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.

him!” Arthur’s voice came from behind me, but I could

turning pale, his breath hitching, but he still managed a choked laugh. “Go on, do it,” he wheezed. “Killing me won’t bring her

to silence his twisted laughter forever. But then, strong hands pulled me back. Arthur and Adonis were at

need him alive–for

shaky step back. Tom gasped for air before giving me a smug look.

I clenched my jaw tightly “Because you’ll still die in my

breath, pulling myself back to the present. My fingers were still entwined with Eden’s.

woods” my voice broke slightly, but I had to steady myself to hold her gaze. “I had

mouth as if to hold back the grief threatening

Nova…” Her voice was

out, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. All I could do was hold her as she wept.

hybrid‘ hearing

forward, placing a gentle hand on my mate’s shoulder. “Eden, we’re here for you,” he

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

side, taking her hand. “You’re not alone, Eden. We’re with you, every step of the

shudder breath, composing herself. She looked up at Eros, her voice barely above a whisper. “Is there… is there more that I

hesitated before exchanging glances with Arthur, Adonis, and Beauty. They nodded to