Page 49 of A Second Chance for the Beta

“Don’t worry, we aren’t terrified,” I say. “Just grossed out.”

Dave grins while Esme tugs Sugar away. He gives me a hug and shakes Dante’s hand. “An evening without kids. Who would have thought that could ever happen? Annie found a nanny for her girls. Is anyone watching out for Charlie?”

“She is old enough to stay at home,” I say.

“That she is,” he snorts. “But I meant someone from the guards to prevent her from climbing out the window.”

“She would never do that,” Dante says with absolute sincerity.

“Oh, you poor naïve soul.” Dave sighs.

I let his words sink in while he leads us to the living room. I don’t want to alert Dante, knowing how overprotective he can be, but Dave is not wrong. Charlie has moments in which she just snaps. I wouldn’t put it past her to sneak out.

We make sure to say hello to all our friends before joining Annie and Dave. When Dante goes to get us some drinks, I turn to Dave again. “Sometimes it feels like she wants to test our love and loyalty.”

“You mean Charlie?” Dave asks before he nods. “That’s what I would have done at her age. If I… you know… suddenly found a family member that cared for me. I had my grandma, but it’s different to be part of a family..”

“Me too,” I mutter. “Had I suddenly found family when I was her age, I would not have trusted the bond.”

“I think you are doing well,” Annie says. “You are patient, and you prove to her over again that no matter how much she fucks up, you are there for her. Give it time; eventually it will stick with her.”

I squeeze her arm.

“Oh look, Jun and Luca are here,” Dave calls out, waving at our gamma couple.

Luca beams happily and waves back. He is such a pure soul. He went through years of abuse to the extent that his wolf was almost killed, but he constantly keeps pushing and trying to overcome his past. How someone who went through so many horrible things can still stand here smiling and being such a kind soul is beyond me. He is truly an inspiration.

“Luna,” Luca smiles shyly. “Beta Ella.” He greets us before jumping into Dave’s arms.

“You look gorge,” Dave tells him.

Luca beams, showing us his biceps. “Been training with Jun,” he admits, smiling when Jun puts an arm around his shoulder.

“Oh right,” I look at Jun. “You!”

Jun looks at me with a frown. “Did I do something?” He looks worried for a moment. “Please don’t tell me I forgot something.”

“No, you did amazing,” I chuckle. “That idea with Charlie getting some training!”

“Really?” He looks relieved. “I was scared I overstepped.”

“Not at all, I appreciate the help,” I reassure him. “I think hanging out with Livia and working with her will do her so good.”

“Oh, Livia will do her training?” Annie asks. “That’s a fantastic idea. She is great but has some anger issues too. Unlike Charlie, she knows how to channel them.”

“That’s exactly what Dante and I have been thinking too,” I say.

“Speaking of, where is he?” Dave asks. “I thought he wanted to grab some drinks.”

I let my gaze wander around until I notice Dante coming back inside with Liam and another young man. A handsome guy with short brown hair and a strong chin. “Cute,” Dave comments, ignoring Raffy’s glare. “Who is he?”

Annie follows our gaze. “That’s Levi,” she explains.

“Oh, Nicole’s nephew!” I say.

“The pack doctor Nicole?” Dave asks. He grins. “Of course you befriended her since you probably constantly need her for Charlie.”

“That, and Charlie is friends with her son, Austen.”