Arise

With the market gone and over with yesterday, things had started running smoother. CeCe decided to stay with her parents for a few weeks and Shaw wanted nothing more than to follow her wherever she went.

Logan hadn’t talked to me in days.

Val had been busy being Luna while I had been busy being Beta, except it was getting tremendously difficult.

With Shaw gone, I had to take an onslaught of duties. I now had to patrol the border a couple nights a week, which proved to be exhausting in the highest degree. Sebastian and Joann helped oversee training every day which made things easier.

Half the time, I had no idea what I was doing. I couldn’t keep asking Caleb questions, he was already dealing with enough things outside the pack.

I tried to make his life easier by dealing with more internal pack disputes, but I couldn’t keep it up for long.

I was slacking at the clerk’s office and Johnson was close to popping a vein.

Being Beta was proving to be difficult with each passing day. Which was why I found myself waiting with Caleb for Logan to come in.

“You wanted to see me?” Logan walked in then stopped short when he noticed me. He looked between me and Caleb before slowly taking a seat in front of the desk. “Am I in trouble again?”

I shook my head. “We have a task for you.” I stuck both my hands in my pockets.

I should have done it as soon as he was allowed to stay. I held on to it far too long--longer than I anticipated. It was getting harder now, especially after receiving letters from Val’s old pack.

“You got your degree in Business and Communications,” said Caleb, rifling through Logan’s files. He had grabbed it from his cabinet an hour ago in case he needed it.

Logan nodded, eyes shifting between the two of us still in confusion.

“You might have heard rumors of the pack in Boston having issues with rogues.” Caleb unfolded the letter he had gotten last week and handed it to Logan.

It had been written that the pack was struggling to maintain its borders with more and more rogues leaving holes. They were a small pack and knew they would get invaded soon. They needed aid from anyone, but no one was willing to provide so they decided to ask us.

I saw Logan’s eyes moved down the letter as he read its contents. He looked up, worry in his eyes. “I have nothing to do with it, I swear!”

I stifled my laughter. “Not that, idiot. We need your help to negotiate.”

“Why?”

Caleb looked up from his computer where he had been typing up a response. “Because it’s Val’s old pack, I offered to send some fighters, but we need to negotiate how many they need, where the supplies are going to come from, and how to get these mutts out.”

Logan slowly nodded in understanding. “So, you want me to go with Rosetta as a stand-in Delta.”

I pointed to myself. Here it goes. “I’m the stand-in Delta.”

I watch as confusion and surprised passed through his expressions. Then he parted his lips. “What are you saying?”

The sounds of paper going through the printer filled the silence. I grabbed Caleb’s letter and handed it to him to sign first. He clicked his pen and signed under his name before coming around his desk and sliding the paper to Logan.

Logan was to sign under his addressed title.

His eyes widened before he looked up at Caleb.

Caleb smiled. “You are to resume your position as Beta. Effective immediately.”

Logan blinked in response.

“I’m sending you and Rosetta in to hand this letter to them,” Caleb continued. “I need you to be the Beta you were born to be.”

Logan turned his head to me, eyes glistening.

I shrugged, ignoring the tug in my heart. “I’m just a pretty face accompanying you.”

He took a deep breath and signed it.

“We’re 13 A and 13 B.” I said, tucking the ticket back into my jean pocket. Travis had dropped us off at the airport two hours ago. It was much faster to go by plane than to drive all day. We needed this meeting done as soon as possible.

Logan walked ahead of me, scanning each row as he went further down the aisle. When he found out seats, he grabbed our carry-on and hiked it on to the overhead.

Logan took a seat next to me and buckled himself in, pulling the strap tighter than necessary and tried to level is breathing.

I hadn’t pegged him to have a fear or flying. “Are you okay?”

He shook his head. “Just a little on edge. Never been on a plane before.”

“Never?” I loosened the strap on his belt with a low chuckle. “Then why offer to take a flight?”

“It would be faster than a car.”

I rolled my eyes. “Then relax. It should only take an hour or so. Jordan will be picking us up and taking us to get a rental for the weekend.”

I went to grab my phone to call Val, only to realize it was in my duffel bag in the overhead compartment. I waited for the aisle to clear out before unbuckling myself.

Logan grabbed my arm, eyes wide. “Where are you going?”

“My phone is in my carry-on.”

“I’ll get it.” He went to move, but I stopped him. “No, you are strapped in way to tight.” I stepped over him and reached over to grab my duffel bag.

I unzipped the front pocket and pulled out my phone. It was already lighting up with notifications of texts from Val and Caleb. I responded to their texts and told them I would call when we landed.

I closed the duffel bag and pushed it back on to the overhead bin and stepped over Logan’s legs before taking a seat.

Logan stiffened, unbuckling himself.

I frowned. “What’s wrong?” The aisle was backed up with people loading their carry-on and finding their seats.

“I need some air.”

He began to rise but I stopped him. “You can’t just walk out to get air.” I sighed and stood up. “Take the window seat.” I rested my elbow on the headrest in front of me for support.

He didn’t decline and slid over to the window. Only when he did that, his knee knocked into mine causing me to unceremoniously fall into his lap. I turned my head and it hit his. I yelped. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” His hand rested on my thigh and lower back. I felt the heat from his touch through my clothes. “Personally, I would prefer it if we stayed like this the whole time.”

His eyes were vibrant and held amusement. His thumb started moving in slow circles on my thumb.

I parted my lips to say something…to do something, but I didn’t know what.

I suddenly became very aware of the people on this plane. Laughing nervously, I shoved myself away from him and buckled into the other seat tightly.

The plane began moving down, slowly pick up speed. I looked over to Logan and found him leaning his head against the seat, shutting his eyes tight.

I slipped my fingers through his and squeezed. “My parents are expecting us for dinner.”

His eyes remained closed, but his shoulders lost their stiffness. “Tonight?” I played with his fingers and watched the plane quickly rise into a takeoff. His breathing hitched.

“The Alpha isn’t expecting us until tomorrow, so I figured we could just stay with my parents.”

“Did they ask why we were in town?”

“I told them we were attending a conference for historians.”

He opened his eyes and looked at me, eyebrows raised. “Conference for historians?”

I shrugged. “They never asked for specific details.”

He laughed and then stared at our conjoined hands. “Did they ask about us?”

I moved my hand out of his. “They’re excited to see you again.” It wasn’t the answer he wanted but it was all he was going to get.

He smiled briefly before turning away and resting his head against the window.

The ride from the airport back to the house was an hour long and I found myself falling asleep to the sound of rainfall. With everything going on, it was the only time of peace I could get. Jordan and Logan talked the entire time, making it easy to drown them out and close my eyes.

I wasn’t Beta anymore. I hadn’t been one for long but I missed it already. I had grown close to the pack and found myself loving the work, but it was too much. To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing half the time but for some reason it worked in my favor.

Now that Logan was Beta again, I wasn’t really sure what to do with myself. I couldn’t go back to how things were done before. I winced at the thought of being called the Beta’s mate again. Things were different now. My title might be Beta Female again, but I wasn’t going to shy away anymore.

I dipped my head lower against the window as the sun glared on me.

At least I wouldn’t be sitting around. I would go insane.

“They invited almost the whole neighborhood.” Jordan turned the wheel as he drove off the freeway exit. “Mayor Archi is even coming to see you.”

I groaned. “I can never escape that man.” I thought I had seen the last of him all those months ago. “Of course, they would invite everyone they know. I’m gone for almost a year and they throw a party for my return.”

“They’re just excited to see you. They’ve only ever heard you over the phone.”

“I was only ever allowed phone calls.” I glared a burning hole at the back of Logan’s head. A couple minutes later, Jordan turned into our neighborhood. Longing filled my stomach, along with excitement. I missed home.

“What are you planning on tell them?” He pulled into the familiar driveway and put the car in park.

“Guess we’ll just have to wing it.” I pulled the latch and opened the door.

Logan grabbed the suitcase from the trunk and followed me inside while Jordan went around back to find my parents.

I sighed in relief as I made it up the stairs to my room, but frowned the moments I walked in.

I had forgotten how much I had moved out of the room. It had lost most of its personality and a sense of me. No longer were there posters on the walls and drawers and closets filled to the brim with clothing. I had taken almost everything from this room. Uprooted my entire life for a werewolf who was supposed to be my forever. Now, we were at a standstill.

A thud by the door brought me away from my thoughts. Logan set the suitcase on the ground and unzipped it. “We should probably change.” He grabbed a bundle of clothes before standing up.

I looked away. “Second door on the right.” Indicating where the bathroom was up here. He nodded and left quietly.

I walked over to my closet and rummaged through the clothes I left behind.

I picked up a lavender sundress and quickly changed into it. I tied my hair into a high ponytail and put hoop earrings on. I slipped into a pair of flipflops just as Logan came back in.

“Ready?” He leaned against the door and reached his hand out for me. I threaded my fingers through his hands and felt the heat of his palm. Ignoring my heart, I led him to the backyard.

We remained apart for the rest of the night. He spent most of the night next to my dad grilling and cracking jokes. I spent my time trying to catch up with people, but my eyes always drifted back to him. Some women flocked him a couple hours ago, but my mom had shooed them all away, complaining that there weren’t enough burgers. She winked at me before leaving to talk to someone else.

I had a feeling my parents could tell something was wrong. If they did, they didn’t say anything.

The drink in my hand was getting flat so I dismissed myself from a couple people and headed to the cooler. I smiled when I spotted my favorite drink. Just as I was about to reach for it, another arm shot out and grabbed it. “That was mine!” I looked up and my frown turned into a smile as I came face to face with none other than Zac Archibald.

“It’s been a long night. I deserve this.”

I scoffed before squeezing him into a hug. “I’ve been waiting all night for you to show up.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting, but I’m a very busy person.” He kissed my head and wrapped his armed around me. “Been awhile, Rosetta.”

I snatch the bottle away from him, causing him to pout. I scoff. “You are definitely under age and your parents are right over there.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “That hasn’t stopped me before.” I shook my head. At least he hadn’t changed much. He placed his arm around my shoulder. “Let’s catch up, shall we?”

I laughed and allowed him to lead me away, but not before my eyes briefly met Logan’s. His face hardened before he looked away.

Zac led me straight through the house and into the living room. We sat on opposite sides of the couch, facing each other. With a tilt to my head, I scanned him up and down with calculating eyes. I smirked. “Let me guess: You’re sleeping with some politician’s daughter.”

He chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Remember Dad’s intern?”

I nodded and took a swig from the beer. “Sasha, was it?”

“Well Sasha has been promoted from intern to assistant and is also my girlfriend.”

I smacked him in surprise. “Ow, Rosie.”

A huge grin rose up my face. “How long?”

“Almost seven months.”

I smacked him again, bringing out another yelp from him. “Okay, that has got to stop,” he said while rubbing his arm.

“I’m so proud of you! You’re all grown up now.”

He rolled his eyes before grabbing the beer from my hands and bringing it to his mouth. He eyed me and I shook my head. He shrugged before drinking from it. Just this once then never again. He set it down and rolled up his sleeves. “What about you?”

I sighed before dropping my head.

“Trouble in paradise?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe.”

He grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “You guys are mates. I’m sure it’ll work itself out. You can’t stay away from each other for long.”

“I beg to differ. My friend from the pack and her mate have not been on the best terms for the past couple years, and only now he’s fighting for her.”

He dipped the beer towards me before taking it in again. “My point exactly.”

I took the beer from him and said, “I’m cutting you off,” and then proceeded to down the rest of it. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and set the bottle down on the coffee table. I burped once and scrunched my face. “The rules are different with me, Zac. I’m human. I don’t feel to the extent of what he’s feeling. My senses aren’t dialed to a hundred.”

“You’re saying you don’t feel the same way he does?”

“I don’t even know what he’s feeling. The only way I could is if he marked me and that is not happening any time soon.” I groaned and massaged my temples. I didn’t want to talk about this anymore. For the past year, my thoughts had been clouded with Logan. My mind was filled with so many good and bad memories that kept resurfacing. I was tired of putting all my focus on him. I was only here to help him negotiate with this pack and nothing else. Nothing else would come out of this trip. Just me and Logan. Together.

Zac left along with most of the people invited. A few stragglers remained but left minutes later. Currently, I was with my mom cleaning the kitchen while Logan was with my dad cleaning the backyard and grill. I turned the tap on and watched Logan and him through the window that looked out the backyard. Dad and Logan got along great. They were good at keeping the conversation going and never leaving an awkward space. Dad really liked Logan and whenever he called me he had always asked about Logan, more than mom did.

Logan went around the backyard picking up any leftover trash while Dad scrubbed away at the grill. They were still talking and laughing.

Mom interrupted my thoughts and asked, “You seemed off tonight. Everything okay?”

I nodded, eyes still following Logan’s every move. He let out a huge laugh, clutching his stomach. His dimple appeared on his cheek. I frowned.

“The two of you made sure to be on opposite sides the entire time.”

I turned to look at her with surprise.

“Oh, don’t give me that look. I’m your mother; I notice these things.”

I gripped the island and dropped my head. The words were out before I could stop myself. “Momma.” My voice shook as tears threatened to fall.

She stopped putting dishes into the dishwasher and looked at me. “Sweetheart.” She engulfed me into a hug causing my tears to fall and my body to shake. I wrapped my arms around her and shut my eyes. I missed her comfort. “What happened.”

I couldn’t get the words out properly. “He broke my heart.” She smoothed down my hair and tried to console me but I shook my head.

“Has he apologized?”

I nodded. “Every day.”

“Does he love you?”

I sniffled. “He tells me every day.” She pulled one of her sleeves forward and wiped the tears from my face with a sad smile. “We can’t go back.”

“Why not?”

I moved away and sat on the barstool. “Because I told him I didn’t love him. I told him I hated him and would never forgive him.”

“Do you believe that?” Not even for a second.

I shook my head. “I’m tired, mom.”

She walked over to me and kissed my forehead. “Then rest. We have work tomorrow so we won’t be seeing you out. Whatever is going on between you two, don’t fret. Everything will fall into place and things will work out. And if they don’t,” she smiled. “You are my daughter and you do not need a man in your life to make you happy. You are stronger than you think.”

I smiled. “Love you.”

She rested her hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “Love you too. Now, go say goodbye to your father before you head up.” She went back to loading the dishwasher as I headed back to the backyard.

Logan’s shoulders stiffened at the sounds of me approaching. I knew with his enhanced hearing, he had heard every word spoken between my mom and me. I refused to look at him as I faced my dad.

I hugged him with everything I had. He might not have been my biological father but he was more than what I could ever ask for. “Just wanted to say goodbye.”

He frowned a little bit. “You okay?”

I waved him off but felt Logan’s hard stare. “I’m tired so I’m heading to bed.”

He nodded before kissing my forehead. “Alright, goodnight. Thank you for coming. Your mom and I have missed you all these months.”

I gave him a half-hearted smile before hugging him once again. My voice was muffled when I said, “I love you, Dad. You are like no other.”

He held on tighter. “Love you too, daughter. Sleep well. Call us when you reach the conference center.”

I let him go and turned around without saying a single word to Logan.

Tonight, I would be sad, but tomorrow, I needed to be prepared.

Hey guys!! I hope you didn't think I left you hanging. I have been trying to push myself to write this chapter, but I have had writer's block since finals ended. It is not my best chapter but I needed to fit everything I could so we can get the ball rolling, which is why it's extra long. Hope you guys will stick me with me till the end. I'm trying to finish this story by the end of the summer! Don't forget to comment, like, and share the story with your fellow readers. Thank you for being patient!

-Gemini