The Four Beta Brothers – Chapter 91

JUNIPER

When my room came into focus again, there were tears staining the letter I wrote to myself all those years ago. I had done what I could to remind myself of what Beta Burrell caused, so that he wouldn’t get away with his crimes and hurt anyone else, but it hadn’t been enough. For whatever reason, I had never found the note that I wrote to myself.

My grip on the paper tightened as a vague memory tugged at my head. I set the letter to the side and grabbed my stuffed bunny again. I looked at the back of it, and there was a clear stitch where it had been ripped open and then sewn together with care. Even though I never found the letter, someone had.

block the memories, so it wasn’t as vivid or clear. I closed my eyes to help my brain remember all of the details, but it was like wading through murky wat

reason I remembered it was because at the time, it was rare for my parents to fight. Even when they disagreed with each other, they never raised their voices. T

ut that time my mother was in hysterics. She talked about how finding the letter changed everything, that they had made some sort of mistake. My father talked about correcting their mistake, because it was their duty. My mother told

ne of the last memories I had of my parents, because they left to go on a road trip for “work” the day after that argument.

the letter I wrote to myself. They were arguing about whether to do something about the information they found or if they should stay with me. It was clear they decided to go after Beta Burrell, and because of that they ended up dead. There was no way my parents died in a simple car accident.

t felt like it was getting smaller and smaller. I stumbled to my feet, clutching my chest. I hurried out of the house, not caring if someone saw me or not. I swore I heard my name being called, but it was just background noise.

ll of the discoveries I had made, this one felt like too much. My parents died because they found my letter and felt obligated to do something to stop Beta Burrell. Logically, I knew it was Beta Burrell’s fault that they were dead, but it felt like it was my fault. If

thinking? They should’ve stayed home with me. Then I wouldn’t have grown up feeling so alone.

***

ETHAN

ted me to get acquainted with as many packs as possible before I took over. However, they were always arranged ahead of time. Either the pack leader invited me directly, or

always a grand spectacle. Attendants waited for me to arrive, and usually some sort of basket filled with food or other gifts was shoved into my hands. It all felt like too much, but wolf packs always wanted to impress their future leader. I accepted the gifts with a smile, but it made no difference to me. Gifts never curried favor wi

d rather quiet, which was a little strange.

ocked. As I stepped inside, it was just as quiet as it seemed. I looked around, unsure of where to go.

espond.

only looked sixteen or seventeen. She jumped when she saw me.

“I’m looking for Juniper Johnson’s room. Can you point me in the right direction?”

r before.

till looked like a deer in the headlights, terrified by the sight of me.

ed. “Thank you.” I walked away, so the girl couldn’t start asking questions. I didn’t have the patience to answer some random girl’s questions. I had been going crazy being away from Juniper for as long as I had been already,

ed was left wide open, and there was a box in the middle of the floor with things spread all over it. Juniper wasn’t in the room, and my heart sank. I felt silly about how excited I had been to see her face again. Knowing she wasn’t in her r

on to panic yet. She could just be somewhere else in the pack house. I picked through the items to distract my mind from jumping to worst-case scenarios. I w

glazed over the words “James,” I knew it was so much more than that.

Asher had told me the highlights of what Juniper remembered, but it was different reading her letter.

etter and crying. I wanted to hold her and make her pain go away, but I knew that wouldn’t be possible until I found her.

doorway, watching me closely.

ook on her face when she saw me. She recognized who I was, which I should’ve expected.

?”

emember my name. “Who are you?”

n trouble?” she asked.

ed.

ll showed up shortly after looking for her. It just seems strange.” Megan cro

in any trouble,” I said carefully. “I just want to make sure she’s okay. Do

rents’ grave site,” Megan answered. “She usually goes there when she’s feeling stressed or ov

and bone structure as Moira. Her hair was brown compared to Moira’s blonde, which was why I didn’t put it together sooner.

said.

e needs someone on her side. You’ll be on her side, right?” Megan asked. She was nothing like her older sister, which made me

ide.”

y?

won’t,” I said, already

me. As I left Juniper’s room, my phone buzzed. When I checked my messages, it was a message from Juniper, confirming where she had gone, just like Megan had said.

her parents’ graveyard.