Page 60 of A Second Chance for the Beta

Dante seems satisfied by that, while Ella just smiles. “We also need to discuss what you want to do for your birthday,” Ella says. “I know it’s still two months ahead, but I think we could start making plans. Sweet sixteen, after all.”

“You didn’t forget?” I exclaim. I thought after all the shit I put them through, they would pay me back and punish me by canceling everything. But they don’t! They still want to celebrate my birthday. It’s the first time I will have a party like that.

“Of course not,” Ella says. “Right, D?”

“We are already looking forward to it,” Dante agrees. “I think—”

I don’t get to know what he thinks because his phone starts ringing. He grabs it and looks at it with a frown. “I don’t know the number,” he mutters.

“Then maybe it’s important,” Ella says.

“Country code says France,” Dante concludes. “It might be from the Council. I will take it swiftly. I apologize, ladies.”

He is so old-school sometimes. Like any of us would care if he is on his phone during dinner. But it’s nice that he respects us so much.

Dante gets up, takes a few steps towards the living room, and answers the phone. I don’t realize anything is wrong until I feel Ella freeze next to me. She clasps her heart slightly, standing up abruptly and hurrying towards Dante.

“Dante, what’s wrong!?”

I feel anxious instantly. She must have felt something through their bond. I try to catch a glance on his face, and there is pain written all over it.

“Mom?” he mutters.

twenty

True Family

*ELLA*

Ifeelitinstantlythrough our bond. The turmoil of his feelings is almost knocking the air out of my lungs. And when he mutters the word,Mom, it’s all I need to know. Oh fuck! Why is she calling all of a sudden? Why now, when he is finally starting to heal?

I can hear her voice on the other side of the line.I wanted to hear your voice,she says, and then there is silence.

“I can’t talk now,” Dante says evenly before hanging up.

Goosebumps appear on his arms, and he looks so distraught I’m scared he might do something stupid. He keeps shifting his phone between his hands, not sure what to even do with it. “You can give it to me,” I say softly.

He nods and hands me the phone.I’m heading outside,he says through the link.I don’t want Charlie to see me like this.

I’m not sure if that’s going to help because she already saw that something is wrong. She has gone completely still, just watching us in worry.

Do you want me to tell her?I ask.

He stills and doesn’t answer at first, then he nods.She deserves to know.He pauses.I need to be alone for a while.

Nefeli stirs in my mind, clearly annoyed. I make sure to calm her down first. This here is different. I will give Dante some space to sort his thoughts before seeking him out.

Just don’t block me,I say.

I won’t.He pauses.Fuck, I have a meeting with Liam and—

I will go,I promise.I will take Charlie with me so she can officially meet the twins. Don’t worry.

He looks at me sadly.I’m so sorry for ruining our evening.

You aren’t ruining anything.I wrap my arms around him, squeezing him slightly.

He places a kiss against the top of my head, taking a deep breath as if to take in my scent properly, and then hurries out of the apartment. Silence engulfs me once he is gone, and I just keep standing there, unsure what to do or think. I make sure to link Liam in advance so that he is prepared for what’s going on, and I also ask him if his twin brothers are available.