her go so this sweet girl could do better things in her life than worry if she would upset her or the Alpha. I only wished it would be easy, but I was willing
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ALICE. I heard Joshua close the door before he pulled me to his side. “I’m sorry. I had no fucking idea why I couldn’t do or say anything.” “It’s okay. I don’t think anything you say or do would make her change her mind.” I answered him as we continued walking. “The Council is a long shot," he said. “I know.” I stopped walking as my shoulders sagged. My eyes watered as I turned to my side to face him. “I have a bad record with the Council, with what Mom did and the fiasco I made to Amara.” “What did you do to Amara?” He asked as he pulled me towards an empty receiving room and closed the door once we were inside. “I almost attacked her if I was not stopped. She was already nine months pregnant. It was outside the Council building. Someone saw that and reported me. You know how you’re not allowed to touch, threaten, or hurt a Luna? So I got a warning. Roan pleaded on my behalf.” The tears fell from my eyes as I dropped my gaze to the floor. “And now, I’m going to blow the chance
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