The Beta’s Regret

(Rose's

Pov)

"I want you. And I want to make this work..."

My cheeks warmed slightly as I remembered those exact words Shevek told me two nights ago.

The sun began to set. A dark cloud hung around it as night slowly crept in.

Just then, a gentle wind blew over my skin as I knelt in front of a tulip. I looked around at the garden I was in and smiled.

The different kinds of flowers, gave a surreal feel to the environment. My fingers ran over a rose, lightly brushing it. I leaned in, my face placed against it as I sniffed it.

Another smile crept up my lips. I tried to concentrate on what I was doing, but nothing could take my mind away from Shevek's words two nights earlier. The way he looked into my eyes when he told me that he wanted us to work things out. But that wasn't the end of it all.

He stood by his words and sent his concubines away, all of them, including Vanessa.

At first, I was a little uneasy when I found out. I wasn't sure if Shevek did this to manipulate my emotions. I also imagined that their absence might suddenly make him realize how much he wants his harem of women back and that he doesn't want me as much as he thought he did.

Then I saw it, the way Shevek felt about me. The way he looks at me when he thinks I'm not watching.

He's scared.

I wasn't sure what he was afraid of, but I knew enough about fear to know when he felt it.

Maybe he was scared that this wouldn't work. Or maybe he was scared I would betray him too.

I couldn't say for sure.

Shevek was not an average vampire. He had noble blood and had been alive for quite a long time.

It was hard to imagine he would be scared.

I watered the flowers one by one, taking in their beautiful sight before I stood up and walked through it, allowing my hand to brush over them.

again, and a tingle ran

Rose." He said. His voice was firm, but there was a soft edge to

"And Vanessa?" I asked.

I don't want anyone

shocked. He must have realized it, because

you are the only one I want. I want you to be my woman. I want you

he gave me made it almost impossible

made me

my

pushed them backwards with a frustrated

my neck stood on end,

I wasn't alone.

came face to face with a pale-faced, beautiful woman that looked too familiar, but I couldn't tell exactly who it was. I stepped back quickly, startled by how

sides, two other women sneered

first time I came with Eden

a young girl of Eden's age, who was almost

was why she looked so

a quick calculation and concluded that they must be related.

are you?"

scoffed

face like a fan.

am." She

of the

like a mistress."

obvious insult, but

to tell me who everyone in the coven is. If you were of any relevance to him, I

and her lips stretched into a flat line. "Don't call me that.

to say to me?"

Maria frowned. "You heard me the first time. You don't belong

understand what you