The Four Beta Brothers
Chapter 140

JUNIPER

Dear Moon Goddess,

This is my prayer to you. I know you have your own plans when giving werewolf mates, but I beg you to make Juniper my mate. I love her so much that sometimes it feels like my heart is going to explode. I can't imagine a life without her in it. If you grant this wish, I promise I will never ask you for anything ever again.

But if you can't grant my wish for whatever reason, please give Juniper a mate that will make her happy. Even if she can't be mine, I want her to be with someone who will make her happy. Like Ethan. He might act like a big know-it-all sometimes, but he always makes sure my brothers and me are fed and dressed, especially if Mom and Dad are too busy to do it themselves. I know he would take good care of my Juniper.

Or Asher. He's younger than me, but he's kind and smart. I can already tell he'll do great things in life. He and Juniper love learning together. With Asher by her side, no one will ever make her feel inferior.

Axel would be a good choice too. He makes everything more fun, and if he was Juniper's mate, she would always be smiling. I want her to always smile.

Even Nathan would be a good mate. He definitely has the most growing up to do, but he is sweet and innocent. I don't think he could hurt Juniper if he wanted to. He would hold her heart like a delicate flower.

I still want you to make me Juniper's mate, but I know that is a selfish thing to ask. So I just hope you give someone that will bring Juniper happiness. She is more incredible than she realizes, and she deserves the world. She will make whoever you assign her stronger and better for it, so just make sure you give her a mate that deserves her love.

This is a really important wish, so I'm putting it in my bunny to keep it safe. I know you're always watching though, so I hope you see this.

Thank you for listening to me,

James Burrell

I read over the note twice before I handed it to Axel. He stopped breathing as he read the words of his dead brother. When he was done, he looked at me, and we stared at each other with misty eyes, neither of us able to speak.

"The Moon Goddess granted James' wish," I whispered.

Axel looked into my eyes. "How could she not? He was the best of us."

I took a slow breath, unable to confirm or deny what he said. It was impossible for me to choose which brother was the best. They were incredible in their own ways, but what James did was more than I had ever thought he would do. He loved me with his whole being, even to the point that he was okay with letting go of me if it meant I'd be happier.

"He didn't deserve what happened to him," I finally said.

"No, he didn't." Axel pulled me into his chest, and we held each other, easing one another's pain. The memories of a lost brother and mate were heavy, but I always wanted to remember James with love, knowing he would be happy to know his brothers and I were here for each other.

Ethan insisted on carrying my bags to the car. I ended up with more stuff to take home than I came with, since Kalli insisted on buying me new clothes due to the extended stay. The others were already waiting at the car meant to take us to the airport. "Don't let anyone make you feel inferior at that school," Ethan said. "And if anyone tries to bully you, tell me immediately. Or Elijah. I know things are a little weird between you, but I'm sure he will protect you."

"I'll be okay," I said, smiling as Ethan gave me advice. It made it clear that he was worried about not being able to watch over me. Even before we were officially together, he had been looking out for me. It was strange to know he wouldn't be close by. "And if you have to study for a test, don't let my brothers bother you. Lock them out of the room-lock them out of the apartment if you have to," Ethan continued.

I stopped in front of Ethan. "Stop worrying so much. I know how to handle myself, and I know how to handle your brothers. I'll be okay. I lived for years without you there to protect me."

His shoulders sank, and he pulled his lips tight. "I know, but it's impossible to stop worrying, especially after everything that has happened."

"I'll be okay. I promise. Focus on the work you have to do here. I'll focus on school, and we'll be together again before we know it."

"I know," he said. "I just didn't expect it to be so hard to say goodbye."

"It's not goodbye. It's see you later," I said. Even as I said the words, my heart ached, knowing even a "see you later" wasn't enough.

I threw my arms around Ethan and buried my head in his chest. He dropped my bags and pulled me in tighter. I wanted to stay frozen in this place forever. His warmth and scent felt like home, and I would miss it every day. "We have to get going, or we'll miss our flight," Asher called from the car.

I knew he was right, but it didn't want to make me leave any sooner.

Ethan was the first to pull away from the hug. "I love you, my little siren." He pressed his lips against mine, not caring that his brothers as well as plenty of others were watching us.

"I love you, too," I whispered when we finally parted.

Ethan finished putting my bags in the car, and he opened the door of the car for me.

"Wait!" Kalli shouted, running over to me. She was supposed to see me off earlier, but she was called for help patrolling the boards. She stopped in front of me, pushing Ethan out of the way. "Oh, good. I thought I was going to miss you."

"You made it just on time." I laughed at the look of annoyance Ethan was trying to hide. He knew better than to insult his luna.

Kalli pulled me into a big hug. "I'm going to miss you! It feels like I barely got any time with you before you had to leave."

"We'll get to spend plenty of time together when I'm back," I said. "We can even go shopping."

Kalli pressed a hand against her chest. "You know how to woo a girl."

"We really will be late if we don't leave in the next thirty seconds," Asher said.

Kalli rolled her eyes. "Have a safe trip, and I'll expect phone calls at least once a week to hear about your adventures." She added a wink to emphasize her meaning.

"Thank you for everything," I said with a smile, making a point to ignore her undertone.

I got into the car, and Ethan managed to move past Kalli, shutting the door for me. He motioned for the driver to take off, and too soon the car was pulling away from my future home. The trees and town passed by in a blur to the window, and while I knew I'd be back soon enough, an empty feeling filled my chest.

Nathan grabbed my hand and kissed it, as if to say everything would be okay, and I knew he was right. It would take some time to get back into the groove of everything, but once I was slammed with homework and studying, I wouldn't have as much time to think about the life and people I was leaving behind.

After long hours of car and plane rides, the brothers and I finally made it back to our little apartment. Asher and Axel agreed to share a room to give Nathan and me our own spaces, since the twins were used to sharing anyway.

I took my stuff to my room while everyone settled in. I set James' bunny on the side table beside my bed with the picture he drew in a frame. James was my guardian angel, and it was comforting to know that he was watching over me. I knew one day we would meet again, and while I was excited, it was a day I hoped was very far into the future.

I wanted to focus on my life with the Burrell brothers while we were still on this earth. New adventures awaited us all, and I knew that with them by my side, nearly anything was possible.

After putting away all of my stuff, I lay on my bed and took a deep breath. Only a few months here, and then I would be on my way back to the pack house, starting a very different kind of life than I ever thought I'd have.

Until then, I planned to make the most of my days here.

Axel lightly knocked on my door and poked his head inside. "Asher's going to order dinner. Anything you're in the mood for?"

"I'm good with whatever the rest of you want," I said. I hopped off the bed and moved to Axel, taking his hand. "Let's have a family discussion."

As I entered the living room, Nathan and Asher were waiting for us already. They both looked up and smiled at my presence. With three of my mates surrounding me, I knew everything would be okay. "Who's hungry?"