Chapter 215 – New Beta

Sinclair

Morning arrived far too soon. My body ached, but I felt calmer after spending time with my mate. Leaving our suite to face the fallout from last week's drama was the last thing I wanted to do, but much needed to be done before the summit.

I began by visiting the families of the men I lost in the bombing, starting with Aileen. I swore to find those responsible, knowing my words offered little comfort in the face of her loss. These visits were nearly unbearable; I hadn't even begun to grieve myself. In fact, I regretted ordering Ella to stay in bed after less than five minutes. She was the only thing that could calm my wolf, and I desperately wanted to return to her. I hoped to steal some time alone with her that afternoon—a final reprieve before the continent descended upon us—but that depended on finishing my to-do list.

Next, I went to the airfield to assess the situation. I was astonished by the refugee camp's growth, even considering the families Gabriel had housed in the city. Though each shifter I met grappled with profound loss, they were thrilled to see me alive. Their warmth and relief were a welcome balm, carrying me through my meetings with the King's security services.

The enforcers assured me everything was ready for the summit, and security would be the strictest the capital had ever seen. However, that's where the good news ended. There were no leads on the bomber. When I explained my miraculous survival, the assembled wolves exchanged befuddled looks, remarking that the Goddess must have been watching over me. I didn't understand it myself. Although Ella had shown how present divine forces were in our lives, it was surreal to think the Goddess might have saved me. Still, I was more concerned with discovering Damon's allies in Vanara, but I found no answers in the security offices.

I left, brooding, and checked another task off my list. By the time I reached the palace library, I had no more clarity on the attack and felt at a loss. Thankfully, Roger was waiting, greeting me with an uncharacteristic hug, which I returned enthusiastically. I wondered when, if ever, we'd shown each other such affection.

"I don't know what to make of it," I said, quickly briefing him. "Obviously Damon orchestrated it, but how? Who is he working with? Is it one of the alphas here? Are there counter-forces working against us right under our noses? Did he somehow manage to send people to Vanara?"

Roger frowned, his mouth twisting into a grimace. I waited, sensing his reluctance. "What?" I asked.

"Well," he winced, "it could be one of the refugees."

I stepped back, stunned. "I refuse to believe that," I argued, shaking my head. "You've been to the camp—you've seen what they've been through. No one there would help Damon."

"I'm not saying it would be a genuine refugee—but someone impersonating one," Roger amended, holding up his hands. "And I don't necessarily think that's the case, I'm simply saying there's only one way off the continent right now. So, if Damon sent someone here, it might have been on one of the evacuation flights."

"If Damon knew about the flights and the meeting point, he would simply kill all the refugees," I argued, omitting my weeks-long terror of that very eventuality.

"Maybe," Roger agreed. "Or maybe he'd use the opportunity to send spies or assassins. You know? Find out where we are and what we're doing."

I suppressed a growl, hating the possibility but appreciating his strategic thinking. "You need to be very careful who you say that to," I warned gruffly. "That kind of idea can spread panic and turn the locals against our people."

"I know," Roger admitted. "I don't like it any more than you do. I'm just trying to think of every possibility."

I gripped his shoulder. "I appreciate that, and I'm going to need you to keep thinking that way if we're going to get through this."

"Of course, I will," Roger vowed, his frown deepening. "The real question is how we investigate this without letting the public know our suspicions."

"Well, that can be your top priority," I replied, watching him closely. "As my new Beta."

Roger blinked, doing a double take. "What did you just say?"

Taking a deep breath, I explained, "I wouldn't normally try to appoint a replacement for Hugo so soon after his death," I confessed, feeling guilty. "And I know it's a lot to ask, especially since you've spent your life dreaming of being Alpha, but I need a second-in-command, and I… well, I want it to be you. It should be you."

Roger dropped his gaze, a sober expression on his face. "I lost any interest in being Alpha the moment I thought you were dead," he said grimly, his voice rough. "It was the closest I'd ever come to leading, and it's the closest I ever want to be. My personal glory isn't worth losing you—nothing is. You have no idea how desperately I prayed to have you back."

A pang struck my chest. "Well, now I'm back, and I need someone I can trust by my side," I said, taking his shoulders and encouraging him to look me in the eye. "Who better to watch my back than my big brother?"

"That's easier said than done," Roger countered uncertainly. "Betas are supposed to balance their Alphas, not antagonize them."

"They are," I confirmed with a grin. "Do you think you can manage it?"

"That depends," Roger quipped, "how big of an ass do you plan on being?"

"No bigger than usual," I laughed, offering him my hand. "So, are you up for it, or are you going to make me ask Philippe?"

He exhaled dramatically. "And leave Ella without a guard? What am I, a monster?"

"I know," I grimaced, thinking of the soldiers I already needed to replace. "At this rate, my men are dropping like flies. I don't think I can handle losing anyone else."

Roger slid his hand into mine, squeezing tightly. "I won't let you down, Dominic. I'm going to find the people responsible for the bomb if it's the last thing I do."

"I know," I assured him, pulling him into a hug. "I trust you, brother."

He chuckled, thumping my back. "Just wait until we tell Dad. The old man is going to absolutely blubber."

He was right, and I looked forward to sharing the news with our father. However, my to-do list wasn't complete, and the scent of my mate's adoptive sister told me I was behind schedule. As we parted, I saw Cora in the library doorway, watching us warily.

"You rang?" she inquired, focusing entirely on me. She didn't even glance at Roger, and I realized the burgeoning attraction between them hadn't progressed well in my absence. I'd have to ask him about it later; right now, he seemed to have forgotten I was there, staring at Cora with open hunger. It took him a moment to process her words.

"You did?" Roger finally asked, looking at me.

"Yes, I need your help with something—if you're willing," I said hopefully. "Just before the attack, Ella and I never got the chance to have a mating ceremony after our secret came out," I revealed, marveling at the changes. "We celebrated privately, but never with loved ones, and I don't want to postpone it any longer. I'd like to surprise Ella with a ceremony on the last night of the summit—before the ball. What do you think?"

Cora's face split into a wide smile. "I think that's a wonderful idea. She'll love it."

"Then you'll help?" I asked.

"Of course," Cora agreed.

I glanced between her and Roger, unsure he understood the implications. "And you think you'll be able to work together?"

Cora froze, her eyes swinging to Roger. My brother grinned, flashing his fangs. I sensed Cora suppressing an indignant protest. Instead, she plastered a smile on her face and forced out, "I can't see why not."

I wasn't sure who was more pleased, me or my brother. "Perfect."