Page 10 of Shattered Soulmates

"Anything else you want to say?" I ask again. Disgust roils through my gut as I look at this male, whom I no longer consider a friend. Not after what he did to Paisley.

Beta Miles shakes his head and lowers it. "No."

"Then it’s my turn. I want you to know I’ve never been more ashamed to call you my Beta." I grit out. "Your choices of late have made me doubt your ability to make sound decisions under pressure."

"That’s unfair. This is about my personal life, not my professional life," Miles protests angrily.

“And you know how serious it is to damage a mate bond!” I yell. “Our world suffers from population decline, and you—you actually found your true mate, your soul-bond connection. That union is the only real chance at a family. But you throw Paisley away, knowing full well that chosen mates like Marissa seldom conceive! If she doesn’t run off again like she always does!” I jab viciously.

Miles sputters, his face flushing red.

“You don’t know how lucky you are!” I reiterate. “How my heart longs for a mate, while you all but destroy yours!”

“What do you mean… destroy?”

I shake my head. As the Alpha here, I’m aware of everything that goes on, even closed-record emergencies. But that’s not my story to tell, so I tune out his question.

“I discussed the matter with the Alpha Commander this morning. We've agreed to place you on a ninety-day probation period. At the end of that time, I’ll assess whether you can continue as my Beta.”

"You've got to be kidding me, Stone! You know me. We've been friends for years." Miles snarls. “I’m a good Beta!”

"The Alpha Commander is sending a candidate to co-beta with you during the ninety days," I say, ignoring him. "After that, you’ll either share the role, or he’ll replace you. His name is Knight Pierce, and he'll be here tomorrow."

"W-what?" he stares at me in astonishment. “Un-flipping-believable!”

"Alpha Commander would come by himself, but he has his hands full in the city," I growl. "Now gather your composure. I have more important things than your blasted love life to take care of."

He straightens up in the chair, clenches his jaw, and pulls himself together, but it’s clear he’s barely holding his smoldering rage beneath the surface.

And, unfortunately for him, I’m not done yet.

"We had a medical emergency last night that I won't discuss further. The patient requested sealed records and anonymity. I can tell you they were airlifted to a major hospital and nearly died from their injuries. I’ll be checking their condition on the way to the scheduled tech conference in Stone Mountain City on Monday. You do recall that, I assume?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"I don't know how long I’ll be gone, but I expect you and Beta Pierce to work together seamlessly in my absence. Understood?" I order.

"You can count on me."

"I’ll leave once Beta Pierce arrives."

"Understood."

There’s a tentative knock at the door. Greyson North sticks his head around the corner. He’s our Chopper One Lead as well as our Lead Enforcer. "Alpha, we have a... visitor here to see you and Beta Miles."

He looks at my Beta like he could kill him. I bet he feels that way, too. It's understandable. North worked with Paisley last night as she clung to life, beingflown out to Stone Mountain City Hospital. Her records are sealed, but as the Alpha, I’m informed of everything that involves this pack.

North leans back as Marissa trots into the room, acting like she owns the place. She’s gorgeous, tall, and willowy on the surface, but her attitude reeks of gloating and smugness.There’s an ugly, mean-girl vibe about her that Miles seems blind to.

I grind my teeth so hard I could spit sand.

She flounces up, wraps her arms around Miles, and slides into his lap like she belongs there.

And—

It.

Sets.

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