Page 32 of A Second Chance for the Beta

Cinnamon Roll

*ELLA*

Asexpected,Dave’smerepresence is already a huge hit, as going by Charlie, Dave is a “legend” in the pack. It’s the first time Charlie meets Dave’s mate, though. Raphael is a strong, gruff, and broody-looking guy, but in fact he is just incredibly shy and awkward with new people.

“He is really just a cinnamon roll,” Charlie whispers to Dante and me when we have a minute to ourselves.

“What’s a cinnamon roll?” Dante asks, confused. “I assume it’s not the dessert.”

Charlie looks at him like he grew a second head. “Are you for real?”

Before Dante can say anything, I intervene. “It’s not that unusual not to know it,” I explain to Charlie. “I wouldn’t know it either if it weren’t for Dave constantly throwing it around.” Charlie just shrugs and mutterswhateverwhile I turn to Dante. “It means someone is sweet and adorable and needs to be protected. You know, too pure for this world.”

“So, who else is a cinnamon roll?” Dante asks seriously. “For comparison.”

“I’m not sure.” I chuckle.

“Are you a cinnamon roll?” he asks.

“I don’t think so.”

“Is Liam a cinnamon roll?”

“No, I think they need to be naïve to be called that. You know, sweet, innocent, naïve.”

“Sounds like a baby,” Dante argues.

“My God,” Charlie intervenes. “Are you really debating that? It’s not that deep.”

“I just want to use it properly,” Dante says.

“Oh my god, please, no. Don’t ever use it!” Charlie blurts out, appalled. “That would be so embarrassing!”

She stomps off with a plate of apple pie in her hands.

“It seems like I missed an interesting discussion,” Liam says while walking past her and towards us.

“I was just called embarrassing,” Dante says, amused. Much to my relief, he truly is great whenever Charlie gives him an attitude. He knows it’s not coming from a bad place but more from her living in solitude and alone for so long.

“Be proud of that,” Liam says. “You made the dad cut.”

“Do you know what a cinnamon roll is?” Dante asks. “Concerning a person.”

“Yeah, something about being too pure and innocent for the world.”

Dante seems to be seriously shocked at that sudden spout of youth language knowledge. “How do you know that!?”

“I have a bunch of younger siblings,” Liam grins. “And the youngest are still in high school.”

“Speaking of”—I look at him as an idea just struck me—“I don’t want to overstep, Alpha, but I know your twin brothers are around Charlie’s age, a year older maybe, but do you think they could keep an eye on her?”

“Of course,” Liam says. “I will talk to them about it. They always hated being the youngest of the family. Maybe they would like to jump on the opportunity to help out a younger family member.”

It’s nice that he considers us part of the family despite there being no blood relation. He and Dante share a really tight bond, though, almost of a brotherly nature.

“Something else.” Liam lowers his voice a bit. “The mercenaries. We don’t seem to be able to track them yet. They are part of an underground group. I am considering sending someone undercover.” He pauses. “The problem is that there doesn’t seem to be any movement at the moment, but I’d tell Charlie about it so she is aware.”

I nod. “Yes, she has to know. I hate to unsettle her, and it could also be a group that’s after me or Dante, but as long as we aren’t sure, she needs to know.”