The Missing Beta

Chapter 25

~Eddison~

It’s dark outside with the moon high in the sky. I didn’t rush home because there was too much on my mind. Images from the past feel as real as they did then. I wasn’t ready for this onslaught, and I don’t know how to navigate through it.

I walk up the porch steps with my mind on everything other than what I’m doing. “Dad?” I practically jump out of my skin. I look to my right and see Aston sitting on the porch. I didn’t notice him because of how dark it was; I’m just not paying much attention. “Are you okay?” I sigh and turn to Aston, taking a seat next to him.

“How are you feeling?”

“You’re stalling. Are you okay?” I let my head fall back, trying to find the words to put him at ease.

“I… I’m fine. Where’s your mother?”

“She went upstairs not long after you left and hasn’t been back down.” I nod, not surprised by her actions. This has always been a touchy topic; I can’t be mad at her. “Want to tell me what’s going on?” I let out a long breath. This isn’t something I talk about. Hell, it isn’t even something I think about. I don’t owe anyone an explanation, but I guess there’s no harm in talking to my child.

“You weren’t meant to be my firstborn.” The shock radiating off Aston is suffocating. I feel his eyes tearing into me, but I won’t be able to tell the story if I look. “Before your mother, before our life together, there was Topaz. Topaz and I met as kids, and it was all downhill from there, but in the best way possible. We spent as much time together as we could, even though we came from two different backgrounds. We fit together like two peas in a pod.” I close my eyes tight and swallow the lump in my throat. “I fell in love, son. I won’t ever deny that. I don’t know where it would have gone, but the tides turned, and a few things happened at once to change everything.” This is the part I hate. This is where I feel the most pain regarding this entire thing. “Somehow, Topaz’s parents found out about us. The problem there was that they hate werewolves. They feel we are beneath witches. They refused to have us together so we had to sneak around. My parents wanted me to walk away because I had a fated mate out there somewhere.” I feel the tear fall down my face, but I don’t move to wipe it away. “The day I met your mom, everything changed. I met my soulmate, the woman meant to complete me. I wanted her, Jett wanted her, but we still felt for Topaz. I told your mom everything and vowed to do right by her. I went ot meet with Topaz and her parents appeared. They…..” The pain in my chest is growing, and the lump in my throat is getting bigger. “I was meeting with Topaz to tell her I found my mate, and she was coming to tell me she was pregnant with our child. Her parents attacked and ensured that she lost the baby. There was nothing else to say for us. Topaz let me go and left to grieve. Your mom stood by me as I mourned the loss of a child I would never know.”

“I’ll never understand the pain your father went through, or Topaz, for that matter.” We both turn to the door and see Shawna standing in the doorway. “I felt so bad. My mate had a broken heart, and an innocent girl lost a child. I don’t begrudge them their past; I just wish they didn’t have to go through so much pain.” Shawna sits on my lap and wraps her arms around me. This woman is my life, and I’m so grateful that she has accepted me.

It took us a while to mark each other. As much as I wanted her, I was broken up over my loss. It wasn’t just the child that was gone; it was Topaz. Even though she wasn’t my mate, she meant so much to me. I felt the loss of her, and I felt guilty for feeling bad. It was a vicious cycle that I couldn’t break free from.

Shawna was patient and caring. She sat with me on my dark days and stayed by my side on the days I could handle the world. It didn’t take forever, but it did take some time. Eventually, I was able to push through and start my life with Shawna. It’s still painful to think back to that time, and I still never found out who alerted her parents.

“Mom, are you okay with all of that?” I feel her smile against my neck.

“Aston, your father is my fated mate, the love of my life. I don’t begrudge him his past, because I have one as well. He loves me and I love him and that’s all that matters. They should have never had their child ripped from them and I can only hope that they have both found peace.” This… this is why I would have fallen for Shawna even if she wasn’t fated to me. How could I not?

~Aston~

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve gotten my older memories back. The witches have been back, but not the one. The High Priestess says that she disappeared and they are looking for her. They are going through her things and trying to talk to anyone she deals with regularly.

I’ve gone back to training, and I’ve taken up meditation. I’m trying to get the rest of my memories. I don’t remember my wolf or shifting. I don’t remember disappearing or what happened while I was gone. It sucks, but I have to be happy that I have some of my memories.

“Hey, Aston!” I turn to see Wayne jogging up to me. He’s a fellow warrior, and he made it on the future Luna's detail.

“What’s up, man? How are things?” He and his mate are expecting their first child. She’s pretty far along, and he’s been excited about being a father.

“The countdown has started, man. She’s due any day now.”

“I’m glad to hear that. That’s exciting, man.” Pure joy is written all over Wayne’s face, and I can’t help but be envious. Maybe one day, I will be able to experience that same feeling.

“Hey, I actually need a favor.” I give Wayne my full attention, wondering what I can do for him. “I’m supposed to be going on a day trip with Katarina, but Lillian is really worried about being left alone. She has a doctor’s appointment and her parents left last minute to go out of town. My parents have been gone and don’t plan to be back for another two weeks. I really want to go with him, but I need someone to fill in for me.” Dang, it’s crazy that all of that is happening at once.

“And you’re asking me?”

“Yeah, man. You almost got on the detail anyway. If I’m being honest, you’re more qualified than I am. I just need you to fill in for me. It’s just one day. I will owe you big time.” I guess it won’t hurt to go in his place. It might be good to get out of this pack for a bit and see something new.

“When is the trip?”

“You would leave early in the morning.” I nod at Wayne, causing him to wrap me up in a firm hug. “You are a freaking lifesaver! I owe you a big one.” Wayne claps my back and walks off. I guess I need to pack a small bag, just in case. Looks like I have a Luna to protect.