Not just the Beta (Oriana and Slade) novel Chapter 153

Ana

She heard what had happened from Londyn and could actually see Ocean; that despite Ocean’s reaction to Slade at the café the other day. Her daughter was worried about the fact that he’d been hit by their Jeep, and that the Jeep had to be towed away for repairs.

Her little girl had seen the damage to the vehicle, and her and Londyn had actually been brought home by Palmer and Yuri themselves. She could smell Slade and Yuri on those blankets that, apparently, Palmer had wrapped around Ocean and Londyn. She understood why Slade’s, because none of his unit would be game to wrap up their Alpha’s daughter in anything but something of his.

But Yuri’s scent on the blanket that was around Londyn? That was a full curiosity, and she wondered if Palmer had picked something up from Londyn. It was completely possible, she supposed. Londyn was still actually sitting with it in her lap. It was neatly folded now, but she’d not let it go.

Ana let it go; neither of those men had stayed. Just dropped them off and headed out. They already knew Londyn lived here, likely now understood they all lived here as well. It was going to come out at some point, she didn’t get mad about it.

She and China had checked Ocean over for injuries, she didn’t have a wolf yet, was too young and Ana knew seatbelts could in fact do quite a bit of damage to small children in car accidents. It could cause internal bleeding and intestinal perforation, if the seatbeat wasn’t worn correctly, and sometimes one wouldn’t know until it was too late.

China had put her nose to their child and smelled her for the scent of blood, had checked her for redness and bruising or abrasions along the seatbelt lines. There was nothing. Londyn had assured her she’d not been going that fast, the road had been icy, and she’d dropped her speed and had been driving to the conditions; it was more of a shock than anything else.

But still they would look for signs of internal trauma. Ocean had only been out of her booster seat for a few months now, had itched to be out of it and kept telling her she felt like a baby in it. But there were safety requirements to be followed.

Age, height and weight and Ana was not having her little girl injured by coming out of her booster seat early. No, she had to wait until she met the legal requirements, to keep her safe when travelling in a car. All their cars had three-point safety belts on all seats, no straight lap sash seatbelts. Ana had told Ocean that any pain or feeling unwell, and she wanted to know right away. Ocean had nodded and agreed to tell her if there was.

Ana had sat down with Ocean on the lounge and stated “He’ll be alright, Ocean Wolves, as you know, are big and tough. They can also heal themselves. He, being Alpha-blooded, will heal quickly.”

“But?” Ocean had murmured quietly.

“He got up and kept on going, Ocean. So it’s likely he wasn’t badly injured at all, just a few cuts and “I wouldn’t have thought he’d do that, considering all the flirting the man does with you.” Londyn chuckled.

“Me either, he was considerate of the situation.” Zara nodded as she got up. “It’s late sweetie,” she returned her attention to Ocean. “Why don’t you let mummy put you to bed.”

Ocean nodded and Ana stood up, and walked Ocean to her room and popped her into her bed and sank down next to her “He’s fine, and…” she held in the sigh, wanting to escape her. “You’ll see him yourself tomorrow, got that dinner with him, remember.”

“Are you coming?” Ocean asked her.

“Yes, I’m not letting you go on your own.” Ana nodded. “Get some sleep, it’s very late.” She tucked her in and kissed her forehead before heading out of the room and closing the door.

Ana headed back to the living room and sat down. “What really happened?” she asked, knowing that Zara had held something back.

“It wasn’t the injury that had me go after him.” Zara stated simply.

“I’m aware of that, your Gamma blood kicked in.” Ana nodded.

She sighed this time. “I guess that will be tomorrow then.”

“Ana?” it was Londyn, and she could see and hear the worry in her.

“We can send him home, Londyn, tell him he can leave Palmer and Yuri here. If he has concerns that I’ll bolt away with his daughter, he’ll want eyes on her all the time.”

“Um…” Zara interrupted her. “I didn’t actually get anything about Ocean from him. This mission or whatever it is that he wants…” her head tilted slightly in thought. “Needs,” Zara corrected herself, “is specifically about you, not Ocean.”

Ana frowned at her. “I doubt that, very much.”

“I don’t.” Zara shook her head. “I got that from him and his Beta. Slade needs to talk to you. I think you’re his actual priority, even if he knew about Ocean, it’s you he desires to talk with.”

Ana huffed, who knew what he wanted with her, though she didn’t think it could be all that much if it wasn’t about Ocean.

“Ana, I know you were hurt by the pack’s hierarchy, but… he did state it doesn’t feel like home without you, and I know he didn’t lie about that.” Zara stated.

She heard Maddie huff this time. “I think there is more going on than you actually know Ana. I showed you that proof that he’s been out there looking for you, for the past five and a half years. Maybe you missed something while consumed by your own pain that day.”