The Beta’s Regret

“Eros is now king…” they said,/making me chuckle bitterly as I stood on my feet. It felt irreal, Ree some twisend joke

First, I find out my friend, Nova, is dead. Murdered. And now I’m supposed to be queen? It was too morts.

Wasn’t Eros‘ cousin the king anymore? What happened? Why did Eros take back the crow?

Didn’t he just want to have a simple life with his future mate- which turned out to be me?

I wanted to scream my lungs out, but couldn’t. I was weak from so much crying

“So, let me get this straight. Nova’s gone and you’re now king. I’m supposed to step up and be queel wat kon togang to keep my voice steady.

His eyes softened, but I could see a hint of worry in them. “I know it’s a lot, Eden II didn’t want to tell you everything all ar once. I wanted you to rest and adjust…” He reached out and gently took my hand in his. “But fatags moved quickly The kingdom needs peace, and the council… they’re waiting for us.”

Arthur, Adonis, and Beauty- stood nearby, silently watching usArthur had a look on his face I couldn’t quite read Juver moments before, he was smiling but now, I’d caught a glimpse of something dark, a bitterness he quickly market. It reminded me of his betrayal in the other realm. How he was Eros beta and sold the kingdom to five esteties

Emotions clogged at my throat, and I looked away, shaking my head. I could be overthinking

“Why, though? King Pison has been on the throne all this time. What changed?” I asked.

Eros sighed as he ruffled his hair, trying to explain “The kingmakers council. They discovered sonte fangs out son. In turned out that my cousin was stealing funds meant for the kingdom–for packs and covers, and wing them for timet Se was also showing favoritism, and turning his back on those who needed him most

Arthur shifted uncomfortably.

“So… they just decided to replace him?” my voice came out croaky.

“They didn’t have a choice,” He answered, his voice low. They’re of the opinion that my father did vel as fte hot ng and that I would also do well. In their words, they need the legitimate heir back on the throne..

I glanced over at Adonis and Beauty, who were watching us with quiet concern. Beauty gave me a soul and aÍ encouraging me to speak.

“Eros, I don’t know how I feel right now. My friend is gone, and this new responsibility; It’s all just to mich wnicz cracked, and I swallowed hard.

“I need time to process everything.”

He took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging slightly. “I understand. I’ll give you all the time you need

After a moment, I whispered, “Can you take me to my family? I just.. I need to see my moen und Clea Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

He nodded as hurt flashed across his eyes “sure.”

The drive was quiet, and I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling in the air. As we passed through the pack uns. I that the streets were empty, the usual laughter and energy gone

“Why is everything so…. quiet?” I asked, glancing over at Eros

He didn’t look at me, his voice heavy. “Things changed, Eden. After the shift in leadership, Luna Lyra also running away and Theo is mentally unstable- there’s been tension. People are uncertain, even afraid.”

I swallowed, and folded my shaky hands. When Eros turned the engine off, I pushed the door open- not waiting for him to help me out. I just wanted to bask in the warmth of my old bed and cry myself to sleep.

I hadn’t expected any of this. I’d thought returning back would be better. It wasn’t.

We started walking towards the door and that was when the door burst open, with my mom crying after two people.

It was Olivia and Alpha Griffin with some luggage.

I felt my hybrid come alive, and I sped to where they were in full speed. Eros was soon standing beside me.

“Olivia?” I called, my voice trembling.

She looked over her shoulder, but instead of a warm, familiar smile, she scoffed “Oops! You’re back after all,”

My lips parted open in shock. I was back after all, and that’s that? Where’s the warm hug and kiss?

I just stared as she kept chewing some gum loudly and twirling her hair. She had dyed it from blonde to black. Her flashy, tight yellow blouse over a red skimpy skirt and block heels were screaming ‘attention‘.

She looked more like a stranger than my sister, And then, to my horror, she looked past me and winked at Eros, blowing him a kiss.

froze, disbelief washing over me. “Olivia, what are you doing?”

She ignored me, turning her attention back to Alpha Griffin “Let’s go, Dad.”

Who told her? How did she find out?

I’d found out that Alpha Griffin was my mom’s mate at Lyra’s wedding, and I’d happened to eavesdrop at Lyra’s mom and Mr Redwood, Theo’s father’s conversation.

Alpha Griffin merely looked away, checking the time of his wristwatch. Then he would stare at the red car parked some distance from Eros‘ car. I was invisible to him.

“Olivia, please!!” my mother cried as her hand reached for Olivia’s arm to stop her. “Don’t do this. Don’t leave us like this. See, your sister just got back. Please!”

But Olivia rolled her eyes, and shrugged her coldly. “Oh please! Mom, I’m tired of being stuck here, with all of you judging me. I want a new life. I’m done with this place.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. “Olivia, what are you talking about? Why are you doing this? Where are you going?”

She barely glanced at me, a sneer on her lips. “Maybe it’s time I started thinking about myself for once.”

With that, she turned and walked away, and Alpha Griffin followed behind her. They entered the car and drove off. I was shocked, and my mom started wailing as she sat helplessly on the floor.

Eros and I scurried to help her, but she wouldn’t be pacified. “He has taken her away from me..” she cried, slapping her thighs in agony as she looked at me. “Eden, she’s not the same anymore. Olivia has changed…”