Page 103 of A Second Chance for the Beta

“But if they aren’t dead, you can still—”

“No,” he says bitterly. “There is no way back anymore.”

“Why didn’t you leave too?” I ask.

“What?” he looks at me shocked.

“I just thought it could have been an option, couldn’t it?”

“But my home is here; I was born into this coven. Lord Aloysius has been my master ever since I can remember. He is… strong and… good.”

“To me he looks abusive,” I say shortly. “At least to his subordinates.”

“You don’t say,” Aryanna mutters. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Do you know his siblings?” I ask.

“Not all of them,” he admits.

“But didn’t one of his brothers live here with him and lead the coven together?” I continue to ask, pretending to be oblivious and like I have no idea who his brother is.

Julianus looks down at his hands. “That’s true.”

“Was he such a bad leader?” Aryanna inquires, too, playing along with my questioning.

“No,” Julianus says with force, almost sounding pissed that we are questioning Silas’s ability as a ruler. “He was what we needed here.”

“So, who is filling his spot now?” I ask.

“No one. Lord Aloysius is ruling on his own.”

“Does he have a beloved?” Aryanna inquires.

“No, but he has been looking for a suitable lady for many years,” he admits.

“Wow, he must have high standards,” I say dryly, very well aware that the sociopath is looking for a full-blooded vampire woman.

Julianus stays quiet.

“Come have a drink with us,” Aryanna offers. “Let’s talk about something else.”

While Julianus is busy pouring us some drinks, she links me.What are you trying to achieve?she asks me.I mean with this vampire dude here?

I have no idea, I say.It’s just a feeling. Let’s try to get him talking.

thirty-three

The Music Box

*DANTE*

I’vepreparedallofCharlie’s favorite dishes for breakfast. She loves ham and eggs, so I made those and some bacon. I had the kitchen prepare pancakes with several different toppings and lots of whipped cream.

Gisela’s mother drops Charlie off at 8:00 a.m. I’ve had the whole night to mentally prepare myself. Suffice it to say, I am terrified and have no idea what to do or say. I hear Charlie’s footsteps running up the staircase towards our apartment before she rips the door open and runs towards me.

To my shock, she bursts into tears the moment she sees me and rushes into my arms.

“Charlie,” I blurt out, hugging her. “What’s wrong? What happened? Are you okay?”