16. The New Beta

sixteen

The New Beta

*ELDEN*

I have never truly fought for something I wanted, because I never wanted anything. I wanted my mom to be alive, but that’s a wish no one could fulfill for me. Even as a child, I knew that.

I stopped wishing for my father to care about me—or even like me—and, now, I don’t even want to be in his vicinity. I have Flora, Jace and I live comfortably… there is nothing else I’ve asked for since Tobias left.

This changes today. Though asking is probably the wrong word.

Right after training I make my way to my father’s office. For once, he is gracing the pack with his presence for more than a couple of days. I personally wouldn’t mind if he returned to one of his travels, but for now, it’s good that he is here so that we can settle this once and for all.

“Good morning,” I say shortly, when I enter his office.

He raises his head, clearly surprised to see me. “A rare visitor,” he says, as usual sounding cold and distant. “How can I help?”

“I’ve made a decision and would like to inform you about it,” I say. “You have been in my ear about choosing a beta, and I decided to finally do it.”

I can see his eyebrow ticking slightly at my dismissive tone. I can’t help it though. I’m trying to keep the peace, mainly for the pack’s sake, but also for Geneva, who has been really supportive of me and of my relationship with Flora… and maybe even for Emilia. I don’t want her to suffer because I put my father in a bad mood.

“So,” he says, “tell me your decision.”

“Vincent Gray,” I say shortly.

My father looks up, staring at me, and I can almost see the wheels in his head turning as he keeps searching for the person I picked. His eyes darken once he reached the right conclusion. “No,” he says shortly. “He is not made to be beta.”

“Why? He is courageous, a great sparring partner and blessed with useful gifts.”

“He comes from a plain lycan lineage,” my father snarls. “There is nothing special in his bloodline.”

I laugh. “So what? It doesn’t determine his worth at all. Lineage isn’t worth a dime.”

My father stands up abruptly, slamming his hands on his desk. “Watch what you say,” he snarls. “Only over my dead body will I allow a plain lycan to become the second in command of my pack.”

“You mean my mother’s pack,” I shout back.

His palm cracks across my cheek, whipping my head to the side. Only it doesn’t send me flying, because I expected it. I fight the urge to clasp my face because fuck, that asshole hits hard.

Let me deal with it, Regis demands, his eyes glinting. I could swear there is a hint of red in them.

No, I say. If you come out, his lycan might see it as a challenge, and we aren’t at our full power yet. I will handle it.

Can you, though? Regis asks.

Yes, I’m done with him walking all over me. I’m not a doormat. I can stand up to him.

Regis nods contently. Then let’s show him that we can!

“Just so you are aware,” I say, trying to go for a calm tone, knowing it will probably annoy him more than me being emotional, “I’m not asking for your approval, I’m merely informing you.”

I’m not sure if it’s smart to piss him off further. He is still the alpha, and holds a certain power. It’s probably stupid to do it, but I’ve never really stood up to him before. I wish I had when I saw my mother’s health declining. I wish I would have gotten her help. That guilt will be with me for the rest of my life, but I can stand up to him now.

Before he can say anything, there is a knock to his door. Dad takes a deep breath before answering. “You can come in.”

I expected it to be Beta Oliver or maybe Emilia, but to my surprise it’s Geneva and Samuel. “We were in a meeting,” Geneva says in her calm and composed manner. She tosses me a concerned gaze and says, “and heard some loud voices.”

“We wanted to check on you,” Samuel adds.

“I apologize for my son,” Dad says, “he still doesn’t know how to behave.”

The nerve of this man. I wish I could borrow Flora’s aloof mask for a moment because damn it, he is getting to me. “As far as I know, it takes two to tango,” I say instead.

Dad’s eyebrow starts ticking again, so at least it will take him some effort to keep his cool. “Elden has made a choice for his beta,” he explains shortly, “which doesn’t match, at all, with what I want for the pack.”

“Yes, because you are so unpopular, no one even wants to be the pack’s gamma. And the beta is only still around out of a sense of duty.”

“Why can’t you show your father more respect?” Samuel asks me. Geneva tosses him a gaze that’s something between pitiful and slightly annoyed. He seems to notice because he looks confused.

That idiot. He doesn’t know anything. “Why can’t you stay out of a private conversation?” I ask in return.

Samuel looks taken aback, while I swear a smirk curls Geneva’s lips.

There is a new knock on the door. “Who is it now?” my father asks, starting to sound annoyed again.

Geneva smiles slightly. “You know what they say, the more the merrier.”

I have to hide a grin. She can be so sarcastic, but because she is so dignified and polite, no one gets it.

“It’s me,” a female voice can be heard, “Emilia.”

“Oh.” Dad blinks, his eyes softening a bit. “Come in.”

Emilia looks worried when she gazes at us, before turning to Dad. “Did something happen?”

Before Dad can explain it, I decide to just get it out into the open for everyone to hear. “I want Vincent as my beta,” I say.

“Vincent?” she asks. “He is the new pack member, am I right? I’ve heard he was an exceptional warrior in his old pack and is said to have a good moral compass.”

I still don’t know how to feel about her, but at this point, I just feel thankful for her voice of reason.

“Oh?” Geneva blinks. “Vincent Gray? I don’t know much about the young man, but what Emilia said aligns with what I’ve heard so far. I don’t see how he is a bad choice, Caelum.”

“No way can a high school dropout become beta,” my father snarls.

“I actually agree with that,” Samuel adds.

I fight the urge not to roll my eyes. “Really?” I say. “So, a diploma is raising his worth for you.”

“That’s not it,” Samuel argues. “It will raise the respect he gets from others.”

“Are you aware I could wait to become alpha, and then just announce him as my beta?” I ask.

“And you have to be aware that he won’t be able to grow into his role then, especially for someone who barely knows the pack.”

“Goddess,” I say, shaking my head. “I can see why you two are friends.”

Samuel looks taken aback once more. “Caelum and I are friends?”

Geneva and I exchange a look, but none of us answers his question.

“Hm,” Emilia tilts her head, “I don’t think we should force this decision on Vincent. I’ve heard he went through a lot. However, if he agrees to going back to school, I think it would benefit him. Some packs and their alphas are very elitist, and it will give him the higher ground, if he at least can shoot down their complaints about his lack of education.”

I’m not sure if she is aware that she just made a subtle dig at my father, but it’s kind of funny. I do find her words resonating with me, though. She isn’t wrong, unfortunately. “I will talk to him,” I say, “but I won’t force him.”

“What do you think about that, Caelum?” Emilia asks. She takes his hand, smiling at him.

Goodness, she actually likes him, doesn’t she? How? Why?

Dad looks torn. Clearly having her in the room has taken the wind out of his sails. Maybe he also doesn’t want her to see how ugly he can get. “Under one condition.”

“What condition?” I ask.

“I want you to add a second beta to your team,” he says to me. “And I want us to choose someone fitting.”

I’m too surprised by his words to even react at first. A second beta? He wants me to have two betas? My initial response is to decline because it’s his idea, but I can see Geneva nodding slightly. “Does that even make sense?” I ask.

“It’s not unheard of,” Emilia says. “A lot of royal lycan alphas have more than one beta.”

“I agree,” Geneva says. “I don’t necessarily want to push this on you, Elden, but, like Emilia said, alphas from your lineage often have more than one beta. Royal lycan alphas are incredibly strong, and they usually rule over huge packs. Two betas can make sure to keep up with you, to stop you in case your lycan loses control in his rage. They can also focus on different tasks around the pack.”

“Usually, even the luna gets her own beta,” Emilia says, “like an assistant who can fight. Plus, her gamma, of course.”

“I didn’t know that,” I say. “I’ve read so many books about the royal lineages, but there weren't any about that.”

“I can get some of the drier ones for you about pack organization and structure,” Samuel offers.

I’m still pissed at him for butting in and admonishing me without knowing what’s really going on between my father and me, but I want to know more about this, so I nod. “Yes,” I say.

“Then it’s set?” Geneva asks, looking at my father and me.

Dad looks annoyed while I still feel conflicted. At the end of the day, I don’t want to just disagree or decline because I have issues with my father, like a rebellious teen. I want what’s best for the pack, and for Flora and me.

“It’s fine with me,” I tell Geneva. “After hearing your and Emilia’s reasoning, I can at least give it a shot. I still want to read up on it, though.”

“Fair enough,” she says, smiling at me. There is a hint of pride in her eyes.

Dad has no other option than to agree, which is kind of fun to watch because he looks truly disgruntled.

My first stop after this massive argument, and resolution of it, leads me to Flora. She is sitting in the garden of her cottage, doing some homework. We are both eager to soon be done with school, so we try to get as much studying done as possible.

Flora looks at me, beaming with joy before her eyes lock onto my face. “I can’t believe it!” She jumps up and stomps her foot, her eyes flashing in sudden anger. It’s probably not the right timing to think that way, but it’s amazing to see her like that, with her guard down and her showing her anger so openly. “He hit you, didn’t he? Let me go to him.”

“Wait a moment.” I rush forward to grab her before she can turn into a little demon and try to kick my father’s ass. I doubt it will end well. I’m just not sure who. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not!” she exclaims. “It’s not okay!”

“You are right, it isn’t, but-” I pause. “I actually walked out as a winner… or let’s say a winner with conditions.”

My words seem to interest her enough to stop her from seeking revenge. “What do you mean?”

“I told him I want Vincent as my beta, which is what led to the whole drama.”

“No way!” Flora squeals. “You made a decision! I knew you liked him!” She eyes me expectantly. “And?”

“Dad was furious, we argued, Samuel came and added his unwelcome remarks as usual-” At my last words, Flora giggles; she knows I don’t hate Samuel, I just think he doesn’t really understand what’s going on and is too stuck on doing things the way they always were done. “Geneva was there too, and added some welcomed remarks towards both of them. Emilia did the same.” I pause. “Bottom line is, they agreed that Vincent can be my beta… immediately.”

“And what’s the condition?” Flora asks curiously.

“They want him to return to school and finish high school with us. I think Geneva could pull something and add him to our class. But that’s not the real condition. Dad wants to add a second beta, someone he finds suitable.”

“And you agreed?” she asks.

“With the amount of work we are going to face, we will need more help. And honestly, I don’t know who to choose. If the elders find someone with experience who will shut up all the elitist voices of complaints, then I’m not against it. It will also make Vincent’s life easier. And if he sucks, I don’t need to make him my beta.”

She nods. “That way Vincent will actually have time to grow into his role, without being tossed into it when we take over.”

“That’s been their selling point,” I say, disgruntled. “Samuel pulled that card too.”

“Let’s go see Vincent immediately and tell him the news,” she offers.

“How do you think he will take it?” I ask. “I mean, I asked him to become my beta, and he agreed, but… with going back to school, I’m not sure if he will find that amazing.”

“We will just leave the decision to him,” Flora says. “You said it yourself: There is a connection between you two. There is not only a mate bond. Also, a beta forms a bond with their alpha, and Vincent and you already started to build this bond. Have a bit of faith.”

“I’m still learning about the whole ‘stay positive’ thing,” I admit.

“I know,” she chuckles, reaching out her hands to brush through my hair first, before moving to my face. It’s cute because she has to stand on her tiptoes to do that. Her eyes darken when she traces her fingers over my left cheek. “I’m still pissed,” she mutters.

“Yeah, he hits hard.” I shrug. “But I saw it coming. At least there is one thing he can do well.”

“This is not funny,” she exclaims.

“It’s my coping mechanism,” I admit.

“I know,” she says quietly.

“With the elders around, and Emilia, we don’t butt heads that often anymore,” I say. “And he is gone a lot, so…”

“With Vincent at your side, and once I am of age and have my lycan, he won’t even dare to look at you the wrong way,” she mutters. “If he dares to, he will… No wait, I hope he does, then I can finally get my revenge on him.”

“I always knew you had a little demon inside you,” I tease her.

“That or a Goddess,” she retorts.

I chuckle.

“Why are you laughing?” Flora complains, but she can’t help a bright smile. “A girl can dream, can’t she?”

“Of course she can,” I reassure her.

“Then let’s go and see Vincent.”

We make our way through the pack grounds. Vincent doesn’t live in the center of it, instead, he has his own little cottage very close to the forest and a bit further away from the more inhabited area of the pack. We come right at the point when he is about to finish his newest costume for the next kids’ party he needs to cosplay for. It’s Power Rangers themed, and Vincent obviously will attend as a Power Ranger.

“I would die to see you in that costume,” I say.

“Yeah.” He looks up. “You absolutely would. Because I’d have to kill you.”

I chuckle. “With your special Power Ranger move?”

“You bet.” He eyes Flora and me curiously. “Okay, this looks official. Just tell me the news.”

“I guess I officially have a beta now,” I say. “Actually, two, one is you and the other is… whoever my father and the elders will choose.”

“Wait, they agreed?” he asks, shocked.

“Yes, my stepmother and Elder Geneva, actually, spoke highly of you and approved,” I say. “Not that it would have stopped me otherwise, but it makes things easier that way.”

“And the other dude?” he asks curiously.

“We’ll see. I don’t know who they will pick. “The pack is huge, and apparently, royal lycan alphas have two betas most of the time,” I explain.

Flora nods. “They want you to go back to school, though.”

I am so glad she is here to say the things directly. Saves me to beat around the bush.

Vincent looks shocked. “What?”

“You can attend mine and Elden’s class,” Flora says. “Together with Jace and Janice. That’s going to be fun.”

“Impossible! You are almost finishing up things, and I missed one to two years.”

“I guess it’s more for the show of it,” Flora muses.

“What’s their reason for suggesting it?” Vincent wants to know. When Flora and I exchange a gaze, he snorts. “Come on, it’s me. Just be honest.”

“They claim it will make your footing in our political world easier,” I say, deciding to be honest. “Some alphas and packs might look down on you because you aren’t from a privileged family. My father is an asshole and thinks the same. Elder Samuel… I don’t know, he probably just thinks that’s the way it should be. But Geneva and Emilia want you to have an easier start.” I pause. “Listen, I won’t force you. I don’t care if you go back to school and get your diploma or not. I will choose you as my beta anyway, and your worth doesn’t get higher by having a diploma.”

“How can I afford it?” Vincent asks. “I would need to quit some of my jobs.”

“As a beta you get a salary,” Flora explains. “Even before Elden takes over the pack.”

“So, what do you say?”

Vincent looks from me to his costume and then to the pack house. “Well, it’s all in my hands, isn’t it?” he says. “Also, you are right, it’s a calling. Time to get responsible and choose a path, and Beta Vincent sounds kind of cool, don’t you think?”

“Very,” Flora says.

“Not as cool as Alpha Elden,” I joke.

He grins. “Let’s see what kind of second beta they will add to round up the gang.”

“You forgot my future gamma,” Flora says.

“Right, but now that I made my choice, you can have more time to search for who you truly trust and want as your protector,” I reassure her.

“I will miss my Power Ranger days,” Vincent smirks. “But I will get over it.” He looks at me and reaches out his hand. I shake it, suddenly feeling much lighter. I finally made a decision for myself. Maybe it was selfish, maybe I will regret it, but having Vincent as my beta just feels right.