Charlie & Her Beta

Six

Charli didn’t sleep well the prior night. Everything that had taken place between her and Donavan kept running through her head and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong between them, and no matter how many times she replayed their interaction in her mind's eye, she couldn’t find any answers.

She talked to her father about everything, and he confirmed that what she was feeling was most likely the mate bond and he was a bit concerned that she was able to detect it at such a young age. Charli could tell he was deeply affected by how Donavan left things with her even though he tried his best to hide it.

Which only made her feel more uneasy. This is the first time in her life she has ever had feelings for someone and so far, it has been an exhausting experience. She hated this nagging doubt that he didn’t feel quite the same way she did. Her dad told her the story of when he met his mate all those years ago.

Charli never got the opportunity to meet her as she died shortly after giving birth to Reid, but Charli still considered her as her own mother. She imagined that if she had been alive, she would have loved and cared for Charli just as her father and brother had for all these years.

Charli struggled through the next few days without a word from Donavan, which only solidified her assumption that there was something very wrong with the mate bond they shared, and Charli was tortured with thoughts of what she was lacking and had settled on the fact that is must be because she didn’t have a wolf. For the first time in her life, it bothered her, and she wished she wasn’t so different.

As she was walking home from practice one day she spotted him standing in the park. As soon as she spotted him her heart leapt, and she hated that she reacted to his presence in such a way and tried her best to ignore the fact that she had caught sight of him, but it was useless.

“Charli,” She heard his voice call, and his voice tugged at her heart. She was angry that he had left things the way he had and yet she couldn’t help but look his way. “Hey,” Donavan said again jogging over to her, “can we talk?” He asks and Charli lets out a sarcastic laugh. “What is it?” he asks, studying her face seemingly concerned, and she shakes her head.

‘She shouldn’t have to explain to him what's wrong, he should just know.’ She thinks to herself remaining silent. He holds his hand out to her and even though she wants to she shakes her head, and he lets out a long sigh. “Alright . . .” He says sadly, and gestures towards the swings where it all began.

“I’m really sorry I left things the way I did . . .” He starts as Charli takes a seat on one of the swings. “I don’t have any excuses; I just needed some time to think.” He tells her and Charli just nods not really knowing what to say to that. She takes a deep breath, she can tell by his somber expression that what he is going to say is not something she wants to hear, and she prepares herself for the worst.

“I-we” He begins to speak but his entire body is working to stop him. “What I need to tell you is . . . I’ve decided to take a chosen mate.” He forces out, and even though she tried to prepare herself, her heart shatters inside her chest.

Donavan looks away not able to bring himself to look at her and feels like he doesn’t deserve to look at her ever again for what he is about to do. After a moment of silence, he sees the swing lightly start to move back and forth, but she doesn't say a word and her silence is eating him alive. He wishes she would say something . . . anything really.

Donavan can feel his wolf’s anger rise within him and he fights to shut him out the best he can so he can get the rest of his words out. “It has nothing to do with you, In fact you are the very definition of perfection” he says sadly, swallowing the lump growing in his throat and tries his best to continue.

“I made up my mind a year ago, before I ever knew you . . .” he pauses for a moment, “. . . I’ve thought about it the last few days, and I still feel that I need to follow the path I decided on . . . not because I love he- . . . that she wolf, but for the benefit of our pack.” He explains.

“I don’t think that I will ever be able to love another person now.” He mumbles under his breath with a deep sigh. “Is there anything I can do or say to change your mind?” Charli asks without looking up at him. Surprised by her question Donavan looks over at her his heart crumbling.

He knows what he needs to say, but he can’t bring himself to say it. He really wishes he could go back in time; he wishes he never met Sara, then maybe he wouldn’t feel the need to sacrifice his happiness for the future prosperity of the pack.

Silence settles between the two and the crickets begin to play their melody as the sun starts to fall below the horizon. “I understand . . .” Charli starts, “I see your mind is already made up. If you really feel this is the best path forward for our pack, then I respect your decision.” She tells him

Donavan notices the silent tears falling down her cheeks and hitting the dirt beneath the swing and his heart twists in agony. He wants to reach out and comfort her, but he knows that would only make her feel worse. “What do we do now?” She asks looking up into his eyes for the first time since talking.

“We need to reject the bond between us,” he tells her and she nods looking back down at the ground. “Would you like to say the words first?” He asks, “It may hurt you less that way.” He tells her and she shakes her head. “My father told me turning your back on the moon Goddess’s gifts are never rewarded.”

She pauses for a moment before continuing, “Although I am accepting the choice you made, it’s not the choice I would have made . . . I would’ve chosen you.” Her words devastate Donavan and shatter his resolve. “Charli maybe there's still a chan-” “No,” She interrupts “I don’t want to drag this out even longer.”

“Alright then . . .” Donavan says breaking, “I Donavan Stolen, future Alpha of Silver Moon reject Charli Timbers as my mate and future Luna.” He says and a sharp pain rips through Charli. She clenches her teeth to suppress the sob that tries to escape her lips, and her hands move to her chest in a failed attempt to stop the pain.

Seeing the pain she is in; Donavan reaches out to help her “Don’t” she hisses through the pain. She closes her eyes and breathes deeply for a few moments, then begins to speak without ever opening her eyes. “I Charli Timbers accept Donavan Stolens rejection.”

The pain hits Donavan and he stumbles backwards. He grabs the leg of the swings to stop himself from falling and he clutches his chest which feels as if it’s being crushed. As Donavan tries to catch his breath, his eyes are drawn to Charli as she fights to stand.

It takes obvious effort, but she manages to get up and begins walking slowly away in the direction of her home. Donavan falls to his knees, still clutching his chest, barely able to breathe watching her until the trees block his view.