The Missing Beta

Chapter 20

~King~

Boris sits across from me, along with Valor. There’s a small pile of folders on my desk, and we’ve been going through each one. I have to pick the security detail for Katarina. The sooner I get her group together, the sooner they can start to get comfortable with each other. “This is going to be hard to do. There are a lot of good candidates in here.”

“Yeah. Valor and I made sure we targeted the best candidates, and their field test was very thorough.” I was going to pop into the field test this morning and look at those participating, but I decided not to at the last minute. I didn’t want to throw anyone off. I trust the word of these two men, so the checking up wasn’t needed.

“Well, I’m going to go through these files and I will get back to you. Let’s meet after dinner. It shouldn’t take much longer than that.” They nod and leave me alone in the office. I’ve been working out of my dad’s office lately, trying to get a feel for it. I know I plan to change a few things, but it will have to wait until I take over officially.

I continue to browse through the files that were left for me. I recognize all of the names and enjoy looking at their strengths and weaknesses. I open the next file, and I pause. I look at the name again and let it fall from my fingers. “Hello?!” Startled, I look up to see Dominic sitting across from me.

“How long have you been here?”

“Not long, but you were in a daze the entire time.” I nod. “What’s all this?” Dominic gestures to the files in front of me. I clear my throat before I answer.

“These are the warriors who are looking to be part of Katarina’s detail when we take over.” Dominic nods and cranes his next to look at the open folder in front of me.

“Seriously? Aston is going for Luna detail?” Dominic sits back in his seat and runs a hand over his face.

“What do you think about that?” He lifts his head and looks at me.

“What do YOU think about it? I mean, there’s a lot of history between you three, whether he remembers it or not. Will you be okay with him watching over Katarina like that?” That’s the question, isn’t it? That’s what had me zoning out, seeing his name listed as a potential part of Katarina’s security detail. “Talk to me, King.”

“I’m pathetic.” I sigh and lean back in my chair. “I can’t help those intrusive thoughts that tell me Katarina is going to leave me for him. They are going to revive their feelings for each other and I will be left alone.”

“There were fated mates. They’ve been around each other a few times since he’s been back and there’s been nothing, right? They aren’t fated anymore, right?”

“As far as I know, that bond was broken. It’s why my dad suggested I didn’t say anything about it. He said it would be better to let Aston remember on his own and he can mention it if he wants to. Katarina hasn’t responded to him in any type of way other than friendly.”

“So what are you worried about then? There shouldn’t be an issue if they are no longer fated to each other. You have to get out of your head. You’re King Jamison soon to be Alpha of the BlackPaw Pack. Stop acting weak.” I growl and throw a pen at Dominic. He dodges it as he laughs.

~Katarina~

“Katarina?! Are you with us?” I shake my head and focus on Luna Trina. We’ve been putting the final touches on the ceremony planning. We are having the wedding and Alpha/Luna ceremonies all together. Dominic will be sworn in as well.

I smile at the Luna and nod my head, but the truth is that I’m not paying attention. I don’t know what’s with me lately, but I’ve just been off-focus. My mind keeps drifting off to Aston. I keep thinking about our past; how we were growing up. I missed him like crazy; I missed our friendship.

We’ve been around each other a few times since our talk in the woods. I’ve been trying to avoid him if I’m being honest. I just don’t know what to say to him. The entire situation is so weird. I used to pray to the Moon Goddess that Aston would return, and now I pray for guidance on dealing with him. “I’m sorry, Luna. I’m just a bit tired.”

“I told you, Trina is just fine or, Mom. You will be my daughter-in-law soon, and I want you to feel comfortable.” This has been a constant request from the Luna since King and I became serious. I appreciate the thought, but I don’t think I’m there yet, and I don’t know when I will ever be. Luna Trina leans in closer to me. “You know that you don’t have to wait, right? It’s a noble thought, but you and King are in love. No one will fault you in mating and marking before the ceremony.” Super awkward! I give the Luna a nervous smile and shift in my seat.

“I know, I know. This is just something that’s important to me and my family. It’s something that we’ve discussed all my life, and I think it’s a good thing. It gives me something to look forward to with King.” I really want her to leave this topic alone. This isn’t the first time she’s brought this up, and it’s made me uncomfortable each time.

The truth is that my powers will come in the moment I’m marked. Not only will my powers come in, but my mate will gain some powers, too. My family decided that I needed to be very sure before I take things that far, and that wasn’t based on whether it was a fated mate or chosen. My aunt and uncle want me to be sure about that person because being with me will benefit them greatly. The s.ex thing is just a me thing.

King has been a bit of a manwh.ore as long as I can remember. I don’t blame him, exactly. He’s the future Alpha of the pack and good-looking. I would have been surprised if he turned all of those women away. I’m no prude, so I get the allure of pu.ssy you don’t have to work for. I decided I wanted to start fresh with him, and he’s been pretty good at committing to my wishes.

Luna Trina shrugs and settles back in her seat. “If you like it, I love it. I’m just not one to stand on ceremony. Especially when it’s super antiquated. We are well past the point where women need to be pure for their mates. We both know these men certainly don’t wait for us.” Luna Trina goes back to talking to the planner, and I exhale internally. Definitely not a conversation I want to continue.