The Touch of Demise │18+

42: A Beta's Farewell

DEMISE

He knew when Goliath entered that their conversation would not be lighthearted. The way Goliath held his hands from behind himself told Demise that there was something within the Beta's head that had to be spoken about.

"Goliath, what is it?" Demise stood from his desk and walked to his friend. It was an oddity that Demise showed care for anyone other than Grace, but Goliath knew that she was changing him. Grace made Demise feel as if he could be gentle with anyone, not simply her.

Goliath looked into his friend's red eyes. "I need to go over to the faelands."

Demise looked concerned, his head twisting as if he didn't understand. Goliath held his stare. "You mean to say, you need to go over now?"

The primus held his words as Goliath nodded.

"What has happened," Demise asked.

A hesitant murmur. "I hear her."

Silence filled the room, and Demise was frozen to his spot. "What do you mean, Goliath?"

"I hear her voice in my head," he whispered. He couldn't understand it either. "And she's screaming for help. She's crying for me," he continued. "It's breaking me."

Demise felt his heart fall into his stomach as he stared at his friend. "Your mate," he said. "But it is only myself and Grace who can mindlink within the packs."

The other man shook his head, his voice never faltering. "My," he started. "She isn't within the packs." And he said it as if it was truth; as if he had never said anything more factual in his life.

Demise thought for a moment, and asked himself if he was Goliath's King or friend first. He set a hand n Goliath's shoulder and nodded. "Then you must go."

"You need me here. I can't leave my position."

"You go over first and we will meet you there. Brother," he said and Goliath had to step back from the weight of the word. "There is no greater calling or destiny than our mates."

»»————-　　————-««

GRACE

Grace could tell that when she entered Demise's office that he and Goliath had been speaking about something important. The room turned heavy with unsaid words. She rounded Demise's desk and as usual, he stood to greet her, and then kissed her.

"What is going on," she asked, her eyes going between the two men.

"Goliath is going over to the faerie lands before us."

Her eyes widened and she shook her head. "No, he isn't. Why would he go alone?"

"We need someone to step in before we both go in," Demise explained.

"You mean before I go in."

"No," Goliath said. "You both are the monarchs of these lands and you are both strong, but we cannot send both of you over without knowing what awaits."

"Yet we can send you? No." Her arms crossed. She was adamant that this would not happen. If one went over, they all went over. End. Of. Discussion. Goliath wasn't any less valuable than them just because he wasn't a ruler. She'd offer herself to take his place, but she knew he was stronger than her in virtually every way.

"Grace-"

"No." Silence radiated throughout the office. If he would tell her otherwise then that would simply prove their power differential.

Goliath looked at her and then Demise. His hands were carefully clasped behind his back as he glanced between his two rulers. "I want to go. I have been over to the fae realm before and I have met almost every regent there. I not only have the physical capabilities to survive but I am also gifted in ways other gammas are not."