Page 38 of Beta Team-The Saviors: Part One

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “I needed to get out of New York for a little while and push myself out of my comfort zone. I can’t spend my whole life hiding.”

“You shouldn’t have to. I’m sorry people fucking suck,” Tyler says.

“Most people just want to know what happened. Curiosity and all that.”

“I get that,” Tyler replies. “One of my really good friends is scarred, and it always pisses me off when people stare.”

“People stare at Kai because he’s a beast,” Gavin laughs. “Dude’s huge.”

“Kai?”

“He’s part of the alpha team of the Saviors,” Tyler answers. “We’re the beta team.”

“So they stuck me with the B team?” I joke. “I didn’t even get first string.”

“We’re the superior team,” Tyler argues. “Better and hotter.”

“And unattached,” Gavin adds.

“They’re in relationships?”

“Yeah, with each other,” Tyler responds. “All of them are with Chelsea and each other.”

“So, a poly relationship like my brother, just with a woman involved.”

“Yeah. My brother is too,” Gavin says and sits up. “You’d love that girl group.”

“I don’t usually get along with girls,” I say sadly. “All the ones I’ve encountered since the fire just want to “fix” me, thinking makeup will cover up the mess on my face.”

“They aren’t like that,” Tyler argues. “Alessa and them would welcome you with open arms.”

“Wait? Alessa Poletti?”

“Yep,” Gavin answers.

“Oh man,” I sigh. “I’d fangirl so hard. She’s a badass.”

Tyler laughs. “She is one of the best people I’ve met. So are the other girls, Evie, Bridget, and Chelsea.”

“Bridget’s my brother’s wife,” Gavin adds.

“Doesn’t Alessa have many men?” I ask with a laugh.

“She does, and so does Evie,” Tyler answers. “Maybe you can meet them sometime.”

“I’d like that,” I say honestly. I’ve looked up to Alessa for years because she beat social norms to become one of the most feared Mafia bosses.

“Oh!” Tyler exclaims. “Maybe you can get in on the elusive girls’ group chat.”

“Is this a big deal?”

“You have no idea. The guys try constantly to get into it just to see what they talk about,” Gavin says. “Including my brother.”

“Why don’t they just hack into it?”

“Because they would murder whoever did it,” Tyler says. The front door opens, and Keon steps through. “Where’s Ari?”

“Hopefully, trying to fix what he fucked up.” Keon flops on the couch between me and Tyler. “How was your first day?”