Page 60 of Knot Her Beta

“No.”

Caroline is quiet for several steps. “Is she an Omega?”

The question almost draws a laugh. “No.”

“So, not your author friend.” Caroline’s head tilts to the side. “Another Beta?”

“An Alpha.”

Caroline’s lips part, the first time I’ve taken her by surprise, and I brace myself.

But all she says is, “Well.”

One brow lifts. “Well?”

She steps forward to grip the iron rail beside me. “I was wondering why you’ve appeared so conflicted this entire trip.”

“You’re taking this better than expected.”

She gives me a puzzled frown. “Shouldn’t I?”

“My parents won’t.”

“No.” She gives me a sad smile. “Probably not.”

She shivers, and I tilt my head back toward the house. We start walking again.

“I’ve read enough about packs to understand that they’re... different.”

“They are.”

“And where do you fit?”

The question lands harder than I expect, and I stare down at the gravel beneath my loafers. “I’m not sure.”

She waits.

“I keep wondering whether I’d just... be in the way.”

“In the way?”

“She already has an Alpha bondmate.”

Understanding dawns. “Oh.”

“And an Omega she was courting.” I purse my lips. “They had a falling out, but they seem to be mending the break. I suppose that’s unavoidable between bondmates.”

“You’d be the Beta.”

“I’d be the Beta.”

Which is the problem.

“I’ve spent my whole life being told Betas in packs are the servants that handle everything around the instincts of Omegas and Alphas.” I huff a quiet laugh. “What if that’s all I ever am?”

She studies me for a long moment. “Grady.”

I look over.