A Mate for the Beta: by E A Price Read Free Book Online

for that either.  I’m just surprised that Liv would be brave enough to go against her aunt.”
    Terri smiled.  “Liv’s pretty brave, not to mention sweet natured. Liv doesn’t complain but I can tell she isn’t treated well.  Liv’s mother Sapphire was Emerald’s sister and was even more powerful than she is.  Emerald worshipped her, and she can’t get over the fact that Liv isn’t like her.”
    “ Liv told you this?”
    “Not all of it, some of it I gleaned from the other witches from the boarding house.  FYI they’re not as loyal to Emerald as she likes to think.”
    Terri was interrupted when Gwen Lucas a young wolf shifter and pack member came to check out a book.  She looked at Alec with interest and tried to linger to listen to their conversation but a hard look from Alec had her scuttling away.
    “Anyway, Sapphire died protecting Liv from a, err, rogue werewolf.”  Terri looked embarrassed but Alec remained impassive.  “The rogue attacked the family and her mother and father fought it so Liv could get away.  Liv felt guilty over her parents dying and Emerald has made it clear that she wished Liv had died instead of her sister.”
    “That bitch!”  Everyone in the library looked round startled at Alec’s outburst but Terri didn’t seem perturbed.
    “I know right!  Woman’s a nasty piece of work.  I’ve been telling Liv to move out for years, but she’s never been able to hold down a job.  Emerald always talks to her managers and gets her fired.  I tried to have Liv move in with me but every time she tries to leave Emerald suddenly becomes ill and needs Liv’s help.  Emerald’s a control freak, she wants to keep Liv under her thumb.”
    “Doesn’t she have a boyfriend who can help?”  Alec asked holding his breath, fearing the answer.
    “No.  Most men are too afraid of Emerald to ask her out and recently any that have she’s turned them down.  Although I get this feeling there is someone she’s crushing on but she denies it, she’s been kind of moony for the last few months.”
    His wolf growled. Was Liv already in love with another man?  
    Terri looked at him quizzically.  “Did you get the information you needed?”
    “Yes.”  If Terri thought it was odd that Alec had asked her so many questions about Liv she didn’t say anything.
    She shrugged.  “You know, Liv’s a wonderful person.  If anything could be done to, umm, help her out with Emerald... that would be great.  I worry about her.”
    Hearing of her affection for Liv warmed him, he found himself liking Terri more and more.  He smiled and nodded at her.  “Thanks Terri, take care.”
    “You too Sheriff.”
    Alec left the library his head swimming with thoughts about Emerald Cole.  She was poison, he had to get Liv away from her.  Then there was Liv’s mystery crush, he had to get Liv away from him .
    Alec stared absently at his surroundings thinking about his next move.  He froze as he noticed Liv sitting in the Honeypot Diner across the road.  Thankfully she was alone.  His legs started moving towards her before he could even engage his brain.
    Yes, an early lunch with his mate is what he needed.  His wolf yipped in happiness.
    *
    “Mind if I join you?”
    Liv started at the sound of his deep voice and dropped her book.  It slipped to the floor.  Alec chuckled and bent down to retrieve it.  Kneeling next to her he handed it back to her.  “Sorry didn’t mean to startle you.”
    She reached out to take it but he didn’t let go.
    “So...?”  The corners of his mouth turned up.
    “Hmmm?”  His beautiful honeyed brown eyes sparkled.
    “May I join you ?”
    “Oh!  Yes, of course.  I’m sorry.”  She looked away from him in embarrassment.
    “Nothing to be sorry for.”  He smiled reassuringly before settling into the chair opposite her.
    She looked around wondering if perhaps the diner was busy and that was why he had sat with her.  Nope, there were lots of spare