I barely made it through the door before Beta pounced on me like a kitten with boundless energy. Her arms wrapped around me as she rubbed her cheek against my chest.

    "Masteeerrrrrrrrrr!" she yelled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I missed you soooo much!"@@@@

    "Beta," I laughed, trying to balance myself. "I was gone for barely a day."

    "Still too long!" She sniffed the air, her nose crinkling.

    "You smell like...Alpha, Zeta, and—ugh—a gross-smelling guy."

    I raised an eyebrow. "That nose of yours really is something."

    She gave a proud nod, crossing her arms. "Of course! Wait—were you fighting?" Her face turned wounded, eyes wide. "You left me out of the fight?!"

    "Beta, it wasn''t planned," I said, but she was already pouting.

    "How could you! I could''ve kicked their butts! You''re sooo mean, Master!" She whined, stomping her foot dramatically.

    "You were out on a mission yourself," I reminded her, patting her head. "I couldn''t have waited."

    "But still! I wanted to be there!" She hugged me again, sniffling loudly for added effect.

    I Sigh* trying to think of something to calm her down,

    *Knock* *Knock*

    —Just then, a knock echoed from the door.

    I froze, glancing toward the door and then at Beta. She looked at me, eyes wide, and before she could make a sound, I clamped my hand over her mouth.

    "Quiet," I whispered urgently, pulling her toward the kitchen. Who could it be at this hour? It wasn''t like Epsilon to bring food without a call, and I certainly wasn''t expecting anyone.

    I peered through the door''s peephole, and my heart skipped a beat. Standing there, looking a bit hesitant but holding a small takeout bag, was Athlea.

    What is she doing here? I thought she''d need more time after what happened this morning.

    Beta wriggled in my grip, trying to free herself, but I kept a firm hold on her.

    "Stay still," I whispered sharply. I opened the cabinet below the sink, nudging her inside.

    "Stay put, Beta, and stay quiet," I whispered, hoping to appeal to her playful side. "I''ll give you a reward later."

    Her eyes sparkled, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Beta loves rewards—" she began loudly.

    Athlea noticed my distracted expression. "Austin, you''ve been acting really weird tonight."

    I tried to laugh it off. "Just...distracted from the day''s events." I forced myself to focus on the conversation, asking her questions to keep her attention on me, hoping Beta would stay hidden.

    She began recounting a story about her husband and her when they had just started dating.

    Beta was now leaning out of the cabinet with an amused smirk, mimicking my expression exaggeratedly.

    "Austin?" Athlea waved her hand in front of my face, snapping me out of my trance.

    "Yes?" I blinked, trying to cover up my embarrassment. "Sorry, I was just...uh, thinking."

    She tilted her head, frowning. "You keep looking toward the kitchen."

    "Oh! No, no, it''s just a habit." I rubbed my neck, trying to cover my nerves. Athlea''s eyes followed mine, and before I could stop her, she started to turn her head.

    Without thinking, I grabbed her shoulders, pulling her gaze back to me.

    "Athlea..." I said.

    "Yea?" She asked, curiously.

    "Focus on me, I know it''s hard on you recently." I said, keeping her attention on me. I leaned closer to make her feel the warmth. Our lips inches away.

    Her cheeks turned a bright shade of pink, and she looked down at her plate, mumbling,

    "Uh...okay..."

    Just then, a faint sound came from the kitchen. I snapped my head around, and there was Beta, peeking over the counter again, making exaggerated heart eyes at me.

    I closed my eyes, praying silently for patience. Athlea''s voice broke the silence.

    "Austin?"

    "Yes?" I spun around, trying to pretend I hadn''t been caught staring at the kitchen for the umpteenth time.

    "Why do you look so nervous?" Her gaze narrowed as she studied my face, her suspicion clearly growing. "You keep glancing over there, like you''re expecting someone to jump out."

    I forced a laugh, waving my hand. "No, no, no one''s going to jump out. It''s just...been a long day."

    "Uh-huh." She didn''t look convinced, but she resumed eating, letting the topic drop.

    I let out a breath, hoping this strange night would come to an end soon. With Athlea beside me and Beta hiding barely a few feet away, I couldn''t help but wonder...

    ~When will this chaotic night end?