The Alpha and the Mistake novel Chapter 24

Beth

I sat with my legs dangling into the cool water of the pool as I listened to the boys. They had been nicer to me lately. Brook did something. I wasn't an idiot. I knew how they saw me. They didn't understand. I couldn't help Brook even if I wanted too. Dad made it very clear no one was allowed to show her any kindness. If I wanted to survive, I had to obey. But they don't get that. Their parents are cool and nice.

"Earth to Beth," Dean said, splashing me with water.

Andy snorted with an unimpressed look, and I scowled at him. I wasn't sure why I liked him before. He was such a jerk.

"So what are you risking unsightly wrinkles for?" Dean asked, pulling himself up out of the water and sitting next to me.

I shrugged. "How different our families are. Your parents are cool, and they don't care if you act like an idiot."

"Hey, I'm not acting like an idiot."

"True, you just are one," Andy said, splashing us both with water.

Something eased in me. I was honest, and nothing bad happened.

"Well, Dad would have a fit if you did back in Black Mountain." Clearing my throat, I imitated my dad's deeper voice. "Alphas are superior to all humans and wolves. If you don't act with superiority, then you're just embarrassing yourself. I don't allow embarrassments in my family or my pack."

They started at me for a moment, and I thought I had made a mistake when Ryder spoke. "I'll make sure you don't have to go back there."

"Yeah no kidding," Andy said, shaking his head.

"Don't you worry, Bethy poo. We'll watch out for ya," Dean offered.

I relaxed and smiled back at him. Dean gave me a nickname. He actually gave me a nickname. For the first time since well probably forever, I felt accepted. Nothing could dim my smile, or well at least that's what I thought before Dean shoved me into the pool. Andy and Dean laughed, high-fiving each other but, this time, they didn't seem to be laughing at me.

Ryder grinned as he helped me sit back up on the edge of the pool. "You're a lot nicer to be around now that you're not trying to be the queen bitch."

I started to argue then stopped. "Yeah, I wasn't really nice was I?"

His phone rang, and he picked it up. "Brook, hope she's not trying to ditch us again." As soon as he answered, I heard Brook go on a tirade about Anna and how she was in danger. Oh no. My stomach filled with lead and sunk.

Ryder looked at the phone confused. "Okay, I gotta go get Dad, Brook's friend needs help."