Page 14 of A Second Chance for the Beta

EllaandIhavepacked and prepared ourselves for the long flight for the last couple of days. Everything happened so fast. Ella returned from the Council with a USB stick with plenty of material on it showing Candance, their father, and even one with her leaving the hospital with a baby.

I’m Liam’s beta, and I can’t just take off like that, but for once I decide I need to be selfish. I need to do this with Ella. I was ready to tell Liam I would work double as much once I return, but he just asked me if I’m crazy.

“You have never taken a day off,” he told me. “You and Ella need to do this.”

Annie pretty much tells Ella the same and reassures us we shouldn’t worry about how long it takes us. “Just focus on finding Charlie,” Annie says.

Liam nods. “Yes, and if you need something, give us a call. The pack is important, but family is too.”

In my absence, Aryanna will take over my work, while Dave’s mate, Raphael, will help out with guarding the luna.

“This is only the second time I’m flying,” Ella says.

“I haven’t flown a lot either. Probably three or four times.” I take her hand in mine while we sit down in our seats. I booked us first-class tickets. Both Ella and I earn well, and we don’t spend much. So, we decided to take this chance to travel as comfortably as possible.

“We are so boring.” She chuckles.

“Boring is fine,” I tell her, smiling when she pulls me into a kiss.

I look around, noticing a few other couples around us and a few business men and women. For them flying doesn’t seem anything new; meanwhile, Ella and I basically cling to each other’s hands when the airplane takes off.

This doesn’t feel right,Sylvan points out with a frown.

He isn’t wrong. To distract myself, I listen to the other people around us. Most of the couples talk about their plans once they arrive and what they want to do together. One man in particular has plenty of romantic dates planned.

It makes me realize I never do anything like that for Ella.

My stomach churns slightly.

Is something wrong?Ella asks me.I could feel something’s off through our bond.

No… it’s just…I sigh.Ella, do you feel like you are missing out on things?

What do you mean?she asks.

It’s just… I work a lot.

So do I. We both love our work and our rank.

I just realized I never really take you out or plan amazing dates for you,I point out.

Ella looks at me with a frown before her gaze wanders to the couple I’ve been eavesdropping on. My cheeks heat up at the knowledge of how easily she looks through me.

You take me on dates,she says finally.We go to the movies, we have our pub we frequent, and our favorite Italian restaurant.

But would you like me to take you on more exciting dates? On something more special?

She sighs.D, I like how we are. I like that you don’t care about fancy places because I don’t either. I prefer us frequenting our pub for a beer and fries and playing darts. I like that you like to take me hiking or to a picnic instead of a fancy restaurant. I enjoy just staying at home with you to watch our cringey splatter movies. I can be myself with you.

Goddess,I groan.I’m so stupid, aren’t I?I can feel her genuine happiness through the bond whenever we go on our dates. I know she wouldn’t be happy if I took her to a fancy restaurant.

No, you aren’t.She smiles.I feel insecure too sometimes. I know I’m just Ella; nothing about me is fancy.

But I love just Ella,I tell her.

She smiles at me and entwines our fingers.

And what are you doing when you feel insecure?I ask her.