After that rather embarrassing event with Clark, Camilla went home for her online classes, leaving me with a full day ahead. I spent most of it working for my Dad, tackling a project I'd been chipping away at for years—digitizing all our pack records. It took forever, but success is success, no matter how slow.
I meticulously labeled and inventoried everything on our pack's shared drive, making sure to create backup copies on two separate hard drives for those "rainy days." The paper copies? I stored them in the library's archive section, which I'd had to reorganize. Apparently, no one in this pack reads hardcover books anymore—heathens! Dad often reminds me that the library is my baby. I had spent years designing that space in our pack house. It might not be grand, but to me, it's a sanctuary.
As I worked, I couldn't help but think back to the moment when the alpha had asked me to be his beta. I was over the moon—Mom and Dad were there, and we celebrated in the privacy of our home since the alpha had instructed us to keep it quiet. I had everything planned out, ready to take on the responsibilities with enthusiasm.
Ashley, the beta who had been helping us from the capital, was amazing. She guided us in modernizing our pack's operations and connecting us with the resources we needed to step into the 22nd century. Though I'd never met her in person, we had developed a close friendship through emails and chats. She shared insights about her role as a beta for the king and mentioned that the king had multiple betas. I'd heard from Dad that Ashley might even be the "Beta of betas," overseeing the others.
The thought of Ashley's expertise gave me hope. I wanted to follow in her footsteps, to help our pack thrive. As I wrapped up my day, I couldn't shake the feeling that my journey as a beta was only just beginning. With Clark and my mate bond adding layers to my life, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty about the future. Would I be able to balance everything and find my place not just as a beta, but also as someone who could support and uplift my pack? Only time would tell.
Anyway, I had a plan. I knew Clark is an idiot, so I planned to do everything I know Clark doesn't seem to care about but still needs to do. I planned on basically saving him in and out the battlefield. What Clark lacks, I will succeed on behalf of the pack. Well, all that came crashing down. Damn the goddess. Why me? Why?
Dad came into the office with Alpha while I was spinning around in his chair, venting my frustrations to the goddess. I stopped as the door burst open. "Hi!" I called out, ready to get up, but Dad motioned for me to stay seated. Confused, I resumed my position as they sat in the chairs facing me. I bit my lower lip and waited. What did I do now?
They exchanged glances before both looking back at me with smiles. I folded my arms on my lap and asked, "Why are you guys being creepy right now?"
Alpha laughed. "You look good in that seat... doesn't she, Jackson?" He turned to my dad with a grin.
Dad smiled back. "She sure does, Greg."
It took a moment to register what they were hinting at. I stood up, hand over my mouth. "Wait, wait, wait... are you serious?" My voice trembled with disbelief.
"Well, you were trained for this, haven't you?" Alpha asked.
Before I could stop myself, I rushed toward them, throwing my arms around Alpha Greg first and then my dad. I cried—like, full-on ugly crying—overwhelmed with joy. They laughed at my emotional state as I clung to them.
I finally pulled away and turned to Alpha Greg. "I will not disappoint you, Alpha. I'll do my best for Alpha Clark and our pack. You have my word and my loyalty." I bowed deeply to him. Then I faced my dad. "It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of an honorable beta," I said, bowing again.
I saw pride in Dad's eyes as he pulled me into a tight hug. "It is an honor to have you as a daughter," he whispered.
After a few moments, he gently pushed me away. "I think we should let our new beta get back to work, Greg," he said, nodding at Alpha.
Alpha nodded, and they both stood. Dad patted me on the head, and they headed out of my office.
As realization washed over me, I knew right away what had happened. Clark kept his promise. I was so excited! I took out my phone, thinking of calling him, but then I remembered Facebook. I clicked on the app and saw his message. A smile spread across my face as I closed my eyes for a moment, reveling in this new reality. Beta Addison, Beta Adi, Beta Golson... wait, no, that's Dad. Beta Leah... Beta ALG... ew.
Anyway, back to Clark. I clicked on Messenger and started typing:
Hey! Just wanted to say thanks for believing in me. I can't wait to get started!
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should add something more personal, then hit send. This was just the beginning, and I was ready to embrace it all.
'Hey...Babe...LOL', he replied
'Hahaha funny...I got some time for lunch today'
'Sorry just got busy...but I do have time for dinner'
Well, sh** that backfired...I just wanted to lunch not a full dinner. Think think think think....fine.
'Great...dinner it is...my place?'
'Addison Leah Golson...are you asking me out on a date? And at your house?' *wink emoji*
I swear I can hear the smirk in his reply. Damn it...I should have seen that trap coming. No chicken out now.
'Don't tell me you're one of those guys that wants to make the first move all the time?'
'Maybe....Maybe not...you can find out tonight'
Oh great...now he's flirting. Alright time to end this.
'Dinner tonight 630...don't be late'
And I put my phone away.
I told my parents that Clark and I were having dinner at our house tonight. I knew they had plans to go out, so I figured we could use the place. My mom was thrilled and got ready hours early for their dinner date out of town, practically dragging my dad along with her.
We're a close family, and I don't like lying to them. I'm pretty sure they don't lie to me either... I think. So, I decided to be honest about my situation with Clark and our beta/luna experiment. At first, they were a little skeptical, but they trust me. They assured me they'd stand on the sidelines and let me make my own decisions.
I love them for that. It felt good to have their support, even if they were cautious. It gave me the confidence to navigate this new chapter with Clark. As I prepared for dinner, I couldn't help but feel excited about what the night would hold.
Anyway, I got my pasta ready—my "nunu's," as I called it when I was little. The garlic bread was nice and crunchy, and I made extra pasta sauce just in case Mr. Alpha wanted more. I even had a green salad, courtesy of my mother, because I'm definitely not a salad person. And for dessert... don't judge me, but I had Oreos and Saraja hot sauce.
At exactly 6:30 PM, the doorbell rang. Finally, someone decided to use the doorbell properly! I opened the door, and his scent hit me like a wave. There he was, looking sharp in his best Sunday suit—color me impressed! He wore black dress pants with a dark blue dress shirt tucked in (my favorite color... I guess he knows that already). His red hair was neatly combed back, and he had shaved too. Oh damn. And in his hands... Oreos?
"Hey, I thought I'd bring these," he said with a grin, holding up the package.
"Nice choice," I replied, trying to play it cool, even though my heart was racing. This was going to be an interesting night.
