The Missing Beta

Chapter 42

~King~

Katarina and I walk out of the packhouse, a great distance between us. Honestly, I was sick and tired of being cooped up in that office. I know the damage was done; she wasn’t able to hang out with Aston all day. Actually, no one saw Aston at all today, but that’s not what’s important. “What did you want to talk about?” I’m jerked out of my thoughts by her sweet voice. I clear my throat and look at the sky.

“We need to get somethings clear before the ceremony.”

“I don’t know what things we would need to get clear.”

“First of all, your attitude has been horrible lately. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I expect more respect from you.” She scoffs, and I try to keep Conan at bay. He hates disrespect, and he doesn’t care who it comes from. “There are going to be expectations from you as my Luna and my wife. You will need to maintain the right image, and that includes who you choose to spend time with.”

“Excuse me?!” I grab Katarina’s arm and pull her toward me.

“Let me point you back to number one. Your attitude needs to change. I don’t know when you decided it was a good idea to challenge me at every turn, but you need to rethink that.” Katarina pulls her arm out of my grasp. I let her go, knowing she couldn’t keep me at arm’s length for long.

“I don’t know if you’ve changed or if you’ve always been like this but I’m over it. You don’t control me in the slightest. I will do whatever the hell I want to do and you won’t stop me. The minute you remember that I’m my own person, things will go infinitely better.” Without thinking, my hand reaches out and clamps around Katarina’s throat. I pull her close to me while she squirms and claws at my hand.

“I’m getting fu.cking sick of this, Katarina. You’d better remember your place and cut the sh.it!”

“Let my niece go!” I turn to see her silly uncle running toward us. I could easily do away with him, but goodwill may be best right now. I open my hand and watch Katarina slump to the ground. Her uncle gets to her as she coughs and sputters.

“You need to get your niece under control, or this marriage will be very different from what she thought it would be. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I turn and walk away, determined to get my head right.

~Topaz ~

I stand in the dining room doorway, looking over my sisters as they enjoy their dinner. Being the High Priestess wasn’t the first thing on my list, but there I am anyway. No matter how I got this position, I made a commitment to these ladies, and I intend to keep it.

I walk through the dining room, greeting my sisters as I go. I make it to the head table and stand to get everyone’s attention. It doesn’t take long for the room to quiet, and everyone puts their eyes on me. “Good evening, ladies. I will be gone from the coven. It’s nothing major. I will be going to the BlackPaw Pack to help them with an issue.” Murmurs erupt in the room as the ladies speak among themselves. “Please just do as you normally would and I will be back in no time.” I take my seat, and everyone resumes eating.

After dinner, I go to my office to complete some work. I’m not there long when there’s a knock on my door. “Enter.” The door opens, and Chandra strolls in. “What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering when we would be leaving for the pack.”

“We?”

“Yes, we. I’ve been there a few times to work with that Beta. Why wouldn’t I continue to go?” I lean back in my chair and place my hands on my stomach. I have to say that this woman is pretty funny.

“I don’t trust you. Didn’t I make that clear the last time we spoke? I’m not taking you anywhere with me, and definitely not to the pack.” Anger flashes across her face, but I pretend I don’t notice it. I still need to find information on her, but it’s hard because she leaves nothing to chance. “If there’s nothing else, I’m busy right now.” Chandra huffs and hurries out of my office, slamming the door behind her.

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Morning comes quickly, and I waste no time getting a few materials I may need for my trip. I create a portal and step through it, ending up in the woods. I close my eyes, and I feel a pull. I follow it to a nice house. I look around, curious about how my former lover lives these days.

I knock on the door, and Eddie is there to greet me. I swear I can still get lost in his eyes, so I try not to dwell. “You’re here early.”

“I figured the sooner I could get here, the better.” He nods and steps to the side, letting me in the house. I walk into the living room to see his son on the couch and a gorgeous woman sitting next to him. The woman and I make eye contact, and my heart clenches. I have to say, he left me for a stunner.

Since I don’t want to deal with this, I go straight to the patient. I kneel beside the couch and let my hands hover over his body. There’s a vibe there, but I can’t place it. It’s something I’ve never felt before, but it’s strong.

I sit back on my heels, sweat on my brow. “I don’t know what this is. It’s very strong, and I’m worried about that.”

“He’s in here, Katarina. He’s been out for a while now.” I turn and see another beautiful woman walk into the living room. Her eyes are on Aston, and she looks scared. There’s a vibe coming off of her, and it’s similar to the one coming from Aston.

I stand up and walk toward her, hoping to get a better feel. I stop and reach my hand out. I see her eyes get big as she looks at Eddie and his mate. I won’t hurt her, and she’ll realize that soon enough.

I reach out toward her body, and my hand is scorched. I pull it back quickly and blow on my finger. “You have a strong magic on you. It’s dangerous, and it’s dark.” I look all over her face and down her neck. I quickly reach out and grab her, pulling my hand back. I hold up the necklace and let it drop to the floor. “Never wear that again.” She nods and looks toward Aston. Her body is shaking, and I know she has a lot of questions. I step out of the way to give her room.

She kneels next to him and strokes his face. Aston doesn’t respond at all, and I see the pain in her face because of it. She slowly stands up and looks at Aston’s parents while wringing her hands. “I have something to tell you.”