The Missing Beta

Chapter 32

~Katarina~

The rage that flashes through King’s eyes is chilling at best. I’ve never seen him look at me like that, though I’d imagine he’s looked at others that way. I’m not going to lie and say that I’m not considering backing down just to keep the peace.

Maybe we should stay home.

I don’t know why, but I want to see him. I want to see Aston.

I do, too, but is it worth angering King? He’s our future. Hope doesn’t answer, but I can feel her determination.

“You’re not going to see Aston.” Interesting.

“I don’t remember asking a question. I made a statement; I’m waiting on Aston so we can hang out.” Aston steps toward me and grabs my upper arm. He yanks me forward, causing me to stumble off the swing. I falter as I try to gain my balance.

“I said, you’re not going to see Aston. I forbid it.” I look into King’s eyes and wonder who this man in front of me is. This isn’t the man that I knew before. This isn’t the man who proposed to me.

“You forbid it?” I straighten my back to rise to my full height. It’s shorter than King, but that doesn’t matter. “Who are you to allow or forbid anything when it comes to me? I’m a grown-ass woman and will do whatever the hell I want to do. If you think you will be able to run my life, you had better think again. I will bow to no one.” The fire inside me is raging, and I’m doing everything I can to hold back as much as possible. I can’t afford to let loose because I will end up getting violent, and we don’t need that.

“I’m your Alpha! You will d-”

“Leave!” King’s mouth is hanging open as I exert my dominance as an independent person. He may be the future Alpha, but I’ll be damned if he starts to treat me as less than he is. “I said LEAVE!” I notice his fists clenched at his sides and wonder if he has enough self-control to keep them there. We have a stare down for a while before King quickly turns and stomps off my porch. I back up and let my body drop on the porch swing.

I’ve never been in a situation like that with King before. I swear it’s like things with King changed overnight, and I’m not sure how that happened. We are so close to our wedding, and these events are weighing down on my mind. “That was pretty serious.” I turn and see my aunt in the doorway. I watch as she steps out and walks toward me. She sits next to me and pats my knee. “What was that about?”

“I’m not sure. It’s almost like things have changed between us overnight and I don’t understand why.” My aunt starts to move the swing back and forth. I let myself get lulled by the movement she’s created.

“Did I hear that you were waiting for Aston?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think that’s wise?”

“What do you mean?”

“Growing up, you’ve always had an eye on him. He disappeared and you have turned to King. Now that he’s back, I can’t help but wonder if you are back in that mindset of liking Aston again. You have made a promise to King and I don’t want you to forget that.” I turn and look at my aunt. She’s looking out at the lawn with a serious expression.

“You don’t like King the last I checked so I’m confused.” A smile appears on her face.

“I never said that I didn’t like him.”

“You didn’t have to say it. It was evident in every look and every word you spoke toward him.”

“How I feel about him doesn’t matter.” My aunt turns to me, taking my hand into hers. “Do you really want to marry him?”

“That question has come up recently.”

“Is it because of Aston?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“That’s good then. Make sure that whatever choice you make, you do so because it’s what you want.” My aunt pats my knee and stands up. I watch her walk back into the house before pulling out my phone to pass the time until Aston shows up.

~King~

To say I’m pissed is an understatement. I can’t believe Katarina right now. She’s always been obedient, looking to please me. As soon as Aston comes into the picture with his memories, she’s suddenly making decisions against my wishes. This is no way to start a marriage. She needs to know that I won’t tolerate disrespect or disobedience.

I’ve already stripped my clothes as soon as I hit the treeline. I shifted into Conan and took off into the woods. We’ve been tearing through the woods for a while now. I’ve torn up bushes and torn branches off of trees. We’ve been going so fast, just trying to dissipate the rage.

I find myself at a river and stop to take a drink. The water is cool on my tongue, and it’s calming my racing heart. The anger is still there, though. Where are you?

In the woods. Why?

I need you to come to the spot.

For what? I don’t have time for any foolishness right now; I’m not in the mood.

It’s important. I cut the mindlink and take another drink. I turn to the left and take off. I have no idea what the issue is, but I plan to take care of it quickly so I can move on with my business.

~Aston~

I walk through the yard, moving toward the porch. I see Katarina sitting on the swing, and my heart soars. She’s changed since earlier, and she looks stunning. Dario is eagerly moving in my head, and I’m trying not to get distracted.

Katarina looks up from her phone and looks at me. I stop in my tracks, entranced by her gaze. She stands, and a smile spreads on her face. “There you are. I thought you had forgotten me.”

“I could never forget you.” Katarina jumps over the porch railing and places her hands on her hips.

“Technically, you did forget me though.” There’s humor all over her face, and I can’t help but smile.

“This is true. Please tell me how I can fix my faux pas.” Katarina motions me toward her with her finger.

“I think I can figure something out.”