The Missing Beta

Chapter 28

My anger exuded out of me, and anyone within feet of me backed up to keep away from my wrath. Poor Wayne looked terrified as I pushed past him and ran outside. I heard shouting behind me, but I ignored it all and focused on the path ahead.

It’s pitch black outside, but that doesn’t impact me. I’m a wolf and can see just fine in the darkness. I let Conan take over, and he takes off in the darkness. He shoots past trees and bushes, jumping over falling logs as we go. I know where she was going, and I don’t care how long it takes me to get there; I will get there.

The more we run, the more the weather changes. I can see why they decided to stay and I would have suggested the same course of action. The issue here is that Aston is with them, and he shouldn’t be. He should be back at the pack.

The night stretches on as I continue my journey. Even in wolf form, this trip takes a few hours. I’m sure someone has a car, so I will be sure to drive us back. She won’t stay there any longer with Aston on the same premises.

As I make my way through the forest, noises assault my ears. It’s more than the rain that’s falling. It sounds like someone in pain. Conan pushes forward, and I can see the cabin in the distance. I’m glad I’m finally here because my legs are killing me. “Is he okay?”

“He’s in a lot of pain, Luna.”

“We have to help him. We have to do something.”

“There’s nothing we can do. We have to let it play out. I’ve never seen anything like this, though.” The voices are loud against the rain that is forcing itself down from the sky. I shift quickly and search for a tree that has clothes in it. I find a pair of shorts and throw them on while running toward the cabin.

The scene in front of me is one of nightmares. Aston is writhing on the ground, grunting and moaning in pain. Fur keeps appearing and disappearing from his body. His legs and arms twist and turn in crazy positions. There seems to be no end to his suffering. The other warriors are standing around him, watching in horror. In the midst of it all is Katarina. Her hands are covering her mouth, and there’s a look of pain and pity on her face.

I stalk over to her, placing my hands on her shoulders. Her eyes cut to me, and shock flashes through them. “Wwwwhat are you doing here?”

“What am I doing here? Why are you still here?” She shakes her head and looks up at the sky. She throws her hand out and lets a scoff fall from her lips.

“Do you see this? We couldn’t safely travel back like this.”

“I made it here. You would have been just fine.” I turn my head and put eyes on Aston. “What is HE doing here?”

“He’s part of my detail. We need to help him, though. He’s in so much pain.” I turn my head and look at Katarina.

“He’ll be fine. You need to get dressed so we can go. We are going home.”

“Home? We can just stay here. I’ll feel better when I know that Aston is okay.” She turns and tries to go in his direction. I grab her wrist and pull her to me.

“I said we are leaving! Get your things and hurry.” I move her forward and bit and look at her. “Where’s your jewelry?” Katarina pulls her wrist out of my grasp and shakes her head. She backs up while looking at me before turning around and walking to the cabin.

~Katarina~

I have no idea what the hell is with King tonight, but I don’t like it. His attitude is disgusting, and I don’t understand it. That’s one of his best friends in pain out there in the rain. He isn’t doing anything to help him or make sure that he’s okay.

I push into the house and stomp through to get my stuff. There’s something weird about how I’ve felt the last half an hour or so. I originally went to check on everything because of the sounds I was hearing. When I saw it was Aston, I was nervous for him. I could have left and come back inside, but instead, I stood in the rain and tried to calm Aston. The truth of the matter is that I felt a pull to him. It’s a pull that I don’t fully understand. I guess it has to do with the fact that he’s a close friend of mind, and I would hate for any of my friends to be hurt and in pain.

It isn’t just the pull to Aston that’s weird. It’s the fact that Hope has said not a word. Not just that she hasn’t said anything, but she seems to be in pain herself. I keep reaching out to her, but she isn’t responding. I don’t know what to do or how I’m supposed to proceed, but it’s all just weird.

I pull some sweats on and make sure I have my things packed. I grab my bag and pick up my jewelry to go find King. I walk out of the cabin and see Aston still in agony. Hope is restless in my mind, and it’s bothering me more than I can say. “Let’s go, Katarina.” I rip my eyes away from Aston and focus on King. He’s standing in front of an SUV, waiting to open the door. I slowly walk over to the car, keeping my eyes down. The door opens in front of me, and my bag is taken out of my hands. “Why isn’t your jewelry on? People need to know that you belong to me so they don’t get any ideas.” I internally sigh.

I get in the passenger seat, and King closes my door. I take my time and put the ring on, followed by the necklace. King gets into the driver’s seat and starts the car. He pulls away from the cabin and sets out. The further we move away from the cabin, the more settled Hope becomes. I close my eyes and let the ride lull me, determined not to speak to King.

~Aston~

I move my body, and the ache is killing me. I flutter my eyes and see the bright blue sky above me. I try to turn my body, but it’s all too much. “Hey, are you okay?” I swallow a few times, hating how dry my mouth is.

I struggle, but I finally sit up with some help. I look around at the three faces staring at me. “What happened? Where’s Katarina?” They help me to my feet, and every bone in my body aches.

“You shifted, my friend. It took damn near all night, but you finally shifted. King showed up and took the Luna back. I’m not sure what that’s about, but they are back at the pack.” Forget King and Katarina. I shifted?! Like I found my wolf, or he found me?! I don’t know how to feel, but elated is among the contenders. I walk into the cabin, and a scent hits me. It’s faint, but it’s there. I can not only smell it, but I can feel it in my bones. It’s freesia and pears, which are my favorite fruit. I feel my knees getting weak, and I feel like I could pass out.

Mate! The voice in my head damn near causes a heart attack. I stop in my tracks and look around.

“Who’s there? Who’s that?” The warriors are looking at me like I lost my mind. My heart is trying to beat out of my chest. I’m shocked but slightly excited.

I’m Dario, your wolf. I’ve been gone a long time, but I’m back now. The scent in the air is from our mate. We have her again; we have our fated mate.