Page 8 of A Second Chance for the Beta

“The fact that it’s a pack tied to a werecat pride makes it very valuable in the long run,” Liam agrees.

He has tremendous foresight about business decisions and alliances with packs. The alpha we talked to today, Alpha Ezra, is the leader of a relatively small pack. They had a lot of problems previously, which only came to light because Dave’s mate was hunted by them. Ezra stepped up after his father was imprisoned and forced to retire, and he shows promising skills. Furthermore, he has already helped us once, which is more proof of his loyalty.

His brother is tied to a werecat pride and mated to its queen, which might also be beneficial to us.

“Will we make it for lunch, Emerson?”

“I am afraid we won’t make it in time, Alpha Liam,” Emerson says.

“Then let’s halt somewhere and grab something,” Liam says. “I think Annalise said she will spend the day with Ella.”

“I will take something for Ella, too, just to be safe,” I muse. Man, I still feel like shit for having woken her up last night, particularly for disappointing her again. After I met Ella and realized she was my second chance, I swore to myself never to do wrong by her, to make sure she was safe and happy, and that her feelings would always come first.

In theory it’s a lot easier said than done.

Don’t be so dramatic.Sylvan yawns as he pops up in my mind.Nefeli and Ella have forgiven us already, as they proved last night.

We still need to try harder,I point out.

To this day, it still feels weird for me to talk to Sylvan again. Sometimes I even forget it’s an option to speak to him and instead don’t discuss things with him. When our first mate and unborn pup died, he almost retreated completely, and I was greeted with silence every day. It took us years to connect again, and even now, the connection seems shaky.

Sylvan lets his ears hang down, probably knowing what I’m thinking, but he doesn’t say anything.We could get them their favorite dessert,he says.

That’s not a bad idea. Ella loves strawberry tiramisu. “I think I’ll get something from an Italian restaurant,” I say.

Liam tosses me a smirk, well aware of why I chose Italian. “Fine with me,” he says. “I will grab a portion of seafood pasta for my luna. She loves it. As to why… it beats me.”

I chuckle. “You have always hated seafood, even as a child. I still remember when your father tried to make you eat shrimp. You were three, and you threw it at his head.”

Liam raises his brows. “If you start telling embarrassing stories of my childhood, you’ll need to get out of the car and walk the remainder of the way.”

I snort but don’t tease him further. Between Liam and me, there are approximately eight years. Ever since I saw him as a baby, I knew we shared a special bond. It was like it called out to me that I needed to become his protector. From that moment on, he was like a little brother to me. My parents never had more children. Unfortunately, my father died, and my mother… that’s another difficult topic.

Liam’s been my only family ever since.

four

Togeher

*DANTE*

25 years ago

Ireallywanttoplay with my friends today. We had plans to play football and hang out in the forest, but Mom and Dad wouldn’t let me.

“We have to visit the alpha and his newly born son, his heir,” my dad explains for the nth time. He kneels down, smiling at me. “It’s a great honor, Dante. We are one of the very few allowed to visit so early.”

I shrug a bit but give in with a sigh. Dad’s an elite warrior, and apparently, he is important. I don’t know for sure as to me he is just my dad, but my friends find him cool.

At least I’ll see Luna Flora today too. She is always so funny and has chocolate and sweets hidden everywhere. Last time, we found some candy under the benches on the football field. Mom doesn’t allow me to go in my jeans, though, so I have to dress better.

I’m sure I look silly; thankfully, no one sees us on our way to the infirmary. Dad leads Mom and me to a secluded area, where we pass several heavy-looking doors. It’s weird; I’ve never been here. Once we reach the last door, he knocks.

Beta Vincent opens the door for us. “Nice to see you, Erwin,” he greets my father before he turns to my mother. “Sonya.”

Dad is all smiles. “We are so proud to be here, Beta Vincent.”

Vincent returns the smile, winking at me. “Are you excited too, Dante?”