Page 82 of A Second Chance for the Beta

Raffy blushes slightly. “Dave is busy,” he grumbles. “Alpha Liam wants him and Levi to look after the human kid.” He doesn’t sound too pleased, making even Jun grin slightly.

“You know Dave is your mate,” Annie says. “He is not going to be swooned by another guy.”

“Yes, but…” Raffy looks almost a tad bit insecure. “It’s the first contact with a human he has here on pack grounds. And… they can bond in a way we can’t, and—”

“Okay, sweetie,” Annie says gently. “You are all Dave needs, don’t worry. He is just being nice to a very hurt kid.”

Raffy rubs over the back of his head. “You are right, Luna, sorry. Don’t tell him what I said.”

It’s so funny that such a huge and bulky guy like him is so shy. Even funnier that he is mated to an outgoing, sassy guy like Dave. I’m also pretty sure that Dave is well aware of Raffy’s insecurities. The guy is a sweet and broody hunk, but he is an open book to read.

“Let’s go,” Annie says, sending Jun to get the car.

Before we can take off, our respective mates appear. Dave takes the opportunity to jump Raffy and pull him into a kiss while Luca gives Jun a tight hug. Liam meanwhile pulls his Luna into his arms. Annie whispers something to him, making him smile. Dante and I have never been the ones to display too much affection to the outside. We like to keep things private, but he takes my hand into his, squeezing it gently.Watch out when you are out there,he says.

Don’t worry,I reassure him.And hopefully, tonight we will know more. Keep an eye on Charlie.

Of course,he promises.And I already ordered her dinner from the pack kitchen.

I notice how the others are climbing into the car. “Time to leave,” I say, smiling at him. “Wish me luck.”

“Instincts, remember?” he says. “Just trust your gut feeling.”

The drive to Sunset Hills is without any disturbances. We mostly drive over country roads as the pack is far inside the countryside, hidden behind huge forests. Their mother pack is an ally as well, and the pack leader is a good friend of Alpha Elden, Liam’s father.

Once we leave the forest, broad meadows stretch in front of us. They are lush and rich, the sun kissing the hills and dipping them into a warm light.

“Wow,” Jun says. “This is beautiful.”

“It really is,” Raffy says in awe.

Sunset Hills pack is hidden between two of these sunny hills with the forest stretching behind them. They are a very small pack slash coven.

“How do they finance themselves?” Jun asks.

“They are partly self-sustaining,” Annie explains. “They grow their own vegetables and fruits and partly receive their weekly groceries from their mother pack. Alpha Marcellus has grown into his position and rank, though, and I think he is starting to have more specific plans. From what I know he, Celine, and Liam have a meeting scheduled soon.”

“Is there something in it for our pack and Celine’s?” I ask curiously. “Don’t get me wrong, if it’s just an ethical project, I’m all in too, but I am curious.”

“Actually, I think Marius has plans.”

Annie’s words surprised me. Marius is Celine’s mate, and he is also one of Liam’s younger brothers. He came from a very traumatic past of sexual assault by the former beta of his home pack. He is the lune of Celine’s pack now, and it seems like he is invested in a lot of social projects. “Now I’m even more curious,” I say.

“Me too,” Jun admits.

“Marius is leading a shelter for teens of all genders, but also one for women leaving abusive situations,” Annie explains. “His shelters are open for all supernatural beings. However, they are growing. I think the plan is for those who got back on their feet and who really want a new start to move here. It’s quiet, idyllic, it’s calm. And Alpha Marcellus and Silas are very special leaders.”

“This would be a great idea,” I say.

“Yes,” Raffy says thoughtfully. “Sometimes a fresh start is all someone needs, and sometimes you want to do that as far away from home as possible.”

I’m not sure what to say. Raffy went through a lot in his past; he knows one or two things about starting anew.

“It’s good that this place exists,” Annie says. “It’s a place to give those a second chance who… who might not always look deserving at first glance, but do once you look deeper. And this little pack will open their arms to people in need.”

“This whole thing is a great social project,” Jun agrees. “Not everyone deserves to be condemned for life for a bad choice. Let alone the innocent victims Lune Marius looks after.”

“Do we know anything about the coven?” I ask Annie.