The Beta’s Regret

Chapter 163

Flashback:

“What did you say?” I demanded, my voice sharp and lethal.

Tom tilted his head, letting out a hollow, mocking laugh. “Oh, Nova?” He leaned forward as much as his restraints would allow, his eyes glittering with malice. “She’s dead. Isn’t that what you wanted to know?”

My heart pounded, “No!”

Tom shrugged, looking almost amused. “We made her an offer. Told her she could join us and help bring Eden down, but she refused.”

I shook my head in despair, growling at Tom “You’re evil”

“Whatever.” Tom scorned “Nova thought she was better than the rest of us. She couldn’t see the brighter picture, and threatened to expose us if we tried to touch Eden.” He chuckled with a wicked glint in his eyes. “But Lyra took care of that little problem. No hesitation. She slit her throat and left her in the woods.”

Rage exploded inside me. I lunged forward without thinking, my hands wrapping around his neck and squeezing.

I felt his pulse slow against his fingers and his mocking smile faltered, as he struggled against my grip.

came from behind

a choked laugh. “Go on, do it,” he wheezed. “Killing me won’t bring her back or

I wanted nothing more than to end Tom, to silence his twisted laughter forever. But then, strong hands pulled me back. Arthur and Adonis were at my side, prying my claws from Tom’s

We need him alive–for now,” Adonis said with a

step back. Tom gasped for air before giving me a smug look. This man really wanted

still can,” I clenched my jaw tightly “Because you’ll still

to the present. My fingers were still entwined with Eden’s. I looked down at my

just lying there in the woods” my voice broke slightly, but I had to steady myself to hold her gaze.

as if to hold back the grief threatening to overwhelm her. Her body shook, and I felt his own heart

was barely a whisper.

out, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. All I could do was hold her as she wept. A few moments later, Arthur, Adonis, and Beauty walked into the room,

hearing they

on my mate’s shoulder. “Eden, we’re here for you,” he said

full of sympathy. “Nova was brave. She was a good friend,

knelt by Eden’s side, taking her hand. “You’re not alone, Eden. We’re with

looked up at them, her tear–streaked face filled with gratitude. When her tears finally stopped, Eden made a shudder breath, composing herself. She looked

with Arthur, Adonis, and Beauty. They nodded to give me permission to share the final piece