CHAPTER 289: TELL ME, BETA.

"I can’t believe I’m letting you take her away," Marcus said, his brows pulled together as he stared at the stairs leading to her room.

"Thank you, sir," Hiro said quickly before he could change his mind. Marcus was unpredictable when it came to his daughter’s safety. Angela was taking longer than usual to get ready, which was strange. If she had come out earlier, they would have left before Marcus got home.

"Don’t thank me," Marcus replied sharply, lifting his left brow at him. Then his eyes shifted to the other brothers standing quietly. "You should thank my daughter. It’s because she said yes that I’m letting you take her away."

"It’s okay, brother," Bellezza said softly, trying to calm him. "They’re your daughter’s mates. Just like she’s important to them, they’re important to her."

"She’s more important," Marcus said stubbornly. He refused to let anyone make his daughter feel less.

Before Bellezza could stop him from saying more, Seraphina came out of the room with Hailey. "Where is she?" she asked, looking around.

"I think she’s not done yet," Stales said with a laugh. He was enjoying the scene and how Angela was making everyone, especially her mates, wait. He turned to Alex to tease him but stopped when he noticed his face. Alex looked heavy-hearted, his eyes sad.

"Are you okay?" Stales asked quietly, his playful smile fading as he looked at his friend.

"Me?" Alex asked, looking around like he didn’t believe his friend was talking to him.

"You, of course. Why the sad face?"

"I’m fine. I just don’t feel like talking right now."

"I know you, Alex. Something is wrong," Stales said, watching him closely. "I can tell when you’re happy or sad, same way I can tell with Angela."

"I’ll be fine, pal," he forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

"We’ll talk later," Stales said, not convinced. He turned toward the stairs just as Angela came out. She was wearing a long green dress that flowed around her legs, her makeup soft and glowing. Around her neck was an emerald necklace that sparkled with every step she took.

Stales couldn’t stop staring. His friend looked like a dream walking down the stairs with that bright smile on her face.

"My sweet niece, you’ll be the death of me," Bellezza said, hurrying to her side. She took Angela’s hand and led her to where Marcus stood, still in disbelief. "Doesn’t she look like her mother? Not just beautiful but breathtaking."

"She does," Marcus said at last, his voice softer. His eyes filled with pride. "You look beautiful, dear."

"Thank you," Angela said with a gentle smile. Her hair was tied up neatly, except for one curly strand that fell over her face.

Marcus turned to Hiro and motioned for him to come closer. "Make sure you take good care of my daughter, and you’re back by morning. If anything happens to her, you’re dead."

"May the goddess forbid that. I won’t let anything happen to her," he said, his eyes softening as he looked at his beautiful mate. "If anything ever happens to her, I’ll kill myself first."

"Don’t you dare say that," Marcus cut in with a deep frown. His voice was sharp and heavy with warning. "I’m the only one allowed to say such a thing. Even if you die before I get to you, I’ll raise you up with the help of witches just so I can kill you myself."

"It’s okay," Angela said quickly, smiling as she looked at her family. "I’ll be fine. Nothing is going to go wrong. You all should relax."

"I told him that too," Bellezza muttered, rolling her eyes at her brother who didn’t seem to care. She watched Marcus walk out through the back door to the yard, and Hailey followed after him. "Enjoy yourself, Angela."

Angela watched her aunt leave the same way her father did. She smiled and shook her head before her mates walked up to her. Taros was the first to hug her, his arms holding her tight as he whispered something that made her blush.

"You look completely different tonight," Renn said, letting go of her hand so she could wrap her arm around Hiro’s. "Take care of her, please."

"Make her happy," Kaito added, moving aside to give them space.

"Bring her back early," Alex said suddenly, making everyone turn to him in surprise. He noticed their looks and quickly added, "Her father said so."

"I know, boy. I’m not deaf," Hiro said, his brows drawn together, clearly confused because he didn’t expect that tone from him.

"Speak kindly to my friend," Angela frowned, then turned to Alex with a small smile. "Thank you for reminding him. Bye, Alex. Bye, Stales."

Kaito watched her leave with Hiro. Taros headed toward the backyard with Stales and Seraphina, eager to join the barbecue party already happening there.

Alex was about to walk past when Kaito stopped him. "Beta, we need to talk."

"Like right now?" Alex asked quietly, his heart skipping. He already knew what this was about. His Alpha had warned him before—he had to control his feelings.

"Yes. Do you have something to do?" Kaito asked as he walked toward the main door. Alex followed him outside. Hiro’s car was already gone, leaving a trail of dust. The two walked in silence for a while before Kaito finally spoke. "Are you okay?"

"Me?" Alex looked surprised. "I’m alright, Alpha. Do you want me to do anything?"

"Yes," Kaito stopped and turned to face him. "I want you to tell me how you feel. What do you feel for Angela?" His voice was calm but firm. "Don’t hide from me. I know what’s going on. I just want to help you before your jealousy ruins your friendship with her."

Alex couldn’t look at him. He nodded, keeping his eyes on the ground. The words he wanted to say stayed locked inside. Angela didn’t belong to him. She belonged to the Alphas. And as a Beta, he knew better than to desire what wasn’t his. It was forbidden. Yet no matter how much he tried, his heart refused to listen.