Chapter 6: Surprises

We walk in silence, and I know from the familiar path that we are making our way to Maverick’s home. I’m not quite sure what he’s up to and, in the back of my mind, I’m hoping it’s not a sleepover.

A few shifters greet Maverick and congratulate him as we pass. It’s wonderful really, Maverick is in his element. He was obviously born to be king, but the way he’s so personable with the pack is inspiring. He takes the time to give each shifter that approaches his full attention, yet his presence by me doesn’t feel as if he’s forgotten about me.

There is always a look my way, or a quick touch as he introduces me.

For a moment, I’m selfish.

For a moment, I pretend.

When he introduces me as his Beta to another passing pack member, I let myself hear the word ‘boyfriend’ instead. I let myself wonder we are going back to his house, a normal couple, to stay in for the night. It’s easy to imagine with the mark still fresh on my neck.

But it ends quickly when Maverick’s hand waves in front of my face and forces me back to reality. My throat is wet, but I’m as thirsty as ever.

“You’ve been spacing out. Are you sure you’re ok?”

There is a hint of something on his face, but I chalk it up as being a trick of the light.

“I’m fine,” I say, looking toward our destination. Maverick’s house is up ahead. “We going to your house?”

“Yeah,” the grin on his face brightens his eyes, “that’s where your surprise is.”

“I think I’ve had enough surprises for one day, if I’m going to be honest.”

Maverick doesn’t take the bait. I wonder when I’ll know why he chose me.

“You’re the only person I know who thinks there should be a limit on surprises.”

“What? No, I don’t.”

“Yeah, you do. Remember your 12th birthday party?”

I don’t even give Maverick the satisfaction of being proven right. It was a surprise party.

I threw up after the ‘surprise!’.

From then on, I make sure to avoid surprises, if possible.

He’s opening the front door to his home before I know it. It’s a beautiful two-story with an enormous staircase waiting to bring its inhabitants upstairs to, what I know, are luxurious rooms. Maverick has never wanted for anything in his life, yet there is always an odd chill in the air that doesn’t feel natural.

We are both from single-child homes, but Maverick’s family portrait looks like a photo from a magazine. It’s why he always came over to my house; there was always just more…love around.

“So, where’s this surprise?” I ask, curious what else Maverick could give me and wanting to get this over with. Though, I’m sure nothing can top the Mark of the King and I’ll never be over that.

“It’s upstairs. Follow me.”

He takes the stairs two at a time. I follow him down an open hallway, looking over the banister as I do. It may lack warmth, but his home was beautiful.

Maverick stops at a door short of his own and opens it with a flourish. He gestures for me to enter first.

Inside is a large bed and sitting area. There is a desk in the corner and off to the side are doors for the bathroom and closet. There’s so much space, it’s impossible not to feel small here.

“So, this is a nice room?” I prompt because I’m not really sure why he’s showing me a guest room.

“You like it then,” he replies, pleased with himself.

“Yeah, sure.”

“Well, it’s yours. You can live here from now on. Or, at least until your Beta home is built.”

Wait…what?

There is a lot to unpack here. I’m not sure where to start. With the fact that Maverick wants me to move in with him, or that he’s building me a house?

I go to speak, but nothing comes out except, “what?”

“I’ve got the best people on the job, or, I will soon. I’ve already spoken to the contractors—”

“—You’re not building me a house.”

“Why not? I don’t want to kick the Thomas family out of the Beta home since I passed up their son for the position.”

“Ok. Fine,” I agree. I feel there is no point arguing about it, “but what about all this? What about where I live now? You know, with my parents.”

Maverick moves further into the room, to throw himself on the bed. I can’t help but feel he’s exasperated with me, but he can’t blame me. It’s one thing after another right now and it’s all just too much. I’m not going to leave my parents.

Moving into a new home was one thing, but living with Maverick was something I wasn’t ready for.

“It’s the job of the Beta to be close to the Alpha,” he says while staring up at the ceiling. I frown at him. How close is close?

The Beta home is down the road from Maverick’s mansion and there is literally no one closer to the Alpha than a Beta, except maybe a mate. But Maverick was mateless and I’m his best friend. I may be in love with him, but even I know that personal space is necessary for a healthy relationship.

“I get that, but it’s not like I’m ever far from you. All you have to do is call, and I’m there. Every time.”

“Don’t you get it?” Maverick practically yells in my direction, sitting up quickly with a fire in his eyes. “I can’t protect you if you’re not near me.”

“Protect me? From what?”

Maverick goes to speak, but seemingly stops himself. He stands and makes his way to me. He’s always been a few inches taller than me, but his presence right now is demanding, overwhelming.

“You’re Beta now. The same thing that protects you puts you in danger.”

There is a ghost of his fingers at my side. Like he wants to grab me.

I want him to grab me.

“I don’t understand. Why am I in danger?”

The space between us moves with the words. Whispers like secrets in the too open space of the bedroom.

His eyes flick away from mine. I feel the way they trace my face before returning, “you’re in a position of power. And close to the king of the entire shifter community. While you’ll always be safe with me, that can put you in jeopardy.”

“You talk like there will be a coup.”

His eyes are too serious for the question, but maybe I imagined it because he’s suddenly smiling and the burden I thought he was holding is gone.

“Just…stay the night. See how you like it. We can talk about the house another time. But it’s what someone in your position deserves.”

My eyes follow Maverick as he makes his way to the door. “I just want to serve you, my king. I don’t need all the other stuff.”

Maverick’s eyes bore into me with an intensity that heats me up, “See to it then.”

He leaves and takes the whirlwind with him.