The Missing Beta

Chapter 41

~Eddie~

Shawna is pacing back and forth in the living room, making me crazy. Aston crashed at the front door last night but still hasn’t woken up. He keeps whimpering, and his body jerks, but he doesn’t respond to anything or anyone. The pack doctor doesn’t know what’s going on, and it’s been almost 24 hours. “I think you should call her. What if this has something to do with his disappearance?”

Topaz. I swear I never thought she’d be involved in my life once I found my mate, but it looks like I was wrong. I guess I will be calling her again to get her help. I feel bad, though. I feel like I’m using her, and I don’t want to be that guy. I pull my phone out and dial her number. It doesn’t take long for the call to connect. “Getting a little impatient, aren’t we? I haven’t found anything out yet.” I sigh and shake my head.

“It isnt’ about that. It’s…well, I hate to call you, but…” There’s shuffling on the other line.

“What is it, meum mea (mine)?” My sharp intake of breath was enough to alert her to her mistake. She used to call me that all day, but I’m not that guy anymore. “I’m sorry. Old habits die hard. What’s going on?” I clear my throat and look at the ceiling.

“It’s Aston. He passed out at the door last night and we haven’t been able to wake him since. The doctor says there’s nothing wrong with him.”

“And you were wondering if it was magic related, right?”

“Yeah. Look, I’m really sorry to involve you like this. We aren’t anything and haven’t been anything and I know that…”

“Stop, Eddie. It’s okay, we are okay. I will come personally with a sister and see what’s going on.” The call disconnects, and I let out a sigh of relief.

“Well?”

“She will come and check him out.” Shawna nods and continues to pace around the room. I look over at Aston, out on the couch. He looks like he’s struggling in his own mind, and it breaks my heart. I wish I could take his pain away. I would do anything for my son.

~Katarina~

King and his mom have been on me all day. I wanted to go see Aston and his family to let them know what was going to happen, but I hadn’t been left alone. I’ve tried to mindlink Aston, but I can’t reach him. It’s like we have a block up or something, and I can’t get through. I guess it wouldn’t matter because every time I find a minute to mindlink, one of them purposely pulls me out of it.

I’ve been replaying the conversation I had with my aunt and uncle last night, though. I wasn’t sure how they would take the news, but things went pretty well. Everyone is concerned, but what’s done is done.

Flashback

My aunt and uncle share a look and sit up on the couch. The TV is shut off, and I have their undivided attention. I’m scared because I don’t know what they will say about what I did. I have no regrets, but I don’t want my family to suffer for my choices. Hope, cut the block. Let my scent and mark be visible.

I wait for Hope to do as I asked. I can tell when the scent hits the air because my uncle perks up and looks around. “Your scent. It’s different… what happened?”

“I thought you were waiting until the ceremony to give yourself to him. What about what we talked about, Rina?” I shake my head, hating the smile growing on my face. I want to be serious and have a serious conversation, but I can’t help myself.

“You’re right; I didn’t wait to mate and mark my man.” I turn my head to show off my new mark. “But it isn’t what you think.” My aunt and uncle share another look before looking back at me. I can see the fear in their eyes, but I think they will be okay once I tell them what happened.

I cross the room and sit between them. I hold each of their hands and squeeze them a bit. “Tell us, Rina. Why didn’t you wait? You couldn’t have been so overcome with passion.”

“But I was, auntie. I was so overcome with passion that I couldn’t help myself. How can one deny the passion that comes with their fated mate?” Silence hangs in the air, and my anxiety climbs bit by bit.

“Love, I don’t understand. You don’t have a fated mate. Isn’t that why you agreed to date King, because you hadn’t found your fated mate?” I pull their hands up and kiss their knuckles.

“I don’t know what happened, but I found him. My fated mate is Aston. I don’t know why I could tell before, but it’s true. We are fated to each other. I felt the sparks, and the bond snapped into place. Just his touch is enough to bring me to my knees.” I turn to look at my aunt, who has tears in her eyes. She pulls me in for a hug, rubbing my back.

“I’m so happy for you, Rina. He’s always been a good boy and I’d imagine he’s a good man. I was worried about you and King. Something about him just didn’t feel right.”

“About King, honey. What did you tell him?” And that’s the rub.

“I haven’t actually told him anything yet. He’s been acting so possessive and mean lately. I don’t know what’s going on with him. I wanted to complete the bond so that no one could interfere.”

“Oh, Rina. What are you going to do? What did Aston say about your true identity?”

“I haven’t told him yet. King threatened to come look for me so I left him. I plan to talk to him first thing tomorrow and then we will figure out what to do with King. I don’t want you two to worry. I know that I’m safe with Aston.”

End of Flashback

My plan was dashed when the Luna pulled me out of my bed. She pushed me into her office for endless wedding plans. I thought everything was done, and I’m pretty sure that I didn’t need to help with the last-minute stuff. Funny enough, King also spent a lot of time in the room. He usually stays out of it, but not today. Hope has kept the block up so no one will know I’m now a mated she-wolf.

Of course, King stuck that necklace and ring on me. He spent a lot of time fussing about needing it on so people know that I’m taken. I swear I tried to run away a few times, but each time, the availability wasn’t there. I haven’t been left alone yet. “Earth to Katarina!” I turn my head to look at Luna Trina. “You’ve been out of it all day. We won’t be ready on time if you don’t focus on what we’re doing.”

“We’ve been at this all day. Can’t I go home now? I’m sure you can handle this on your own. I mean you’ve been planning the entire event anyway.” The door to the office opens, keeping Luna Trina’s response quiet. King comes strolling into the office, looking between us.

“Yeah, that’s enough for today, mom. My girl and I are going to go talk.”