A Beta's Undying Love

Chapter 1: Running Out Of Time

Note: This series is a darker werewolf series not following the usual "plot" of fated mates.

Be aware of darker elements such a described violence, cancer, and death.

-Garrett-

“Wow!”

Why was it always me who caught the king and queen in the act? I quickly turned and walked away from the kitchen, trying to erase the image from my mind. As I passed Damian, who was heading towards the kitchen himself, I said, “I wouldn’t go in there if I were you. Unless you want to see something you’ll never be able to forget.”

Damian looked confused. “What are you—” Before he could finish his question, a loud moan echoed from the kitchen. The realization hit Damian, and he walked away with a grumpy expression. Not that I’d ever seen him smile.

“Why are you standing out here? Let’s go get something to eat,” Chris said, coming around the corner with a grin on his face and his hair a mess.

“Let’s wait,” I insisted, pulling him in the other direction.

“Why? I’m starving! Besides, I’ve got two lovely ladies waiting for me in my room who aren’t done with me yet. I need some fuel!” Chris grinned, just before a scream that could only mean someone had reached their climax sounded from the kitchen. “Oh, are the king and queen…?”

“Yes, so let’s just let them finish,” I said.

“Sounds like someone just did,” Chris joked.

I shook my head but couldn’t help laughing. Chris was more of a joker than I was, which might be why we’d become such close friends.

“Maybe if I close my eyes, I can feel my way to the fridge,” Chris teased, clearly already planning how to feed his growling stomach.

“I bet if you go in there, even with your eyes closed, the king will definitely kill you,” I warned him, but he didn’t seem to care.

“Sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself for two beautiful ladies,” he said, giving my shoulder a few playful taps.

But, lucky for him, just as he was about to walk away, Valerio and Octavia exited the kitchen, their clothes disheveled and a hickey visible on Octavia’s neck. They didn’t even seem to notice us as they walked in the opposite direction.

“Seems like the kitchen is safe again,” Chris said before heading inside.

I shook my head with a smile. It had been just over a month since things had calmed down—Zane was dead, Michael was imprisoned, and Selene was now the leader of his pack—and I had to say I had never seen my oldest friend happier. Yet, as I watched them walk away, I felt a twinge in my heart, and my wolf howled for the same thing. But would I ever find it?

-Lily-

“Are you sure?”

The doctor, with his large glasses and dark hair slicked to the side, looked like he hadn’t slept in a thousand years. He nodded sadly at me. I sighed deeply, putting my head in my hands, trying to process his words.

I was back in the same room I had been in five years ago, surrounded by the same white walls and motivational posters that now seemed to mock me: There is hope. What a load of crap! What hope?

“Of course, there are several treatments we can discuss—”

“How big are my chances of surviving?” I interrupted, lifting my head to meet his brown eyes with my deep hazel ones.

“Miss Hudson—”

“How big?” I pressed.

“With how aggressive it is this time, and the fact that you’ve already been through it once… about ten percent.”

My mouth dropped open at his words. “Ten? Only ten? But I’m still young! I’m only twenty-three!” How could this be? I shook my head in disbelief.

“I’m really sorry, Miss—”

“Don’t,” I cut him off. “I need to get out of here.” I stood up, grabbing my coat and bag.

“I think we should schedule a time next week to make a plan together,” he said, rising from his chair and holding the door for me.

“Sure. See you next week, doctor,” I whispered, walking out of the room. In reality, I had no intention of coming back.

I fought for ten percent. Ten! That damn cancer just wouldn’t let go, leaving me nothing but a skeleton, barely clinging to life. It all seemed so pointless as I moved through the hospital, and I couldn’t help but wonder: What other cruel surprises did this piece of crap I called life have in store for me?