Chapter 23

Clair -

"Come on beta, let's go! Let's rock this day!"

Beta Michael -

During her playful antics, I laugh out loud. At first, I do not understand what the guys are talking about. But after talking with her I can tell she is a lot of fun. I will not lie to you, when she starts working here the first day, I think she is the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen.

"Let's go, I am very pleased that I get to work with one of the most beautiful, intelligent people I have ever met."

Clair -

"Now beta, let's tone it down, no one is around in this van. You have a destined mate that you don't want to mess up!"

Beta Michael -

"I think my mate maybe dead; I have waited so long. I am 26 years old and have traveled the world looking and still have not found her."

Clair -

"Well then, trust the moon goddess. If that is the case, there maybe a chance of getting a second chance, mate."

Beta Michael -

"Well, maybe if you don't want your mate, maybe you will end up as my second chance mate."

Clair -

It is highly unlikely that there will be any chances of that happening soon. As far as alphas are concerned, the moon goddess often mates alphas with another Alpha. Alphas can deal with the moodiness and the bossiness of an Alpha.

"Beta, you and I both know that the moon goddess is usually responsible for the pairing of Alpha with Alpha. I am happy you want to be my friend and my protector. It is an honor to have you as a friend. You are hilarious."

Beta Michael -

Taking a deep breath, the beta utters, "Oh, no, she placed me in the friend zone!". Clinging to his heart, he chuckles softly.

Clair -

"I regret to inform you I cannot have you accompany me wherever I travel. While I understand your need to guard the Luna, I do not want to see you following behind me at night. I left home because I could not live my own life without the complications of hidden bodyguards, spies on me, and my brothers following me around. I will not face another protector in my life, not after working so hard to get away from it all."

Beta Michael --

With my hands up in resignation, I offer to back off, but I swear she is the most beautiful human being inside and out. There is something about her I can't seem to put my finger on, although she is not my mate. I feel as if I must be close to her and protect her.

"I will try to back off, I don't know what it is, but I need to be near you. It is probably my beta instincts needing to protect the Luna of Luna's. I will be your partner during the day, and I will try to stay away at night. However, my wolf hates not to have you in his protective sight."

Clair -

The thought of his wolf being so protective makes me smile and chuckle inside. It's a wonder how my aura has grown so strong that this poor beta feels the need to shield me from harm.

Normally, I would have thought the aura would have grown stronger if I were closer to my mate. However, I have not seen him anywhere in this small town. The aura between a mate and a prince may be stronger than usual even if they are far from each other. I shrug my shoulders.

As I think about that, I think this could be a dilemma, as I don't want someone to find me before I am ready to be found. That is something I need to discuss with Esmeralda.

I smile at the beta, "I want to let your wolf know, I have trained for battle all my life, and I do not need protection, most would be assailants need protection from me."

Our day goes by quickly, by the time we headed back to the garage, we were both worn out from the day. It is late and everyone has gone home, a crescent moon is high in the sky. We park the van in the quiet garage; I walk into the office and punch out on the time clock. Heading towards the door, I feel a hand reach out and grab my shoulder.

Turning around, I see the beta is the one touching me. It is weird I almost feel like a war victim as I jump away from his touch. When I remember I am here with Michael, I calm down.

"Michael, you startled me, what's up?"

Beta Michael -

"My wolf will feel better if I take you home if that is okay with you? I parked my car out back."

Clair -

"I think I would rather walk; would you mind if we walk back?"

Beta Michael -

"Anything you want gorgeous!"

Clair -

I could feel my face turning red from anger. "I am not anyone's gorgeous or any other overused adjective."

Beta Michael -

"Hey, I was just kidding around. Come on, let's walk you home and I promise no more adjectives. Let me pretend to be your boyfriend when I drop you off."

Clair -

As I take a deep breath, I try to calm myself, "Alright, but no tongue action. And no lip locking, either. Got it!"

I hear the beta laughing; in fact, he is laughing hard. "What are you laughing about?? I don't see what I said could be so funny!"

Beta Michael -

"Even though there is nothing more than I would like to do than kiss you. I do not have a death wish. The way you set down the rules, it was just funny is all in a cute sort of way. I would never start something you do not want to do. No worries, Princess. For now, instead of trying to kiss you, I will just try to protect you." I silently chuckle.

Clair -

I am uncertain how to take what he said. I just shrug my shoulders and realize that it was just him playing around, trying to annoy me.

"Come on beta, let's walk me home."

The beta and I walk silently towards my home, I have already missed out on dinner, but I have some ramen in my food closet at home, that will have to do. We are both in deep thought as we arrive at my house in no time.

My mind is deep in thought, wondering what my brothers are doing, and even my newly discovered twin as well. However, not long after my thoughts begin turning toward my mate, the feeling of loneliness sweeps over me. I know it is difficult for Alphas to cope with mate attraction since it involves more than they can handle. Even though I feel a tinge of guilt in my heart, I know that this is something that I need, and when I return home, I will feel much better. I will be a better person.

Beta Michael coughs to get me out of my trancelike state. I look around a tad disorientated. After bringing myself back to reality, I see myself in front of my house. I pull Michael in for a hug while he hugs me back. I cup his cheeks with my hands and then kiss his cheek to give the illusion that we are more than friends.

I feel someone's eyes on me after letting go of Michael. Michael turns around and waves goodbye. I look up to where I felt the eyes staring at me, only to see the back of the new guy leaving from the roof.

I climb up the steps into the older home I have been renting a suite. Upon walking through the door, I hear Esmeralda calling me. I follow her voice into the dining room where she has a second cup of tea waiting for me.

Esmeralda -

"Ann, I need to talk to you, come have some tea while we talk."