Page 46 of A Second Chance for the Beta

Wow, the guy certainly never heard about mentally preparing yourself. Jun smiles shortly at us and then leaves, saying he is looking for his mate. His mate is a super-sweet guy called Luca. He is currently trying to learn to become an electrician.

Dante turns his attention to me, smiling warmly. “What a nice surprise to have you visit me.”

“Well, I have a selfish request,” I admit.

“Tell me about it,” he says.

“So… Gamma Jun suggested that I should channel my anger in a more constructive way,” I say. “And I thought it would be cool to learn some self-defense. The others my age here in the pack already had some basic training, but I don’t know anything.”

Dante looks surprised. “You want to learn how to fight?”

“Is that bad?”

“Not at all.” He leans back in his chair. His eyes gloss over for a moment before he is back with me. “I briefly talked to Ella, and she also thinks it’s a good idea. So, yes, you can do that.” He smiles. “I will make sure to get you a good private trainer. Actually, I have someone perfect in mind.”

I’m surprised by how nice he is to me and how forthcoming, despite me giving him an attitude all the time. “Why are you not shit to me? You should hate me!” I exclaim.

“I don’t hate you,” he says, surprised. “You are family. My lycan claimed you as his own niece. Besides, you are a part of Ella, and I love Ella.”

Blerg, their unconditional love is so gross sometimes. But also cute.

I twirl around in the chair, eyeing the ceiling. “A private trainer?” I ask.

“There is a young warrior here; she has very promising skills and will soon join the elites. Her name is Livia. She is nineteen.” He smiles. “I think she would be perfect for the task. Just like you, she is a pretty tough young woman, and she likes to kick obnoxious guys in their butt.”

I beam at his words. This Livia sounds like my kind of person. I look at Dante for a while, swallowing down my pride and for once allowing myself to be vulnerable around him. “Thank you,” I mutter. “I know I’m not easy to be around. Yet you help me so much.”

Dante furrows his brows, looking confused. “Charlie, we love having you around. Everything is just new for all of us. We all just need some time to adapt and get the hang of things, don’t you think so?”

“You don’t think I’m terrible?”

He chuckles. “Most of the time, you are actually pretty fun, and I’ve seen how kind you are to your friends. Also, you just beat up a bunch of bullies.”

My head perks up. “That was cool, wasn’t it?”

“As your beta, I approve of you defending the other girls,” he says. “As your uncle, just try not to get suspended until the school year ends.”

I smile slightly. “Thank you, Uncle Dante.” I pause. “So, this Livia is cool, huh? By my standards too?”

Dante looks amused. “Yeah, I guess my standards of what’s considered cool are different. But I would bet my life that you will love her.” He pauses. “On the weekend, Alpha Liam’s twin brothers will be visiting. He wants you to meet them.”

“Will I also meet Aurelia?” I ask.

“Wait, you know her?”

I snort. “It’s hard not to. Every guy here has a boner for her,” I say. “I’m serious; she is one of the hot topics. Dave said the warriors and guards leave a trail of drool whenever she visits.”

Dante cringes. “Please, don’t tell that to our alpha.” He pauses. “But yes, there are plans in place for you to meet her, but she is still in Paris. However, Felix and Dario will be coming. So, reserve Sunday for meeting the alpha family and Livia.”

“Can I hang out with Gisela and Austen on Saturday? Austen has a new video game.”

“Yes, but tell Ella that you will miss lunch then.”

“Gotcha.”

There is a knock at the door, and I jump up to leave and let Dante proceed with his work. It’s Dave and his mate, Raffy. I love them both; they are so funny, nice, and quirky. I wish more people would be like them, Dave in particular.

I head back home, noticing how Ella is hovering above a few pots on the stove, her face wearing an expression of highest concentration. To make sure not to disrupt anything, I decide to find a place for myself to chill a bit.