The Beta's Challenge

Chapter 4

April's POV


Jasper woke me up the next day. Jumping on my bed before curling under the covers beside me.
“Lynnie, wake up.”
Keeping my eyes closed I pretended to be asleep, fake snoring included.
With a huff, he poked me in the face.
“Wake up, it’s Saturday.”
Again, I stayed quiet, ignoring his whines.
“It’s Saturday Lynnie. We have to go before all the good food is gone.”
He whined again. As he went to move away, I lunged for him, pulling him in for a hug.
Giggling, he struggled against me, trying to get out of my grip.
“Lynnie, get up.”
“Five more minutes.”
“Lynnie.”
“Fine, I’m up.”
Cheering, he jumped off the bed and rushed out of the door.
Getting up, I showered and changed. Jasper wouldn’t wait long, he never did on our days.
We all looked after him and Saturdays were my day because the workshop was too busy to have him running around.
So instead, I take him out. Every Saturday, we went to the café for breakfast, then we go to a movie and finish the day in the park.
It had become my favourite day of the week. Uninterrupted time with my favourite nephew. And way, way too many sweets and popcorn.
As soon as I left my room, Jasper ran to me, fully dressed and ready as he grabbed my hand and pulled me to the door.
As soon as I pulled up outside the café, I got out. Opening the door and unlocking Jasper from his car seat.
Seth smiled as Jasper rushed to the counter, eyeing the displays.
“Good morning Jasper, what we having today, sweet or savoury?”
Jasper made a face and Seth laughed.
“Sweet it is.”
As Seth plated up a selection of pastries and cupcakes, his eyes found mine.
Something made me smile, he wasn’t looking at me like I was the rude bitch who left her shift or ran from her mate. Instead, he was looking at me like he was worried about me.
Jasper found a table, Seth following with the tray of food. Putting it in front of the pup.
As soon as Jasper was occupied, Seth grabbed my arm pulling me behind the counter.
“We need to talk.”
Suppressing a groan, I nodded.
“Fine, but I don’t really have a lot to say on the mate matter. I am sorry for not telling you we’re wolves but it’s not something we really tell humans.”
Seth’s eyes widened slightly before shooting to Jasper.
“Explains how he eats so much I guess. I don’t blame you for not telling me, I get it. But I don’t understand why you ran, aren’t werewolves supposed to want their mates?”
I snorted.
“Depends on the wolf.”
Seth’s eyebrows furrowed. “Then why don’t you?”
“It’s a long story, but the short version is, I don’t want one. They only bring trouble.”
It’s true, every experience I’ve had to do with mates was awful.
“All of them? Hunter and Zoey seem happy and Conrad, he’s not a bad guy.”
Eden stirred at the mention of our mate, and I knew she was listening to Seth’s every word.
She was as sceptical as me, but her nature still made her want her mate, no matter how hard she fought it.
“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter, I don’t want one. I’m happy as I am. I don’t need some random guy I’ve never met.”
With a sigh he nodded. “Just promise me you’ll talk to him.”
When I shook my head he countered.
“Five minutes, that’s all. Before you give up on him completely.”
“Maybe.”
With a small smile, he nodded. Going back to work and letting me go back to Jasper.
Five minutes with my mate. I can do that right? I mean it’s not like I’m going to jump him.
Maybe… Eden said, sounding doubtful.
Shit.
I’m so screwed.