The Missing Beta

Chapter 36

~Chandra~

“Uh, Sister? Sister Chandra? Ma’am?” I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. I swear I can’t just be alone when I need to be.

Yeah, I came back. After the phone call I received, I couldn’t do anything other than return. When it comes down to it, I’m screwed, and there’s no two ways about it. I sigh and turn toward Yanna. “What is it?! Can’t you see that I’m busy right now, for fu.ck’s sake!”

“Now, is that any way to talk to someone who’s always trying to help you?” As I complete my turn, my eyes fall on Topaz. She’s behind Yanna, who has her head down and is focused on her feet. Yanna and I will discuss this later. I don’t like being surprised or looked in on.

“Yanna, you can go.” She looks between Topaz and me before scurrying away. I turn back to the belongings I was organizing to put away. “Is there something I can do for you, Topaz?”

“That would be High Priestess Topaz as long as you’re within these walls.” Within these walls? I want to laugh out loud at those words. She walks around here like she’s of good stock when that’s not even close to being true. Not many know what a disgrace Topaz is, so it’s no surprise they put her in charge. They would have cast her out long ago if they knew what I know.

“What do you want?”

“I don’t really need a reason to visit a room in the home I reign over. I’d much rather inquire as to where you went and why you’re back.”

“Do I now need to check in and out with you? Is that the type of coven you’re running?”

“I’d watch myself if I were you, Chandra. You’re skating on thin ice already.” Her heels click along the hardwood floor. I stand my ground, not moving an inch. I refuse to cower before her. I have much more dangerous people to be wary of. Where they are pit bulls, she’s merely a golden retriever. “I still have questions that need to be answered, and you will provide those answers. I will have eyes on you, and I will find out what you are really into.” I keep my back toward her and listen to her footsteps retreat.

I really didn’t want to come back here. I left because she was going to start poking her nose into my business. I have no qualms about ending anyone when it suits my needs, but it isn’t easy to off a High Priestess. I know how risky that can be, so I have to find other ways.

No sooner does the door close than it is open again. I wait a fraction of a second before I turn and fly toward the intruder. I pin Yanna against the wall with my hand around her throat. “Now you listen, and you listen well. I don’t want that bi.tch anywhere near me or my business. I don’t care what you do or what lie you have to tell, but you make sure she stays out of my sh.it. Got me?” Yanna nods her head rapidly, and I let her go, her body falling to the floor. She quickly scrambles out of my room just as my phone rings. “The fu.ck do you want now?”

“What yourself when you’re talking to me!” I say nothing and let the silence hang. “I hear that you’re back at the coven. Smart move.”

“If there’s something you wanted, I’d hope you get to the point sooner rather than later.” The dry chuckle makes my body shiver. I know I’m close to pressing my luck, but I don’t care at this point.

“You just do what you are meant to do. Make sure that Beta remembers nothing.”

~King~

I watch Katarina’s eyes gloss over and clear up. I have no idea what Hope is talking to her about, but it’s keeping her from responding to me. Have you reached Hope, Conan?

She has me blocked. Hope is usually more compliant; then again, she hasn't been her usual self with me lately. I don’t want to think that it’s the reemergence of Aston that has her acting differently, but it’s hard not to tie the two events together.

“Did you hear me?”

“What are you doing here, King?”

“I’m the future Alpha. I can be wherever I want. Besides, mom told me that you’ve been out of it and you aren’t wearing your jewelry. Do you know how expensive that ring was? You didn’t want to be marked already so the ring was the compromise. Why isn’t it on? Where’s the locket?”

“You should go back to where ever you were. Looks like you were fighting, being a bully as usual, I’m sure. Go back and do that.” I grab her upper arm, letting my anger seep through. I’ve had quite enough of her lip these days.

“Uh, let’s leave the lovebirds alone. Son, let me know if you need anything.” I keep my eyes on Katarina as everyone else leaves the office. Once the door closes, I let her go and step back. I run a hand down my face and sigh.

“What is going on with you these days? Your attitude has been over the top. You don’t act like this with me so what’s changed? What are you dealing with that has you acting differently?”

“Me? What’s with me? Maybe nothing is with me. Maybe I’m finally starting to see you for who you areally are. I’m seeing sides of you that I’ve heard tales about, but you always swore they were just stories.” Katarina steps toward me. “If I’m being honest, I don’t think I like the real you.” I shake my head, her words falling at my feet.

“Nothng you say will take away from the fact that things started to change with Aston got back.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. You started to act differently when Aston came back. I don’t know if you are holding on to some childhood crush or something, but you’re with me now.”

“Why are you being up, Aston? What does he have to do with anything? Are you incapable of holding yourself accountable? Your actions are the change, not anyone or anything else.” I reach for her again, only to be interrupted by a mindlink.

“I have to go. Make yourself available tonight. We are going to get through this and you will be back to your usual self. If I have to get rid of Aston to get you together, I will.” I walk out of the office before she can respond to what I said.