Beta's Second Chance

Time

Matthias finally arrived at his home, but before arriving, he contacted Laura through mind-link to find out about their arrival. Laura was initially surprised, but knowing her husband's tone, she knew it was severe. The two arrived; Laura stood by the door, waiting for them both. Once Matthias and Jessica were out of the car, Laura went to them and hugged Jessica.

Jessica hugged back. "I-I'm sorry if I am intruding on your family. I-"

"There is no need to apologize, Jessica. I got the room ready." Laura led Jessica and Matthias into the house and to one of the guest bedrooms on the lower level. 

While walking by the living room, Waylen was playing with his legos when he saw Jessica. He stood and ran to her. "Hey, I remember you! You're Uncle Rickon's girlfriend!"

Everyone stopped and looked at the mischievous boy. Jessica cleared her throat while blushing, and Matthias and Laura shook their heads. "Waylen, remember what I told you about not butting in adult business. Mind your manners, young man," Matthias said sternly. He noticed his son flinch. He didn't like raising his voice at his son but couldn't afford for Waylen to burst out things he shouldn't. Matthias and Laura showed Jessica to the guest room, where her luggage was on the side of her bed. 

"I hope this is to your taste; I know it's not like your other room," said Laura.

"No, it's perfect. Again, I appreciate you both. I promise that I will not be a bother."

Matthias smiled. "Nonsense and don't worry, we will get to the bottom of who vandalized your car and room. Rickon will put an end to it. Please relax and we will have dinner later." The door was closed, leaving Jessica on her lonesome while the couple walked far so as not to be heard. Matthias and Laura walked to their backyard, where they had more privacy. The Alpha began to pace while letting out a sigh. "Sorry for the short notice, my love. However, the situation was dire."

Laura put her arms around herself. "I heard you say that Jessica's room and car were vandalized, was it the possible murderer?"

"No, since only Jessica's room and vehicle were vandalized, I am led to believe that Andrea was responsible." He stopped pacing as he looked at his wife. "There was writing on the walls that made me suspect it was her."

Laura shook her head. "You and I always knew that Andrea was not mentally stable and we warned Rickon not to be with her. Now, look at the situation that he put himself and Jessica through. So, what will happen now?"

"I will let Rickon handle the situation since he hasn't told Jessica the truth about his identity and his ex. I told him that I will not let Jessica live with him until he tells her truth and when he finds Andrea."

The Luna bit her lower lip as she slowly went to her husband. "What happens if Andrea is not found and does something worse?" Laura knew what would happen but hoped her husband would reconsider his choice.

Matthias wrapped his arms around his wife. "I know you don't like to see the dark side of our pack's laws, but you know we have them for a reason. I'm sorry, but if Andrea does something that would danger the lives of anyone in the pack or any human, you know what needs to be done." He hugged Laura tighter; he knew that Andrea was mentally unstable, but he believed that it was no excuse for her to harm anyone. "Now, we need to talk with Waylen and tell him not to say anything regarding our identities.

Meanwhile, Maverick arrived at his home and went into his garage, where he parked and turned off his car. When Iris first saw his home, she was amazed by its beauty and simplicity. The house seemed well hidden in the forest area, but what also intrigued her was the small village they went through. She didn't know that people could live in the forest, but the people looked at peace when driving through the many homes. "I-I never thought that there was a small village within the forest. I guess people prefer living one with nature."

Maverick had a slight smile on his lips. "I guess you can say that. The people here are...different and enjoy the tranquil ways of life. Come on, I will show you where you will be sleeping. I was hoping we could eat something and relax." He then led her to one of the rooms closest to his. He desperately wanted to sleep beside her; the urge to have someone to hold was firm. "I hope you like it; I know it's not much but-"

"It's perfect, Maverick." Iris entered the room while looking around. There was a queen-sized bed; on the left side of the room, there was a closet and wooden cabinets. A sizeable wooden mirror was on the right side, and next to it was a plasma television. A long wooden bookshelf with books, DVDs, and VHS movies was by the door. Maverick put her bags by the bed and was about to leave. "Maverick, you said that you had something to tell me."

"Yeah, but I was hoping tonight that we could-"

"No, I can't wait that long." The truth was that Iris felt nervous about what he had to tell her. She was also afraid it would be terrible; her experience with Derek made her think that way. "I know you wanted a dinner date, but I feel you are trying to butter me up for something." She walked to Maverick, who looked at her with uncertainty. Iris then wrapped her arms around his muscular body. "If I have to be honest, after the day you tried to...end your life, I felt there was more to you. Call me crazy, but I felt a strong pull toward you."

It was silent, and Maverick massaged his eyes to prevent nervous tears from forming. He knew Iris would not rest until he told her what he wanted. "I want us to go outside. It will put me a little more at ease." When Iris let him go, he gently held her right hand and motioned her out of his home and toward the forest. Iris felt nervous about why Maverick would lead her away from his house, but she wanted to trust him. Maverick eventually stopped where endless large trees surrounded them. He let go of her hand and walked forward; his back was turned toward Iris. "Iris, you said that you felt a strong pull when you met me, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, there is a reason." Maverick felt sweat forming in the back of his neck. "I can't back out! I have to tell her the truth! She will have to know eventually." He tried to think of ways to tell her but felt that there was no other option. "D-Do you believe in the supernatural?"

Iris felt confused while noticing Maverick's nervousness. "I-I don't know. Maybe. Maverick, are y-you in a cult?" She slowly walked back to give herself some space.

"No, of course not." He tried to catch his breath as he massaged the back of his neck. "What I am about to tell you will be hard to believe. No matter what, I want to let you know that I would never hurt you. Do you believe me?"

"Maverick, what is going on? You're scaring me."

The Beta let out a quick grunt and took a deep breath. "Do you believe that werewolves exist?"

The question made Iris stiff; she didn't expect that sort of question. She thought it was a joke, but looking at Maverick, he looked serious. Then she thought more about the question and remembered the many fantasy and paranormal stories she read in books and online. When someone asked that sort of question, then it meant one thing: her eyes widened. "Maverick, what are you...trying to say?" she asked faintly.

Then, Maverick closed his eyes momentarily as he let his arms and hands reign down. "What I'm saying is that they exist, Iris." He extended his arms out. "I am a werewolf."