Page 61 of A Second Chance for the Beta

The moment I mentioned Dante’s mom, I almost feel Liam’s anger through our link, but he keeps his cool and promises to make sure Felix and Dario will be there to hang out with Charlie.

When I’m done, I turn around, finally noticing Charlie’s terrified expression. It’s different from other times when she looked worried or sad; this time she looks truly mortified and scared.

“Oh no, honey,” I hurry towards her and hug her. “Don’t worry.”

“But something is wrong,” she blurts out. “Did something happen? Is it because of me? Did I do something? Do I have to leave?”

“No, Charlotte, we would never send you away,” I reassure her, sad that her first thought instantly goes to her being at fault or us sending her away. We still have a long way ahead of us. “This phone call had nothing to do with you.”

“Really?” she asks. “But Uncle Dante looked so sad. Is he alright?”

I contemplate my options and decide not to lie to her. “No, he isn’t, but he will be. He just needs some time.” I pause. “Did you realize he was talking to his mother?”

She shakes her head.

“I will give you the short version now, alright, but keep in mind that the rest of the story is his to tell.” I wait for Charlie to nod and give me her consent before I continue. “I’m sure you know parts of it already. Dante’s first mate died during a rogue attack. She was pregnant at that time, and both she and the unborn child were killed. Dante arrived in time to fend the rogues off, but it was too late for her. She died in his arms.”

Charlie’s expression changes to one of sadness. “That’s terrible.”

“For a mated wolf to lose their fated mate, that’s one of the worst things that can happen to you. It’s like your soul gets torn apart. On that day he lost his mate, his child, and the connection to his lycan. His lycan was so struck with grief that he went silent for years.” I pause. “However, that’s not the only thing he lost.”

“His parents?” she asks.

I’m surprised she made that connection so fast. “How did you figure that out?”

“I just… he never talks about them. No one here does,” she admits. “And I realized that there are different stories floating around. I have heard his parents both died, but also that his mother left.”

People are gossiping; I am not surprised by that. Dante lets them believe what they want to believe. For him it’s easier that way.

“But you still talk about Grandpa and about your mom, despite them having died. So, I had a feeling there was more to it; I didn’t want to pry, though.”

“You are not prying by asking questions,” I tell her. “You can always ask whatever is on your mind. If we can’t talk about it, we will tell you. But you don’t need to hold back.” I pause. “His dad died during the attack as well,” I say. “His mom almost went crazy with grief. She… she blamed Dante for not saving his father.”

“But why!? That’s crazy,” Charlie exclaims. “How could it be his fault?”

“It wasn’t. But she needed someone to blame. She basically disowned him. I don’t know what was said, but I’ve heard the fallout was terrible. Dante lost everything that day.”

Until today I don’t know how he survived it. To lose so much and yet keep going shows how strong he truly is. He once told me that his friendship with Liam and Aryanna saved him. It’s the reason he dotes so much on Liam even now, and why he doesn’t allow anyone to say anything bad about him.

Charlie stays quiet for a while. “That’s just terrible,” she mutters sadly. “If I think of Mom… she did everything to protect me. She didn’t have to, but she did. She could have neglected me to save herself.”

“I know,” I say quietly. “It really sucks that Dante has to go through this.” I pat her shoulder. “Come, I promised him I would go to a meeting for him and take you along so that you can meet Dario and Felix. And I think Livia is free now too.”

Charlie agrees and gets up, helping me clean up the table before we leave. “Is Uncle Dante going to be alright on his own?” she asks.

My heart clenches at her question. “I think he really needs to be alone for an hour or two,” I admit. “I, I don’t like it, but I need to respect it. I will seek him out later. Don’t worry.”

Fortunately, we don’t have to go far. Liam’s office is on the second floor of the packhouse, and when we arrive Felix and Dario are already waiting with Livia.

“Hey, ear-biter,” Felix greets Charlie with a grin.

Charlie rolls her eyes at him but then smiles. She seems to be comfortable around him and Dario, making me feel instantly relieved.

I turn towards Livia and gesture her to come forward. “Charlie, meet Livia. She is one of our promising young warriors and will be responsible for training you.”

Charlie beams at the young woman. “Thank you for training me, Livia,” she says. “I’ve heard you are really cool.”

Charlie has zero filter, but I think that’s one of her charms, as it just shows her honesty. It works on Livia too, because she smiles. Livia was bullied as a teenager and tends to be a bit closed off, but she is also sincere and has learned to have faith in her abilities. “It’s nice to meet you,” she says. “I’ve heard you are a tough cookie.”