The Missing Beta

Chapter 10

~King~

I know what Dad said, but I just can't help myself. I've known Aston all our lives, and his being gone made everything feel off. I just need to lay eyes on him myself, and I think I'll be okay.

I take a deep breath and knock on the door of the Beta house. I've wanted to come to see Aston since Dad told me he was back, and even more so after talking to Katarina. I don't really know what to expect, so I'm nervous.

The seconds tick by with no response, which already adds to my anxiety. The door finally moves, not opening completely. Shawna peeks her head out of the door. When she sees that it's me, she quickly steps outside and pulls the door almost closed behind her. “Alp-” I quickly shake my head at her. I don't need any ridiculous formalities right now; we're family. Shawna nods and smiles. “King, how are you?”

“I…I'm anxious if I'm being honest. I know he needs rest and whatnot, but I'm aching to see him. I never thought I'd see him again, you know?” Shawna sighs and steps away from the door.

“I get how you feel and where you're coming from, but I'm not sure now is a good time. Everything is so new to him, so raw. I think we may have overloaded him with information today. I don't want to burden him further or push him away.” She's right, and I know she's right, but I just can't settle my soul until I lay eyes on him.

“Can… can I just see him? I don't have to stay or even speak. I just want to see for myself that he's actually back.” I watch as Shawna looks toward the cracked door and back at me. I know I'm asking for a lot, but I can't help it. I really need this.

The door opens all the way, and Eddison stands in the opening. “I think it will be okay, beautiful. If he just runs in and looks at him, that shouldn't disturb his sleep or anything.”

“I swear it will be really quick.” Shawna sighs and I know that she's giving in. They both step aside, and I walk into their home. As I walk up the stairs, I am immediately transported back to childhood. My mind replays all of the memories we made here, and it's a bit overwhelming.

This house has three bedrooms, and Aston's was on the left side. There's a spar on the right, and at the end of the hall is the master bedroom. I stop in front of Aston's door and place my hand on the handle. My nerves go into overdrive, and I find myself struggling to breathe. This is a lot right now, and I have to admit that I'm scared. I'm not sure why I'm afraid, but I can feel it.

I quietly open the door and look over at the bed against the room's left wall. I don't want to come inside too far and wake him up. There's a mass on the bed, under the covers. I lean forward so I can see better, and the lump shifts. I hold my breath, worried that I will be seen.

Once the lump shifts, Aston's face is exposed and turned toward me. My heart starts to gallop in my chest. It's him, it's really him. I slowly walk out of the room and quietly close the door. I rest my forehead against the cool wood. It's official; my best friend is back.

~Tatianna~

I've been with Katarina the rest of the day, not wanting her to be alone. I knew she'd take the news hard, but I didn't anticipate her passing out. I'm just glad that King could calm her under the circumstances.

I left her with her aunt and uncle so I could get my tablet. I wanted to show her a few things I was looking at that she may want for her ceremony. I didn’t want to go, but she insisted, so I told her I'd be right back.

I step off the stairs, wanting to get back to my friend. I am staying in the packhouse right now. I wanted some space from my parents and to feel like an adult. I really want to get my own place, but I have to save up a bit before I can do that.

I walk down the hallway that leads to the front door. I will feel better when I get back to Katarina's place. I want to watch over her and make sure she's okay. I feel to blame for what happened. I should have kept my mouth shut, but I always love to share tea.

Without notice, I feel a grip on my arm, and my body yanks off of the path I was on. I'm pushed into a dimly lit room. Arms snake around my body, and the scent alerts me to who it is. My body tenses, and I close my eyes, wishing this was a bad dream.

His nose rubs up and down my neck. “Mmmm. You smell good, Titi baby.” I swallow thickly, hoping my voice doesn't give me away.

“Thank you, Bbbeta Dominic.” I feel his lips lightly graze my earlobe, and my heart drops.

“Maybe you can thank me later, properly.” No, no, no, no! I don't want that! I don't want any of that. He spins me around when I don't answer. I feel his breath on my nose and squeeze my eyes tighter. “Open your eyes and look at me.” I really don't want to do that, I swear.

I sigh internally and slowly open my eyes. Luck is on my side today because his eyes are glazed over at the moment I open my eyes. I quickly look down, right as his eyes are clearing. “I guess your thanks will have to wait.” He pulls his arms away and pushes me toward the doorway. I stumble back into the hallway, not realizing he would let me go at that moment. I almost bump into Katarina, her arms steadying me.

“Titi, are you okay?” There’s a chuckle in her voice, but if she knew what that was about, I'm not sure she would still find it funny. I stand up and try to straighten myself out.

“I’m fine, What ar-” I'm interrupted by Dominic's voice.

“Hey RiRi. Glad you are feeling better.”

“I'm fine and don't call me that.” Dominic laughs and walks off. I clear my throat and focus on my friend.

“So, uh, what are you doing here? I told you that I would be right back.” Katarina looks at me with suspicious eyes, but I ignore her.

“I'm, uh, feeling fine and wanted to move my legs.” I loop my arm with hers and turn her toward the front door. “Uh, Titi, is there something you want to tell me? Is there something between you and Dominic?”

I look at Katarina and shake my head. “No, not even a little bit.” I smile at my friend as I sob inside.