Beta (complete)

2

Titus followed me back to my apartment though I hadn't said a single word to him the entire time. I think he found my stubborn silence amusing even if I wasn't aiming for amusement.

"Do you not understand what is going on?" He asked.

I turned to him and scoffed. Did he think I was an idiot? Granted, I hadn't exactly portrayed intelligence in his presence but he didn't have to assume I was below average.

"I have a pretty good idea. We are mates so you assume I'm going to fall hopelessly in love and be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen for the rest of my life," I said bitterly.

He laughed, a melodic, wonderful sound I could listen to forever.

"That would be ideal but something tells me you don't agree."

"Clearly," I dead panned.

"Why are you so opposed?" He asked curiously.

"Does it matter? It's my future now, isn't it?" I asked though I'll admit, I sounded more bitter than I intended.

He shrugged lightly, "What do you want?"

"I want to not waste my degree and finish my phd."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-two. Why?"

"Just making sure you're legal. What did you major in?"

"Double major," I corrected, "Biology and chemistry."

He looked slightly surprised, "What do you want to do with that?"

"I wanted to finish med school but apparently that's not happening."

"Elizabeth-"

"Lizzy," Adrian sang as he walked through the door.

I knew how possessive normal wolves were but Titus being a Beta as well as me being his mate, well, he would kill Adrian and ask questions later. I stepped between Titus and the door Adrian was walking through to avoid any sort of death in the apartment.

Adrian's jaw just about hit the floor when he realized someone else was here.

"Beta, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were here," Adrian quickly apologized.

"Who is this," Titus demanded of me. I could tell he did not understand the situation; he didn't know Adrian was gay.

"He's my roommate," I said fast.

"The hell he is! You will not live with another man," he responded in outrage.

"You really don't understand. Adrian is gay and has a mate. There is zero competition," I assured.

"No, there is not," Titus agreed, "because he no longer lives here."

"What?! You can't do that!" I complained.

"I can and will. You are my mate and you will not live with another man."

"You found your mate," Adrian asked excitedly.

I scowled at his horrible timing, "Not really an appropriate conversation right now," I said.

"Beta, if I may, Lizzy and I living together has really cut down on the amount of men asking her out. It might be good for me to stay," Adrian tried.

I finally met Titus's warm, hazel eyes, silently pleading him to reconsider. I noticed him completely melt at my expression though he looked irritated.

"Ten damn minutes and you already know," he mumbled, "Fine. But if anything happens, I will kill you," Titus said.

Adrian nodded and tossed me an excited look. I rolled my eyes in response. Leave it to Adrian to still think Titus is a breathing Adonis.

"I have homework," I trailed. I really just needed to be alone to process this new information.

Adrian took the moment to squeeze past us and head to his room. Titus looked disappointed that I wasn't just falling at his feet the way I'm sure every other female did.

"So you plan on rejecting me then?" He asked. He may have covered the hurt well but I knew it was there.

"That would be stupid of me."

"Then what's your plan?"

"I am accepting you as my mate but I want you to understand I'm not leaving school. I graduate in a month and-"

"I wouldn't ask that of you. For now, we'll make it work."

I half smiled, "Thanks, Titus."

"I do have something you should know," he said cautiously.

I cocked my head to the side at his tone. Whatever he was about to say wasn't good.

"I have a son."

I cringed at the thought of him being with anyone else, showing another woman intimate affection when he was supposed to be mine, it hurt. I didn't even know him and it hurt.

"He's two months old... it was a drunken mistake and as soon as he was born, his mother took off and I haven't heard from her since. I know this isn't something you were hoping for but it is the situation I am in."

"Um- I..." I didn't know what to say. I was too young to deal with a kid. How would I even begin to know what to do?

"I'll let you do your homework," he said as he turned to leave.

"Wait."

He turned back, setting his eyes on me, waiting for me to go on.

"May I meet him?"

"Just tell me when you're ready," he said with a megawatt smile.

I exhaled roughly as I pushed loose bangs back behind my ear.

"Well, I seriously doubt I'm going to get anything accomplished," I glanced down at my watch, "Come on, I'll make us dinner."

Adrian tried sneaking past us as we made our way to the kitchen but I stopped him.

"Where are you going?"

"Liam's...figured you might want some privacy," he said coyly.

I rolled my eyes and continued into the kitchen with Titus. Suddenly, I was very nervous about cooking for him. What if he didn't like it or I wasn't as good as I thought?

"What do you want to eat?" I asked over my shoulder.

"Whatever you're making is fine. What do you need help with?"

"Nothing. You can sit there and start talking," I said.

"About?"

"What's your son's name?"

"Christian."

"Christian Collins, huh?"

"Christian Andrew Collins," he amended.

I nodded as I started cutting up raw chicken, "I like it. Is he the future Beta?"

"He is unless my Alpha doesn't have a son then Christian will be Alpha."

"Really?" I asked as I turned to him.

"Yes. My Alpha, Zachary, his mate died before they had children and he never got over it."

"When did she die?"

"A few years ago. Our fathers were still in power when it happened."

"Weird."

I thought it was strange the Alpha was still allowed to take over even though he didn't have an heir. Usually the power would just transfer to the Beta.

"I was offered the position because of Christian but declined," he explained.

"Why?"

I guess I was a little jaded regarding Betas since mine was so cruel.

"It's Zac's position. It shouldn't be taken from him because he is unmated."

I nodded in acceptance as I seasoned the chicken and put it in a skillet and started cutting up vegetables to toss in with the meat. I felt his eyes on me, watching my every move but I never felt uncomfortable. I found myself wanting him to watch me, I wanted him to be as attracted to me as I was to him.

"How old are you?" I asked curiously.

"Twenty-six. Is that an issue?"

"Just making sure you're legal," I used his words against him.

He laughed lightly, "Fair enough. So what's your story?"

I shrugged, added the veggies to the mix, and placed a lid on top.

"There's not much to tell."

"What is your family's rank?"

I bit my lip, "We don't have one..."

"You don't?"

"Nope. We're just normal, every day wolves. Nothing special."

"Your Alpha knew you by name though."

I nodded as I sat next to him, "He's never been a fan of mine."

"Why?" he asked suspiciously.

Do I tell him the real reason my Alpha doesn't care for me? How would he take it? I mean, I would have to tell him eventually so what better time than now?

"Okay, you have to promise you won't be mad," I said cautiously.

"Did you sleep with him?" He asked tightly.

"No," I said quietly, "That's the problem."

"He wanted you to?!"

"It was a couple years ago and-" I started to explain but he cut me off.

"Did you date him?"

I pursed my lips for a moment, "I've never dated anyone."

"Anyone?"

"That's what I said."

"So you're-"

He didn't finish his sentence but I had a feeling he was going to ask about my virginity. I knew the question would eventually come up and I already knew he wasn't a virgin so I should disclose my status.

"I'm a virgin."

"Good," he said with a relieved smile, "I would have hated to fight with your current Alpha."

"Yes, well, I was saving myself for, well I guess you," I mumbled with realization, "And he asked me out a few times but I declined and ever since then he hasn't liked me much."

"I see. Well I couldn't be happier that you saved yourself for me," he said proudly, "Though I wish I could say the same about myself."

I went to stir the mix on the stove but really, I just didn't want him to see my jealousy. I was envious of the other women he slept with because I always wanted to be my mate's first. I thought it would be special but I understood and didn't hold it against him. I knew male wolves had it rough when it came to controlling their primal urges. They were designed to be that way, territorial, protective, and at times overbearing. It only got worse the further up in rank they were. Honestly, I was surprised he hadn't staked his claim on me yet. I was sure the urge to claim what was his would be coursing through him.

"So how many have there been?" I asked.

"Why do you want to know?"

"So I can know how long to be mad."

"You're mad? Or are you jealous?" He asked with a devious smirk.

I rolled my eyes and went back to stirring, "Tell me."

"Ten."

I nodded, trying so hard to not let it affect me but I failed miserably. I wondered how I would feel every time I looked at Christian. Would I resent him because he was the product of Titus being with another woman? Could I bring myself to love Christian and care for him as if he was my own son?

"Are you disappointed?" He asked.

I shrugged, "A little but I understand."

"Can you accept Christian?"

Fair question, I guess. I put the lid back on and sat next to him, resting my chin in my palm.

"I'm not going to lie, I'm young and a little selfish. I care more about school than I do my own health so throwing a kid in the mix, especially one that isn't mine is going to be rough."

He nodded as if he was deep in thought, "You know, I hardly know you but I would do anything for you...but my son will always come first."

I smiled lightly at him, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear."

"Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page."

"Yep. So I guess you don't have much time for hobbies outside of being Beta and Christian."

"No, not really," he agreed, "What about you?"

"I dance," I said absently.

"What kind of dance?"

"Ballet. But, I don't have much time these days."

"School?" He guessed.

"Yea. I go to school from eight to three then homework or studying the rest of the night."

"I thought you said you're twenty-two," he said confused.

I nodded, "I am."

"How are you graduating from medical school?"

I couldn't help but flash him a big smile, "I was accepted at fifteen."

He looked surprised by how young I was and how quickly I finished school.

"Are you a genius or something?"

"Card carrying member of MENSA," I said proudly.

"So my mate is a certified genius," he mused.

"So what are you going to do with that?"

"I always wanted to be a pack doctor. Would you be opposed to that?"

"Do whatever will make you happy," he encouraged, "I think that's an excellent career choice. Until we have children," he added.

I laughed nervously. I had never had sex and I did not want to think about children yet but I knew he was at a different point in life and he was ready to settle down and have a family. Hell, I didn't even know if I was capable of pleasing him considering my lack of experience. He would know what do with me but I didn't want it to be one sided. I wanted him to be happy with me and that meant I wanted to satisfy him in every way possible.

"Let me adjust to Christian first," I said nervously.

I didn't give him a chance to respond before I got up to finish dinner. I sprinkled a little hot sauce in the pan and stirred everything around. What if I never felt ready for kids? I didn't have much of a choice since Christian was already in the picture.

I pulled out plates and silverware and started piling up a plate for Titus before serving myself. I couldn't believe I felt anxious giving him his plate but I did. I sat and carefully took a bite. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as he took his first bite though I'll admit, I was more focused on his features once I looked at him. He really was perfect and I wondered how more women hadn't thrown themselves at him. Maybe they had but he didn't go for them. I noticed a light scar just under his left ear and running down to disappear under his shirt. I wondered how he got that. It must have been horrible because usually wolves don't scar.

"This is amazing, Elizabeth," he commented, "Where did you learn to cook?"

"Taught myself," I said with a light smile. I doubted he knew exactly how much his opinion meant to me and it would probably be best to keep that to myself for now.

"Of course you did. What else have you taught yourself?"

"Everything," I said a little uncomfortable.

I didn't like talking about all the things I taught myself because it meant I had to talk about my family. That was not something I really wanted to discuss at the moment.

"Everything?" He asked skeptically.

I set my fork down, feeling my nerves go haywire. He had a right to know how I grew up and what led me to be the way I am.

"My parents abandoned pack life right after I was born for a religious cult. I was raised in a setting that did not allow it's members to read or write so any child born into the cult was illiterate. My parents sent me to stay with my brother on weekends so no one could accuse them of cutting me off from the pack and when I was with him, I took his daughter's books and taught myself how to read and write. When I was about seven, I would go to the junior college and just read on every subject I could. I had mastered Shakespeare by nine and animal physiology by ten."

I looked over at him to gauge his reaction to my story. There was nothing glamorous or proud in my childhood. I hadn't grown up in a loving home. I only had Adrian and that was because I secretly taught him how to read and write. We were close because we helped each other survive as children.

"So how did you end up here and in college?" He asked. I could sense he was masking a great deal of anger listening to my childhood but he wanted to know.

"My parents...um, they knew something bad was going to happen and they sent me to my brother's... three days later, they were dead. I was almost eleven when it happened and when I took the standardized tests to see what grade I should be in, I tested at a college level. I was put in specialized classes and graduated high school just before I turned fifteen and went to college."

I ended my emotionless tale and went back to eating. I knew it would look odd if I didn't cry or feel bad about the situation but I had worked so hard to lock away that part of my life, I wasn't going to let this crack that open. Perhaps some day I would allow myself to grieve the loss of my childhood and parents but I had too many other things to focus on.

"That is... that's an amazing history. It certainly explains a lot."

"Like what?"

"The OCD, the-"

"I do not have OCD. I just happen to know that everything has a place and time and that without order, things fall apart."

A teasing smile played on his lips, "Whatever you say, Elizabeth."

I heard his phone ringing but he seemed to ignore it in favor of looking at me.

"Aren't you going to get that?"

"You don't mind?"

"No. Could be important."

He answered his phone so I took the opportunity to clean up the dishes and start the dishwasher.

He sighed, "Sorry, but Christian won't stop crying. I'm going to see if I can calm him down."

I turned back to him and nodded as I dried my hands.

"You could come with me if you want," he offered, "No pressure though."

I chewed on my lip, thinking. I wasn't sure if I was ready to meet Christian yet but I guess now is as good a time as any. I looked down at what I was wearing a remembered I was still in running attire.

"Do you mind that I'm dressed like this?"

He offered me a half smile, "You're beautiful in anything, I'm sure."

I couldn't help but blush a little at his comment but if he thought I looked fine, then I was fine.

"Okay, well, lets go," I mumbled.

His smirk widened a bit, "After you."

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