The Missing Beta

Chapter 31

I walk through the front door, surprised to see my Dad at home. Since he’s the current Beta and is training Dominic to take over, I expected his days to be spent in the packhouse. I watch my Dad walk into the kitchen and wrap my Mom up in his arms. They kiss tenderly, and my heart soars. I was afraid that reliving the past surrounding Topaz would throw them off, so it’s good to see that they are still my loving parents. “You know, you watching us is pretty creepy.” I chuckle and walk forward, sitting at the table.

“Sorry, I’m just happy to see you two together like that.”

It makes a son happy to see his loving parents. Mom gasps, covering her mouth with her hands as she steps back from Dad. Dad’s eyes get big as he stares at me.

“Yo… you got Dario back?!” I let my grin grow and nod my head. Mom runs to me, throwing her arms around me. I embrace her back, feeling more like myself than I had since I’ve been here. Dad walks over and pats my back. “I’m so happy for you.”

“We are finally a family again with no missing parts.”

“I just need my memories back.” Mom kisses my temple and sits next to me.

“It will happen, just give it time. I know that eventually you will remember everything.”

“Well, I did remember something and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not.” This prompts my Dad to sit at the table as well. Mom grabs my hand and squeezes it in comfort. I swallow, trying to find the strongest voice I can muster. “I remember that Katarina is my fated mate.” Silence descends on the table as my parents eye each other. I let my head fall back, my mind clouded with so many questions.

“Di… did you accept each other?” I sit up and look at Dad. I know he’s worried about the fallout and what would happen with the pack, but there’s no need to even think about it.

“There was no opportunity. I don’t think she feels it.”

“What are you talking about?” I look at my Mom and clock the concern on her face.

“You always told me how it was when you first saw Dad and realized who he was to you. Dad, you’ve told me the same thing. I can feel it. Every fiber in my body screams that she’s mine and we belong together, but if she feels the same I can’t tell. Either she’s damn good at hiding it or she doesn’t feel it.”

“I just don’t see how that’s possible. If she had rejected you, she would have said that and you could complete the process.” I quickly shake my head.

“I don’t think that’s it. Dario is adamant about who she is to us and he hasn’t mentioned anything about a weak bond. I don’t know what’s going on, but it really weird.” I stretch in my seat, needing a shower and some rest. “It doesn’t matter at the moment, though, because I will be spending some time with her. Maybe if we are around each other, that will make things clearer. We are hanging out again later today.” Dad clears his throat, causing me to look at him.

“Do you think that’s wise? I mean, she’s is supposed to marry King in less than two weeks. Not just that, but he’s the future Alpha. I don’t want to see you getting caught up in anything.” I process my Dad’s words when a thought occurs to me.

“Why did you guys say anything about Katarina?” They look at each other before looking back at me.

“We treated it just like your other memories. All experts said to let those types of things come back to you on their own. Besides, what if you never got Dario back? How would that have been?” They do have a point, and I’m not even mad. What bothers me is the fact that neither King nor Dario said anything to me about Katarina. They weren’t so keen to hold things back, except this thing.

“So why didn’t King or Dominic say anything to me? It seems like they kept that detail from Katarina as well.” Dad sighs and runs a hand down his face.

“I have no idea, but it makes me wonder. To be honest…”

“Don’t, Eddie.” I watch my Mom plead for my Dad’s silence with her eyes. They know something, and I want to know what it is.

“Just tell me. I don’t want any secrets between us.” Mom looks at me and sighs before nodding her head. Dad clears his throat, and I sit back, ready to hear whatever he has for me.

“Well, it wasn’t long after you disappeared that King started to show an interest in Katarina.”

“Not long at all.”

“It was weird because I was sure that you would have told him she was your fated mate. Then, when she came of age and didn’t find her mate, he really pushed to have something with her. She pushed him off for a while, but eventually gave in. I mean she didn’t really have much of a choice if I’m being honest. He didn’t force her, but he surely wouldn’t leave her be.”

“Did King ever show any interest in her before?” I thought back to what I could remember, but King had never acted interested in Katarina. There wasn’t a time when King looked her way. He’s always had women all over him, and he took pleasure in dealing with his groupies.

“I don’t remember that ever happening. I just wonder why he would have done that so quickly. There’s nothing that indicated that I would never return.” We all sit in silence, mulling over anything. I tap my hand on the table and stand up. “It doesn’t matter. I plan to spend time with her if for no other reason than to figure out why she doesn’t feel the bond. I won’t worry about King or anything else.” I walk around and kiss my parents before heading upstairs for a shower and a nap.

~King~

I’ve been trying to work all day, but my mind has been occupied. I just don’t know what’s going on with Katarina and me right now, and I hate it. We are definitely not on the same page, and I want to fix it. The only bright spot is that our disconnect has nothing to do with Aston.

I throw my work down and leave the office, intending to see about my girl. I walk through the packhouse, speaking to people as I go. I walk out of the packhouse and down the path to her place. I will ask her to go on a walk with me so we can talk. I will romance her and get us back on the same page.

As I walk closer to the house, I see Katarina sitting on the porch. My Mom had already told me she had canceled that day’s lesson, which was weird. We are getting closer to the wedding, after which she’ll take over as Luna. I thought she had something to do, but she’s just at home. I guess she wasn’t feeling well.

I walk up to the porch and take her in. She looks very different than she did earlier. She’s wearing black skinny jeans with a white crop top. She has some wedge heels and light makeup on her face. I know we didn’t have a date, so I wonder why she’s done up. “Going somewhere?” Katarina’s body jerks, and she looks up from her phone. She doesn’t look excited to see me, and I hate that.

“Actually, yes.”

“Oh? Where are you planning to go? I thought you were sick since you canceled on my Mom.”

“I wasn’t sick, I just didn’t want to deal today. I’m waiting on Aston so we can hang out.” No fu.cking way.