The Beta and his Mate

"The Beta and his Witch" Chapter 9

"So, what are you going to do now?" Josie asked Ethan and Sybil as they all sat at the patio table in the packhouse's backyard.

The war was over and Josie had just sent her brother, Jared, his wife, April, and their daughter, Marleigh into the werewolf realm to join the Royal Legacy pack. Josie and August's three kids, Kade, Kol, and Kassidy, were running around the backyard and Ethan couldn't help but laugh at their joy. He loved those kids like they were his own because they came from the man he called his brother. Being Uncle Ethan was just about the best title he's ever had, next to being Sybil's mate.

"Sybil needs to get back to the Emerald Coven. She's waiting for witches to be called back there." Ethan tried to explain and Josie snickered as he fumbled through it. Sybil laughed at her mate, too.

"I expected it to happen sooner but now I understand why no one has come. The ancestors were waiting to summon others until after this conflict was over, knowing that we would have to abandon the coven for the war." Sybil explained expertly.

"We really appreciate you both coming home to warn us." August said, his arm draped around Josie's shoulders and his hand squeezing her arm.

Ethan had his arms wrapped around Sybil who had been forced to sit on his lap, despite her arguments. Josie had laughed and said not to worry about it, that August made her sit on his lap all of the time, even during important meetings.

"Of course, you're still my family." Ethan said, grinning at his Alpha and Luna, "But, Sybil needs to be at her coven and I need to be her."

August and Josie exchanged a look that had Sybil worried for a moment. They both sighed and then looked back at their Beta.

"We know, Ethan." August said,

"What Sybil is doing is amazing," Josie smiled at Sybil, "And it needs to be done. I don't understand much about the world of witches, but, after dealing with the Council and their harsh injustice, I do understand the importance of maintaining a balance. The world needs the Emerald Coven, the coven needs Sybil, and Sybil and you need each other. We would never ask you to stay here." She spoke sweetly, reaching across the table to take Ethan's hand.

For a single second, Sybil felt the sting of jealousy, and then it was gone. She knew that Josie was like a sister to Ethan just as August was his brother. They were a family that had survived unspeakable things together long before Sybil came around. She was already forcing Ethan to live away from his family and his home, she would never deprived him of these moments.

"You'll always belong here, Ethan, Crescent Moon will always be your home and you'll always be its Beta. I'll name a Delta to help pick up any slack since Jared is gone and he's been the one filling in for you. Soon enough, Kade and Kol will be old enough to start taking on some duties, anyway." August said,

"And Kassidy." Josie added, giving him the look. August chuckled,

"And Kass."

"ARe you sure, August? I can renounce my title, I understand if...." August cut Ethan off before he could finish his sentence.

"No way. I'm sure. You're the Beta of Crescent Moon until Kade names a new one."

"And your children are welcome here, if you want them to train in a werewolf pack." Josie added.

Sybil blushed. She hadn't thought about having children with Ethan let alone the fact that those children might be half werewolf.

"Thank you." Ethan nodded, seeming to be unphased. Apparently he had been thinking about it.