Page 150 of A Second Chance for the Beta

“From Mom’s shop,” Gisela exclaims.

“And our models will be certain individuals of the pack who are well respected and liked. I’m going to sign up Ella and Dante,” I say.

“The beta couple,” Ty says, stunned.

“I bet I can also get Aryanna and Jazz to join, and maybe Livia,” I say. “And Ty’s dad and Nicole. Of course, as we are the organizers, they can’t say no.”

“This is…” Ty pauses. “Insane!”

“Are you kidding?” Austen blinks. “It’s fucking brilliant.”

“I didn’t say it’s not brilliant,” Ty mutters. “But it’s also insane.”

“I love it,” Gisela blurts out. “It would help Mom’s business so much! She is all alone, you know? I have no dad. And with Lune Marius’s projects involved, maybe he and Mom can establish some new connections.”

“But can we fund a project of that size?” Austen asks carefully. “We need a certain amount of money to even organize it.”

“How about at school?” Gisela says. “Alpha Liam said we could turn it into a school project.”

“Still, it will cost a lot.”

“Are you on board?” I ask. “If we solve the money issue, would you be on board?”

“Absolutely,” Gisela exclaims.

“I’m in,” Ty says.

Austen nods. “Me too.”

“Good, then let’s write down our ideas, put together a folder, and present it to the alpha,” I say. When I mention that we need to pass it by Alpha Liam, the others look a bit anxious, but I ignore them. He has always been kind to me. I’m not scared of him. I saw the man blow raspberries on his daughters’ bellies and cooing at them. Deep inside, he is a cutie-patootie. And he is Uncle Dante’s best friend. Even if he says no, I’m sure he will help us find another solution.

We work on our presentation the whole afternoon. Right before dinner, I grab everything and drag my friends to the alpha’s office. Alpha Liam is a bit surprised to see us again, even more so when I hand him the folder. The others let me do most of the talking, but at least they are in his office with me and didn’t chicken out.

Liam leans back once I am done. His answer is short and simple. “I like it,” he says. “See? I told you that once you channel your energy into something more productive, you will get something awesome done.”

“Does this mean you will help us?” I ask breathlessly.

“Yes,” he says. “The luna is more in touch with our budget. I’m sure she will love to help you. Meanwhile, I will establish contact with Marius for you.”

We talk a bit more with him about our plans. Now that he agreed and is showing his support, the other three are slowly relaxing too and are bringing in more and more of their own ideas. I’m actually glad we can do this together. It’s going to be so much fun! I still feel wary when I’m on my own, and doing this project means I won’t be alone too much.

forty-eight

Mom

*LIVIA*

Richardhashiscamerain his hand, smiling at me while he tries to position me. Since he helped get Charlie back, Alpha Liam has allowed him to roam the pack grounds with me. He isn’t allowed to run around on his own, but at least he isn’t under house arrest anymore. I’m relieved because the more I get to know him, the more I realize that he really did get taken advantage of and got caught in something he had no idea what it was.

I’m holding a cup of coffee in my hands while he tells me how to stand so that the light hits me perfectly. “I’m not photogenic,” I say.

“That’s not true.” He smiles while he eyes me through his lens. “You are beautiful, Livia.”

It’s like when he was on the phone with the kidnappers… he is suddenly a completely different person. Confident and calm, and so handsome.

“I’m not beautiful,” I say.

He shakes his head. “You are stunning. You have such an intense aura.”