Beta's Second Chance

Thoughtful

A week had passed, and it was almost the end of November; it was the day before Iris and Jessica were about to move into their new apartment. The young women were excited and packed everything they needed, and the moving company that Maverick and Rickon hired took some of the heaviest household objects. The apartment was practically empty except for a few boxes that would be taken when they were about to go to their new home.

Jessica went out to buy some Chinese food and some mocktails to celebrate. Iris stayed home, lying on the floor with some blankets and her phone, watching Netflix. While watching, her phone rang; it was Maverick. She answered the phone. "Hey, Maverick. I wasn't expecting a call since moving day is tomorrow."

"Hello, Iris. I know, but I just wanted to ensure everything was going okay on your side. Are you sure that you're not missing anything?"

The young woman smiled as she held the phone. "I'm sure. I appreciate your concern, Maverick. Jessica and I also appreciate you guys for helping us so much. Hey Maverick..."

"Yeah?"

"I have been worried about you."

Maverick was silent and confused on the other end. "Why?"

Iris bit her lower lip. "I noticed that you were quiet and thoughtful. You also looked kind of distant. I feel that something is wrong." The Beta bit his lower lip. He was at the hospital looking at the boy who was still unconscious. The young boy still hadn't woken up, and he would visit every day. Matthias and Rickon would also see, but Maverick decided that he would take responsibility for the child and had the need to be for him. "Maverick, please don't hide anything from me. If you're not happy about something, then..."

"It's not that, Iris. It's just that..."

"Maverick, please tell me. Is is something about us?"

"No, no, not at all. It's just that, I'm at the hospital."

Iris's eyes widened, and her heart raced with worry. "Oh my god, Maverick! A-Are you okay!? What happened!?"

"Calm down, Iris. I'm alright. It's just that a tragic accident happened." Maverick hesitated to tell Iris the truth but couldn't keep it from her. He wanted her to trust him since he knew the fact would be revealed eventually. "A family was going to move into those apartments but unfortunately were killed in an accident; the boy was the only survivor."

Iris felt her heart almost drop when hearing the news. The thought of the young boy losing his family and being the only survivor was very tragic. "Why didn't you tell me earlier Maverick? You shouldn't have to deal with this alone. I would have been there."

Maverick felt his heart skip a beat. He would have never thought that Iris would have a big heart. She truly cared about other people rather than her own. "I-I felt that this is more of my responsibility since they were going to be part of our pack."

"Pack?"

The Beta stilled when he realized what he had said: "Sorry, I'm not thinking straight. I have a lot on my mind, especially since you and Jessica will move in tomorrow." He hoped that changing the topic would make Iris forget what he had mentioned. Also, my boss, Matthias, and his wife would like to meet you and Jessica tomorrow."

It was silent on Iris, but she sighed. "Alright, that would be nice since he owns the apartments. Maybe after Jessica and I are settled in, I could visit the child with you. You shouldn't go through all this responsibility on your own."

"Iris, you-"

"I insist, Maverick. I know you work in the business world but you shouldn't have to do so much. Besides, since we are going out, we need to know more of one another and support one another. I will not be refused."

Maverick was amazed at her determination and stubbornness. His being felt warm and suitable, but he hadn't felt it in such a way since Ofelia. He knew that Iris would be a great addition to the pack and that they would be there for one another. However, he had to gain her trust to eventually tell her his truth slowly. "Alright, Iris. For now, focus on the move. Rickon and I will meet you, and Jessica will meet you at your apartment."

The two hung up. Iris looked at her phone. Deep in her heart, she was relieved there was nothing wrong between them. Iris couldn't deny that she feared she may have done something wrong for Maverick being so quiet. However, she was saddened at the thought that a family tragically died, leaving a child alone. If she were in that child's shoes, she thought it wouldn't be worth living if one didn't have anyone to be with. She felt her heart beating whenever she thought of Maverick and his kindness. Although he was kind, he still had a masculine and mysterious aura. Maverick knew when to use and hide his vulnerability; it amazed her that he changed so much when she stopped his suicide.   

Iris giggled as she returned to watching her movie, forgetting that Maverick mentioned a pack.

Meanwhile, Jessica finished paying for the takeout and had another bag. She was excited for the new beginning she and Iris would go through. Throughout the month, Jessica and Iris contemplated quitting and finding new jobs. Iris knew she wanted a fresh start to escape her old life; Jessica just wanted to escape the toxicity.

She walked toward the parking lot but accidentally bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry about that; I wasn't looking where I was..." Jessica stilled when she saw the person she bumped into. The young woman was about to drop everything she held; her eyes widened as the smell of alcohol hit her nose. The person looked at Jessica indifferently, taking a long gulp from the whiskey bottle. "Oh hell no, what are you doing here, Brianna?"