Chapter 78

**Life as a Beta Couple**

*Luna’s POV*

As I stood on the balcony of our new apartments, the first rays of dawn illuminated the horizon in shades of rose and amber. The distant noises of the awakening pack, including the crunching of footsteps on gravel, whispered talks, and the odd bark of an order, were carried by the crisp morning air.

The wedding had been over for a month, and life had found a new rhythm. My duties had changed significantly as Beta. I was no longer content to just exercise and prove myself. I was now supposed to take charge, make choices, and maintain the pack's stability with Kai.

It wasn't simple either.

Kai looked like the strong Alpha he was as he came out of the bedroom, his hair still wet from his morning shower. His piercing gaze became softer as they locked with mine.

"You're up early," he said, taking a step forward.

I leaned on the railing and moaned. "Too much has to be done. The conflict over the eastern farmlands hasn't been settled, and the patrols need to be reorganized. Mira also observed odd activities close to the border once again.

Kai's face became serious. "An increase in rogue movements?"

I gave a nod. "I want to be sure before setting off the alarm, even if it feels like it. We have to move quickly if it's a reconnaissance party.

He extended his hand and tucked a flyaway hair behind my ear. "Luna, you don't have to bear anything by yourself. We have something in common.

I nodded and let out a deep breath. "I understand. It's just Kai, I never thought I'd live this life. being beta. being in charge of several lives. There are still those seniors who don't believe me. There are still some fighters who are reluctant to follow my instructions.

Kai's mouth clenched. "Those who treat you disrespectfully treat *us* disrespectfully.* They will learn."

I was stabilized by his steadfast support. However, a persistent sensation lingered in the back of my head even as I leaned toward him. There was an impending event. I was unable to view it yet.

A council meeting was held in the war chamber to start the day. As I nestled down, the Beta seat—*my seat*—felt heavy and alien. Sitting next to me, Kai provided a quiet sense of security. The warriors, advisers, and elders were on the other side of us.

With his piercing eyes on me, Elder Corwin said, "The dispute over the eastern farmlands needs to be resolved." "Tenseness is increasing as two families assert ownership."

I straightened my posture. Before rendering a decision, we need to send an impartial arbiter to hear all views. This might cause needless strife if we allow it to persist.

Elder Corwin's eyes narrowed. "That's a good idea, but Beta Luna, are you capable of managing such delicate negotiations?"

There was no hidden challenge in his tone.

Refusing to waver, I maintained eye contact. "If I wasn't capable, I wouldn't be Beta."

Silence for a beat. Then Elder Corwin nodded, which surprised me. Then deal with it. We anticipate a resolution by the next lunar cycle.

Kai grinned a little, obviously happy. I silently let out a breath.

We've won one battle.

The true test, however, was yet to come.

That night, accompanied by a small guard, I rode out to the eastern farmlands. Overnight, the conflict had intensified, and both Kellan's and Taryn's families were on the verge of open bloodshed.

"This land has been farmed by us for many generations!" Kellan's dad let out a shout. "You don't deserve it!"

Sharp-tongued and unyielding, Taryn spit back, "Your family left this country for two winters! Unused land may be taken under pack law!

Tension had been building like a storm on the verge of erupting in a crowd.

I held out a hand to demand quiet. "Enough!"

The argument stopped when I spoke with the authority of my title. I glanced at the two guys. "The pack, not individuals, owns the land. We'll resolve this amicably. No one works on the crops till then. Do you understand?

Complaint, but obedience.

Mira nodded as I looked at her. We needed to go to work.

But a chill went through me even as I turned to go.

We were being watched.

The knock on the door seemed urgent that night while I was going over reports in my study.

Kai came in, his face solemn. The border to the east was crossed. Five rogues managed to get in.

My stomach turned over. "Deaths?"

"One injured, no fatalities." He paused. "However, the rogues weren't *random.* They had a purpose."

Or *someone*

I felt cold. "Me?"

It was verified by Kai's silence.

In the end, he said, "They're testing us." "And it's just the start."

I took a deep breath. I felt a lot of pressure from my job, my history, and the unknown.

However, I was no longer the frail Luna.

Now I'm Beta.

I would also defend my pack.

despite the fact that it would require confronting whatever darkness was beyond the trees.

A scout showed up, pale and trembling, just when I thought the night couldn't get much worse.

"Beta," he stumbled to say. "We discovered... this."

He gave me a piece of paper that was smeared with blood.

One terrifying phrase was scrawled over it in ragged, clawed handwriting:

** "The past never stays buried." **

It seemed like the room became colder.

Kai's body tensed next to mine as he read over my shoulder.

"What's it mean?" he whispered.

I didn't know how to respond.

However, I was aware o

f one thing.

*Whoever left this note was aware of my previous existence.

And they were on their way to me.