Page 13 of The Beta’s Heart (Five Fangs #5)

Tyler

It was Peri’s birthday, and I was invited to her party.

All the betas and gammas and their mates were, so it wasn’t like I was singled out or anything. There was nothing to read into her asking me to come. Nothing at all.

At least, that’s what I kept telling myself, right along with the reminder that she’d find her mate—if not tonight, then soon—and that would be that.

The Barlow family had set up the party in their enormous pool area, colorful streamers and twinkling fairy lights hanging everywhere and everyone laughing and chatting and having a great time.

I was both nervous and excited for Peri to open my gift. Luna and I had gone shopping for her presents earlier, and I’d found a stunning prism at Stella’s, an eclectic little shop in Greenville. Luna found an antique kaleidoscope there, too, and since Peri collected both of those things, it seemed like a sign to get them, so we did.

When Peri held up my present, I breathed a sigh of relief. Her eyes shimmered almost as much as the prism did when it caught the light of the dying sun, sending a million rainbows over all of us, and knowing she was happy because of me made the tiny dent in my savings worth every penny.

Something else that made her happy was when Nathan and Evie Barlow announced that they were having another pup.

“Goddess, Nathan,” Emerson chuckled as Peri hugged Evie and congratulated her. “There is something you can do to prevent that from happening, you know.”

“Well, this is the last time it’s happening,” he smirked.

“You say that every time, Daddy!” Peri laughed as she came over to give him a hug, too.

“Oh, hush,” he grumbled.

“Maybe this one will be a girl, Per,” I chimed in as she released him and stepped back.

“That would be ah-maz-ing !” Her grin was everything, and my lungs stuttered for a second, making me cough. Then she sighed and gave her dad a playful glare. “I know the likelihood of that happening, though.”

“Hey, it’s not like I can help it.” He rolled his shoulders in a shrug. “The best sperm wins—”

“Stop!” She threw up one hand with a scowl.

“It’s true, Peri,” Emerson teased her. “Don’t they teach sex ed in school anymore?”

“Argh!” With a little growl, she flounced off, and the three of us fist-bumped each other.

“There’s something about irritating a feisty girl that makes whatever happens next worth it,” I spoke my thoughts aloud, which made Mr. Barlow laugh and Em snort through his nose.

“I’ll remind you that you said that after you find your mate,” Em promised.

As the party rolled along, most people dove into the pool, not surprising since the day was a real scorcher, but little Wesley Barlow saved me from scrambling for an excuse not to break out my trunks.

“Beta Ty, if I write a letter for Honor Nelson, will you give it to her when you get back to the O?” he asked me.

“Of course, but why don’t you text her?”

“I’m nine, beta, and she’s only six.” He shot me a quelling look, as if he were the adult and I was the child. “I’m not allowed to have a phone until I’m twelve, so I can’t imagine she has one, either.”

“Yeah, I reckon you’re right.”

“Let’s go to my room, and you can help me write it.”

“Sure. Do you need help with spelling and stuff?”

“ No , beta.” Again with that look! “I’ve won the school spelling bee for the past three years in a row. What I need help with is what to write. Since she’s only six, I’m not sure what she’ll understand yet.”

“That does sound like a challenge,” I agreed, and we spent the next half hour or so admiring all of his intricate model airplanes, then took another half hour to write the letter.

He was sealing it up in an envelope when a pang of panic hit the beta bond. Something had upset Luna Posy enough that it tugged at my gut, urging me to find out what was wrong, and I exchanged a quick link with my brother betas as we tried to figure out what it was. When Em showed us the five alphas all gathering around her, we relaxed and let them handle it. After all, our inherent charge to protect luna from any threat at all costs ended where the alphas’ right and privilege to care for their mate began.

Even so, I pulled Mr. Barlow aside before I left the party, wanting to know what had happened. He hesitated, his brow furrowing as if he wasn’t sure he should share, but he finally nodded and answered me.

“William and Winnie knocked her down, and her cover up slipped off. She scraped her hands and knees a little, but she didn’t even seem to notice that. She was too upset because we saw her scars.”

“Will you link me what they look like?”

“You are the only one I would do this with, since you know exactly what it’s like,” he said gravely. “I also understand that, as her beta, you’re asking with the sole intent to understand and help her, not out of idle curiosity.”

As I gave him a nod of agreement, he sent me the images, and they filled me with a mix of sadness for what she’d endured and a fierce determination that it would never happen again.

Not on my watch, I vowed, my heart clenching at the thought of my luna in pain. Not ever.

Since the alphas were giving me a ride back to the O, I waited until we were in the SUV to ask luna if she wanted to hang out with me tomorrow since I knew all of her mates had packed schedules.

“That is, if you don’t have other plans,” I added. “We can do anything you’d like to do.”

“Well, Jayden did say something about wanting to start a family night with board games, but I’m afraid I don’t remember too many.” She shyly tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Only Uno and Candy Land , and Mason said Uno is banned in the house because Ash and Wyatt can’t play it correctly.”

“They cheat so much, I can’t stand it,” Alpha Mase grumbled from the seat behind us, and I chuckled.

“Well, then, luna, how about I come over and we’ll learn Monopoly together?” I offered. “I’ve never played it before, but I’ve heard it’s fun.”

“Okay!” Her dark blue eyes sparkled as her happiness pinged through our bond, and I knew I’d made the right call.

#

The next morning, I was setting the game box on the kitchen table at the alpha house when Royal Price, Alpha Mase’s dad, showed up unexpectedly.

I’d known him for years now. He was best friends with Nathan Barlow, so he hung out at the Busted Knuckle a lot, and both he and Mr. Barlow trained with me many times, helping me learn to channel my instincts in the right direction and finding ways to control River.

“Oh, hey, Mr. Price. The alphas are all out on jobs, if you’re here to see them. It’s just me and the luna.”

“Ty, how many times have I asked you to call me Royal? And I’m here to visit Posy.”

Curious about why, I let him in and led him into the kitchen, where luna was washing her hands at the sink. When her posture went rigid and her little body started to tremble, I was at her side in a flash. Surprising me, she buried her face into my side and clutched my t-shirt as she half-hid behind me.

“Oh, hey, luna, it’s okay,” I tried to comfort her. “This is Royal Price, Alpha Mase’s dad. Didn’t you meet him at the party last night?”

She knows who I am, Ty, Mr. Price linked me.

Don’t take it personally, I tried to figure out what was going on here . It’s because the alphas aren’t here. She’s less confident when they’re not around.

That’s probably some of it, but the truth is, I stuffed up and scared her.

Well, that changed everything. Curling my arm around luna, I swiftly drew her fully behind me, protecting her tiny body with my much taller and broader one.

Whether she knew it or not, Mr. Price knew there was always a beta patrolling the treeline that surrounded the alpha house any time luna was here alone. He also knew how deadly I—or any of my beta brothers—could be if we felt there was a threat to her.

Betas had more moon power, dominance, and drive to protect than anyone in the pack after the alphas. The moment we were elevated to the official position, that drive strengthened into a compulsion, which increased exponentially when a luna came into the picture.

So why is he here if he knows she’s scared of him and all alone? I asked myself as River let out a low, rumbly growl.

Al scare luna? my wolf asked Alabaster, Mr. Price’s wolf, and from River’s tone alone, we all understood that this could go to hell in a handbasket real quick.

Not me, little one, Alabaster answered.

I did, Mr. Price admitted, but I’m here to apologize and make it right.

No scare luna again, River’s too-even voice was not reassuring at all. He was only this kind of calm right before he exploded.

I won’t, Mr. Price promised.

Beddah not! my wolf sang out in a taunt others might think was playful, but Mr. Price and I both knew it was far from it.

Goodness gracious, this day was falling apart and it wasn’t even noon yet!

The five alphas, of course, had picked up on luna’s panic and were hounding me to know what was wrong, so I told them she was fine and I’d explain what was happening momentarily.

Fortunately for Mr. Price, the alphas agreed, probably because luna wasn’t broadcasting so wildly anymore—either comforted by my presence or secure in the knowledge that no one would harm her while I was around—and I told Mr. Price that he had five minutes to fix this.

He did his best, too. Talking to her nicely at an appropriate distance, he offered her the bouquet of flowers he’d carried in with him. She peeked around me, but her fingers clenched tighter into my shirt, and I sent her waves of reassurance in the bond. He went on to apologize for insulting her, making me wonder when that had happened, then set the flowers on the counter when she stayed where she was.

As if I’d let him anywhere near her while he made her so uncomfortable! He could apologize all day long; it didn’t amount to a hill of beans to me until she accepted it.

I don’t want to talk to him yet, Tyler, luna linked me, but would you please tell him I accept his apology and forgive him for saying cruel things about me?

Of course I will, luna. Do you want to talk about what happened between the two of you?

Maybe later.

With a nod, I told Mr. Price what she’d asked me to, knowing my eyes still burned gold because I couldn’t get River to back all the way down. With a scowl, I added my own two cents, not caring that he was a former alpha, my mentor, and my luna’s father-in-law.

“I expect better from you in the future, sir. She deserves to be treated with respect as both your luna and your daughter-in-law.”

“I know. I will do better. Luna, I hope you will allow me to get to know you. I am excited to have a daughter-in-law, especially one who is not only lovely and kind, but also brave and strong.”

As he talked to her, Luna Posy’s fingers slowly unknotted from my shirt, telling me that she was relaxing her guard.

No worries. We’ll keep ours up, right, Riv?

Always, Ty-Ty, he growled, still irritated that Mr. Price had upset his luna.

When she patted my arm, I knew that was my cue, so I dropped my hand and stood at ease, but remained alert.

“I believe in second chances,” she said softly, “but that’s all you get. One chance. Don’t screw it up.”

“More than fair,” Mr. Price replied. “Thank you, luna.”

“Thank you for the flowers.” She picked up the bouquet. “They’re beautiful. And call me Posy.”

As she hunted for a vase, I invited him to join us as we learned Monopoly together. He hesitated at first, but I told him that if he was honest about getting to know her, this was a prime opportunity. After he agreed, River settled down, content to watch us set up the game until it came time to select our token.

“Oh, look at this little doggy!” luna squealed. “It’s so cute!”

Me want! River shouted at the same time. Me want cute doggy!

Luna blinked at me before smiling and tipping the little metal dog into my palm.

“Sure, River. I’ll be the top hat.”

Sorry , I linked her. He’s a little … dysregulated today.

Which was true, but I didn’t add that he was a little dysregulated all day, every day.

It’s fine. It’s only a game, and if it makes him happy, I don’t mind.

I still scolded him a little that he should be a gentleman and let luna have it, but he stuck his tongue out at me.

Mine now! he grunted. Go in mate box .

No, Riv, it has to stay here. It’s part of luna’s game. When it looked like his pouting might turn into a tantrum, I added, When it’s time to go home, I’ll shift so you can run around and look for another treasure.

Otay, Ty-Ty!

With a smile, I shook my head. This wolf and his mate box.

“What’s funny, Ty?” luna asked.

“River. He wanted to take the doggy home for his mate box, but I convinced him to leave it here with the promise we’d find something else on the way home.”

“Mate box?” Interest lit her dark blue eyes as they met mine. “What’s a mate box?”

I explained how, ever since he came to understand the concept of a mate, he’d been collecting little treasures to give her. A blue jay feather, a shiny rock, an interesting leaf, a tiny pinecone—anything he found that he thought she might like.

“I only hope his mate appreciates it and doesn’t make fun of him,” I admitted my secret worry. “He’s so excited to go over each and every item with her and share how he felt when he found it. He’ll be devastated if she laughs or scoffs at him.”

“I won’t stand for it if she does!” luna said with fire in her eyes. “That is the sweetest, most precious thing I have ever heard, and I am sure your mate will cherish it and River! And if not, I’ll have a few words with her myself!”

Mr. Price and I looked at each other with amused eyes, but then the sound of a vehicle coming up the drive made our noses lift, and the smell of unfamiliar wolves brought us to our feet.

“Stay with the luna, Ty,” Mr. Price said in his business voice. “Do not leave her side.”

“Yes, sir.” I gave him a quick nod as he headed for the front door.

“What is it?” luna asked, curling in on herself.

“Visitors from outside the pack,” I replied. “I knew we were expecting someone, but they’re supposed to be meeting Crew at the alpha offices, not here.”

“Let’s go watch from the living room window.”

She stood and grabbed my hand, pulling me with her. Since I knew she wasn’t in any real danger with both me and Mr. Price here, I let her, and we reached the window in time to watch a dark-haired shifter I didn’t recognize get out of his pick-up truck while three other shifters stayed in it.

Mr. Price linked me the live-feed of their conversation and, when I smelled the stranger’s alpha blood, I decided I’d better let my alphas and the other betas know something was up. Of course, none of them were happy to hear what I had to report, especially when Alpha Cole revealed that the visitor was Alpha Bellamy Jones of Gray Shadows, which was not a good thing at all.

“Ty, what’s happening?” Luna tugged on my hand. “I can’t hear what they’re saying. Can you?”

“Mr. Price is asking him why he’s here.”

“Who is he?”

“Alpha Bellamy Jones of Gray Shadows. He’s Emerson’s father, but they have no relationship.” I bit my lip, not sure how much to share of someone else’s story. Thankfully, I didn’t have to make that call because Mr. Price linked me to bring her out on the porch. “He has something for Emerson and will only leave it with an official pack leader. He wants you to come out there and get it.”

Her brow furrowed as she thought about that, and the alphas went ballistic when I linked them what was happening.

“Okay, Ty.” Luna wrapped her other hand around our joined ones, then put her chin up and her shoulders back. “Let’s go.”

“You sure, luna?”

“I can deal with this, and I want to,” she assured me despite her trembling.

Sorry, alphas, I told them, but her order overrides yours, and she wants to deal with it. She says she can do it.

And River was awake and alert. Mr. Price and Alabaster were formidable enough, but nothing would harm luna on my wolf’s watch.

Me kill him, River promised. Me kill him dead ’fore he touch luna.

Please don’t make any sudden moves, I silently begged Alpha Bellamy. Otherwise, you’re going home in a box.

Opening the front door, I led luna outside, keeping her hidden behind me until we came to the top of the stairs, where I took a step to the side, still slightly in front of her to let everyone know they’d have to go through me if they wanted to get to her.

And Goddess have mercy on them if they did.

“I’m Luna Posy Briggs of Five Fangs,” she called out, shaking a little harder, but meeting the man’s eyes, and my heart swelled up with pride. “How may I help you today?”

Alpha Bellamy made some insulting remarks before he finally got around to why he was here. When he looked at them and snapped his fingers, the shifters with him got out of the truck, went around to the bed, and dragged out a large dog crate, then carried it over and set it on the grass near Mr. Price.

What in the blue blazes? I scowled in confusion.

“Emerson made his mother promise we wouldn’t kill the thing,” Alpha Bellamy said, “or I would have done so long ago. Tell Emerson it is now his responsibility and he may keep or dispose of it as he wishes. I will bear this burden no longer and wash my hands of it.”

Then they climbed back in their truck and were gone.

“Mr. Price?” luna quavered. “Is there a shifter in there? I smell one, but neither Lark nor I can sense a wolf.”

“Same,” I added.

“Wait there until I look,” he said, then hunkered down in front of the crate. “Oh.”

“What is it?” I demanded, ready to tear it apart if it was something dangerous.

“A boy. He looks the same age as Archer and Wayne.”

“How old are they?” luna asked me in a whisper.

“Fifteen.”

“Why would that alpha put a teen boy in a dog crate?”

“He said he was Emerson’s,” I reminded her with a shrug.

“Is Em old enough to have a son?”

“Not one that old!” I snorted. “He would have been a dad at five! And his father is a horrible man. Why would he have left a child with him?”

“Do you think—” She gasped and cut herself off, then yelled, “No, don’t do that!”

Dragging me along again, she ran toward the crate as Mr. Price tried to crawl into it.

“It will make him feel crowded and trapped if you go in there with him. Let’s sit on the grass and coax him to come out.”

It took a while to get the boy out of the crate and, even though my rational brain could see he was no threat, my beta instincts were riled up, and I kept myself between luna and the boy as we talked to him and fed him PB and Js with a glass of milk. He reminded me a little of River in how he acted and talked, and it was clear that he’d been starved and beaten for longer than I wanted to think about.

I was just wondering why his momma named him Row when he curled up into a ball and laid his head on luna’s legs, shoved his thumb in his mouth, and fell asleep.

Poor little fella’s all tuckered out.

Pups need sleep lots and lots, River told me earnestly, then tilted his head. Why dis pup smells bad and all bones, Ty-Ty?

I think, wherever he came from, they were very, very mean to him. That made my wolf madder than a wet hen, and I hurried to distract him before he had a hissy fit. Don’t wake him up, buddy. You just said pups need lots of sleep, remember?

Yes, yes! Me hush my mouf! he said, his golden eyes wide and serious. Me not wake pup!

Good boy, Riv. And don’t worry. Em will be here soon to take care of him.

True to his self-assigned hushing of his mouth, he only nodded and focused all his attention on the boy.

Shortly after, Crew and Tris arrived, then Matthew, and finally Emerson, who looked devastated to see his little brother in such bad condition. He took the boy from luna, and Mr. Price helped her stand as Row talked a bit about how his parents had been hurting him.

Once Angelo got there, Em introduced the boy and explained that his full name was Thoreau, and I suddenly understood his nickname was actually Reau, not Row.

Since it seemed like this situation was under control, I was about to ask Mr. Price if we should stay or go since luna had already linked the alphas to come home, but Reau lifted up his t-shirt to wipe his nose—and I held River back by the skin of my teeth when we saw the bruises and marks on his skeletal torso.

“I’ll kill that rat bastard!” Mr. Price snarled as I wrestled with my wolf, who wanted to do the same, and I wasn’t too far behind.

“Who needs killing? Because after the morning I’ve had, I’m more than ready to put down a wolf or two.” Alpha Cole walked up to join our little drama party with Alpha Mase at his heels, both of them covered head to toe in limestone dust and their eyes wolf-lit.

Although River still wanted to take off after Alpha Bellamy Jones, the presence of his alphas calmed him some, enough for me to push him back, anyway, which was all I needed at the moment.

The intruders were at the caves in Great Rocks? I linked the alphas, wondering if we needed to send a clean-up crew out there.

Yes, Alpha Mase answered in an unusually disgruntled tone . Five humans who thought it was a good idea to go spelunking despite numerous No Trespassing signs all around them .

I kindly reminded them that they were on private property, Alpha Cole added, his words curling around a growl, and asked them nicely to leave before we called the authorities to remove them. Then Gamma Nick followed them to the border to make sure they were gone.

Me bet he ask nice, River snickered.

Yeah, he’s looking like he could chew nails, and Alpha Mase isn’t any happier. He’s just better at hiding it. I bit back a smirk as Alpha Cole picked up luna and squished her between him and Alpha Mase. I bet the two of them spend their lunch hour taking it out on luna.

Dey hurt luna? River gasped, ready to fire up again.

No, baby. They’re just going to love on her, I hurried to tell him.

Probably hard and fast, but he didn’t need to know that.

Sure enough, the alphas handed the matter over to Mr. Price and carried luna into the house.

Ty, tell McFlynn to get a crew out to the caves. I want each of the bigger entrances secured with some kind of locking gate , Alpha Mase linked me as he kicked his front door closed behind him. No one else needs to tunnel their way out after one collapses on them.

Yes, alpha, I said, holding back a laugh as I pictured our two bear-like alphas digging out of a cave-in like a pair of mammoth badgers. I’ll also get the gammas to see why there was a gap in the border patrol long enough for five humans to get on the property.

Tell them I want a report on my desk first thing in the morning.

As Alpha Mase closed the link, I felt a second of concern for the gammas. Organizing, training, and leading border patrols was their bread and butter.

Ha! At least it’s the gammas’ butts about to get whupped and not ours, I thought with a smirk, ready to rub this in Landry and Reuben’s faces.

Team Beta one, Team Gamma zero.