“Go home,” Frolen orders his packmate. Aaron holds firm for a moment, his gaze cutting between me and Burke. Finally, his shoulders fall, and he turns and walks off.Good.
“I’m sure we’ll see each other soon, Bava.” Frolen lets out a tense breath. His chest is tight with rage as he faces Burke. “Our deal is broken.” He turns to the trees, and Burke rushes to cut him off.
“No!” The older alpha’s voice pitches high. Desperate. “You can’t go back.” His dark eyes flicker past me, staring at Beth. I take a step to one side, blocking his view of her. “You can remove the bite,” his voice rises, frantic. “Rip it off. Give her a new mark.”
Frolen’s mouth falls open, just as shocked as I am. De-mating an omega is a horrible and painful act that usually results in death. It’s torture. Plain and simple.
“You want to riskkillingyour daughter for a few bushels of rice and some land?” Frolen asks, not bothering to hide his disgust.
“I need that land.” Burke grabs the alpha’s arm. “I have debts.”
“Fuck your debts,” Frolen jerks away. “I’m sorry to have disturbed you,” he says to me. “Ms. Elizabeth,” he bows his head at my omega. “You have my word that we won’t be coming back for you.” His gaze flickers to her neck, not bothering to hide his look of disgust.
But my sweet omega doesn't look relieved at all. She’s too busy staring at her deranged father.
“Wait!” Burke yells at Frolen. But it’s too late. The alpha steps through the wall of pine trees and disappears. For a moment, Burke panics, switching between glaring at the trees and snarling at me. But he seems to come to some kind of decision because his hands finally fall to his sides. “Good luck, Beth.” He cuts an angry glare at Tristan. “You deserve the monsters you fuck.” Then the coward runs off, chasing after Frolen.
And all that’s left is the teenage boy.
He stares at Beth, and she stares at him. Neither one of them says a word until their father’s footsteps fade. I get the feeling they’ve learned to speak only when the asshole is gone.
“Darrion?” Beth steps around Basil, and Jeremy follows her.
“Hey, Beth.” The young boy smiles. It’s a bittersweet smile. Maybe even sad. “How’s it going?” He asks like it’s a normal fall day.
“Good.” Beth gives a little shrug. “You?”
“Good.” He nods once, then glances back at the trees. “I should go.”
“How’s mom?” My sweet omega blurts out before he can leave.
Darrion smiles as if expecting that question. “She’s good. She’s hoping you're happy.” His voice drops and he glances over his shoulder at where their father just disappeared. “I’m watching over her, omega,” he whispers. “I’m keeping her safe.”
“Thank you.” Beth laces her delicate fingers through Jeremy’s, giving them a light squeeze. “Tell her I’m happy and that I miss her.”
Darrion’s smile grows. “Have a good life, Bethie.” He turns, and walks off.
And they’re all gone.
But I know better. Danger doesn't just disappear. It has to be beaten back and destroyed, otherwise it can pop up when you least expect it.
And Burke is one very dangerous alpha.
One Week Later
Beth
It’s been a full week,and Burke still hasn’t returned. I keep replaying the horrible moment when I saw him. How angry he looked. How protective my pack was. How wonderful it was to see Darrion.
I’m so thankful for the young alpha.
As much as I miss my mom, I can breathe easier knowing that he’s watching over her. And in a few years, he’ll be bigger and stronger. Maybe one day he’ll tower over Burke.
“Killian and Basil should be back soon,” Jeremy says as he skims his hands over the bubbly, hot water.
I smile, leaning into the hot tub’s powerful jets. They push at my lower back, massaging my tense hips. The big window in front of us faces the lawn. My eyes drift, watching the wind swoop and shoosh the leaves. The thick clouds in the distance are puffy and dark. It looks like rain.
“You’re safe here, Beth,” Jeremy suddenly blurts out, and I realize I’ve zoned out again. I can’t help it.
